What Happens at a Toy Collectors Fair? Your First Visit to Kempton

You spot a toy you haven't thought about in thirty years. Then you notice another one beside it. Before long, you're explaining to whoever came with you exactly which version you had, where you kept it and what happened to the missing piece.

You don't need to call yourself a collector to enjoy a toy fair.

A toy collectors fair brings independent dealers together to buy, sell and sometimes part exchange toys, models and collectables. Visitors browse the stalls, examine items and talk to the people selling them. Some arrive hunting for one particular model. Others come simply to see what turns up.

At Kempton Park Toy Fair, around 200 tables give you plenty to explore. But the number of tables only tells you so much. The pleasure is in what happens when you stop at one.

Start with a browse, not a buying decision

Give yourself a little time to get your bearings. Each dealer brings their own stock, so the character of the fair changes as you move from table to table.

There might be rows of diecast cars, boxed trains, film and television figures, dolls, teddy bears, LEGO or a tray of loose toys that deserves a second look. Something carefully displayed in a cabinet might catch your attention. So might something sitting quietly at the back of a table.

If you've come looking for a particular toy, bring a photograph or make a note of the maker and model number. “The blue car I had as a child” is a starting point; a picture gives a dealer much more to work with.

If you haven't come looking for anything, that's fine too. Follow whatever interests you.

Can you pick things up?

Yes, when the dealer is happy for you to do so. A quick “May I have a look?” is the best way to start.

Support the item over the table and let the seller open packaging or demonstrate moving parts. Old plastic can be brittle, box flaps can tear, and a mechanism that looks obvious may have a catch you haven't noticed. Don't force a door, joint or clockwork key to find out whether it works.

This is one of the real advantages of buying in person: you can look beyond the best angle in a photograph. Check the back, the underside and the parts that are easy to overlook.

For a model car, that might mean the glazing, wheels and paint around raised edges. With an action figure, it could be the joints and accessories. With a train or battery-operated toy, ask whether it has been tested, what was tested and whether there is any corrosion in the battery compartment.

You don't have to know every possible fault. You do need to understand what you're buying.

Ask about the little things

“Is it complete?” is a useful question. “What should come with it?” can be even better.

A toy may look complete until someone explains that it originally came with a small weapon, an instruction sheet or a detachable part. Finding that missing piece later can take more effort and money than expected.

Ask whether accessories are original, whether anything has been repaired or repainted, and whether the box belongs to that particular version. “Boxed” doesn't automatically mean untouched, complete or in perfect condition.

Reproduction parts and replacement boxes can have a place in a collection, provided you know what they are. The important thing is to make an informed choice and pay a price you're comfortable with.

Nor does every toy need to be pristine. If you want the model you remember on a shelf at home, a little honest play wear may bother you much less than it would someone building a collection of immaculate boxed examples.

Why are two similar toys different prices?

This is a perfectly reasonable question to ask across a dealer's table.

Two examples can look much the same at first glance, yet differ in condition, completeness, packaging or version. One might have original accessories; the other might have replacements. Sometimes the difference is simply what each seller is asking.

Ask what accounts for the price. If a particular variation carries a premium, ask the dealer to point out the detail that identifies it. You can decide whether that distinction matters to you.

There is no need to pretend you already know. A useful conversation can teach you more than several price labels, even when it ends with “Thanks, I'll have a think.”

Is it all right to ask for a better price?

You can ask politely. You should also be comfortable hearing no.

“Is there any flexibility on that?” is enough. If you're interested in several items from the same stall, ask what the price would be for them together. Give the dealer a chance to answer without turning it into a contest.

Before discussing a deal, check the condition and exactly what is included. A lower price doesn't make an unsuitable purchase a good one.

Set yourself a spending limit before you arrive. It's much easier to enjoy browsing when you aren't making that decision afresh at every table.

Can you bring toys to sell or part exchange?

Kempton has dealers who buy and part exchange as well as sell. Whether someone wants your items will depend on their interests, condition and the stock they need.

For a larger collection, contact the organiser beforehand rather than arriving with a car full of boxes and hoping for the best. Clear photographs, maker names and a note of any missing parts will help start the conversation.

Remember that a dealer's buying offer needs to leave room for their costs and resale margin. It won't necessarily match a retail price you've seen on another stall or online.

A few things worth bringing

Bring a bag and some protective wrapping if you think you might buy something fragile. Carry some cash alongside your card: payment options vary between sellers. A short wants list or photographs of gaps in your collection can also save a lot of guesswork.

If you buy something you may want to discuss later, ask for the dealer's business card or contact details. And if you're visiting with children, explain that they should ask before handling the stock. Some older toys are delicate collectables, even when they look inviting to play with.

Most of all, leave yourself time to look. You don't have to buy anything to have a worthwhile visit.

Come and see what catches your eye at Kempton

Perhaps you'll find a missing model. Perhaps you'll recognise a toy you had completely forgotten. Or perhaps you'll go home knowing what you'd like to look for next time.

That's a perfectly good first visit.

Our next fair is Sunday 4th October 2026 at Kempton Park Racecourse, TW16 5AQ. General entry runs from 10:30am to 2:30pm, with admission £5 for adults, £4 for concessions and £1 for children. Parking is free. Early entry is available from 8:00am at £10.

Plan your visit to Kempton Park Toy Fair.

Thinking about starting a collection? Read our guide to what toys are worth collecting right now.