Secondhand and Antiquarian Bookshops in the UK 2019
Key
Open at advertised times
Phone before travelling
Appointment necessary
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure these details are correct, we recommend that you contact each individual bookshop before travelling any distance. Add your Bookshop here
Acanthophyllum Books
"Tadorna"
243 Pensby Road Heswall
WIRRAL Merseyside CH61 5UA map
tel: 0151 342 8287 e-mail web
Open: Monday to Sunday inclusive 10.00 - 4.00, by appointment only.
I deal primarily in Natural History (including Geology), Garden History and especially Botany and Ecology. Visitors to my book room are welcome with a prior appointment. I regularly exhibit at PBFA book fairs in York, Haydock, Cambridge and elsewhere.
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Altea Antique Maps and Atlases
35 Saint George Street
MAYFAIR London W1S 2FN map
tel: 020 7491 0010 fax: 020 7491 0015 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Friday 10.00 - 6.00, Saturday 10.00 - 4.00.
Antique maps, old maps, rare charts of the world, old atlases and antique globes. Advice given on collecting antique maps, reference work on antique maps also available at the shop.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsExcellent selection of antique maps, expert and knowledgeable sales assistant, impressed with the quality of their maps. I saw an Ortelius atlas Spanish edition that I would love to own, maybe one day... - Antique Map Collector 09.04.11.
Barry McKay Rare Books
Kingstone House
Battlebarrow
APPLEBY-IN-WESTMORLAND Cumbria CA16 6XT map
tel: 017683 52282 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
5000 books mainly on the Arts & History of the Book; and a good stock of Antiquarian Books including many Provincial Printings. Saturday Afternoons are a bit iffy and a definite no-no on international rugby afternoons, so please phone first.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsThis is a fantastic bookshop if you're interested in the above subjects. I've never seen so many 'books about books' . In a private house down hill from W-exit off A66; look for square arch. On the whole reasonably priced, VERY friendly owner. WWAD - PaulP 21.08.15.
Bernard J Shapero Rare Books
32 St. George Street
MAYFAIR London W1S 2EA map
tel: 020 7493 0876 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Friday 9.30 - 6.30, Saturday 11.00 - 5.00.
Rare and antiquarian works, including extensive travel and mountaineering books, colour plate and illustrated, early English printed and modern literature. Our stock comprises over 4000 rare books and over 3000 maps, prints and photographs.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsGood modern firsts section upstairs with some uncommon titles/highlights but over the top prices even allowing for what must be substantial overheads. - Loyola 24.04.10.
Berwyn Books
Unit 4 Spencer Ind Estate
Liverpool Road
BUCKLEY Flintshire CH7 3LY map
tel: 01244 541415 e-mail web
Open: Appointment necessary.
Over 20,000 books on our constantly updated internet inventory. Valuations, bookbinding and clearance services.
Add a comment Read commentsHide comments*Situated at the rear of an antiques centre on a not easy to find side road on an industrial estate. Once found, the pleasure of searching the shelves takes over. Here is a shop comprising quality publications; some old and some fairly recent but all worthy of time to check if they could be worthwhile purchases. Everything in marked categories which makes it easy to browse. WWAD. - Chris Harte 07.04.13.
*Moved to Old Chapel in May. - TBG 16.05.13.
**A visit, by appointment, to the new premises meant an introduction to the knowledgeable Julie. She seemed to know where most of the internet titles could be located and I left with a box load of surprises. Prices were slightly high but the quality could not be faulted. - Chris Harte 13.06.13.
**Moved to Buckley in October 2013. - TBG 23.12.13.
Visited them in Unit 4, by appointment. The storage area is huge and I would have no idea how many (tens of ??)thousands of books line the narrow wooden shelves. Although mainly an internet organisation the titles I briefly saw were of some substance. Go with your 'Wants List' - as nowhere near the full stock can be listed online - and Julie will hopefully find what you want. - Chris Harte 02.01.14.
The people who run this bookshop are both friendly and efficient with a vast knowledge of their stock...we could not fault them and will use them again in the future..FANTASTIC! - Netty 10.03.14.
Books Beyond Words
(Julian Nangle - Bookseller)
25 High East Street
DORCHESTER Dorset DT1 1EZ map
tel: 01305 261186 or 07758 617149 e-mail
Open: Wednesday - Saturday 10.30 - 5.30.
Full of first editions, children’s books, some rare maps, illustrated books, an extensive collection of art books and some fine press books.
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Bosco Books
The Old Hall Bookshop
Chapel Court Shutta Road
EAST LOOE Cornwall PL13 1BJ map
tel: 01503 263700 web
Open: Summer, Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00. Winter, ring first if travelling.
Large general stock and local, military, natural and nautical history. Also prints, maps and original paintings.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsGood general stock and fair prices. - Pondcott 30.03.11.
Worth a detour and, while in Looe, check out the TocH secondhand room near the main car-park: a true Driff Special of charity shops. - Steven 05.11.11.
Well worth a visit. Great stock & prices. Friendly & helpful owner. - Dick Leaper 30.08.18.
Bow Windows Bookshop
175 High Street
LEWES East Sussex BN7 1YE map
tel: 01273 480780 web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.00.
We buy and sell old, rare and fine books on many subjects, as well as maps. Much of our stock is attractively displayed in our shop, and we have a special emphasis on books in overall excellent condition.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsDid not realise that I was a specialist in my field and waved me away with a swatting motion of the hand. Some stock appeared to be mutton dressed as lamb. - Chris Harte 01.04.09.
Found staff helpful and very friendly, so maybe Chris Harte just caught them on a bad day? Reasonable selection of stock, all of it well presented. Did think that presentation meant some items were slightly over priced. - Emma 05.05.09.
A very attractive shop, inside and out with a very helpful member of staff albeit little of interest to me personally. It is what a good bookshop should look like but unlikely to attract a lot of casual trade. - Jon Morgan 14.08.12.
Nicely presented, but the mutton dressed as lamb comment above is still apt. Pricing was comedically optimistic in places. - Inverdale's Rug 02.09.16.
Did buy 2 rather more expensive items - I still like to add more Middleton Press railway ones. - Chris K 15.09.17.
Pricing seemed a bit more relaxed since my last visit and found several things of interest. Good topography section. - Herne 23.10.17.
Bransdown Books
Tynemouth Market
Platform 2
TYNEMOUTH Tyne and Wear NE30 4RE map
tel: 07956 608599 e-mail web
Open: Saturday & Sunday 9.30 - 3.30.
Specialists in collectable 20th century children's books, but with a reasonable general stock alongside, both fiction and non-fiction. Also have private premises open by appointment only.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsBetter general stock though and the owner Jennifer Copping's father was in charge on Saturday 12 July. Managed to find a good value book about the architecture of London's railway stations. I'll certainly try and visit there more often. One of the wall's now has a large attractive Penguin painting - Chris K 18.07.14. Moved from Green Ginger Shopping Arcade to Tynemouth Market. TGB 18.12.14.
Bryars and Bryars
7 Cecil Court
CHARING CROSS London WC2N 4EZ map
tel: 020 7836 1910 e-mail web
Open: Monday-Saturday 11.00 - 6.00.
Rare and antiquarian books, maps and prints. Specialising in early printing, classical texts and translations, atlases and books with maps, early maps of all regions, illustrated travels, and antique topographical and natural history prints.
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Carnforth Book Shop
38-42 Market Street
CARNFORTH Lancashire LA5 9JX map
tel: 01524 734588 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00.
Roughly 100,000 secondhand books over two floors. We stock most subjects and we try not to be "precious". We try and keep our books in reasonable order, but a good root can always turn up something interesting. We also keep new books and maps on the ground floor as well as gifts, cards and toys.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsSpread over three floors with the ground floor an ordinary new bookshop, the first and second floors are devoted to second hand books with mainly large rooms on the first floor and smaller rooms on the second. The big selection of stock covers most subjects and it can take quite some time to peruse this large shop. - Jeremy Briggs.
So nice to be greeted by a charming lady who knew her subject. Decent antiquarian holdings. I took far longer here than expected but my purchases were worth the searching. - Chris Harte 27.07.09.
Downstairs is tidy with stationery and gifts too. The s/h and rare books rooms are in need of a hoover and the stock on the shelves could be neater. Male vs female! Some very good books are also online - the rest includes a lot of old stuff whcih may never shift. Worth a ride from Lancaster which lacks a university-proficient s/h book shop. - Chris K 09.06.12.
Excellent exponent of comforting old-book-smell. This, however, may be due to the 30,000 or so too many unsellable old books. Still came out with 3 good finds, but slightly too much rummaging for my liking. 6/10. - Joe 19.12.13.
