| Baggins Book Bazaar 
19 High Street
ROCHESTER Kent ME1 1PY map
tel: 01634 811651 fax: 01634 840591 e-mail web
Open: Every day 10.00 - 6.00.
Secondhand books in profusion, all subjects. We run a secondhand booksearch service.
Whether it really is the largest second hand bookshop in the country may be open to debate, but the front part of the shop, which holds the better quality stock is alone always worth visiting in its own right. Behind this the shop goes on and on, over two floors, with a wide selection and volume of stock. I rarely leave empty-handed, but customers would be advised to wrap up well if visiting in winter! - Henry Middleton 05.02.08.
Vast stock but is actually fifteen different dealers under one roof. When I asked for a price on wishing to buy in bulk I was refused on the grounds it was the individual dealers' decisions. Having said this the manager (who reminded me of Arthur Daley in his pomp) then went and priced a three-figure rare title. Hmm! - Chris Harte 27.06.09.
Boasts that it is the largest secondhand bookshop in England, but I've been in a number that are larger. Having said that, the shop does have a very large stock and is well worth a visit. I found the sections on biography, politics and history particularly good. However, in the case of history, you will need to look at the upstairs travel section as well as the history section proper downstairs, as many history books are shelved alongside travel and other books related to the countries concerned. A number of shops do this for reasons best known to themselves and if you aren't aware of the possibility, you can miss out on some valuable finds. - Geoffrey Warner 07.10.10.
Contrary to the advertisment of being the "largest 2nd hand bookshop in England" - its not! Its big, but noweher near as big as Book Barn near Bristol. Its similar size to Astley Book Farm and Barter Books in Northumberland. Books in sections bit muddled up. Worth a visit though. - I Baillie 26.04.11.
Smelly old bookshop but frequented often for many years. But they charge top price for their books and they're subject to wet conditions as the roof leaks! Plus they should be in a position to have a database of all their books by now but expect they don't want to pay for someone to do it. - saxplayer67 20.02.12.
Good, solid range of books. Layout has improved somewhat in recent years, albeit from an awful baseline with plenty of scope to improve further. Maybe biased as I was locked in once. - David C 10.01.13.
Beau Nash Bookshop
13 Nevill Street
TUNBRIDGE WELLS Kent TN2 5RU map
tel: 01892 547005 e-mail web
Open: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10.00 - 4.30, Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
Under new ownership as of April 2010. All books at very reasonable prices. Antique maps and prints also bought and sold.
New owners who need an assistant who has some idea of the stock. Asked to be directed to my speciality : told nothing available : a browse found dozens of them. Other than that, a much improved stock than before although nothing seems to have been put into categories. Some exceptionally rare titles spotted on the shelves. - Chris Harte 24.03.11.
Now re-named The Second Hand Bookshop. Closed and a note on the door stating that enquiries should be made at The Pantiles Bookshop who seemed less than interested in assisting a look at the stock. Pity as it did not look bad, Certainly better than its parent establishment. NWAD for this one or the Antique shop with books (Also closed) next door. Nice town, shame about some of the bookshops! - Jon Morgan 06.03.13.
Books
168 High Street
DEAL Kent CT14 6BQ map
tel: 01304 368662
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
Secondhand and antiquarian books including the arts and architecture.
What a contrast to the other (alleged) bookshop in the town. Here they were pleasant, charming, knew their subject and could not have been more helpful. Had some really good late-nineteenth century Colonial material all of which were priced fairly. Purchased some reasonable aged books and will certainly return. - Chris Harte 27.06.09.
Friendly owner happy to talk, although more of a browsing shop than an expertly stewarded collection. I found a couple of good bargains, and enjoyed the search. A bit of an oasis in this region, worth repeat visits. - Alex L 11.10.10.
Small but interesting with a pleasant owner - worth a detour if in the area. - DavidC 13.09.12.
Booksharp
22b King Street
GRAVESEND Kent DA12 2DU map
tel: 01474 561101
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.00.
