There’s something magical about stepping into a bookshop where stories quite literally line the walls. Whether you’re hunting for a rare first edition, sipping coffee among shelves, or just soaking in the literary vibes, the UK has some of the most charming and atmospheric bookshops in the world. If you’re a bibliophile, these are the top 15 bookshops you must visit in 2025.
1. Daunt Books, London – The Edwardian Dream for Travel Readers
Daunt Books isn’t just a bookshop—it’s a literary time machine. Housed in an Edwardian building with oak galleries, stained-glass windows, and skylights, it feels like you’ve entered a travel writer’s paradise. Originally opened in 1912, it specializes in travel literature but also offers a finely curated selection of fiction, biography, and history.
What makes it special? Each section is arranged by country, regardless of genre. So in the France section, you might find Parisian cookbooks next to Camus and travel guides.
- 📍 Marylebone High Street, London.
- Visit their site: Daunt Books Official Website
2. Barter Books, Alnwick – A Book Lover’s Railway Paradise
Located in a restored Victorian railway station, Barter Books is like stepping into a real-life Harry Potter scene. With open fires, model trains running along the ceiling, and comfy seating throughout, it’s one of the UK’s largest second-hand bookstores—and probably the coziest.
It’s also where the “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster was rediscovered. Thousands of books are available, and the barter system lets you trade in your old reads.
- 📍 Northumberland, England.
- Don’t miss the Station Buffet café on site—perfect for curling up with a scone and a story.
- Explore more: Barter Books Website
3. The Bookshop, Wigtown – Scotland’s Largest Second-Hand Bookstore
Welcome to Scotland’s National Book Town. The Bookshop in Wigtown is the largest second-hand bookstore in the country, with over 100,000 titles spread across multiple rooms—and even a self-catering apartment inside the shop!
You can stay the night, help run the shop for a few hours, and truly live the dream of every introverted bookworm.
- 📍 Wigtown, Dumfries & Galloway
- Wigtown also hosts an annual book festival in September, drawing authors and readers from across the globe.
- Book your visit: The Bookshop Wigtown
4. Shakespeare and Company UK – A Hidden Gem in Southwark
No, this isn’t the famous Parisian store—but it’s inspired by it. Nestled near Borough Market and the Globe Theatre, Shakespeare and Company UK is a quirky indie bookshop with creaky wooden floors, handwritten staff recommendations, and a brilliant poetry and zine corner.
The atmosphere is raw and intimate—perfect for literary purists. They frequently host local poets and have cozy reading nooks tucked between shelves.
- 📍 Southwark, London.
- Look for the antique typewriter in the back corner—visitors are invited to leave their own words behind.
- This one’s a hit on Instagram for good reason.
5. Mr B’s Emporium, Bath – Where Book Buying is a Personal Experience
Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights offers one of the most unique bookshop experiences in the UK. Here, you can book a Reading Spa—yes, that’s a real thing—where staff interview you about your tastes and then hand-pick a stack of books just for you.
The shop is beautifully designed, with themed rooms, reading booths, and a passionate team that knows their literature inside out. Bath itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so you can blend your visit with a literary city break.
- 📍 Bath, Somerset.
- Literary + luxury = perfection.
- Learn more: Mr B’s Emporium
6. The Lit & Phil, Newcastle – A Bookshop in a Living Library
Technically a library—but it feels like a sacred space for bibliophiles. The Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle upon Tyne, lovingly known as The Lit & Phil, is the largest independent library outside London and has the soul of a historic bookshop. Founded in 1793, it’s home to over 170,000 books, many of them rare, and its serene reading rooms welcome the public daily.
The staff often recommend purchases, host book events, and maintain an onsite bookstall featuring curated selections. If you’re into atmospheric, history-rich reading spaces, this is unmissable.
- 📍 23 Westgate Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne
- Learn more: The Lit & Phil Newcastle
7. Word on the Water – London’s Floating Bookshop
Imagine browsing books on a vintage Dutch barge moored on a canal. That’s Word on the Water—London’s only floating bookshop and an indie reader’s dream. With wood-burning stoves in winter, live jazz and poetry in summer, and an eclectic mix of new and used titles all year round, this barge-turned-book-haven is unforgettable.
It’s also dog-friendly, eco-conscious, and a staple for anyone visiting King’s Cross or the nearby Granary Square.
- 📍 Regent’s Canal, King’s Cross
- Pro tip: Visit around sunset for stunning canal views and live music.
- Set sail here: Word on the Water
8. Leakey’s Bookshop, Inverness – A Highland Cathedral of Books
Housed in a converted 1793 church, Leakey’s is often called the most beautiful second-hand bookshop in Scotland. It’s towering with thousands of volumes, spiral staircases, and a giant wood-burning stove at the center—giving off the most charming, bookish warmth during Highland winters.
If you’re exploring the Scottish Highlands in 2025, this is a must-stop. It’s like stepping into a literary Hogwarts.
- 📍 Church St, Inverness, Scotland.
- Bonus: You might even find some Gaelic-language gems on the upper shelves.