Always worth a detour, the post Christmas sale at 25% off was most welcome. Was told the shop has just been sold as a going concern, hope it continues. - Anthony 03.01.14.
Excellent 'old fashioned ' bookshop. Well worth a detour. - Corso 22.03.14.
I suppose that it's a penalty we have to pay these days to ensure that many bookshops remain open, but the problem of maintaining an interesting and realistically priced stock on your shelves whilst also selling on the internet is not an easy one to solve. The Carnforth Bookshop clearly tries to combine the two, but this causes something of a conflict, as passing trade is not often going to be tempted by books that are priced up at internet rates. I came away with a few items but was disappointed not to have been able to have bought more, and, as is the case with so many larger shops of this kind, volume does not necessarily reflect quality. - Nicholas Pendower 18.07.14.
Always enjoy a browse when over this side of the country, but agree with Nicholas on the balance to be struck, all my purchases were not from the internet stock this time. Still worth a visit though. - Anthony 24.11.14.
Was directed towards the "internet room" at the end of a fruitless search upstairs (previous comment about unsalable old books turned out to be correct) and wondered whether I'd walked into the bargain basement bin instead. Wasn't as good as I was led to believe. - Graeme Rendall 10.07.15.
Neil, the new owner, has done wonders with this shop. I could only devote two hours to checking the stock but what I found were priceless to me. Criticisms above really do not reflect the true nature of what is on offer. - Chris Harte 14.06.18.
First visit here for many years. Unfortunately, not as remembered. Plenty of stock but much of it not in the best of condition. Did manage to find a few items after much looking and prices were reasonable - David 06.10.18.
Castle Books
20A Church Street
BEAUMARIS Anglesey LL58 8AB map
tel: 0124 8811394 or 07835 927 541 e-mail
Castle Books has moved just a few yards to its own premises just past the Post Office and opposite the parish church. History, Welsh interest, archaeology, travel, walking, maps, natural history and rural affairs, literature, Penguins, Ladybirds, Tunnicliffe, Observers, good transport section. Ever changing stock, friendly book chat, booksearch, fair prices, books bought. Credit/debit cards accepted. The only bookshop on Anglesey. Stockist for Anglesey Antiquarian Society, Gwynedd Archaeological Trust.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsJust arrived after more than an hour's journey to find the curse of the "we're closed today" card on the door. Looking through the windows I can't see a reason to call again. Needs some decent stock. - TC1842 15.09.14.
Checked my daybook - was open all day all week - I am open when I say I am - not sure what this refers to. - Mandi Abrahams 12.12.14.
Wide ranging good reasonably priced stock. Very friendly and helpful owner. Look forward to coming again. - Lesley 12.12.14.
Like a previous reviewer found to his annoyance, shop closed when I visited. - Chris Harte 24.10.15.
Closed when I visited this week but to be fair a sign indicating family illness. - Norman Davies 26.07.16.
This shop is a mess with piles of unsorted books - many unpriced. Not enough room to pass another customer in shop. Owner uninterested and rude.
No set opening hours. Avoid at all costs. - Merv 04.09.17.
Ceres Bookshop
20 London Street
SWAFFHAM Norfolk PE37 7DG map
tel: 01760 722504 fax: 01760 724941 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00.
A wide range of new and secondhand books on all subjects and a large selection of maps. Book search facility available. Reductions for special interest groups.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsOn entering the shop I had no idea what I would find tucked away in corners. Half an hour later my wallet was lighter but I had purchased some splendid books. I left behind many rare rural Broads and sporting titles which, I was amazed to be told, had been on the shelves for ages. If you collect material on regional country pursuits then search these shelves. - Chris Harte 24.02.10.
Hardly a wide range of second hand books but a reasonable selection at the rear of a new bookshop, Ideal for those who are vertically challenged, I nevertheless found two gems. Pleasant staff in a very pleasant town - a surfeit of charity shops, worth browsing. - Jon Morgan 17.08.12.This now has an excellent tea room at the rear making for a pleasant quick (limited stock not over exciting s/h stock in mainly new books) browse then leisurely pot of tea. - Norman Davies 01.05.15.
Nice little shop with new books at the front and a tearoom at the back. Sandwiched between is a modest selection of secondhand books, reasonably priced and on a general range of subjects. - Steven Kelly 27.02.17.
Not very big but well worth visiting. Have found a few gems here. Prices good. - David 09.04.19.
Clevedon Community Bookshop
27-29 Copse Road
CLEVEDON Somerset BS21 7QN map
tel: 01275 218318 e-mail web
Open: 7 days 10.00 - 5.00 Summer, 10.00 - 4.00 Winter.
Secondhand books, a general stock of 8,000 books in the shop plus another 10,000 in our book store. We also sell online through AbeBooks, Amazon and Biblio.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsWhat a joy to deal with the lovely volunteers who run this shop. All pre-visit queries were answered by phone and email which meant the titles I was wanting were ready for inspection (and purchase) on arrival. Four ground floor rooms over two shops, beautifully kept; properly categorised and the taunting news that another 10,000 titles were in store waiting to fill holes in the shelves. Hot drinks supplied gratis and conversation of the highest order. Do please put this shop on your visiting list. - Chris Harte 19.01.13.
Good stock, helpful staff and reasonable prices. Worth a visit. - Steve Brissle 01.05.13.
Agree well organised good selection. Worth a look, just a little ABE-ish prices on older books. Note: park by pier and walk up signposted footpath. - Norman Davies 28.02.15.
Excellent little shop. Came away with a bagful one of which was reduced by the staff when we expressed interest in it but thought it too expensive. Will definitely visit again. - David 29.09.17.
I made the financial mistake of introducing my wife to this excellent shop. She was thrilled with what she found and obtained nearly two dozen titles. My purchases only just reached double figures. However, a revisit here is scheduled for six weeks time. WWAD. - Chris 23.10.17.
I'm more than happy to second the praise of other customers of this shop after visiting it recently. The range of books for sale is considerable: everything from academic texts to children's books, via poetry, biographies, novels (classical and modern) - all clearly displayed and reasonably priced. I even noticed a shelf full of Pelican books, many of which are out of print. - Geoffrey Warner 13.11.17.
Forced to return by my wife who came away with two boxes of kiddies books for the grandchildren. I only managed seven titles but didn't complain as I got change from a £20 note. - Chris Harte 09.04.19.
Clock Tower Books
Carlton House
The Pavement
HAY-ON-WYE Powys HR3 5BU map
tel: 01497 821610 e-mail
Open: 7 days in summer 10.30 - 5.00, winter closed Monday and all days at 4.30.
General stock with specialists in military, history, craft, railways, modern firsts and affordable children's books in particular. Also an extensive choice of CDs and LPs from Tangled Parrot and a good selection of collectable stamps, maps etc. Several expert dealers in one shop. Dealer units available at the time of listing, please enquire by e-mail.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsA little gem! Particularly good for my interests in medieval history, military history and books on Wales - all at very reasonable prices. Delighted with what I bought. Friendly, knowledgeable & helpful chap running the shop, which is new and expanding. Well worth a visit. - Isaac 14.02.15.
I agree with Isaac, great little shop very good selection of Military books. I came away with several books and two CD's! - Peter Williams 07.03.15.
"A Little Gem" is exactly right. A splendid selection of varying titles from different dealers. My interests were well catered for but it was the quality of the books which really caught my eye. The owner knew the book trade well and it was a pleasure hearing his knowledgeable thoughts. - Chris Harte 25.05.17.
This shop has relocated to near the covered market area - (First time I have been to Hay mid week and it has quite a nice market - albeit a little top heavy with curios and antiques). 5 Market Street, Hay on Wye, HR3 5AF 07968133019 ; email ; get2books@btinternet.com. A good general stock in quirky building with a very knowledgeable owner, interested and interesting, as well as passionate about his trade and stock. This is what Hay used to be. He was telling me that a new bookshop is opening diagonally opposite which is good news given the number that have vanished of the last half decade or so. This one is worth visiting. My experience chimes exactly with Chris Harte et al. - Jonathan Morgan 15.09.18.
College Street Books
15 College Street
AMMANFORD Carmarthenshire SA18 3AB map
tel: 01269 592140 e-mail
Open: Monday & Saturday 9.30 - 1.00, Tuesday - Friday 9.30 - 5.00.
New and secondhand books, about 50/50. Particularly Welsh interest, maps and walking, history, warfare, art, mythology, poetry, literature, and children's books in Welsh & English.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsAlthough the name suggests otherwise the entrance to this pleasant shop is from an arcade which runs parallel to the main window. Strong on Welsh subjects and a very good selection of books on mining. Although there are new books as well it is worth a visit if you are passing. - Chris Harte 11.07.13.