Mainly secondhand paperbacks for readers.
A lovely treasure trove, frequented for many years but only once or twice a year. Their science Fiction section is very good but as with most second hand bookshops, they need to get their books in alpha order - but they are better than most. - saxplayer67 20.02.12.
Britannia Antiques and Books
15 Neville Street
TUNBRIDGE WELLS Kent TN2 5RU map
tel: 01892 750944
Open: Thursday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.00.
General secondhand nonfiction stock. Sensible prices, fast turnover.
Sign on the door said: 'Back in 15 minutes,' which, alas, meant all day! Looking through the window at what was on the shelves makes me want to return. If, of course, the 15 minutes are over. - Chris Harte 24.03.11.
Britannia did have some interesting books. I would prefer the shop to be either a book shop or an antiques shop. There wasn't much space for the books which were not that well displayed - piles on the floor etc. - Mary C 12.10.11.
Mainly art history and general history at very fair prices. The last couple of times I've been there they've told me that two of the three walls are half price and then rounded down. Definitely bargains and worth going through a few piles for. -
John Allen 12.07.12.
Wonderful stock of wide variety books, ephemera, and antiques. Never been in but what I came out with something. Stock continually being renewed. Rapid turnover, so if you see it you have to have it! Very knowledgeable proprietor, Mike. If not open when I get there, I always phone! The piles of books on the floor make it even more interesting! You never know what you will find! Very good prices, too! Book buyers paradise! - Frank Hancock 10.11.12.
Well, there is a thing, once again Closed and with revised opening hours : Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10-4. More antiques than books. the books appeared to be confined to a curtained off room (?) NWAD. - Jon Morgan 06.03.13.
C P Books
9 High Street
EDENBRIDGE Kent TN8 5AB map
tel: 01732 300814
Open: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10.00 - 4.00. Other times by appointment.
General secondhand stock of about 5,000 items over two rooms with strengths in Art, Literature, History, Transport, Topography, Science Fiction. Also sells online. Situated at the northern end of Edenbridge High Street with parking nearby.
Helpful and informative owner Colleen Perry introduced me to a very extensive collection of Theatre and Ballet books that many shops don`t stock, some signed. Her pleasant nature and helpfulness ensures another visit to further expand my collection, a pleasant experience and reasonable prices. - tigerfeet 16.03.11.
Chaucer Book Shop
6-7 Beer Cart Lane
CANTERBURY Kent CT1 2NY map
tel: 01227 453912 web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
Large general stock of quality secondhand and antiquarian books.
An excellent quality shop on two floors. Aside from any other attractions Canterbury may have to offer, this and the Canterbury Bookshop make the city a very worthwhile stopping point for any passing bibliophile. - Henry Middleton 05.02.08.
A very well laid out shop spread over two floors. There is quality on the shelves with top of the range selections in most categories. Owner was very helpful in searching his database for any of the titles I required. This is a shop a collector should have on their visiting list. - Chris Harte 20.05.10.
As the existing comments suggest, this shop is primarily for collectors and this is reflected in the prices. However, the general browser may find the odd title and the books are in impeccable condition. - Geoffrey Warner 15.12.11.
One of the best selections outside London - most bases covered. Found it difficult to leave. - Herne 30.03.12.
Good quality bookshop only a minute or so from the very heart of Canterbury. - David Collison 14.06.12.
Cinque Ports Military Bookshop
The Old Stables
2B East Cross High Street
TENTERDEN Kent TN30 6AD map
tel: 01580 766224 e-mail web
Open: Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
Specialist military bookshop, opens January 2012 on Saturdays only. All books at reasonable prices, please contact before travelling any distance.
Military books across a range of subjects.
City Books
(was Backroom Bookshop)
41 High Street
ROCHESTER Kent ME1 1LN map
tel: 07531-397407
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 6.00, Sunday 10.00 - 5.00.
We stock a variety of specialist and popular books.
