Record Shops Near Me: Manchester, Warrington & Liverpool Vinyl Spots You Need to Visit
If you’re into DJing, producing, or simply love vinyl culture, there’s nothing quite like digging through a proper record shop. Whether you’re looking for underground house and techno or crate-digging for disco, hip-hop, or experimental sounds, the North West has some incredible spots to discover.
At Future Sound Academy, many of our students ask where to find quality vinyl — so we’ve put together this guide to our favourite record shops in Manchester, Warrington, and Liverpool. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced selector, these shops are a goldmine for inspiration.
Manchester Record Shops
Eastern Bloc Records – Northern Quarter
A legendary name in Manchester’s underground music scene, Eastern Bloc has been serving DJs since 1985. Expect electronic, techno, house, jungle, and experimental records, as well as a well-curated selection of local and international releases.
Worth knowing: They also host in-store DJ sets, and many of our students use their vinyl in lessons.
Vinyl Exchange – Northern Quarter
One of the UK’s largest second-hand vinyl stores, covering everything from house and hip-hop to punk and indie. Great if you're on a budget or looking for rare finds.
Tip: Dig deep — some of the best gems are in the bargain bins!
Clampdown Records – Paton Street
More rock, indie and alternative focused, but you’ll often find funk, soul, and sample-heavy records that work well in DJ sets or for sample-based production.
Warrington Record Shops
Head Records – Golden Square Shopping Centre
While limited in size, this branch of Head has a growing selection of vinyl — including house, drum & bass, indie, and reissues. It’s one of the easiest places to dig locally if you’re based in Warrington.
Lizard Records – Sankey Street
A real hidden gem in the heart of Warrington, Lizard Records is an independent shop with a mix of new and used vinyl. The selection is constantly rotating, and you’ll often find some unexpected gems if you take the time to dig.
🎧 Great for DJs and collectors alike, and just a short walk from the town centre and Future Sound Academy.
At Future Sound Academy (based here in Warrington), we often recommend this to students looking to grab a few records without travelling to Manchester or Liverpool.
Local Markets & Pop-Ups
Warrington also has regular vinyl fairs and pop-up stalls — keep an eye on Cultural Quarter events or monthly market listings. These are ideal for discovering used vinyl at great prices.
Liverpool Record Shops
Dig Vinyl – Bold Street
A well-loved independent store in Liverpool’s city centre with a deep collection of disco, funk, house, soul, and techno. Great atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and fairly priced.
3B Records – Slater Street
A proper DJ’s record shop, with a huge focus on house, techno, garage, and drum & bass. They also sell DJ gear, headphones, and accessories.
One of the best spots in the UK for underground electronic music on wax. If you're serious about building a vinyl DJ set, this is a must-visit.
Defend Vinyl – Smithdown Road
Focused more on indie, punk, and emo, but still worth checking out for left-field gems, reissues, and some genre crossovers you might not expect.
Learning to Mix on Vinyl? We’ve Got You Covered.
At Future Sound Academy, we offer:
1-to-1 DJ lessons (including vinyl, Rekordbox, CDJs, and controller-based setups)
Courses for DJs of all levels — from total beginners to experienced DJs refining their craft
Music production training to help you make tracks you'll actually want to spin
Online DJ courses launching soon so you can learn from anywhere
📍 Based in Warrington, we’re perfectly placed between Manchester and Liverpool — with students regularly visiting all the shops on this list.
Final Tip: Don’t Just Buy – Dig With Purpose
It’s easy to get lost in the excitement of new wax. But remember:
Always listen before you buy (or preview digitally if you can)
Think about how a record fits into your set or sound
Support local stores — they’re the backbone of the underground scene
Whether you're collecting for home listening or building a killer crate for gigs, these shops offer a connection to music that streaming just can’t replicate.
Want to level up your DJ skills and start spinning the vinyl you’re buying?
Join us at Future Sound Academy for DJ courses, private lessons, and production training designed to help you develop your sound.