Over five years since my last report and the shop is still very strong on new and second-hand Welsh titles. Also the shelves held many books on mining; poetry; military and show-business. Still worth looking in. - Chris Harte 24.03.19.
Colwynbooks
66 Abergele Road
COLWYN BAY Conwy LL29 7PP map
tel: 07799 720062 web
Open: Tuesday & Thursday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.00
Second-hand books, maps and postcards, new books of local interest, handmade bookmarks. Website being developed.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsSeems to open at the owner's whim according to local information. - Chris Harte 17.08.10.
Found them open at long last. Very general stock with many paperbacks. - Chris Harte 09.05.11.
Large religious and theology section, together with an almost as large selection of French language books. Mostly paperbacks but some interesting items nonetheless. Pricing reasonable. - Graeme Rendall 15.09.18.
Cornell Books
The Wheatsheaf
132 High Street
TEWKESBURY Gloucestershire GL20 5JR map
tel: 01684 293337 web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.30 - 5.00. Also Bank Holiday Mondays and occasional Sundays 12.00 - 4.00.
Medium-size general stock with an emphasis on topography, children's books and O.S. maps. Books also online via AbeBooks.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsSuperb old fashioned shop with large stock. Came away with a pile. Don't miss the bargain front room. Magnificent old building too, allow a decent time. - Norman Davies - 05.08.13.
What a splendid bookshop. Bargain shelves in a side alleyway and inside a treasure trove. Everything properly itemised and a backroom full of really quality material. I found some very hard-to-find titles and willingly spent a fair amount. Prices completely fair. WWAD. - Chris Harte 17.06.14.
An excellent stock, properly organised but not over-tidy. Paperbacks numerous in the entrance corridor, much on Art, tall shelves on many subjects (but little fiction); and above all maps, in plenty. A lovely building, and people, too. - James Mackay 13.08.14.
Worth visiting (15th century building) but not for history (very sparse but some military), crafts, and biographies. My interests therefore not served (can't always be), and I came away in two minds whether focus on art, topography, maps and fiction paperbacks etc is sufficient for others. - Brian Stringer 20.10.14.
Excellent shop with a wide ranging selection at very reasonable prices. Well worth a detour for the discerning buyer. Free parking nearby. - The Drifter 22.10.14.
Well organised and with that special atmosphere of a traditional secondhand bookshop. It's a lovely building and is very good for maps and topography. I could have spent a lot longer browsing and came away with some good purchases. Very reasonable prices and looking forward to making a return visit before too long. - SteveBrissle 07.03.15.
I deliberately made considerable time on this revisit to be able to scan the holdings in some detail. I'm glad I did for I found some wonderful new additions among quality stock. This is a bookshop with something for everybody. I spent too much - but it was worth it. Just as a side comment, I thanked the owner for the excellent way he had packed books I had purchased from him online. The best I have yet come across. - Chris Harte 24.05.16.
Agree with other buyers - so good to see a decent bookshop. Agree it does depend on your subject area but a browse can reward you with a gem you didn't know you wanted! - Mary 06.10.16.
Daniel Crouch Rare Books
4 Bury Street
ST JAMES'S London SW1Y 6AB map
tel: 020 7042 0240 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Friday 10.00 - 6.00, Saturday by appointment.
Specialist dealers in antique atlases, maps, plans, sea charts and voyages dating from the fifteenth to the nineteenth centuries. Our carefully selected stock also includes a number of fine prints and globes, and a selection of cartographic reference books.
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Fisher Nautical
Huntswood House
St Helena Lane Streat
HASSOCKS West Sussex BN6 8SD map
tel: 01273 890273 fax: 01273 891439 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00. Appointment necessary.
Established 1963 and extensive and long lasting wants list kept. Catalogue published about every month. Phone, fax, e-mail or write for printed catalogue AND send us your wants list. Postal business, visitors by appointment only, regret browsing not possible. Most parcels dispatched next day."Books about the Sea" When all else fails try us or save time and & try us first!
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsI've bought maritime and naval books from Fisher's for 10 years online or from their printed catalogues. A wonderful family business to deal with and in my opinion package their books in the best wrapping I've received from a book dealer. - Laurence Batchelor 25.02.14.
Focus on the Past Antique Centre
25 Waterloo Street
Clifton
BRISTOL BS8 4BT map
tel: 0117 973 8080
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.30, Sunday 11.00 - 5.00.
From 30th September 2016 I will be moving out of Focus on the Past as I am moving to Cornwall. Another dealer will carry on with the selection of Bristol books. I would like to say thank you to all my lovely regular customers. I have enjoyed meeting you and will be sad to leave. I am now looking for outlets in the Penzance/St Ives area. Best wishes from Margaret Anglim.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsAlways worth a good rummage. Some good books can be found and approachable owner. - SteveBrissle 03.03.14.
A good number of reasonably priced books both on the ground floor and down the stairs. Particularly strong on local history. Aisle's quite tight which makes browsing difficult when busy. Recommended- well worth a detour. Just across the road from the books at Rainbow Cafe. Free parking nearby. - The Drifter 19.04.14.
There is a fairly good selection of books in the basement of this antiques centre. However, if they were stacked properly and the view of the shelves not obstructed by clutter then some decent titles can be found. Recommend taking a torch as lighting is poor. - Chris Harte 15.11.14.
buy books here on a regular basis and the main stock is in a section on the ground floor not the basement! Great for local history and 1930s to 50s illustrated if you are into vintage. Rarer books in a cabinet. This is an antique centre not a general book store but books in good condition and not over-priced. Well worth a visit. - Mo H 19.11.14.
Always worth a visit. Small quantity but some good quality books at very reasonable prices. Recommended. - SteveBrissle 22.12.14.
This is an odd one, a crammed antique centre. Upstairs a small selection but I always seem to buy something so worth a look if in Bristol. Downstairs I have twice given up trying to shift boxes, prints and piles of books to get at what may be some decent stuff on the shelves. As the Boxer would say, I need to be fitter to do book removals! - Norman Davies 09.01.15.
Highly recommended selection of collectable and realistically priced books on the ground floor of the Antiques Centre. I visit regularly and have picked up some real bargains over the years. There are further books in the basement. Just across the road are books at the Rainbow Cafe. Well worth a detour. Parking nearby. - The Drifter 14.02.15.
My last two visits have resulted in some good purchases being made at reasonable prices. Lots of local books, mostly in good condition. One of the more interesting established shops in Clifton Village. - SteveBrissle 07.04.16.Very cramped and not much stock re books. Plenty of rugs though. - David 29.09.17.
Sadly now no books upstairs except a few antique centre type ones. Downstairs can now get at the books but they appear the same as were there on the last visit some time ago. No longer worth it for a book buyer or lover. - Norman Davies 31.05.18.
Forest Books
7 High Street West
UPPINGHAM Rutland LE15 9QB map
tel: 01572 821173 fax: 0872 115 0285 e-mail web
Open: Monday & Wednesday - Saturday 11.15 - 4.00.
Around 20,000 books on all subjects and from paperbacks to antiquarian. We also have a large stock of secondhand sheet music. We offer photocopying binding and laminating services, and sell new local OS Maps.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsNice shop. Easy on the eye. Always worth popping in to see what's available. Strong on county matters. - Chris Harte 14.04.09.
Agreeably old-fashioned. All subjects covered in depth but especially music. Well worth a visit. As at Staniland's below, Folio Society lovers are well catered for - but do any exist? - Laurence Purcell. 12,04.14.
Five years since my last visit and, for my interests, the shelves had been refreshed with so much good quality material that I had to visit the Bank opposite to get money to pay for my very unexpected purchases. The shop is still sub-divided into sections with the history shelves holding some fairly scarce books. Prices, however, were all over the place. However, having said that, I will always revisit. - Chris Harte 13.08.14.
Good for paperback literary fiction. Most subject areas covered. Nothing for the collector. Monosyllabic man on the till on the day I visited. Did not feel welcome. - Loyola 05.11.16.
Although the shop looks a little like a Driff special the books are well sorted so it is quite easy to navigate. If you get down on your hands and knees and dig you may find some buried treasure. - Steven 23.10.17.
For me, this shop is the one which made a long drive to Uppingham worthwhile. I can see why it's tagged a bit of a drif special as it's a bit chaotic as there are piles of books on the floor and it's a bit dark. Everything is, however, sorted and priced and for me, I was overwhelmed by the military collection in the back which was bursting at the seams with rare tomes due to a local WW2 Fleet Air Arm's collection having been purchased. It takes time in this establishment as you must go through every shelf and box and move other books, which block the category you are viewing, out of the way. 3 box loads purchased and a bulk discount offered. WWAD. - Laurence Batchelor 23.10.18.
