Bookshops in Central/Shropshire

Attingham Park Second Hand Bookshop/SHREWSBURY/Attingham Park (National Trust)

Attingham Park Second Hand Bookshop Open at advertised times

Attingham Park (National Trust) Atcham SHREWSBURY SY4 4TP

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Open: Daily - see website for seasonal opening times.

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Located in the historic stables, the Grooms' Rooms Bookshop at Attingham holds a range of good quality secondhand fiction and non-fiction books. All are reasonably priced with proceeds going towards caring for Attingham Park. Grooms' Rooms Bookshop is run by volunteers, who organise all the donations received from supporters. Standard admission to Attingham Park applies to visit the bookshop.

One of the best National Trust bookshops across 4 rooms covering all subjects. Of all the many NT bookshops I have visited, only Blickling Hall's in Norfolk is bigger and better. PLF 18.04.24

Barn Books/WHITCHURCH/Pear Tree FarmNorbury

Barn Books Open at advertised times

Pear Tree Farm Norbury WHITCHURCH SY13 4HZ

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tel: 01948 663742 e-mail web

Open: Friday 2.00 - 4.00, Saturday 10.00 - 12.30 & 2.00 - 4.00, Sunday 2.00 - 4.00

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With three rooms of books - local history, gardening, countryside interest are the main topics - with books on many other subjects as well. The Bookshop is situated in a Barn in the Countryside with ample parking space.It is on the Cheshire/Shropshire Border with a Shropshire address but is just in Cheshire.

Latest hours, as on sign in the window: Friday 2-4; Sat 10-12.30 & 2-4; Sun 2-4 TravellingLibrary 18.05.18

Bishop_s Castle Railway Bookshop/BISHOP_S CASTLE/The Weighbridge Railway Museum Station Street

Bishop's Castle Railway Bookshop Open at advertised times

The Weighbridge Railway Museum Station Street BISHOP'S CASTLE SY9 5AQ

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Open: Second & fourth Tuesdays in the month (every Tuesday in school holidays), and on advertised open days, 11.00 - 3.00, and by appointment

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Small stock of railway books in a restored Great Western Railway banana van.

Buildwas Abbey Bookshop/BUILDWAS/Much Wenlock Road

Buildwas Abbey Bookshop Open at advertised times

Much Wenlock Road BUILDWAS TF8 7BW

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tel: 01952 433274 web

Open: Friday - Tuesday 11.00 - 3.00

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Second-hand bookshop at ruined abbey. Free to visit.

Buildwas Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery dating from the 12th century, now in the care of English Heritage. The second-hand bookshop here opened in 2021. The entire site is free to visit, although a £2 car parking charge for non-members of EH is payable (via mobile phone). The abbey ruins are open from 10am to 5pm daily in April-October and from 10am to 4pm in November-March. However, the bookshop, which is situated in the former ticket office in the grounds, is open for shorter hours and only from Fridays to Tuesdays. All proceeds go towards conservation work at the abbey.

The location is very rural. The abbey is on the opposite bank of the River Severn from the village of Buildwas. The nearest railway station is Telford Central, six miles away. However, Buildwas is served by the 96 Telford-Shrewsbury bus route, which runs every two hours (no buses on Sundays) and also serves Ironbridge and the Roman city at Wroxeter. There is no pavement for the last 100 yards before Buildwas Abbey, only a rough grass verge. There are several steps up to the site, but there is a ramp. No toilet facilities (the nearest are at Ironbridge, two miles to the east). Booker T 07.05.25

Charity Bookshop/CRAVENARMS/Unit 2Drovers HouseThe Auction Yard

The Charity Bookshop Open at advertised times

Unit 2 Drovers House The Auction Yard CRAVEN ARMS SY7 9BZ

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tel: 01588 673902

Open: Monday - Friday 9.30 - 4.00, Saturday 9.30 - 1.00

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A good honest charity bookshop, books are turned over every two months all in good condition and cheap. Add some friendly, helpful staff, what more do you want. Bazza 07.10.21

Thanks to Bazza's comments we realised that this shop has now re-opened after about 18 months. Visited yesterday and bought half a dozen or so. Strongest in paperback fiction but repays a good look round as we found a couple of gems. David 15.10.21

Excellent, well-laid out small charity bookshop, with very reasonable prices and usually some interesting items PaulH 03.11.22

Nice and neat shop with very friendly and engaging staff. What doesn't sell, at least for fiction, will be shipped off to World of Books so expect a swift turnover of stock, especially as everything is priced to sell. Large book collections will also be farmed off to local dealers, I was told. I therefore did not expect to find too much but a first edition of The Twits in the 10p bargain bin certainly made my day. Beware of price stickers but they probably won't have been on long enough to pose too much of a problem. Stive 07.03.24

