Bookshops in North East/County Durham

Bijou Nearly New (next to Snipz hairdressers)/HARTLEPOOL/Hesleden Road

Bijou Nearly New (next to Snipz hairdressers) Open at advertised times

Hesleden Road Blackhall Colliery HARTLEPOOL TS27 4EA

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tel: 07779 043330

Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 -3.00,closed Wednesday, Saturday 10.00 - 12.00

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Small but interesting stock of secondhand books. Donations always accepted (book recycling we call it !)

A modern day 'Old Curiosity Shop' with lots more to buy besides books, retro and new. Lovely friendly helpful owner. Well worth visiting ! Angela 06.12.12

Bondgate Books/BISHOP AUCKLAND/50 Fore Bondgate

Bondgate Books Phone before travelling

50 Fore Bondgate BISHOP AUCKLAND DL14 7PE

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tel: 01388 665516

Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00. * SEE LATEST REVIEWS.

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Rather disorganised but a good stock of fiction both paperback and hardback, and particularly, science friction. There are also sections on biography, children's and a few DVDs. Worth a visit but not a detour. Geoff Martin 19.05.09

I called today at 10.30 and they were shut so times can be erratic I suspect . Geoff Martin 27.07.09

As a regular visitor to this shop I feel your previous reviewer downplays it somewhat.A really good stock of fiction, non-fiction, collectables and specialty books. Now has a book binding facility, and music selection is being introduced. Hidden jewel. John Crick 16.03.11

Rather on its own in this area, this shop is somewhat scruffy and a bit of a jumble. While there are a few good things to be had, some of the prices, particularly for Bishop Auckland, are a little on the optimistic side. Not really worth a special trip. Nicholas Pendower 14.08.12

Absolutely astounded at the prices of some potboilers in my preferred areas of interest. Always come away empty-handed, sadly. Anthony 27.10.12

Went back last Saturday, actually made a purchase! May make more occasional visits in future. Anthony 25.01.14

Have to agree with previous comments re pricing and layout. Nice welcome didn't make up for very optimistic pricing. I'm not about to pay £10 for a slightly dog-eared slim paperback which has to be teased out of a heaped pile of similar hopefuls. If these books sought asylum at some of the charity shops down the road, they'd be a quarter of the price. The front door didn't shut properly, either - making standing nearby a draughty experience! Graeme Rendall 09.02.14

I visit here several times a year. I find the staff pleasant & helpful with a good choice of books for a relatively small shop. I typically browse & sometimes find a bargain old book amongst the old SF & fantasy paperbacks making occasional visits worthwhile. Darania 23.10.15

The shop is closed for refurbishment, will reopen in March. Geoff Martin 12.02.18

The owner has opened up a temporary shop two doors down at number 52 until his shop is ready to open again. geoff martin 22.02.18

The March re-opening date appeared optimistic. Seems now to be called Gordon's Books (according to sign in window of No.50 which is still undergoing refurbishment). As above, currently trading from No.52 and has boxes of books in the adjacent shop (No.53?) as well. Due to the temporary nature of the current premises everything is a bit chaotic, although the owner has managed to sort out several hundred titles into broad categories on the available shelving. Everything else is in loose piles on the floor or in boxes next door. Owner very friendly and open about his situation and lack of stock on view - hopefully this will improve soon so he can attract more customers. Graeme Rendall 10.07.18

Stock rather disorganised. Owner helpful but he said he is going to be closing soon as doesn't want to be "the last man standing" as many businesses in the same street have gone. David 06.10.18

As many other reviewers have said, this is chaotic. That said I found three books of interest at very reasonable prices. The Driff label of FYA (Follows You around) is applicable to the very friendly owner who recommends random titles to you and bemoans that fact that he has no time to organise things. he also, unbidden, gave me a credit note for what appears to be a sister shop in Darlington. (I didn't use it). The owner works a market stall selling books. NWAD but worth a ferret if in the area. parking is close by. Jonathan Morgan 31.07.19

I can confirm that Gordon has reopened to a slightly smaller Bondgate bookshop with two floors of books ranging from geography, history, science, poetry, general fiction & a decent selection of SF, fantasy & horror & will sell selected paperbacks at small discounts to regular customers. Darania 31.07.19

Plucked up courage to visit today, if you are into mining and industrial history, there is an amazing treasure trove but seemingly unpriced. To quote the owner "always a deal to be done". Chaotic crates of books block the shelves and despite temptation, I didn't make a purchase as time was short. Anthony 18.01.20

Opening hours are erratic. He does have a stall in Crook Market on a Tuesday, but check the shop if travelling. Steve Bamlett 18.06.23

Book Aid/BARNARD CASTLE/10 Galgate

Book Aid

10 Galgate BARNARD CASTLE DL12 8EQ

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tel: 01833 630209

Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.00.