G L Green Ltd - Naval & Maritime Books
18 Aldenham Avenue
RADLETT Hertfordshire WD7 8HX map
tel: 01923 857077 fax: 01923 857077 web
Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00. Appointment necessary.
Stock can only be viewed by appointment. Approximately 2,500 books are on display and callers can look at the entire stock. We are always interested in purchasing books to further our stock.We are a Naval and Maritime specialist bookseller in new, used and Antiquarian books, ephemera and magazines buying and selling throughout the world.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsI've bought from this online dealer for around a decade. Always has a good selection of maritime & naval books at reasonable prices and responds to emails promptly. One day I hope to visit them by appointment so I can give a more thorough review. - Laurence Batchelor 24.11.14.
Grosmont Bookshop
Co-Op Building
Front Street
GROSMONT North Yorkshire YO22 5QE map
tel: 01947895170 e-mail web
Open: 7 days April to October 10 - 5.30, see website for November - March
Specialising in railway titles, bus and tram books, local maps, guides and local history, nationwaide walking guides, military books, plus general fiction, history, biographies, childrens, etc etc. Open whenever the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is running trains, plus other days, see website for opening times and book lists.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsVisited a number of times, a huge amount of railway/transport books, and a good selection of other books too. Very friendly owners make this well worth a visit, particularly if the railway is running. - Jakob Pieterson 17.05.12.
Awesome selection of railway titles, but some general stock for the non-railway enthusiast. But this is a railway bookshop to all intents and purposes. Friendly, knowledgeable owner. Prices very keen and a good selection of books for £1 when I visited! Great for foreign railway books too - I cleaned up on US rail-road books! Highly recommended. - Lionel Wall 29.07.13.
It mostly sells railway books, some new and most second-hand. It is a good place to have a rummage and the prices are very reasonable. It's a shop that I would return to. - SteveBrissle 04.08.14.
George the genial proprietor will either land me in penury or the divorce court. Great selection, prices very reasonable. For industrial or transport history, well worth a visit. Also good prices paid when he is buying. - Anthony 05.02.15.
Right opposite the North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway station and its car park, this medium sized, upstairs shop inevitably is heavily into railway books. While I’m not heavily into railway books there was more than enough other stock to keep me interested and I came away with a nice, old, cheap book which made the stopover at Grosmont station and its café as part of a trip on the steam railway worthwhile. - Jeremy Briggs 19.06.17.
Grove Rare Books
The Old Post Office
Bolton Abbey
SKIPTON North Yorkshire BD23 6EX map
tel: 01756 710717 e-mail web
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
A country bookshop in an 18th Century building the on Duke of Devonshire's Yorkshire estate, within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. A wide range of books, but particularly, Yorkshire topography, angling and field sports, art and architecture, British topography, and natural history. Also antiquarian maps and prints.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsThis bookshop just oozes class and quality. It is one of the finest of its genre and MUST be visited by any serious collector. Both the owner and his son were knowledgable and very pleasant men. The Yorkshire holdings were top of the range as were the field sports section. There were other groupings none of which were anything but worthy of perusal. - Chris Harte 26.10.09.
A superb bookshop, but not the place to buy a cheap paperback! Quality second hand books on a wide range of topics. On entering the shop you are instantly made welcome, and under no pressure to buy ... and what a beautiful building and setting. - Nigel Baker 10.06.17.
Harrison-Hiett at Toad Hall
Stone Lane
WIMBORNE Dorset BH21 1HB map
tel: 01202 880487 e-mail web
Open: 7 days 10.00 - 4.00.
A wide range of sound books in a book room. Hb & Pb. Lots of maps and prints. A "Shabby Chic" antique centre.
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Heygates Bookshop
67 High Street
BOGNOR REGIS West Sussex PO21 1RY map
tel: 07879408527
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
Large selection of pre-loved, new, out of print and collectors' books, as well as modern first editions. We also stock vintage annuals, comics and maps.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsPredominantly paperbacks but there are outcrops of hardbacks which increase towards the rear of the shop. Worth visiting if you are in the town but NWAD unless you are a paperback person. - Laurence Purcell 16.02.17.
Hurlingham Books
91 Fulham High Street
PUTNEY London SW6 3JS map
tel: 020 7736 4363 web
Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 6.00.
First editions, rare books, antiquarian books, atlases, maps, children's books and more.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsAlthough mainly paperbacks and hardback novels there were shelves behind the manager which contained some top quality local material. If that is your forte then put your nose around the door. - Chris Harte 27.06.09.
Badly located & looked dead - it was closed - and dishevelled when I tried to visit. - trading.ava 05.04.11.
Looks like this place (situated on a corner) has been divided in two with a large part of the shop going over to a party-organising enterprise. What is left is literally floor to ceiling mostly paper back books (some might say pulp) quite well 'organised' altho at least two deep on most shelves. Step-laddders are liberally provided for those with a mountaineering head on. It is worth burrowing and removing the first layer. I found several 1960/1970 paperbacks of interest. It does need a complete overhaul tho'. Lots of very dead stock and the stiff in the window is very faded and clearly has not moved for some time. Prices reasonable and the manager averagely attentive. (Glued to the Golf on his laptop) Very close to tube (2 mins). Open at the times it said it would be altho I had to take pot luck as its own site has no opening times (only on TheBookGuide did I find them) and repeated efforts to ring first (current debate) whether on mobile or landline were unsuccessful. - JM 24.07.12.
Ida's Country Corner
The Street
CHARMOUTH Dorset DT6 6PX map
tel: 01297 560252
Open: 7 days, 8.00 - 6.00 in summer, 9.00 - 5.00 in winter.
Small but growing stock of secondhand books, OS maps and prints. Westcountry books and railways.
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Inprint
The Folly
Farr's Lane
STROUD Gloucestershire GL5 2HH map
tel: 07595 591852 e-mail web
Open: By appointment only.
After nearly 40 years our High Street shop has closed but its spirit is alive and kicking on Facebook. In 2019 you can find us at Churchdown Book Fair on the first Sunday in the month and Circa Antique & Collectables Fair on the first Monday in the month. Expect interesting old books, maps, posters and other printed things.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsI ate until full, delicious! - The Book Glutton.
The sort of shop a book-fiend would want as a living room. - Adam Horovitz 29.10.08.
Excellent sensibly priced quality selection. Agree comments above, friendly knowledgeable owner too. Well worth a detour to Stroud. - Norman Davies - 05.08.13.
Heavyweight champion. 10/10. - The Boxer 17.09.13.
A very good bookshop with a wide range of books, including those I collect. The lady, who I assume is the joint owner is very pleasant and knowledgeable. I am happy to make a diversion to visit. - CB 04.08.14.
Great bookshop in a central location, with a good range of books and other items at reasonable prices, with interesting background music too. - SteveBrissle 10.06.17.
Our High Street shop closed at the end of April 2018. - Mike Goodenough 28.04.18.
Jasper Jennings Antique Prints
38 Whittington Court
Aylmer Road
HIGHGATE London N2 0BT map
tel: 07832 177378 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 7.00.
Historical, decorative and topographical British & European prints published c. 1650-1900. Printed sporting collectables, especially cricket. Former Associate Member of the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association (ABA). We are pleased to offer valuations for private, institutional and corporate clients, expert advice and commission buying, also collection disposal and cataloguing services.
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Jonathan Potter Ltd
5 Margaret's Buildings
BATH Somerset BA1 2LP map
tel: 07866 801897 e-mail web
Open: Appointment necessary
Specialist dealers in antique maps, charts, atlases and books on the history of cartography and travel.
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JW Books
The Shopping Courtyard
Stratford Garden Centre Campden Road Clifford Chambers
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON Warwickshire CV37 8LW map
tel: 01789 508031 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.30 - 5.00, Sunday 10.30 - 4.00.
Extensive range of secondhand books encompassing architecture, art, aviation, biographical, history, maritime, military, natural history, performing arts, topography, transport, travel, sports and Folio Society. Local interests: Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Also Fred Archer and John Moore. Regular attendee at Churchdown Book Fair.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsSituated in a new small retail development north-east of the town. Lovely setting; ample parking; perfectly built and designed - but no one around! The owner still has many crates to unload but what was on the shelves showed a high proportion of local and regional titles. Give him time to settle in. - Chris Harte 16.11.13.
Serves me right for not contacting owner beforehand: difficult to find, but looks like excellent selection. next door shop said owner only there occasionally but will open on request. - Norman Davies 13.08.14.