A small bookshop which suffers fr om th e curse of narrow aisles - best visited on a quiet day only by persons of slim build. - Henry Middleton 05.02.08.
Has a reasonable varied stock with emphasis on Kent. Owner is knowledgable about both availability and pricing, which I found to be very fair. - Chris Harte 27.06.09.
City Books is actually in the (much larger) shop unit next door to the original Backroom Books, and offers greatly improved access - there is even room for small antiques as well as the books. - Henry Middleton 26.10.09.
Decent bloke runs this place - very friendly. Excellent stock of books (esp Sci-Fi). Not especially big, but this highstreet has another bookshop and some charity shops - Rochester is very picturesque and worth a visit. - I Baillie 26.04.11.
Bit cramped and dusty, dirty and the owner is a grumpy whatsit - not to me but overheard conversations whilst browsing. Don't go in there much these days. - saxplayer67 20.02.12.
Think the above person is the grump.I have always found the owner to be very friendly and helpful and it's impossible to prevent dust settling with the front door open at all times onto the High Street. Dusty old books are great especially when you can find a real treasure at a reasonable price! - bookgirl 09.06.12.
Halls Bookshop
20-22 Chapel Place
TUNBRIDGE WELLS Kent TN1 1YQ map
tel: 01892 527842 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.00.
General secondhand stock and history, children's and antiquarian.
The most famous secondhand bookshop in Tunbridge Wells, Halls "established 1898". Two floors of antiquarian and secondhand stock, a browser's paradise and knowledgeable staff. - Kim Andrews.
Lots of helpful staff large quantity of books on all subjects at reasonable prices. - John F Bacon
Excellent stock which took me three hours to assess. Spent quite a bit on very reasonably priced items and made a promise to myself to visit more regularly. - Chris Harte 27.06.09.
This shop is large: two floors and bargain shelves outside. Very strong in history (including military history) and in arts and literature generally. Not to be missed. - Geoffrey Warner 07.10.10.
Looked fantastic from outside, with purpose designed windows which opened and gave access to the stock from outside. Even the bargain bins outside were interesting. It reminded me of Beech's Bookshop in Salisbury when I was a kid. The stock is interesting, very strong on history and esp. military history, a bit light on fiction. But a pleasure to be in and breathe in the book smells ... - Jon Morgan 06.03.13.
Full of atmosphere and ghosts from the past (real or imagined), this is a wonderful bookshop to spend whole days in, even when it's sunny outside. Browser-friendly and enticing, with extremely helpful staff, this shop has it all. - atricia Dunseith 22.03.13.
Hooked on Books
15 High Street
DOVER Kent CT16 1DP map
tel: 01304 213862
Open: Monday 10.00 - 1.30, Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
A large general secondhand bookshop.
Marrin's Bookshop
149 Sandgate Road
FOLKESTONE Kent CT20 2DA map
tel: 01303 253016 e-mail web
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.30.
Antiquarian and general second hand books, Kent topography, maps & prints. We are members of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association, and the PBFA.
Saturday curse. "The owner isn't here today." Stock is piled on floors and I had to crawl along to view books hidden behind portfolios. Asked about my speciality. Told they had none. Spotted a row of them as I was about to walk out of the front door. Checked them: saw the prices so went down the road for a large coffee ice-cream instead. - Chris Harte 27.06.09.
I visit Marrin's on a regular basis and have always found the proprietors knowledgeable and helpful. There is an excellent, large and realistically priced stock in this shop and there is always plenty that is worth buying. Perhaps Mr. Harte should stick to his ice-cream rather than visit bookshops - he is clearly not the type that proper booksellers take seriously! - Nicholas Pendower 18.08.09.
I cannot agree with Chris Harte's view of Marrin's bookshop. The firm is a very reputable one which has been in business for over half a century now and must be something of a Folkestone institution, akin to Hall's in Tunbridge Wells. I have been visiting the shop now and again for several years and have always found the staff very knowledgeable and helpful (they even volunteered a discount once). Their prices have always struck me as very fair - running an antiquarian/second hand bookshop can hardly be a licence to print money and the dealer has to make a profit somewhere or us buyers will have nowhere to go. - Henry Middleton 26.10.09.
