Find answers to commonly asked questions about Harleston Cornucopia, our vintage shops, museum, and services. If you can't find the information you're looking for, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.
General Questions
What is Harleston Cornucopia?
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Harleston Cornucopia is a unique shopping destination housed in the historic Corn Xchange building in Harleston. We feature over 30 independent retailers offering vintage, antique, and handcrafted goods across two floors. We also have a museum section dedicated to local history, a gallery space, and the Parlour Tea Rooms.
What does "Cornucopia" mean?
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The word "cornucopia" comes from Latin and refers to the "horn of plenty" - a symbol of abundance and nourishment. We chose this name to reflect the abundant variety of treasures available in our building, as well as to reference the building's history as a Corn Exchange.
What is the history of the Corn Xchange building?
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The Corn Xchange was built in 1849 during the Victorian era as a central marketplace for grain trading in Harleston. Over the years, it has served various community purposes, including as a public hall, cinema, and auction house. The building was restored and repurposed as Harleston Cornucopia in 2010, preserving its architectural features while creating a new hub for vintage shopping and local history.
Yes, we have made efforts to ensure our historic building is accessible to all visitors. The ground floor is fully accessible with level access from the street. We have an elevator to the first floor, accessible toilets, and wide aisles to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids. Guide dogs are welcome throughout the building.
If you have specific accessibility requirements or questions, please contact us before your visit, and we'll be happy to provide additional information or assistance.
Visiting Information
What are your opening hours?
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Our regular opening hours are:
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Bank Holidays: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Please note that we occasionally have special opening hours for events or during holiday periods. Check our News & Events page or social media for any temporary changes to our opening hours.
Where are you located and how do I get there?
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Harleston Cornucopia is located in the Corn Xchange building in the center of Harleston, Norfolk. Our full address is:
The Corn Xchange Market Place Harleston Norfolk IP20 9AD
By Car: Harleston is located just off the A143 between Diss and Bungay. There is free parking available in the town center car parks, all within a short walking distance of our building.
By Public Transport: The nearest train station is Diss (on the London Liverpool Street to Norwich line), approximately 8 miles away. Bus services connect Diss to Harleston, or taxis are available at the station.
Is there parking available?
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Yes, Harleston has several free public car parks within easy walking distance of the Corn Xchange. The largest car park is located behind the building off Bullock Fair Close. There is also on-street parking available in the town center, subject to time restrictions.
Do you have a café or refreshments?
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Yes, our Parlour Tea Rooms offer a selection of teas, coffees, homemade cakes, and light lunches. The Tea Rooms are located on the ground floor and are open during our regular opening hours. Seating is available both indoors and, in fine weather, in our courtyard garden.
Can I bring my dog?
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Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in most areas of the ground floor, including the main arcade and parts of the Tea Rooms. Due to the nature of our displays and the confined spaces, dogs (except service dogs) are not permitted in the museum section or on the first floor. Water bowls are available at the entrance for your four-legged friends.
Shopping Information
What types of items can I find at Harleston Cornucopia?
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Our shops offer a diverse range of vintage, antique, and handcrafted items, including:
Antique and vintage furniture
Vintage clothing and accessories
Collectibles and memorabilia
Vintage homeware and decorative items
Artwork and prints
Books and ephemera
Handcrafted gifts and artisanal products
Vintage jewelry and watches
Vinyl records and music memorabilia
Each of our independent retailers specializes in different areas, creating a treasure trove of unique finds throughout the building.
How often do you get new items?
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New items arrive regularly as our vendors continually source fresh stock. Many of our vendors restock weekly, while others bring in new pieces as they find special items. This means there's always something new to discover on each visit. For highlights of recent arrivals, check our New In page or follow us on social media.
What payment methods do you accept?
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Most of our vendors accept cash, debit cards, and major credit cards. Many also accept mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. However, payment policies can vary between individual vendors, so we recommend carrying both cash and cards when you visit.
Do you offer delivery services?
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Yes, delivery can be arranged for most larger items at an additional cost. Delivery options and costs vary depending on the size and weight of the item and your location. Please discuss delivery arrangements with the specific vendor at the time of purchase.