Now trading as JW Books (John Welch who is very personable and helpful). Small shop but well picked and very clean stock, fairly priced. Worth visiting. - Brian Stringer 02.10.14.
Recently moved from Evesham - TBG 05.11.15.
A shopping unit within a garden centre courtyard. Amazing how much stock can be crammed in and still browseable/accessible! Mostly hardbacks and most are in excellent condition. Fair prices on most things I looked at. Ended up with only 1 book but the proprietor was so personable I ended up chatting with him for the best part of an hour. General stock I suppose (something for most tastes) but I spied a fair amount of history (especially military) and a lot of Folio editions. Well worth a detour if in the surrounding area. - Flip M 06.02.17.
After my double strike out in Warwick, I took a return trip here. Happy to say it was not only open but well stocked (with more on the floor in boxes waiting to be sorted). Same comments apply as above, except more paperbacks this time, incl a batch of Star Trek and Star Wars novels. I found a few things to buy, at reasonable prices, in fact I was browsing for far longer than I spend in some larger shops. A good military selection but something for most tastes and WAD. - Flip M 29.07.17.
Visited 11.40am on a Wednesday, but was still unfortunately closed. After visiting the shop next door calls were made and it appeared he was opening a bit later and was doing a book appraisal elsewhere. The stock in this shop is impressive - All high quality and nearly all Hardbacks with DJ's and not much ex-library. I would go so far to say that it has the best military book collection on show in the Midlands, superior even than my nearby Astley Bookfarm. The owner is most pleasant and helpful and this is one shop you simply must visit if in the area. I came away with 6 purchases, all reasonably priced and a bulk-discount was offered. Other categories well-catered for are Folio, Railways, Politics, some foreign-language Art books, Biographies, Maritime, Motoring among others. Advise ringing before making the journey. - Laurence Batchelor 03.08.18.
An unexpected pleasure, unexpected because it's in the grounds of a garden centre. But certainly worth a visit as it's well stocked and the owner is knowledgeable and friendly. - J 11.11.18.
Lovely shop. Stock in good condition but thought the prices a bit high. Reading previous comments no one else has mentioned this, perhaps I am becoming stingier as I get older. - David 15.12.18.
Keel Row Books
11 Fenwick Terrace
Preston Road
NORTH SHIELDS Tyne and Wear NE29 0LU map
tel: 0191 296 0664 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
Rare & second-hand books, maps, ephemera & photographs bought & sold. Established 1981. Tyneside's longest running rare & secondhand bookshop. Member of the ABA, ILAB and PBFA. Sprawling early Victorian house now crammed with 40,000 books on every conceivable subject. Located in historic North Shields, close to the mouth of the River Tyne. A couple of minutes drive from the attractions of the coast.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsI counted six rooms but they also use the hallways and parts of the stairs, but no matter what the room count is the shop is big, relatively easy to park at, friendly (being more than happy to pull books from the window display for me to look at) and well worth the visit. The upstairs hall was being used for piles of books and boxes of comics and magazines when I was there but the shop is tidy and well laid out. - Jeremy Briggs.
Taken over by a new owner but the standard of books is still as good as always. Never leave Newcastle without a visit. - Chris Harte 14.04.09.
Good range of stock, very helpful staff. - Paul Simpson 28.07.09.
They now have a really splendid selection of Australian town and regional histories some of which are difficult to get even in Australia. - Chris Harte 12.09.09.
Like other big book shops in area (Alnwick & Carlisle) prices are generally too high, this one is not easy to get to or park by, there are some quality books here but if only there were the odd bargain it would be worth a visit. - PaulP 02.08.11.
The owner is very unpleasant indeed and I will not be recommending him to anyone and shall tell people of his impoliteness. - E 19.04.12.
The owner is very pleasant indeed and I will be recommending him to anyone and will always tell people of his politeness. He does have a low tolerance for pillocks, mind. - Steve Liddle 23.04.13.
Still the best s/h bookshop between Alnwick and York, I think. Went there on a fairly sunny PM. Plenty of stock to browse but some areas are too dark. Needs better lighting installed in the rooms with no windows. Bought 3 good books though. - Chris K 16.10.13.
Excellemt bookshop well worth a visit. Fair/reasonable prices. - Dickl 05.11.15.
Enjoyed a recent impromptu visit here with friends. Proprietor seemed pleasant & we were all pleased to find a decent selection of cheap but quality used stock & in my preferred area of science fiction. Made several purchases & would gladly visit to browse again. - Darania45 24.09.16.
What a great shop. Broad range of stock, most subjects covered. The place has real character with helpful staff. The general readers stock is fairly priced and the collectible books don't seem unreasonable. - Andy 20.11.17.
Completely transformed from the 1990s era shop that I still fondly remember. No tottering piles of paperbacks threatening to engulf you last you foolishly try to extract one to look at. Keel Row is a clean, tidy and welcoming establishment with room after room of neatly stacked, well organised titles, most if not all in very good condition. Prices are very reasonable and there are even bargains to be had if one looks hard enough. Parking is a problem, however, there is a free car park about five minutes walk away towards the town centre. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. - Graeme Rendall 11.11.18.
Landers Bookshop
Hall Street
LONG MELFORD Suffolk CO10 9HZ map
tel: 01787 378957 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00.
Lots of General new titles that are regularly updated. A good, wide selection of secondhand books. We undertake searches for new and hard to find titles as well as general second hand requests.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsA very small shop, with mainly new books and two shelves of general secondhand material. Apparently has another 1500 secondhand books in an inaccessible storeroom. - Tom Lawson 20.05.16.
Leigh Gallery Books
137 Leigh Road
LEIGH-ON-SEA Essex SS9 1JQ map
tel: 01702 715477
Open: Thursday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
Large general stock and particularly art, illustrated, literature and local topography. Also maps and prints.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsThe biggest and best of several secondhand shops in Leigh. Antiquarian and secondhand books, well-displayed and organised with quality books at reasonable prices. Recommended to browsers. - Bridget the Browser.
This is the sort of bookshop I love. Excellent stock with loads of 19th century items. Lots of quality mid-wars fiction and some stunning rarities in between other stock. Owner knew his subject and answered my queries with ease. Visit highly recommended. - Chris Harte 29.06.09.
This looks promising from outside and occupies a significant area ie two shops. tha said the stock is extensive although somewhat disappointing. Lots of dead stock and gaps on the shelves and little of real interest although the poster collection (Mainly French) was good.. Owner was helpful and knowledgeable but since Drif is being spoken of again, NWAD - JM 24.07.12.
Matters have obviously improved since JM's visit six years ago: this is an excellent shop, strong in all categories with plentiful stock and reasonable prices. The proprietor is extremely friendly and helpful (not something I've found I can rely upon in every secondhand bookshop. In my view, WAD! - Laurence Purcell 13.02.19.
Loe Books
Landreyne Manor
Coads Green
LAUNCESTON Cornwall PL15 7LZ map
tel: 44156 678 2528 e-mail web
Open: 7 days 9.00 - 5.00 by appointment.
Natural History, general antiquarian, specialising in the New Naturalist Series. Stock is held in a converted barn and several rooms, well organised!
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Mannin Collections Ltd
5 Castle Street
PEEL Isle of Man IM5 1AN map
tel: 01624 843897
Open: ?
Specialist dealers in Isle of Man items since 1972 with a large stock of Manx paintings, antiquarian maps and prints.
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Marrin's Bookshop
149 Sandgate Road
FOLKESTONE Kent CT20 2DA map
tel: 01303 253016 e-mail web
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.30.
Antiquarian and general second hand books, Kent topography, maps & prints. We are members of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association, and the PBFA.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsSaturday 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.
I visited this shop last year during a trawl of Kent bookshops. I enjoyed my hour spent here. For a start, the shop was open (I was holidaying in high summer, but most of the county's bookshops seemed not to notice). Then, it had a wide and interesting stock (I collect titles by individual publishers and binders, so my interests are genuinely varied). Finally, it offered a big reduction on what I would have considered to be a sensible sum for an unpriced title, presumably because I was buying several other books, none of which I would consider bargains but which I was prepared to buy. People need to realise that bookshops are businesses which need to make money to survive. If we only shop for bargains there will soon be no secondhand bookshops left. - Andrew 15.06.13.
Just to add another positive review on this charming bookshop. A lovely jumble of books with all kinds of treasures to find. Mr Marrin and his colleagues have always been friendly and well informed when I have met them at the shop and at fairs (though perhaps one or two temporary staff I have met have been less so as might be expected). No, they are not cheap, but I am afraid that as the last reviewer said, this is no longer a business where we can expect the rule to be a bargain. I do not find the antiquarian stock over priced though - and the proprietors do not mind a bit of a haggle. - Anthony Davis 09.02.14.
