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Most major UK bullion dealers operate primarily online, with postal buying and selling being the standard model. However, a number of dealers maintain physical premises where you can buy and sell in person - useful for large purchases, selling inherited gold, or buyers who prefer to inspect before purchasing.
This guide lists UK bullion dealers with physical walk-in or appointment premises, organised by region, and covers what to expect when buying in person versus online.
Why buy in person vs online?
| In person | Online | |
|---|---|---|
| Product inspection | Yes - can inspect before buying | No - trust product photos and reviews |
| Pricing | Usually at or near online prices | Often slightly lower (no premises costs) |
| Immediate availability | Yes - take product same day | Next-day delivery minimum |
| Selling inherited or old gold | Easier in person for immediate quotes | Postal valuation common |
| Privacy | No postal record | Delivery address required |
| ID requirements | Required in person above thresholds | Required online for all accounts |
For most standard purchases, online dealers offer marginally better pricing. In-person makes sense for larger or more complex transactions, urgent needs, or selling second-hand gold.
London
London has the highest concentration of physical bullion dealers in the UK.
Hatton Garden / Central London
Sharps Pixley St Swithin’s Lane, London EC4N 8AD. One of the UK’s oldest bullion dealers, established 1780. Walk-in retail, appointment recommended for larger transactions. Sells coins, bars, and offers storage. Also has a vault service.
Baird & Co Suite 17, Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8AP. The UK’s only LBMA-approved gold refiner. Walk-in premises in Hatton Garden. Stocks their own-branded bars (widely recognised). Also available from most UK online dealers.
The Royal Mint Experience The Royal Mint, Llantrisant, Pontyclun CF72 8YT. Not in London, but the Royal Mint has retail facilities at its Llantrisant site in South Wales (see below).
Hatton Garden Metals Greville Street, London EC1N 8SU. Walk-in retailer in Hatton Garden. Stocks a range of gold and silver coins and bars. Also offers a buyback service.
City of London
Gold Investments / The Pure Gold Company Operates primarily online and by appointment in London. Not a traditional walk-in shop; larger purchases handled via appointment.
South Wales
Royal Mint The Royal Mint, Llantrisant, Pontyclun CF72 8YT. The Royal Mint operates a visitor experience including a retail shop selling current-year coins and gifts. Not primarily a bullion dealer in the walk-in sense, but new Sovereigns and Britannias are available to purchase on site.
Birmingham
BullionByPost Based in Birmingham (Head Office: 2 Metchley Park Road, Harborne, Birmingham B17 0HT). BullionByPost is primarily an online dealer but its head office is in Birmingham. The company does not operate a retail walk-in shop; it is mentioned here as the largest UK bullion retailer by volume, headquartered in the Midlands.
North West
Chards 32-36 Harrowside, Blackpool FY4 1LW. One of the largest UK coin and bullion dealers by range, based in Blackpool. Walk-in premises open Monday to Friday. Stocks an extensive range of gold and silver coins, bars, and numismatic items. Postal and online service also available.
Yorkshire
Atkinsons Bullion International House, Stanley Road, Bootle, L20 3EL (head office). Atkinsons is primarily an online retailer. Their physical office is in Merseyside rather than Yorkshire despite strong northern England trade.
Scotland
Physical gold retail is limited in Scotland. Most Scottish buyers use online dealers with postal services. In Edinburgh, some coin dealers carry bullion gold coins (Sovereigns, Britannias) alongside numismatic stock - but there is no specialist bullion dealer with the profile of Chards or Sharps Pixley.
The London Silver Vaults
Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1QS. Not a single dealer but a network of approximately 30 specialist dealers operating in secure underground premises beneath Chancery Lane. Primarily silver, but many dealers carry gold coins and small bars. Open Monday to Friday, no appointment needed. Best for buying smaller quantities, numismatic coins, or selling inherited silver.
What to expect when buying in person
Identification: Dealers are required under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 to verify your identity. Bring photo ID (passport or driving licence) and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement within three months). Required for most transactions above a few hundred pounds.
Cash limitations: Most dealers accept cash up to £5,000–10,000 depending on their policy. Above that, bank transfer is standard. Dealers are required to report cash transactions above specific thresholds.
Pricing: In-person prices are typically aligned with online prices but may include a small additional premium to cover premises costs. Ask before you commit.
Selling: Walk-in buyback is offered by most dealers with physical premises. Bring your coins or bars. Dealers will verify authenticity (weight, dimensions, and sometimes XRF testing for larger amounts) and offer a price based on the spot price at the time. Payment is typically by bank transfer.
Tax and regulation
CGT: Buying in person has no effect on CGT treatment. UK legal tender gold coins (Sovereigns, Britannias) remain CGT-exempt whether bought in person or online.
AML: In-person transactions are subject to the same Money Laundering Regulations as online purchases. ID requirements if anything are more consistently enforced in person.
How people usually decide
Most buyers don’t need to visit a dealer in person. Online buying with next-day insured delivery is safe, simple, and typically offers marginally better pricing.
In-person tends to suit: first-time buyers who want to see the product before committing; sellers with inherited gold who want an immediate quote; buyers making very large purchases who want to speak with a specialist; and coin collectors who want to inspect numismatic pieces before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Can I walk in and buy gold with cash? Most dealers accept cash up to their internal limits, often £5,000–10,000. Above that, bank transfer is required. Large cash transactions are subject to Money Laundering Regulations reporting requirements.
Do I need an appointment? For standard purchases at dealers like Chards or Hatton Garden Metals, walk-in is usually fine during business hours. For larger or more complex transactions, calling ahead is sensible. Sharps Pixley recommends appointment for significant purchases.
Can I sell gold in person without ID? No. Dealers are legally required to verify your identity when buying gold from you. Bring photo ID and proof of address.
Is it safe to take gold home after buying in person? That is a personal judgement. For small amounts, yes. For larger amounts, consider asking the dealer about their vault storage options, or arrange insured transit. Carrying significant gold on public transport is a security consideration.