For smaller items, we can arrange shipping via courier services. Again, please discuss this with the individual vendor or our staff at the information desk.
What is your returns policy?
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As Harleston Cornucopia houses multiple independent vendors, return policies may vary. In general, most vendors offer returns within 14 days of purchase if the item is in the same condition as when purchased and accompanied by proof of purchase.
For specific return policies, please inquire with the individual vendor at the time of purchase. Our staff at the information desk can also assist with returns inquiries.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
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Yes, we offer Harleston Cornucopia gift vouchers that can be used with any of our vendors. These are available in various denominations and can be purchased at the information desk or ordered by phone for postal delivery. Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Vendor Information
How can I become a vendor at Harleston Cornucopia?
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We welcome applications from potential vendors who share our passion for quality vintage, antique, and handcrafted items. The application process involves:
Completing our vendor application form with details about your business and the types of items you sell
Providing photographs of your products and any previous display experience
If shortlisted, attending an interview and potentially bringing sample items for review
For more information and to download an application form, please visit our Vendor Information page.
What types of vendor spaces are available?
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We offer several options for vendors:
Standard Shop Units: 150-200 sq ft retail spaces with flexible lease terms (6-12 months)
Display Cabinets: Lockable glass display cabinets, ideal for smaller collectibles with monthly rolling agreements
Pop-Up Spaces: Short-term retail opportunities for weekend or week-long bookings
For detailed information about each option, including pricing and terms, please visit our Vendor Information page.
Do vendors need to be present in their shop every day?
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No, vendors are not required to be present every day. While many vendors choose to operate their shops personally on certain days, we offer a managed service option where our staff can handle sales on your behalf for an additional commission. This is particularly popular for our display cabinet rentals.
Vendors with shop units typically arrange their own staffing schedule, either being present themselves or arranging cover with fellow vendors or staff.
Is there a waiting list for vendor spaces?
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Yes, due to high demand, we maintain a waiting list for shop units. The typical waiting period is 2-3 months, though this varies depending on the season and availability. Display cabinets and pop-up spaces generally have shorter waiting periods.
We encourage interested vendors to apply even if there are no immediate vacancies, as spaces do become available regularly.
Do you provide marketing support for vendors?
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Yes, all vendors benefit from our marketing efforts, including:
Promotion on our website and social media channels
Inclusion in our monthly newsletter
Participation in our regular events and promotional activities
Vendor spotlight features on our blog and social media
Inclusion in local advertising and press coverage
We also provide networking opportunities with other vendors and support with visual merchandising and display techniques.
Events Information
What types of events do you host?
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We host a variety of events throughout the year, including:
Vintage fairs and markets
Antique valuation days
Craft workshops and demonstrations
Historical talks and presentations
Book signings and author events
Seasonal celebrations and themed events
Music performances and cultural events
Check our News & Events page for upcoming events and details.
Do I need to book tickets for events?
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This depends on the specific event. Some of our events are free to attend and don't require booking, while others have limited capacity and require advance ticket purchase. Each event listing on our News & Events page will specify whether booking is required and provide information on how to book.
For popular events, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
Can I hire the venue for private events?
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Yes, parts of the Corn Xchange are available for private hire, including:
The Gallery Space - suitable for exhibitions, presentations, and small gatherings
The Main Hall - available for larger events outside of normal opening hours
The Parlour Tea Rooms - available for private afternoon teas and small celebrations
For more information about venue hire, including capacity, facilities, and pricing, please contact us with details of your requirements.
How can I participate as a stallholder in your vintage fairs?
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We welcome applications from stallholders for our regular vintage fairs and specialist markets. To apply, please email events@harlestoncornucopia.co.uk with:
A description of your business and the types of items you sell
Photos of your products and previous stall displays
Your website or social media links (if applicable)
Any specific requirements for your stall
Our events team will review your application and contact you with availability and further details.
Do you offer workshops or educational programs?
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Yes, we run a regular program of workshops and educational activities, including:
Craft workshops teaching traditional skills and techniques
Talks and presentations on local history and heritage
Antique identification and valuation sessions
Conservation and restoration demonstrations
School visits and educational programs for children
These events are listed on our News & Events page. We also offer bespoke educational sessions for groups and schools by arrangement.
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