Maynard and Bradley
1 Royal Arcade
Silver Street
LEICESTER Leicestershire LE1 5YW map
tel: 0116 253 2712
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.30.
Fine books, maps and prints on all subjects.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsLooked very promising until you realised that most books had framed pictures hanging in front of them. Stock looked interesting but you can't easily move the frames. Chris Harte 01.04.09.
There was some large boxes in the way of the military stock (some other shops delivery I was informed) but upon asking the owner he was only too happy to move them and any pictures which were blocking books to the ends of shelves. One has to remember this seems to be a picture framing business 1st and a 2nd hand bookshop 2nd. I found the military holdings extensive, but on aviation and not my area which is naval. Pricing was reasonable and so 3 purchases made. The owner made me aware he has further stock upstairs but it's not priced or catalogued and not available for joe public yet. This shop along with Clarendon books makes the city worth a brief visit for any booklover. - Laurence Batchelor 06.10.18.
Michael Morris Antique Maps, Books and Prints
Weavers Green
Needwood
BURTON UPON TRENT Staffordshire DE13 9PQ map
tel: 01283 575344 e-mail web
Open: By appointment.
Varied stock but specialising in maps, plans, charts, atlases, prints, engravings, manuscripts and ephemera. Prices from very little to quite a lot.If you can give me an idea of your interests I may have something for you. I've been established - supplying libraries, museums, record offices, the trade and collectors - since 1993. I also buy and swap.
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Minster Gate Bookshop
8 Minster Gates
YORK North Yorkshire YO1 7HL map
tel: 01904 621812 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.30, Sunday 11.00 -12.30 & 1.30 -5.00.
Books on art and architecture, philosophy, theology, music, travel, history, local guidebooks, from leather binding to paperback. Old prints, maps and engravings are also stocked.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsWell worth a visit with an extensive and wide-ranging stock of beautifully presented books. - Andy Overton.
Not as good (as Spelman) but plenty to look through and worth a visit.- Geoff Hatherick 22.07.08.
One of the most picturesque and elegant bookshops in Britain in a tall townhouse overshadowed by York Minster. A wide range of subjects (reasonable prices including good quality remainders) in tiny rooms off a winding stair. - George Marshall 04.02.10.
Well worth a visit, the shop itself a superb house. Remainders and s/h but decent quality and prices. - Norman Davies 09.02.11.
Steep stairs to the basement remainders and the 2 storeys above, but well carpeted and with a good handrail. (Unlike another shop in York.) Treated myself to 3 large art and architecture items. Could have bought more - these were fairly priced heavyweights. - Chris K 18.06.12.
Visited in the spring of 2012 this is a lovely bookshop in a lovely setting. The sales assistant was very helpful and looked after my wet umbrella downstairs whilst I browsed upstairs. A good selection of military WWII books and reasonable prices. I left with 2 or 3. Like with most of York's second-hand book shops you'll need to park elsewhere and walk to this little gem. - Laurence Batchelor 08.01.14.
Super bookshop, makes York worth a detour. - PaulP 08.07.14.
Not been in for years, pleased to see a decent selection and good prices. Fell up the stairs though! - Anthony 30.08.14.
It was more the quality of the 'remainders' than anything else which caught my eye. The general stock was reasonable enough but it was the newer material which got purchased. - Chris Harte 23.03.15.
A very well-stocked shop, very clean and tidy. Usually superintended by one of three charming assistants. The basement has remainders, but is ever so-slightly damp. The ground floor features smart paperbacks, which have always at fancy prices, uncommon hardbacks, which are well-worth a careful kook, and an interesting range of drawings in the back room. The first floor features natural science, philosophy, politics and theology (is the common factor the right use of imagination?), and the top floor has Lit and History (even more imagination, and rather less imagination?), plus some Latin and Greek distributed about the staircases. There has been a marked increase in pricing levels, and I have noticed that the stock has tended to 'stick' much longer than it used to do Caveat emptor (et vendor). - The Bookman 16.07.16.
Had a good look round in all the rooms and only found a nice Yorkshire item for £3.99. Hope to be back next year. - Chris K 29.09.17.
Three floors and well worth extensive browsing. Some beautifully presented collector books downstairs. Nicely laid out throughout. I thought the prices were very decent. Came away with two volumes and happy with an hour spent very agreeably. - Ian Ellis 13.11.17.
Mix of solid roast beef of above average calibre, condition, and prices along with plenty of remainders - priced for tourists. Well categorised and worth a look but do not expect bargains. - Steven 18.05.18.
Naughton Booksellers
8 Marine Terrace
DUN LAOGHAIRE Co. Dublin
tel: +353 (0)1 280 4392 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
Naughton Booksellers have bought and sold used, secondhand, antiquarian and rare books since 1978. You can view our stock of 20,000 books, prints and maps online or visit the bookshop.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsLooked so promising from photos on their website. I noted, prior to visiting, a number of titles I wanted which were on their ABEbooks listings. On arrival told "all have been sold." A basement shop which was very neatly organised with books properly categorised. Every title marked for internet purchases. However, my visit left me feeling deflated. Had I missed something? - Chris Harte 09.11.15.
Very disappointed. Had to ring a bell for entry and then found it to be expensive and impossible to get to many books due to boxes stacked everywhere. - David 18.08.16.
New, Secondhand and Antiquarian Books
35 Station Road
SWANAGE Dorset BH19 1AD map
tel: 01929 424088 fax: 01929 424088 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.00.
A wide range of first edition and rare books, paperbacks and local interest books, maps and guides for the Isle of Purbeck. Latest bestsellers and new book ordering service. Situated in the main shopping street, 100 yards from the train station.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsVery friendly, informative advice given to me on telephone. Thank you for your help. - digi13 24.05.12.
Odd Things Shop & Caff
59 Oakenshaw Lane
Walton
WAKEFIELD West Yorkshire WF2 6NJ map
tel: 01924 255666 e-mail web
Open: Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays 10.00 - 5.00.
Secondhand and contemporary. Recommended poetry selection plus fiction, literature,art, collectors penguin, crime, thrillers, children's, maps. Something for everyone. All profit to The Yorkshire Live Music Project C.I.C.
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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.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsSituated 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.
Peter Harrington
100 Fulham Road
CHELSEA London SW3 6HS map
tel: 020 7591 0220 fax: 020 7225 7054 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 6.00.
First editions and bound sets, voyages, travel, atlases, maps, colour plate and natural history, Illustrated first editions of children's books, fine bindings and fore-edge paintings.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsParadise for the book voyeur. I bought nothing but was treated with great courtesy even with a bored 14 year old in tow. - Loyola 24.04.10.
Picaresque Books & Galerie Fantoosh
55 High Street
DINGWALL Ross-shire IV15 9HL map
tel: 01349 863140 e-mail
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
We have now moved to much larger premises allowing us to stock a range of older and rarer books as well as some locally published New books.
These are then complimented by a range of maps as well as local crafts etc.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsA bright,spacious shop,with a range of stock to suit all pockets.Friendly owner. - Allan Campbell 26.01.15.
The owner was very pleasant and knew his stuff - which was good, as we were from Australia. A very pleasant browse amongst old books. We even bought a few. - Exnavybloke 20.02.15.
Porth Mawr Book Cave
42 High Street
CAERNARFON Gwynedd LL55 1RH map
tel: 01286 678010 e-mail
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.00.
Situated within the Ancient Walls of Caernarfon Castle. Vintage and New Jewellery on the Ground Floor. The Book Cave in the underground Dungeons offers an interesting cross section of Antiquarian Books.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsBooks are mainly to be found in the basement of this small shop. Very strong on military and espionage with a couple of rows of topography. Prices all over the place. - Chris Harte 26.10.15.
A small basement room down a steep and winding set of stairs. Small stock, sign mentions their mountaineering and cycling books are located in a couple of nearby outlets towards Llanberis. - Graeme Rendall 15.09.18.
River Thoughtful Fishing Books
Old Barn
Bridge of Cally
BLAIRGOWRIE Perthshire PH10 7JJ map
tel: 01250 886327 e-mail web
Open: Most days except Monday 10.00 - 6.00.
A wide selection of second-hand, antiquarian and collectable fishing books,maps and prints. We also keep a small amount of general field sports titles. The shop is right opposite the Bridge of Cally Hotel. We are open most days but please ring ahead if making a special trip. Please ring the bell if the door is shut.
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Royal Mile Gallery
272 Canongate
EDINBURGH Midlothian EH8 8AA map
tel: 0131 558 1702
Prints and maps only.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsThey do not sell books any longer. Nice prints and maps though. - Alan Huyton 15.09.18.