Having noted the above two comments, I paid another visit. The stock is generally excellent and of some quality so I cannot argue that point. What I do disagree with are the views that the books are reasonably priced: they are not. I went with lists of what I collect with minimum and maximum prices as noted and gleaned from various sources. In not one instance, in checking over thirty titles I would normally have purchased, were the asking prices within my figures. I went off again and had an ice-cream and put the cost onto Mr Pendower's account. - Chris Harte 24.05.10.
Marrin does at times price his material somewhat high, but he does issue catalogues and his Kentish books, pamphlets and broadsides are quite impressive in range. - Richard Goulden 09.07.11.
Rather mixed combination of run-of-the-mill stock and high-quality material. Well worth visiting for the latter, especially for Kent subjects. Free short-term on-street parking nearby. - DavidC 13.09.12.
McConnell Fine Books
The Golden Hind
85 Beach Street
DEAL Kent CT14 6JB map
tel: 01304 375086 web
Open: Friday and Saturday
Secondhand and antiquarian books including literature, history and books about Kent.
It is a long time since I have been so angry after visting a bookshop. I found the owner's attitude towards myself and other customers to be beyond the pale. His main aim is to sell "fine bindings" and little else. Stock small and unexamined as in my two minutes in the shop I was looked upon as scum and totally unwanted. Visit only if you want to be insulted. - Chris Harte 27.06.09.
I am all for constructive opinion and have used your guide in the past. However, this review completely blurs the distinction between 'fair comment' and malicious comment. It is not at all constructive or informative and appears to be nothing more than a personal attack on the shop's proprietor. "I was looked upon as scum" "Visit only if you want to be insulted" ? And all of this formulated in a "two minute" visit. I am suprised that a publication that sets out to actively encourage book buyers to visit 'real' as opposed to 'virtual' bookshops has allowed such a comment to be posted. - Steve Baxter. 11.08.09.
What utter nonsense your initial reviewer has written! I regularly visit the Golden Hind and have always found Nick McConnell enthusiastic, knowledgeable and utterly charming. Mr. Harte must be an idiot not to spot that this is quite obviously a shop that specialises in fine bindings and in some very good local history, and, if he had bothered to find out, would have discovered that it contains one of the finest selections of this type of book in the world, let alone in East Kent. That a reviewer can so utterly misunderstand a business and be allowed to do so much potential damage to a seller that has an international clientele and reputation is disgraceful, and he should ensure that he gets his facts right before going into print. - Nicholas Pendower 18.08.09.
I was sorry to see the first review. It's true that the Golden Hind is not the charming little local bookshop it was in Michael Hoskins' day but Nick McConnell has at least kept it open. Important to remember that he is an antiquarian dealer not a second hand bookseller then you wont be disappointed. Stock is high quality and Nick is a very pleasant fellow who has never been rude to a customer while I was in the shop! I always visit when in the area and recommend it, depending on your interest. - Anthony Davis 13.10.09.
Revisited after reading what the owner's friends (see above) thought of my initial comments. My opinion has not changed one iota. - Chris Harte 13.01.11.
I agree with those who find the owner of McConnell's bookshop in Deal offhand and unhelpful. It wasn't entirely unreasonable to ask if he carried local marine subjects. It would be nice if the reviewers avoided so much personal sniping. - Lee 25.01.11.
Michael's Bookshop
72 King Street
RAMSGATE Kent CT11 8NY map
tel: 01843 589500 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.30.
A fairly large general bookshop, about 30,000 books arranged on over 100 bookcases. About half of our stock is secondhand ranging from ordinary paperbacks to collectors items.
Helpful owner and well organised stock with a good selection of Kent local history, aviation and military - Roger Leverdier 29.04.8.
