Second-Hand Bookshop Guide

This is by no means a definitive list, but I feel like second-hand book shopping doesn’t get talked about enough. Sure there are some incredible independent book shops that are great to support when buying new books - fiction, biographies etc - but the second hand book market is huge. And with heartbreaking footage of books being chopped up to be scanned in for AI purposes, I feel like it’s our duty to save the books.

FIG. I An honesty bookshop on Hay-on-Wye

Over the past few years, my love for a second hand bookshop has graduated from just popping into any shop I come across, to actively seeking them out or even taking a specific trip just to get to one I've researched. So I thought I would compile my favourite places to go. They're either places I’ve come across or been told about.

So this isn’t the longest list on the internet I’ve decided to keep it to 5….ok a mixed bag of 6 places.

There is a real mixture, and my hope in sharing this is that you also manage to find some absolute gems, because there are plenty of books to go around.

A note that these are generally located more towards the South West side of the UK, hopefully one day I will expanded my shopping further afield to make another one of these. But for now, this might just encourage you to book a trip.

FIG. II Hay Cinema Bookshop guide - given as you enter the store

Hay-on-Wye - Herefordshire

I’m going to start with probably the most obvious and fruitful of places, Hay-on-Wye. Known for literally being the town of books. There are so many second-hand bookshops here, it’s almost slightly overwhelming. But luckily, they knew this, and have dotted perfectly located coffee shops and cafes for when you’re overstimulated and need a cake.

My absolute favourite of the bookshops here though is Hay Cinema Bookshop, set slightly away from the main high-street the free guide to the bookshop they give you is an essential. We got lost in here twice. If you’re looking for something super specific they likely have it and apparantly they get calls from all over the world from collectors looking for things.

The gardening, floristry, photography and design sections were superb and unlike a lot of shops - no duplicates (some places have 5 versions of a Gardener’s World classic for example). I picked up some beautiful books on naming flora and garden design, two things you don’t see a lot of.

FIG. III A collection of books under 'Trees' in Broadleaf Books

Broadleaf Bookshop - Abergavenny, South Wales

We recently stayed in Little Mill Abergavenny and the wonderful owners had left a guide to their favourite spots in town. Broadleaf Bookshop was on it, and it was one of the first places we visited.

As soon as I walked in and saw the category ‘Trees’ I knew we were onto a winner. While the botanical range was vast, my husband also got to tick a few of his book boxes too, with lots of classics, cars and some beautifully illustrated guides - we both came out with around 6 books each, and lots left due to not having enough hands. One we will definitely be going back to next time we’re in Wales.

FIG. IV A few good hours needed for Rothwell & Dunworth

Rothwell & Dunworth - Dulverton, Somerset

Last year on a weekend break in Exmoor we headed into Dulverton for lunch. We came across Rothwell & Dunworth by accident, and I’m so glad we did. Inside was such an unusual mixture of topics, initially I wasn’t sure I was really going to find anything, but nestled away in the back was a 4 piece collection of British Floral Illustrations. It was all we could carry that day, but if I was to take another trip here, I'd give myself way more time.

One of the beautiful things about second hand bookshops, is that they don’t necessarily need to be super organised, spacious or pristinely laid out. In fact the shops that are more cosy, full and stuffy are generally full of better things. Of course a little organisation is nice, but half the fun is the hunt. Searching for treasure.

FIG. V It's a sad day when the bookshop is closed

The Frome Bookshop - Frome, Somerset

Our family is so close to Frome, I can’t not mention The Frome Bookshop. As we pop in here nearly every time we get a spare 10 minutes in the area. Over the years I’ve got some really nice books from here and again, the variation of categories is so nice to browse through when you have the time. It’s a much smaller shop than the others on the guide, so if you get overstimulated quickly - this is a good starting point.

They even have a book sale coming up on the 8th-11th of Nov, so if you’re in the area it’s the perfect time to check it out.

FIG. VI Currently on my read pile, from a recent visit to Barrington Court.

Barrington Court National Trust Second-Hand Bookshop, Somerset

The National Trust has been a big part of my upbringing, with so many places in Somerset and Dorset, there weren’t many weeks growing up when we didn’t visit somewhere. And we are lucky in Somerset - because we likely have the best National Trust second hand bookshop at Barrington Court. In fact it's not really a shop, it's a barn.

There are obviously lots of National Trust properties across the country, so it’s worth checking online to see what places near you have these shops, and they do list them separately. I'll be honest, not all are great, and I’m yet to find one as good as Barrington. Chartwell in Kent has a really lovely one if you're in that area too, but the one at Sissinghurst is very small - really just a few shelves.

Most of the books I've picked up from National Trust properties have been priced at either £1 or £2, which is of course so cheap and accessible to everyone.

FIG. VII Christopher Lloyd's collection of books at Great Dixter

Online

I won’t lie, as much as I love a snoop around a shop, there is also something lovely about searching from the comfort of your sofa. Over the years I’ve tried and tested lots of different online shops, but because of the sheer volume of articles coming in and out, a lot of shop websites are outdated or not updated frequently enough.

So here is my hit-list of places online to find the best books.

Oxfam online bookshop

Charity shops go without saying, but the Oxfam online bookshop is particularly great and my husband has got me a very limited edition book from here before. They have such a great collection that is being constantly updated, definitely worth checking and better yet everything you spend goes to charity.

Ebay

I can’t tell you how many amazing books I’ve got from Ebay over the years. This is where you will generally find independent bookshops actually operating, rather than via a online shop. My tip is to look at the sellers and see what other books they have listed, lots will provide bundles with discounts and you can save a lot on shipping.

If you’re looking for a series or collection, it’s always worth messaging as they likely haven’t uploaded it yet. The only downside I would say is that often images of the books aren’t great and seeing the overall condition can be tricky. But it’s worth asking for more photos if you’re really keen.

Vinted

My obsession with Vinted is yet to wane, is there nothing I can’t find on this platform? It’s worth checking every time, even for newer books. People get gifted things that they read and want to pass on. Just make sure to read those product descriptions clearly.

I know there are so many more incredible places still to discover, and I’m excited to continue stumbling across shops and being recommended destinations to visit. My bookshelves are already bursting at the seams, but I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you have somewhere you think I'd love or want to share, then please email us at hello@sowsociety.co.uk - I love recommendations.