Stephen Rench
Unit 8
Blackwell Business Park
SHIPSTON ON STOUR Warwickshire CV36 4PE map
tel: 01608 682224 e-mail web
Open: By appointment.
A specialized stock of around 4000 books concentrating on Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire topography, also Shakespeare, the Middle Hill Press, fine bindings, miscellaneous antiquarian + books about books. Some prints, drawings, watercolours, maps + manuscripts are also available. Catalogues issued. Visitors to the office are welcome - please contact me first as I am often out buying books.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsA dying breed unfortunately - a genuine book dealer with many gems on his shelves. Have bought many books from Stephen's website.It is always a pleasure to do business with him. - Alan 10.01.13.
A real gentleman. Very willing to open up and show the range of what he has, which is particularly good on topography. - CB 20.02.14.
Storeys Ltd
1 & 3 Cecil Court
CHARING CROSS London WC2N 4EZ map
tel: 020 7836 3777 fax: 020 7836 3788
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 6.00.
Antiquarian engravings, maps and prints.
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Talisman Books
Unit 4 Business Court
Rear 32 Buxton Rd High Lane
STOCKPORT Gt. Manchester SK6 8BH map
tel: 07523 236850 e-mail
Mixed stock, 50p to £50 generally. Lots of ordnance survey maps. Cookery, Terry Pratchett, Stephen King, collectables. Modern 1st editions. Books wanted, please ring or email.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsSmall shop but well laid out with very varied stock. Prices are fair and owner is friendly. Well worth a visit. - The Wanderer 09/01/09.
Lovely little two-storey shop, in very picturesque setting. Prices are good - and stock is suitably eclectic. Very friendly owner - can recommend highly. - Steve 10.05.12.
Charming, friendly little shop with stock over two floors - mainly non-fiction upstairs. Strong on local history and topography with lots of maps. Worth a visit. - Steven Kelly 30.01.16.
Change of address! The Marple Bridge shop is closed. - Flip M 29.07.17.
The Antiquarian Book Company
49 Hampstead Road
BRIGHTON East Sussex BN1 5NG map
tel: 01273 389526 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00 by appointment.
I have a small stock of publishers' bindings in paper and cloth, early dust jackets and some crime fiction especially bibliomysteries. I also buy and sell manuscripts, maps, photograph albums and ephemera. I sell at book fairs, see my website for details. I am not on abe books. Visitors by appointment only.
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The Book Shed Gallery
one mile off the R.600
(Wild Atlantic Way)
KILBTITTAIN Co. Cork
tel: 023 884 9961 e-mail web
Open: Usually open Sunday - Thursday but it's a good idea to call before coming.
We stock second hand and rare books on the arts, history, biography, militaria, travel, sport, gardens and horticulture, poetry, classics, technical and reference as well as some fiction. We also have a selection of maps and admiralty charts from around the world. Located half way between the villages of Ballinspittle and Kilbrittain
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The Bookshop
22 Market Street
KIRKBY STEPHEN Cumbria CA17 4QT map
tel: 017683 71804 e-mail web
Open: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10.00 - 1.00 & 2.00 - 5.00.
A small bookshop established in 1980 with an eclectic stock of new, secondhand and antiquarian books, maps and documents. Local maps and guides. Book finding service and mail order.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsNice little shop, couldn't find many second hand or any antiquarian books though. - PaulP 05.11.11.
Sign in window said it was open on Mondays 10-1 and 2-4. But not open on Monday 21 March at 11 or 12. As previously noted, looks (from the outside) to be new books only. - Mark V 23.03.16.
The Dawn Book Supply
5 Station Road
Carlton
NOTTINGHAM Nottinghamshire NG4 3AT map
tel: 01159 612624 e-mail web
Open: Monday & Friday 10.00 - 4.00, other days by appointment.
We have over 1000 non-fiction general books including maps, railways, history and much more. We also sell new & second hand Christian and religious books.
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The Old Library Bookshop (was Bloomindales)
The Old Library
Market Hall Market Place
HAWES North Yorkshire DL8 3QN map
tel: 01969 666054 e-mail
Open: Tuesday - Sunday 10.00 - 5.00.
Welcome to the secondhand bookshop in Hawes Market House, now under new ownership. Renamed 'The Old Library Bookshop', we continue to have a good selection of old and not so old books, cds , maps, vinyl records and other collectables. Please visit us and browse!!
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsBloomingdales Bookshop became notorious when owner Steve Bloom introduced a selective policy of charging 50p admission. The story went viral in January 2017 and Steve sold the business in July. Opinions of our reviewers were strongly divided and they are archived here.
NOW UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT, from whom we received a very warm welcome. - Mike 03.08.17.
Visited in October just before the grand opening. Shop looks very tidy and the new owner very helpful. I will visit again and hope the business is a success. - BradfordJohn 23.10.17.
The Petersfield Bookshop
16A Chapel Street
PETERSFIELD Hampshire GU32 3DS map
tel: 01730 263438 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.30.
The Petersfield Bookshop specialises in buying and selling antiquarian and second-hand books, but also sells antique maps and prints, new books, Ordnance Survey maps, artists? materials and has an on-site picture framing workshop.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsInitially everyone would find this shop fascinating, but it doesn't bear repeated visits. Prices are somewhat optimistic, stock doesn't shift very quickly and there is a dearth of new things going onto the shelves. - Nicholas Pendower 03.01.09.
I agree with this review - in addition they have taken out selling space to incorporate a book binding room and crammed the books into two other rooms where browsing because of restricted space is difficult . I sometimes feel that owners forget that it costs money to visit their shops and should do everything to ensure that items can be viewed comfortably. Gavin Richardson. 27.01.09.
I would have to agree with the comments above that, whilst the place is large enough to interest any first time visitor, there does seem to be a significant problem getting new books on the shelves and a second visit often isn't really worth the trouble for quite some time after the first. The books that are there are somewhat ambitiously priced although oddly this is not always true of the more 'expensive' books behind glass. The staff are helpful but can be somewhat eccentric. Don't hope to make an appointment with the owner who seems more interested in football than in books. Great to have both picture framing and bookbinding on site but overall a little shabby and has the feel of shop in slow, gentle decline. - RS 11.06.10.
Alas, all of the above comments were rolled into one for my visit. There are some very good runs on the shelves and the shop has many good books all over the place. It was the lack of compromise which threw me. I presented 42 (yes, forty-two) titles and suggested that as some of them were damaged then possibly a job-lot price might come into the equation. I was firmly put in my place and informed that "each item has been priced as such for a reason." I returned them all to the shelves and will no doubt see them again in years to come. - Chris Harte 26.01.11.
I visit this shop every 2 years .. I love it. Proper old fashioned bookshop, often hilarious prices but bargains definately known. - PaulP 02.08.11.
I used to value this shop but have grown increasingly frustrated. Four years ago I enquired about a pile of Victorian periodicals and was told they were waiting to be sorted. I have returned annually and every time they are still there unpriced and unsorted. What is the point? Why not give them away if youre not going to sell them. - Andy 10.05.12.
I have read the comments from our customers and take onboard what they have written and have to agree myself with some of the comments. We will endeavour to rectify the matters that have come to light because customer service is of the upmost importance. - John Westwood, The Petersfield Bookshop 15.05.12.
So when Mr Westwood has taken the appropriate action would he please post it here so that we can revisit his shop without the fear of being rebuffed by his staff. - Chris Harte 17.05.12.
Like Andy I have been asking for the price on the pile of Victorian journals here, on and off for several years. You would think that with at least two (and who knows how many more) potential customers keen to purchase, that someone would actually buckle down to some pricing. But no -- nothing happens. It's maddening! - Richard 18.05.12..
Dear Customers, with regard to your queries and problems, we are in the process of extensive change to the shop and the price structure of the cheaper books. Also, for some reason the pile of periodicals and the details of who wanted them have been lost. We appreciate your comments and would like to put things right for you our valued customers, so please can you call me on 01730 263438 so that I can speak to you in person and resolve or answer these matters, or any other matters or queries you may have. - John Westwood, The Petersfield Bookshop 31.05.12.
I am sure there are some good books here but can you find them? - No because empty bookcases are stacked in front of full bookcases - a total mess! - Pauline 12.07.12.
The whole place is full of unfulfilled potential and needs a dressing down and a make over from the likes of the hotel inspector. BTW bookshops are no longer about running away with bargains or bargaining. They are businesses and need to be run as such otherwise all we will be left with is Oxfams. - OWC 22.09.12.