As has been stated very good on Kent and Military titles. Also quite a good lot of aviation, sci-fi and occult.However, little for an antiquarian collector. Owner pleasant and helpful. - Chris Harte 27.06.09.
Large straightforward general stock with a focus on military titles and extensive reprints of local history material. Parking meters opposite. - DavidC 13.09.12.
Monkton Nature Reserve Bookshop
The Field Study Centre
Monkton Nature Reserve Monkton
RAMSGATE Kent CT12 4LH map
tel: 01843 822666 e-mail web
Open: Tuesday - Thursday & Sunday 11.00 - 4.00.
Based in the reserve Field Centre, several rooms, containing 1000s of second hand books available at very competitive prices, including many collectable items. All proceeds go toward maintaining the reserve and the work of the Thanet Countryside Trust.
Standard donated charity stock but very cheap. - Richard 30.04.09.
This charity bookshop set in a beautiful nature reserve expands by the week. Deliveries of books arrive and are on the shelves and priced by the knowledgable staff while you are still browsing the thousands of books. Reasonably priced and for a worthwhile charity. Additional extras is the free parking and if you are lucky a cup of coffee. - F Love. 07.09.09.
MR. Books
142 High Street
TONBRIDGE Kent TN9 1BB map
tel: 01732 363000 e-mail web
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 6.00, 8.00pm Thursday.
Large general stock. Tonbridge, Kent, Sussex. Very large children's and TV annual collection. Sport, modern fiction. Also top of the range Anglepoise lamps. Find me right near the castle in Tonbridge. Also organiser of the Tonbridge Book Fair, on Sunday April 1st and October 28th, 9.30 - 4.00.
Interesting little 'warren' situated in a side street near the castle. Owner very helpful but advises a phone call if travelling a distance as sometimes has to take an hour out. - Clive Cheeseman 15.08.07.
Nice shop; most co-operative owner; stock slightly muddled but a wonderful selection of Kentish publications from over the past century. Also good military stock. - Chris Harte 29.06.09.
Mr Books has moved around the corner to 142 High Street but has lost none of its charm, in fact the bigger space has made it even more pleasurable to visit. Even before you step inside Mr Books shop, you sense the magic of the place. The window looks fantastic and you can see the books rising from the floor to the high ceiling. Once inside, the range of books is enormous and the owner himself is really helpful and knowledgeable. He's even been known to make customers a cup of tea! A truly lovely bookish escape from the anonymity and blandness of so many modern bookshops. - Marie Lawson 08.06.12.
Great to see this bookshop in new premises on Tonbridge High Street. Well-lit, easy access to the wide-ranging stock including good quality local material. A great improvement on the previous cramped premises nearby. - David Collison 14.06.12.
A really interesting shop. The owner was just popping out but kindly stayed in for me and was rewarded by two other customers. A good varied stock including some good first editions at fairly high prices. Generally a pleasure to be in although quite a hike from the Station. Plethora of general and local charity shops on the High Street including a well stocked and not too pricey (for them!) Oxfam Bookshop. Almost WAD! - Jon Morgan 06.03.13.
Old Bank Bookshop
Old Midland Bank Building
17-18 The Parade
MARGATE Kent CT9 1EY map
tel: tel: 07967 650911
A good general selection on two floors, but whether it can keep up the quality after the best of the current stock has been sold is debatable.- John Renwick 07.10.10.
Still plenty for the general reader to find and very attractive prices. - Herne 30.03.12.
Oxfam Bookshop
51 St Peter's Street
CANTERBURY Kent CT1 2BE map
tel: 01227 454091
Surprisingly good - Bernard Dixon 22.04.08.
Some very good quality books can be found here at reasonable prices. - Chris Harte 14.04.09.
Always worth a visit when in Canterbury for military, sport, music languages and general fiction. - Neil 31.10.11.
Agree very much with Neil's comment. Because of its proximity to two universities, there is always a good selection of academic texts too. - Geoffrey Warner 15.12.11.