This is an excellent charity book shop with a good range of books that are very reasonably priced. Craven Arms isn't a likely place to find such a bookshop but it is well worth visiting for this shop alone! PLF 15.04.24

This shop is always worth a look as they do have a good turnover of stock. Prices and condition are generally good and there are usually some more interesting titles. David 11.11.24

Always worth popping in good honest charity bookshop that turns its stock over regularly staffed by some delightful ladies (especially on a Friday) prices never bettered. Well done to everyone involved. 👍 Bazza 04.04.25

Ironbridge Book Shop/IRONBRIDGE/5 The Square

The Ironbridge Book Shop Open at advertised times

5 The Square IRONBRIDGE TF8 7AQ

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tel: 01952 432273 e-mail

Open: 7 days 10.00 - 5.00.

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Thousands of books in stock, new and old. Plenty to inspire the mind! Specialist in Penguin Books. In the heart of Shropshire, opposite the famous Ironbridge

Strong on popular paperback fiction. Also a good selection of original Penguins. Condition average and above. Prices seemed fair. Our main bugbear here was the way in which books had been shelved horizontally. David 09.10.21

Very small bookshop but full of character. Most of the downstairs is taken up with modern fiction, mostly paperbacks. The back wall is devoted to classics and about a dozen folios. A tiny section upstairs is dedicated to children’s and an impressive range of orange and green penguins. Prices seemed a little on the high side but maybe they’re capitalising on the tourists visiting the great bridge of iron. My main bugbear was the tendency to display books face on in front of more conventionally stacked books. You have to pull away books to reveal what’s behind. Certainly worth a visit if you’re a penguin aficionado though. Jon R 28.10.23

Much More Books Ltd/MUCHWENLOCK/6 High Street

Much More Books Ltd Open at advertised times

6 High Street MUCH WENLOCK TF13 6AA

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tel: 01952 727992 e-mail web

Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.00, Bank Holiday Mondays 11.00 - 4.00

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A friendly and fun family business trading since 2003. With over 40000 great secondhand books in stock alongside 5000 quality CDs and 2000 vinyls and 1000 DVDs, thus providing a wide variety of choice! Check out www.muchmorebooks.co.uk or www.muchmoremusic.co.uk or just come along and say hi! Mail order also available and we ship worldwide!

Nicely laid out, great selection of books. My only problem was prices, way over what I expect to pay, and indeed do pay elsewhere. I doubt I will bother returning. The Wanderer 21.12.09

Fantastic, friendly service. Relaxing atmosphere to browse wide range of books and music. Good value. Definitely recommend! A real treasure. Bilbo 18.11.11

Gone all neat and tidy. Stock well organised if a bit dreary and low key. However, always has something better in the window. Prices often very optimistic. Don't they know about turnover? Book Buyer 18.11.11

Visited this shop on a two-day break. Wonderful choice of books. I regretted not buying a particular book. In spite of not having the correct title, author or colour. They found it and sent it, superb service. Recommend highly. Hazel Wood 09.06.12

Excellent selection most categories, well organised. WWAD. Prices OK except for anything "first edition" where they can be optimistic to say the least. Norman Davies 24.08.13

This place has a fairly good stock of interesting books, but the prices are neither fun nor friendly. It is yet another shop that appears to be predominantly geared up for internet sales, and while there is nothing wrong with that in itself, it will undoubtedly put off the majority of passing trade. Needless to say, I quickly realised that it had nothing to offer me and I made a swift exit. Nicholas Pendower 12.04.14

This shop is a treasure trove! Such a huge range of books, dvds, cds and vinyl that it's difficult to leave without something, that's the only problem! The prices are fair and often flexible, give it a visit! Boudica 16.09.14

Much More Books is a lovely small town bookshop, with a wide range of reading materials at a fair price and there is always a deal to be done! The owner is always helpful and will go out of her way to find a particular title! I have personally sold books through the shop and been happy with the service and remuneration! Worth a visit! Uncle Buck 07.10.14

A very helpful young woman guided me around to the sections I wished to view. Books well set out in various categories. Purchased a few and had no problems with the prices. Chris Harte 25.07.15

