We visited Ashley Heath's popular car boot sale

Every Sunday, Homeland Farm in Dorset is flocked to by hundreds of buyers and sellers as it transforms into Dorset's biggest car boot sale.

With the cost-of-living crisis driving second hand sales higher than ever, I thought I’d join in on the hunt for bargains.

Sellers at Ashley Heath typically arrive after 6.30am, and buyers shortly follow to get the best items before they go.

Read more: Dorset car boot sales: When and where they are taking place

Unlike the hardcore lot, I arrived shortly after 9am to a jammed pack car park and a sea of stalls stretched to the back of the field.

I paid £1 to park as a buyer but could’ve got free entry had I have come on foot. For sellers, it was £5 for a pitch, a fee made slightly higher for those in larger vehicles.

Ashley Heath boot sale (Image: NQ)

One of the first things that I noticed was the strong smell coming from burger vans, but I had to remind myself that I was here for second hand goods- not a cheeseburger.

Once that was out of my mind, I began exploring the hundreds of stalls and the variety they boasted.

Read more: The sellers trying to survive at Ashley Heath car boot sale in Dorset

DVDs, books, games, kids’ toys, antiques, clothing, handmade gifts, makeup, furniture, and collectables- Ashley Heath car boot sale really had something for everyone.

A number of people were also trying to shift old newspapers that featured the late Queen. 

I spent nearly an hour weaving through the lines of sellers and realised I quite easily could’ve decorated a whole house with the goods I'd passed. 

What I also found nice was that despite the big crowds of people, the boot sale felt organised, and buyers gave each other space.

Sellers Maddy and Sophie at the car boot sale (Image: NQ)

On my visit, I managed to grab organisers Andrew and Gina Gent for a chat.

Gina described their bootsale as being like "a giant recycling plant".

She said: “It means people can have things that they wouldn’t necessarily be able to buy new or don’t want to buy new because people can’t justify spending money on it.

Read more: How I spent £5 at Ashley Heath's car boot sale

"You can get things cheaper so it works with tight budgets. 

"People enjoy having a rummage, and it’s very social- not just for the sellers but also for the buyers. It’s a social event, but you can grab a bargain while you’re here."

Andrew added: “We’re told on a regular basis that we’re a well organised and safe boot sale.”