Oxfam Bookshop
34 Gabriels Hill
MAIDSTONE Kent ME15 6JJ map
tel: 01622 753585
On two floors, well laid out, and does have a high turnover of stock. - Clive Cheeseman.
Have now been in twice and on each occasion purchased books which were a fraction of their expected second-hand prices. Varied stock on two floors which seems to change regularly. Often has some antiquarian titles.- Chris Harte 20.04.10.
Oxfam Bookshop
6 Chapel Place
TUNBRIDGE WELLS Kent TN1 1YQ map
tel: 01892 616269
It is difficult to be critical of a charity shop except for the grouse of books especially 'the specials' [Book Club is not the same as a first edition whatever the internet says] being overpriced for donated books! - Mary C 12.10.11.
Good varied stock of the kind usually stocked by Oxfam at fairly good (For Oxfam) prices. Very strong on History. lost of other general and local charity shops in the High Street. - Jon Morgan 06.03.13.
Oxfam Bookshop
25-29 High Street
ROCHESTER Kent ME1 1LN map
tel: 01634 814790
Quite a large shop with a good selection of books too, though not quite as many as Baggins. Most were in rather better condition though, and at least the Observer books were cheaper! - Steve Newman 05.08.09.
A fairly good selection of general books with a special section on Dickens and three shelves of pre-1914 titles. However, the shop specialises in pianos and harmoniums (!) with some bargains to be had here. - Chris Harte 14.12.09.
Don't be taken in by the first review - it's nowhere near the size of Baggins. Worth looking at, though, if 2-3 hours in Baggins hasn't left you thoroughly exhausted! - Henry Middleton 10.11.12.
Oxfam Bookshop 
78 High Street
TONBRIDGE Kent TN9 1EE map
tel: 01732 355753 e-mail
Oxford Street Books.com
20a Oxford Street
WHITSTABLE Kent CT5 1DD map
tel: 01227 281727 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00, Sunday 11.00 - 4.00.
General mix of approximately 20,000 secondhand and antiquarian books across all categories. Sensible prices and friendly service.
Nice varied stock. Most helpful owner. Will go back on a regular basis. - Chris Harte 14.04.09.
A little gem. The owner is, indeed, most friendly and helpful and may let you into his cellar, which contains even more books. (He hopes to expand.) History is my speciality and I found plenty of interest at reasonable prices. - Geoffrey Warner 15.12.11.
The cellar will apparently be open in the summer. And there is already a very extensive selection. Whitstable is definitely no clone town! - Herne 30.03.12.
Great to see the basement has now opened, increasing the range of material and ease of access. - David Collison 14.06.12.
On a return visit found the basement full of interesting items, especially on the subject of WW2. Also some good bargains in the boxes outside. - Herne 15.05.13.
Pantiles Bookshop
13 The Pantiles
TUNBRIDGE WELLS Kent TN2 5TD map
tel: 01892 618191 e-mail web
Open: Seven days 10.30 - 5.00.
Good general stock. We specialise in a big way on books on or about the County of Kent its villages, towns and people. 10 shelves of railway, lots of cricket, cinema, military, esoteric and topography also ephemera. Wanted to buy: early foreign travel particularly Africa and old cricket and football.
Very organised, business-like premises with plenty of general interest. - Kim Andrews.
Excellent range of books at very reasonable prices, well worth a visit. - H Macfarlane 04.05.09.
Don't be put off by first impressions as this is actually a very good place in which to while away a couple of hours. If you need assistance then the owner's wife is your source. It took quite some searching but I found a few items. Very strong on railway material. Reasonable and sensible pricing. - Chris Harte 29.06.09.
Especially strong on Kentish matters, but has a reasonable selection of books on other topics too. Just around the corner from Halls, so you can easily visit both. - Geoffrey Warner 07.10.10.