These comments apply equally to Wenlock Books. It is possibly two years or more since I last visited these two bookshops. I was pleased to find that both shops have enlarged their stock and I found a large number of maps at Much More Books. I thought that the pricing for some of the maps was eccentric and the owner agreed and we were able to negotiate on the maps I selected. Both owners/managers were very pleasant and offered information willingly. A pleasure to find a town in the Midlands that has two good bookshops that are fairly adjacent. Wenlock Books also has new books which pleased my wife. CB 15.11.16

I agree with the very first comment from 2009. Some of the books here are way overpriced and the staff will not budge on price. I won’t bother returning in a hurry Archive61 01.10.21

Shelves are well organised and tidy. Some optimistic pricing but a good look round unearthed a few worth buying. Possibly they had been priced some time previously. David 01.12.21

A good sized shop, in an attractive town. Plenty of stock, prices are variable. There is a huge CD section. Bazza 28.03.23

Well stocked shop. Prices do vary but tend to be towards the high end. As previously noted also lots of cd's. Despite having a good look through we emerged empty handed. On the positive side Much Wenlock is a very attractive little town. David 09.03.25

The bookshop, which has been run by the Challinor family since it opened 22 years ago, has recently been put up for sale as the owners are seeking to retire. "It is time to hand over the reins," they say. The shop is continuing to trade as normal while a buyer is sought. The sales details state that the accounts are available to end-October 2023 and that the business has an annual turnover of slightly over £70,500, with a gross profit of just over £58,000; the net profit is not revealed in the broker's listing. It is to be hoped that the business will attract a buyer and the premises will remain a bookshop. Booker T 03.05.25

Oxfam Bookshop/SHREWSBURY/10 Dogpole

Oxfam Bookshop Open at advertised times

10 Dogpole SHREWSBURY SY1 1EN

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tel: 01743 363380 web

Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 4.30.

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For a charity shop, I could not believe how expensive this shop was. The staff were very helpful and the shop was well stocked but the price of the books was crazy. The Brummie Bookman 16.07.11

Some prices seem to have got slightly more reasonable recently - about time too. BUT whoever prices the stock still thinks this is Central London. Do they want cash in the till or books on their shelves? Their stockroom is always full. Book Buyer 18.11.11

One of the better Oxfams in terms of non-junk stock so worth a look when "doing" Shrewsbury. However ridiculous prices for the goodies: I was told: "every book is priced through Abe Books". No comment. Norman Davies 19.04.12

All the above reviews are correct. I could hardly believe what I witnessed on my visit to a fairly bog-standard Oxfam shop. The manager was going around the shelves changing marked prices in the books. I stayed and watched, without him realising, and saw mark-ups of sometimes 50% taking place. The comment about using ABE prices is incorrect. The pricing is done at random and is of a stupidly high level for run-of-the-mill tat. A shop to avoid. Chris Harte 08.01.13

Between Rocky and a hard place. 0/10. The Boxer 26.09.13

Excellent stock on all subjects, well-ordered, shelves changed out regularly, so keep checking. Helpful, friendly staff. Some rarer items at rare prices but bulk of stock is reasonably priced. Gift-aiding available. Paul 04.12.13

Just read other comments. Much nonsense. Generally accurate pricing shown by shop's thriving. I've heard customers say prices too low. Sales tables where stock goes for £1. If prices were "stupidly high" the shop would have to close. Paul 04.12.13

Expensive and over-staffed. Customers are routinely forced to interrupt their browsing so that shelves can be re-stocked by redundant busy-bodies. Why can't they just wait five minutes? The Dikler 29.04.16

Just bought a £300 book for £2. So scarce it was not on abe and this has happened before. Beware staff with loud voices shouting across shop. Bembo 16.07.16

What a change since my last report. A new manager has certainly changed things around. The quality of the non-fiction titles has improved and there are some quality books on the shelves. Prices are still a bit high but getting good material should mean few mutterings. The CD section is superbly arranged. At the front of the shop is a 'book bargain' section which a dealer confessed to me is where he buys some of his stock. Chris Harte 20.02.18

Very ordinary 1890's prize binding £30. Do they ever sell any? Paddy 29.08.19

An above average and very well stocked Oxfam. The standard ANTIQUARIAN AND COLLECTABLE section is here replaced by OLD AND UNUSUAL. Well,the books are certainly old... Laurence Purcell 24.08.22

If only all Oxfam bookshops were as good as this one. Sensible pricing, bright and welcoming staff. Picked up two bargains, one from the old and aged section Highly recommend a visit. Bazza 30.03.23

Agree with the other recent reviews. This is a very good Oxfam Bookshop. Much better than the one in Ludlow, judged by quantity, quality and pricing! A good range of local books plus academia and other subjects. Definitely visit if in this fine-looking town. PLF 18.04.24