My usual annual visit found even fewer books than last time and a mightily confused pricing structure. Were the books this price, that price, any price? Nobody seemed to know. What they certainly didn't seem to be was the price listed, either in the book or on the many notices hung around this, sadly, ever shrinking bookshop. - Andy 15.06.13.
I visit here about once every six months and have to say there do seem to be signs of change for the better. The shop is now smaller but still large by 2ndhand bookshop standards and the reduction seems to have concentrated the mind of whomever puts books on the shelves. There is new stock in lots of sections and less dross. Shop looks tidier and much easier to move around. I have to disagree with the previous comment and say I found the price structure for the general 2nd hand books very simple and straightforward, not rocket science. It's taken a lot of time and there's lots still to do but it seems this shop might just be getting its act together again. Worth visiting. - RS 10.07.13.
An excellent shop, well laid out, with something for most people and prices well within reason. Recommended. - Paul Dear 19.07.14.
What a change between visits. There has been a massive sort out of books; new shelving in place; some parts of the building leased out to other businesses and the formerly open frontage now enclosed. The quality of books on offer was good and I had no hesitation in making a few purchases. Prices somewhat high for the top-end range titles but that is a minor quibble. - Chris Harte 08.04.16.
I loved this shop having not visited it before. Large selection of all genres, I liked talking to the parrot, and it seemed well shelved and organised. Came away with several items after man on till made significant discount for some specialist titles. - Norman Davies 08.04.17.
The Time Traveller's Bookshop & Galler
The Glen - at "The Artist's Courtyard"
KINSALE Co. Cork
tel: 087 2903613 e-mail web
Open: 7 days 11.00 - 6.00 and by appointment.
We offer rare, unusual and important books and manuscripts as well as modern first editions, signed books of famous and not so famous writers, as well as Vintage Sea Charts and rare original photographs. We also deal in Rare and vintage Maps of Ireland and the world (16th to 19th century) as well as rare Vinyl Records.
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Treasure & Relish
10 Studley Road
HARROGATE North Yorkshire HG1 5JU map
tel: 01423 531 773 e-mail web
Open: By appointment only.
New & Secondhand Books - A lot of Arts related. Also, prints & pictures. Order online from our site.
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Treasure Chest Books
61 Cobbold Road
FELIXSTOWE Suffolk IP11 7BH map
tel: 01394 270717 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.00 (closed Mondays January - March).
East Anglia's Largest bookshop with something for everyone - over 60,000 books including the UK's largest stock of Transport/Shipping/Aviation Books (20,000+). Also Military, History, Art, East Anglian, Maps, Industrial History and a large stock of cheap Fiction/Classics/Childrens/Sci-Fi/Crime etc. Quality book always wanted.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsHuge stock all on one level, well organised and labelled, clean and fairly (but not cheaply) priced. Wide range of subjects. WAD. Located slap bang in the centre of town facing the triangular town square, and just across the road from a car park. - Roger Pearse 27.06.08
This is one of the best secondhand bookshops I have been to. Well organised & labelled & the shop seems to stretch back for miles! A lot of books, especially the collectable ones, have dustwrapper protection & new stock appears constantly. Have to disagree with Roger Pearse regarding prices - I think they are very reasonable. - Bee Clarke 29.07.09.
Quantity does not necessarily equal quality. Although this shop has a huge number of books on shelves which go deep into the back of the premises, the quality stock is to be found on the front shelves. Local titles are good but the majority of the rest is really just for the reader. - Chris Harte 24.02.10.
This has the most extensive collection of railway books at very reasonable prices I have seen for years. Genuinely WAD for other subjects too; the quality is in the specialist subjects as well as older books in the front. - Norman Davies 16.07.10.
A bit like Aladdin's cave, there is a lot more in this bookshop than might seem to be the case at first sight: room after room with books on most subjects, most of which are reasonably priced. Together with Poor Richard's, this makes Felixstowe a must for any secondhand book lover. - Geoffrey Warner 15.12.11.
As with its counterpart in Colchester, this is an extremely well-run and rewarding book shop. The stock is comprehensive and sensibly priced and the assistants were extremely helpful. There was a half-price sale on the day that we were there and we picked up a significant amount of good stuff. Highly recommended. - Nicholas Pendower 06.03.13.
Very well organised shop - remarkable transport collection. As for Castle bookshop Colchester a very good sale on at present. - The Herne 26.03.13.
The second of the two superb second hand bookshops in this provincial seaside town with a pethora of charity shops and one good charity bookshop. This place is truly tardis like and just kept going further and further back . I looked round outside and could not work out how it was done! There is a lot of transport specialism at the front of the shop which all looks good quality and reflects the new management interests. If that is not your thing, do not despair as there are extensive quality comprehensive sections on almost everything as you penetrate deeper, Rates the accolade WWAD as does Poor Richards, further towards the beach. - Jon Morgan 13.08.14.
Rounding off a most enjoyable visit to Felixstowe, this shop is unmissable. Transport selection alone worth the visit. But much to see in almost every section. Poetry especially well catered for and prices sensible. - Herne 26.04.18.
Undercover Books
Loose's Fleamarket
23-25 Magdalen Street
NORWICH Norfolk NR3 1LP map
tel: 07745 924388 e-mail
Open: Monday - Saturday:- 10.00- - 5.30, Sunday 11.00 - 4 .00.
A large and ever-changing selection of modern period 'classic' fiction in hardback and paerback, crime, sci-fi, 'pulp', horror. A good children's selection including early Puffin and pictorial board books are always in stock. Art books and hard-to-find titles in various genres. A solid travel section and a number of antiquarian books. Local interest, of course, and academic books too.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsThe fleamarket is an Aladdin's Cave and that's what, I think, they call it anyway. Undercover Books is set up upstairs at the front of the building on the first floor and it's a real delight. I was able to pick up some long lost sci-fi at a very reasonable price and could have spent a whole lot more time here just browsing a great selection of really interesting stuff. It's really a little gem. Highly recommended. - singsong64 04.02.12.
Appearing but once a week with an ever changing array of genuinely difficult to find titles curated by a veritable pulp meister - Nigel! (for that is his name) Go undercover and discover a world you thought was only in books ... book farmer 20.02.12.
Went back to Undercover Books after over a year and it is clearly on the up. Increased stock of high quality. Impressed by the fiction, modernism, crime, SF, drama, theory; also posters, comics, pamphlets ... a good atmosphere and a strong sense that the bookseller knows his onions. Prices seemed very reasonable. One of the best second-hand outlets of its kind in Norwich at the moment? - pinefox 12.09.15.
My first visit was disappointing as I stayed on the ground floor an found a lacklustre selection of books on shelves at the back of this vast emporium. Then I read the reviews above and realised that I had actually missed the real Undercover Books on the first floor at the front. A good selection in almost every genre with a very knowledgeable and attentive owner. He obviously knows the trade and the stock. Other charity shops in a large Oxfam with a good stock of charity stock books almost opposite. - Jon Morgan 06.07.17.
Vanessa Parker Rare Books
Old Thatch
MULRANNY Co. Mayo
tel: 00353 (0)8723 39221 e-mail web
Open: 7 days 11.00 - 6.00 July to mid September, rest of the year pot luck or appointment.
We stock a wide range of books with an emphasis on early children`s, illustrated, fine bindings & sets, antiquarian, Irish, poetry literature, history,horses & dogs, country pursuits, fishing, plus much more. See our slowly growing website for books for sale. We also stock prints wrapped ready for sale and genuine Antiques. In a very picturesque location overlooking the mountains across clew bay.
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Wayne the Book Guy
24 Prudhoe Street
NORTH SHIELDS Tyne and Wear NE29 6QX map
tel: 07760 251278 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 4.00.
Second hand, loved books and collectables. Both fiction and non fiction. All genres and tastes. Now moved to the Wilbury Inn Cafe. Enjoy a cuppa with your book!
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West Coast Rare Books
James Street
WESTPORT Co. Mayo
tel: (0) 87 2903613 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
We offer second hand and rare books, modern first editions and signed books. We also deal in Rare and vintage Maps of Ireland and the world (17th to 19th century) as well as rare Vinyl Records.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsA delightful shop with well presented, interesting books in very good condition. The owner is knowledgeable and pleasant. Some of the pricing is ambitious. Well worth a visit if you are in town. - Loyola 10.06.17.
Willow Books
Unit 2A
United Downs Industrial Estate St Day
REDRUTH Cornwall TR16 5HY map
tel: 01209 822011 fax: 01209 822321 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00.
Cornish bookshop including mining, geological, art, industrial heritage,language cooking, cycling, maps, guides and anything else relating to Cornwall. We are primarily an internet book shop but are always delighted for customers to come to our warehouse. Please telephone for details.
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