Moved to opposite the former premises but still worthy of a visit. A particularly helpful owner's wife gave me considerable assistance. Stock was fairly general but of some quality. - Chris Harte 24.03.11.
Organised is not a word I would use for this place - Chaotic perhaps! Very strong on history very weak on general fiction. Also incorporates a sweet shop and recently opened coffee bean shop (As featured in the Book Guide). Interesting to see what they had down as mind body spirit ... The coffee bean smell was not enough to redeem this place for me or even the 25% off stock offer. Needs a good clear out and organisation. - Jon Morgan 07.03.13.
Excellent bookshop, twinned with the Beau Nash Bookshop around the corner . Have been buying books, maps and ephemera from these two shops for many years. I rarely leave empty handed!. Well organised and intriguing range of material. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. A gem to be treasured! Worth regular visits as stock turns over well. - Frank Hancock 26.03.13.
Past Sentence
119 West Street
FAVERSHAM Kent ME13 7JB map
tel: 01795 590000
Open: Monday 10.00 - 2.00 & Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
Good quality secondhand books bought and sold.
Parked in the nearby Co-op. Walked up the pedestrianised West Street opposite and found, in the bookshop, two treasures marked at such a low price that I ran back to the car with them and drove out of town before anyone could stop me. General stock is run of the mill but the stuff on the shelf behind where the owner sits is superb. - Chris Harte 27.06.09.
Periwinkle Press
Bagham Barn Antiques Centre
Canterbury Road
CANTERBURY Kent CT4 8DU map
tel: 01227 732522 e-mail web
Open: Tuesday - Sunday 10.00 - 5.00.
Antiquarian book sellers, trade and retail picture framers. We specialise in antique prints, maps and books. Established in 1968.
Situated in a small quality country retail centre. Stock small but of a very high standard. Owner, who was very knowledgable, said he had many thousands more book in store as he also works off the internet. - Chris Harte 27.06.09.
The Aviation Bookshop
31-33 Vale Road
TUNBRIDGE WELLS Kent TN1 1BS map
tel: 01892 539284 fax: 01892 539597 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00.
For over 50 years we have stocked literature on the subject of aviation in all its aspects. Parking is available in the multi-story car park opposite the shop. The shop is situated in the centre of town about 200 yards from the main line station: Tunbridge Wells on the Charing Cross Line.
What it said on the tin; Extensive stock on all aviation related topics. A well organised and well laid out shop if your interest lies in this area. (Biggles is a far as it gets for me - Chocks away!) - Jon Morgan 07.03.13.
The Book Palace
32 Palace Street
CANTERBURY Kent CT1 2DZ map
tel: 01227 470120
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
Charity bookshop run entirely by volunteers for benefit of The Scrine Foundation.
The Bookmark
15c Rainham Shopping Centre
RAINHAM Kent ME8 7HW map
tel: 01634 365987
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.30. Sunday 10.00 - 4.00
Over 40,000 reasonably priced books at your fingertips. Wide range of both fiction and non-fiction. Very Good History, Travel, Biography, Childrens & study sections. Book searches undertaken. Range of large print & audio books. Great jazz while you browse.
On entry started muttering to myself about wasting 50p in car park charging. Within a few minutes realised that there was good stock so long as you had your eyes looking upwards on to the top shelves. Eventually came away with two carrier bags full but be aware; the manager's spoken English is not very good. - Chris Harte 27.06.09.
Fantastic range of well priced books in an incredibly well oragnised and clean shop. Really helpful, well spoken and knowledgeable staff. - J 27.04.12.
One of my favorite bookshops. Very good stock of books and the owners will look out for books for you. Prices are very reasonable. - Dave 24.05.12.
The Broadstairs Bookshop
7 Albion Street
BROADSTAIRS Kent CT10 1LU map
tel: 01843 860824
Smaller and more low key shop in the same street (as Albion Books) which had a presentable stock - in much the same areas. - Herne.