One or two empty shelves on this visit but it looked as though they were in the process of a little reorganisation which would account for it. Everything is well categorised and, for an Oxfam, their prices are fair. We made a couple of purchases and will always call in when in Shrewsbury. David 11.11.24

Large and inviting shop well worth a browse. I found an hardback travel book (C Thubron) that is current and full price in Waterstones - lovely find! Richard U 26.02.25

Peter J. Hadley Bookseller ABA ILAB/LUDLOW/132 Corve Street

Peter J. Hadley Bookseller ABA ILAB Phone before travelling

132 Corve Street LUDLOW SY8 2PG

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tel: 01568 368937 e-mail

Open: Friday (& Saturday?) 10.00 - 4.00 but ring first

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Lots of architecture, art and history as well as other subjects as they come along. A bargain book trolley with all items at £1 will be outside. Despite being the British Isles smallest bookshop, there will always be new items on display.

Welcome return to Ludlow. Tiny shop at bottom of hill. Blink and you,ve missed it. Interesting selection of quality books in good condition. Prices reasonable, and friendly owner will discount - always a bonus. BookBuyer 13.01.17

Currently open on a friday 10-4. How do you expect to sell books? Barry Hillier 04.10.21

I must be a glutton for punishment. Returned to this small bookshop, just out of the main town on a Saturday, full of interesting items seen through the window but yes it was shut again. I despair, maybe third time lucky. Bazza 28.03.23

From a conversation, I gather this bookseller also provides the book stock for the cafe 35 West, Leominster (see under Herefordshire) so if you miss the opening hours here, it's worth a spin down the A49 to visit that, along with the other bookshops and antiques centres in the town. Mark V 27.08.24

As we were in Ludlow on a Saturday we walked down Corve Street to check out Peter Hadley. Not surprisingly he was closed. There was no information on door or window regarding alleged opening hours. David 09.03.25

Raven Bookshop/SHREWSBURY/Second Floor GalleryThe Market Hall

The Raven Bookshop Phone before travelling

Second Floor Gallery The Market Hall SHREWSBURY SY1 1HX

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tel: 07939 665583 e-mail

Open: Tuesday & Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9.30 - 4.00, Thursday 11.00 - 3.00

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A refreshing new bookshop which takes the place of two former outlets on the second floor. A good selection of titles; one room being fiction, the other all major categories. Very strong on Shropshire publications as well as plenty on military and politics. Go round at least twice to pick up the odd gems. Chris Harte 20.02.18

A great bookshop with very reasonable prices. Each time I visit I buy a pile of books ! Archive61 01.10.21

Rather heavy on paperbacks. Check times before you go as a chalked notice outside (rather like a restaurant) implied that these may vary. Laurence Purcell 24.08.22

Second Chapter Books/SHREWSBURY/17 St. Mary_s ParadeSt Mary_s Place

Second Chapter Books Open at advertised times

17 St. Mary's Parade St Mary's Place SHREWSBURY SY1 1DL

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tel: 01743 235151 e-mail

Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.00.

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Small secondhand bookshop with a wide range of stock, good selection of History, science fiction and local books. Located in St Mary's Parade.

Situated on the lower level of a Grade II listed building, formerly the Royal Salop Infirmary, this shop has a welcoming persona which can instantly attract. What made my visit so pleasant was the easy manner of the owner and his effort to find for me a rare volume on a subject of my interests (instantly purchased). The layout of the shop makes browsing easy and all subjects are well categorised. However, it was local and county titles which really caught my eye. A good quality selection. Worth a visit. Chris Harte 20.02.18

Still in the same building, but has recently expanded to a much bigger unit and is more than double the size it was previously.. Some interesting stock Archive61 01.10.21

Well stocked with a speciality in sci-fi, strong on history too. Too many paperbacks in the fiction sections for my liking but not everyone minds that. Laurence Purcell 24.08.22

Ordered two Tolkien books which Neil packaged and sent off very quickly and securely, after visiting the shop in person.

Would most definitely buy from again, and Neil was super helpful and professional during the whole process - well worth popping in to see what he's got in stock! Thomas Longshaw-Young 13.05.24

Welsh Bridge Books _ Collectables/SHREWSBURY/127 Frankwell

Welsh Bridge Books & Collectables Open at advertised times

127 Frankwell SHREWSBURY SY3 8JU

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tel: 01743 359995 e-mail web

Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.

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interesting and unusual books, ephemera, photographs, vintage toys, juvenalia, transport collectables, music memorabilia, militaria, sports, antiquarian. We stock an eclectic variety of hard-to-find items, so please feel free to contact us.