- Explore more: Leakey’s Bookshop Inverness
9. Sam Read Bookseller, Grasmere – The Lake District's Literary Gem
Opened in 1887, Sam Read Bookseller sits in the heart of Wordsworth country. Surrounded by rolling hills and serene lakes, it’s small but deeply soulful. Specialising in literary fiction, poetry, nature writing, and Lake District heritage, it’s a haven for thoughtful readers.
This is the kind of bookshop where staff greet you by name, and locals pop in for daily recommendations. Plus, it’s right next to Dove Cottage—Wordsworth’s old home.
- 📍 Grasmere, Cumbria.
- Tip: Pair your visit with a walk through the surrounding hills and let nature and verse blend together.
- Visit: Sam Read Bookseller
10. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye – The “Town of Books” Icon
No bookshop roundup is complete without a nod to Hay-on-Wye, and Richard Booth’s Bookshop is its crown jewel. Booth—once self-declared King of Hay—started the global book town movement here. This shop is more than a bookstore; it’s a cultural hub with a cinema, café, and beautifully restored interiors.
Inside, expect rows of new and second-hand books, knowledgeable staff, and that perfectly hushed “book cathedral” vibe. Hay’s annual literature festival draws thousands, but Booth’s shop is a joy year-round.
- 📍 Hay-on-Wye, Wales
- Don’t miss: The bookshop’s author talks, rare book room, and in-house events.
- Start your visit: Richard Booth’s Bookshop
11. The Mainstreet Trading Company – A Rural Book Retreat in the Scottish Borders
Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, The Mainstreet Trading Company is a multi-award-winning indie bookshop that feels like a well-kept secret. It combines a bookshop, café, deli, and home goods shop—all under one roof.
The book selection is beautifully curated, the café serves artisan cakes and soups, and the shop regularly hosts author talks and workshops. It’s perfect for a slow, unplugged literary afternoon.
- 📍 St Boswells, Roxburghshire, Scotland
- It was named Britain’s Best Small Shop—and it lives up to the title.
- Plan your visit: The Mainstreet Trading Company
12. The Book Hive – Norwich’s Bold, Quirky Indie Bookshop
For something unconventional, head to The Book Hive in Norwich. This three-floor indie shop is fearless with its book choices—mixing poetry with politics, new fiction with offbeat philosophy, and everything in between. It’s a hub for experimental thinkers and curious minds.
Its mismatched furniture, hand-written notes from staff, and delightfully chaotic shelving make browsing a joy. The shop is proudly independent and champions small presses and debut authors.
- 📍 53 London St, Norwich
- Their “Sofa Sessions” literary events are a must if you’re in town.
- Discover more: The Book Hive
13. October Books – Southampton’s Community-Owned Bookshop
Not just a bookshop, October Books is a cooperative owned by its customers and staff. In 2018, they famously crowdfunded enough money to buy a former bank and transform it into their dream shop. Now, the vault holds radical reads and progressive literature.
Their shelves are rich in contemporary fiction, social justice writing, and sustainability-themed books. They also support local authors and regularly hold events, film screenings, and community discussions.
- 📍 189 Portswood Rd, Southampton
- Perfect for readers who love activism, diversity, and deep thinking.
- Explore: October Books
14. The Old Hall Bookshop – A Historic Treasure in Brackley
If you love your books with a bit of dust and antique charm, The Old Hall Bookshop in Brackley is a dream. Housed in a beautiful Georgian building, this second-hand and antiquarian bookshop is packed with hard-to-find titles in literature, philosophy, and history.
The creaky floors and original fireplaces give the space a classic, timeless vibe. It’s the sort of place where collectors and casual browsers alike lose track of time.
- 📍 Market Place, Brackley, Northamptonshire
- Look out for their rare book collection upstairs—it’s one of the best in the region.
15. Topping & Company Booksellers – Edinburgh’s Grand Literary Hall
Topping & Company is a majestic new addition to Edinburgh’s literary scene. With rolling library ladders, hand-built shelves stretching to the ceiling, and armchairs tucked in corners, it feels like a book cathedral. There’s even complimentary tea and coffee for browsers.
What sets it apart is its dedication to author events—hosting big names and debut writers nearly every week. The selection spans from current bestsellers to niche nonfiction and beautiful collectible editions.
- 📍 Blenheim Place, Edinburgh
- Located just a short walk from the Royal Mile, it’s a must for anyone doing a literary tour of Edinburgh.
Final Thoughts
With these additions, you now have a 15-bookshop-long literary pilgrimage through the UK. Each shop offers a different kind of magic—from floating barges to community-owned hubs, antique havens to modern literary salons.
These are not just stores. They’re sanctuaries. And in 2025, there’s no better way to explore the UK than one beautiful bookshop at a time.
FAQs – Bookshop Travel in the UK (2025)
Q: Are these bookshops accessible by train or public transport?
Yes. All five are located near train stations or accessible via local transport. Ideal for car-free trips.
Q: Do these bookshops ship internationally?
Most of them do, especially Mr B’s and Daunt Books. Check their websites for details.
Q: Can I take photos inside these bookshops?
Usually, yes! But always ask first—especially in historic or quieter locations like Wigtown’s Bookshop.
Q: Are there any book festivals near these shops?
Yes! Wigtown hosts a major festival, and Mr B’s in Bath often partners with the Bath Literature Festival.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