A most knowledgable owner who was candid enough to state that his good material went virtually as soon as it arrived. He had some interesting bits from between the wars but little else from pre-1960. - Chris Harte 27.06.09.
The Chapel (was The Albion Bookshop)
44-46, Albion Street
BROADSTAIRS Kent CT10 1LX map
tel: 07837 024259
Open: 7 days 9.00 - 12.00.
Re-opened in 2013 as an ale and cider house, coffee shop and secondhand bookshop.
The "secondhand department" of a shop selling new books . Vast and rather sprawling - can be difficult to get into some rooms for the piles of books. But helpful staff and pretty good on literature and travel. - Herne.
Certainly worth a visit, but the piles of new/unshelved stock seem to increase every time I visit, to the detriment of the overall experience - perhaps a sort-out to concentrate on quality over quantity might help? - Henry Middleton 05.02.08
I would agree that it is really time for this shop to have a sort out. Many of the prices are optimistic and much of the stock needs to be skipped. There are some bargains to be had but most people would soon get fed up trying to find them. Bookshops such as this are going to the wall every week and a complete rethink is needed here. - Nicholas Pendower 17.11.08.
Very muddled shop but overflowing with all types of books. Most titles from the 1970-2005 era and very little pre-war material. Owner was helpful but his pricing was all over the place. Worth a visit for his political autobiographies which are there in a large number. - Chris Harte 27.06.09.
The Hospice Bookshop
Dymchurch Road
DYMCHURCH Kent
Open: 7 days
On main through village near Amusement Park. Notice on door shows it as open 7 days a week. Not large but looked interesting. Unfortunately I was passing through after it had closed for the day. - Clive Cheeseman 10.09.07
The Kentish Bookshop
1 Bank Buildings
Ash Road
HARTLEY Kent DA3 8EH map
tel: 01474 702170
Open: See below.
Secondhand and antiquarian stock, particularly books on Kent and Nelson.
Notice in the window gives opening hours as Monday and Tuesday 9.30 - 2.30. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday by appointment only, Sunday closed. Saturday is missing from the list of days, so presumably it is closed. Needless to say I went on a "wrong" day. Don't you just love these half-hearted bookshop owners? - Old Erithian.
The Market Book Stall
Union Road Car Park
Union Road
DEAL Kent CT14 map
tel: 01304 362235
Open: Saturday 8.30 - 3.30.
Secondhand paperbacks. Good selection of most genres. Weekly selection of quality books individually priced. Seasonal sales of bargain books.We can be found at the popular Deal Saturday Market in the Union Road car park.
Tiverton Books
Down The Steps at Smiths Court Hotel
Eastern Esplanade Cliftonville
MARGATE Kent CT9 2HL map
tel: 01843 222319 e-mail web
Open: Tuesday & Sunday 10.00 - 3.00.
General selection of reasonably priced secondhand books across the reading spectrum. Run by friendly husband and wife team with over 50 years experience in book trade.
Decent general stock at reasonable prices. Free parking outside and a friendly welcome. I suggest incorporating it into a tour of East Kent bookshops or a visit to Margate rather than making a specific long-distance journey. - David C 13.09.12.
Wadard Books
6 High Sreet
FARNINGHAM Kent DA4 0DG map
tel: 01322 863151 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 6.00.
Secondhand and antiquarian books including cookery, military and local history and topography.
I was amazed at the high quality of books in this shop which also has a very knowlegdable owner who is always willing to help. The scarce titles scattered around are very tempting. - Chris Harte 27.06.09.
What a super bookshop. It is in a pretty village near the M25 and M20 between London and the bookshops of East Sussex. Pleasant and airy with a mixture of antiquarian and secondhand stock, much of interest with a special focus on military history. The owner is very charming and helpful. This is what a bookshop should be. Am most grateful to your website to cause me to stop off there. - Anthony Davis 13.10.09.
Another bookseller who knows about books. A wonderful selection and competitively priced. Daren't go there too often though! - Jane Jones 31.05.11.
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Appointment necessary
