PARADE ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES' MARKET

Plymouth is not usually associated with the antique scene in the South West. Situated on the Barbican - the historical and tourist heart of Plymouth - Parade Antiques seems to be bucking the general trend by continuing to expand. Here you can discover a veritable treasure trove, frequented by dealers and collectors alike.

Occupying a large 18th century warehouse (2100 sq ft) within spitting distance of the waterfront, the building has been partly hewn out of the hillside. With easy access, the market holds some 60 stalls and cabinets, which cater to almost any collector's interests. These are spread out over the large area to facilitate viewing.

Parade Antiques is in its second year at this address and still growing, Open 7 days a week, for customer convenience, from 10.00 - 17.00. The market sells artwork, china, glass and ceramics, antique furniture, silver and jewellery, coins, toys, autographs, railway empemera and kitchenalia. But it is best known for what is probably the largest selection of military antiques in the South West.

The market also doubles as a curios museum, housing items of historical significance such as the Duke of Wellington's funeral banner, the first tramp suit worn by Charlie Chaplin and Hermann Goering's uniform as head of the German Luftwaffe!

There are also some more light-hearted exhibits, such as a selection of aliens, including Dr Who's Dalek and Cyberman, full size models of sharks and dolphins and a wonderful moose's head that will feature in a forthcoming episode of "Flog-it"

Well worth a visit

Parade Antiques is open every day at 27 New Street, The Barbican, Plymouth, Devon, England.