Lovely atmosphere and a great selection of not only books, but all manner of interesting things. A real gem. Bibliopolis 11.11.19

A fantastic shop, spread over three floors. A great turnover of stock and well priced. Archive61 01.10.21

An interesting shop in a beautiful old building. All manner of items for sale. Books well priced. Definitely WAD. David 15.10.21

A veritable Aladdin's cave, well worth seeking out in a rather louche area just over the Welsh Bridge and therefore out of the immediate centre. Strong on local and regional books, transport, children's books and Folios. Admittedly, the fiction stock looks a bit jaded and (to keep you on your toes) is not arranged alphabetically by author. Laurence Purcell 13.05.23

What a gem of a place, sometimes a bit of a dig to find what you are after, but seek and ye shall find. Recommended to visit, but beware the local parking may not be easy. Anthony 02.10.23

A unique and interesting shop. We always find something to buy here. Also sells old toys, games and various other items. Well worth the visit. Frankwell car park is close by and there are a limited number of free 1 hour parking spots round the corner. David 09.11.23

Always enjoy visiting this beautiful shop. The building is 16th century and contains many unique items giving it something of the look of a museum as well as a bookshop. It is slightly out on a limb although easily walkable from the town but for those less mobile Frankwell carpark is nearby.

Books are well categorised and cover all subject areas. Pricing is fair. Should you be interested in buying Triang trains, film posters or magic lantern slides etc... you will find them here as well. The music played is somewhat different to the usual but is not intrusive. We made a few purchases and will be back.WWAD. David 11.11.24

Yarborough House/BISHOP_SCASTLE/The Square

Yarborough House Open at advertised times

The Square BISHOP'S CASTLE SY9 5BN

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tel: 01588 638318

Open: Thursday - Saturday and Bank Holiday Mondays 10.30 - 4.30, Sunday 1.00 - 4.30

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We have a large selection of secondhand books covering all topics and we are major specialists in secondhand classical records. Our coffee shop serves tea and coffee throughout the day, and we also have a range of selected gifts and cards.

Well-stocked, pleasant, with refreshments and located in one of Shropshire's more interesting little towns. - Paul Lister.

Very nice indeed with an excellent little cafe and a massive selection of classical CD's & LP's to complement a good selection of general books. Steve Archer 17.09.09

I agree with Steve Archer - I didn't have time to sample the cafe but made three excellent book purchases (one a volume I'd even failed to locate on the internet) and was only deterred from making more by the prospect of domestic disharmony! Henry Middleton 15.10.09

A very pleasant place with decent coffee and lots of room. The CDs were selling very well on my visit although not so the books. All titles were neatly housed in their correct sections although there seemed to be nothing on sale which was pre-1980. Quite a few browsers who appeared attracted to the large Folio Society section. The town had a few tourists ambling around although my nephew, who lives there, said the real activity starts as soon as the pubs close. Chris Harte 13.06.11

Great location and an excellent selection of CDs and books, well-ordered and looked after and most at very tempting prices. Brett Sidaway 30.07.11

Interesting stock - reasonable prices. Worth a detour to see the range of s/h CDs and LPs - amazing variety of classical composers/performers. Surrounding countryside worth visiting, summer or winter. Town retains elements of 'knit your own brown rice' population. Book Buyer 18.11.11

Agreed all above, this has an excellent book selection and the largest classical CD selection methinks outside London. Brilliant. Both recent visits I had to put up with braying green wellie people so take earplugs! Norman Davies 19.04.12

Fabulous - always something to buy - either CDs or books or both. The way bookshops should be! Sandy 03.07.13

Always a discerning selection in literature, especially unusual European titles. The large stock of classical CDs and albums is a pleasure to browse. Very civilised, and reliably open on Sunday too. Mark 16.11.13

This was quite a find and offered a good selection of sensibly priced books, CDs and classical vinyl. The owner was most helpful and the whole atmosphere of the place was relaxed and very civilised. I enjoyed my visit enormously and certainly hope to make a return visit in the not too distant future. Nicholas Pendower 12.04.14

Fantastic and always has been. Just 2 more like this in the UK and the world would be a better place! Rich 31.05.14

One small-ish room with classical LPs and CDs in the centre and a small but discerning stock of books around the walls, notably literary paperbacks, music, history. Also a cafe selling coffee and cakes. Worth the climb to the top of the hill when visiting this enjoyably eccentric town. Mark V 25.08.24

Secondhand and Antiquarian Bookshops in the UK and Republic of Ireland