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Charity bookshop devoted to theology and allied subjects.

It sounds like a charity shop but actually turns out to be a small Christian bookshop. Jeremy Briggs

Seems to be well run and organised, but it is exactly what it says it is and has nothing for the general reader or collector. Nicholas Pendower 14.08.12

If this is the same shop I went in about ten years ago it is a real tardis of a place. Downstairs is a small Christian bookshop but find the hidden away staircase and go upstairs to attics full of of hardback theology and academic texts. Shardovan 14.06.14

Now at 10 Galgate (across the way from its former base at no.5), it is essentially the same as before. The only marked change is that Maurice Abrahams, who established it and ran it for a long time, is rather less in evidence than before: a great shame. The Bookman 06.05.19

Book Emporium/DURHAM/Unit 55Durham Market HallMarket Place

Book Emporium Open at advertised times

Unit 55 Durham Market Hall Market Place DURHAM DH1 3NJ

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tel: 0191 384 6153 web

Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 4.30

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Selling a wide range of second-hand books of all types.

Worth a look - some other good units to browse too. A decent selection of fiction and non-fiction stock. Chris K 15.01.16

Not a lot of any great interest. Mainly mass market paperback fiction and remainders but not a huge stock of these. Nice market though. Jonathan Morgan 31.07.19

Small room's worth in an indoor market. Middle of the road stock, no "collectable rarities" and no unsaleable rubbish. Pleasant owner. Adrian 11.04.22

I always have a look when passing and spending time in Durham, never yet made a purchase, but the stall must do ok for it still to be there. I guess paperback fiction is the stock in trade and must turn in a decent income. Anthony 24.07.23

Butterwick Hospice Book Shop/STOCKTON-ON-TEES/118 High Street

Butterwick Hospice Book Shop Open at advertised times

118 High Street STOCKTON-ON-TEES TS18 1AY

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tel: 01642 678050

Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00.

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We stock a good selection of fiction and non fiction books. We also stock a number of old and signed books. All proceeds are for the Butterwick Hospice charity.

Darlington Lion Club Bookshop/DARLINGTON/Houndgate Mews Arcade

Darlington Lion Club Bookshop Open at advertised times

Houndgate Mews Arcade Blackwellgate DARLINGTON DL1 5HG

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tel: 07504 429 635 e-mail web

Open: Monday & Thursday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.00.

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Situated in Blackwellgate between Boyes & Guru We have a vast selection of good quality paperback & hardback fiction and non fiction books devoted to biographies, mysteries, cookery, sport, gardening, health, science fiction. Classics, children's books and many more topics. All books are donated & all proceeds go to charity. Please visit our website.

Pleasant charity bookshop with wide range of fiction-non fiction titles all at bargain 50p each & friendly, helpful staff. Only problem is that it's only open erratically 3 days a week, so visiting is often a gamble. Zeitgeist45 10.05.14

Lived in the area for 12 years, first visit today - going to be a place to watch. Only made one purchase today but surprisingly well laid out, bright and some good stock. Anthony 18.02.16

An unsung gem. A bit like a lucky dip, sometines you win, sometimes you lose. Nothing higher priced than a pound, give it a go! Anthony 02.05.23

JN Vokes/DARLINGTON/61 Coniscliffe Road

JN Vokes

61 Coniscliffe Road DARLINGTON DL3 7EH

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tel: 01325 469449

Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.00.

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20,000 titles including books about North East England, the arts and topography.

Smart, bright, well laid out, medium sized shop just off the town centre, with a friendly welcome and a good selection of books. Jeremy Briggs

Awkward to find but well worth the effort. The holdings on the North East are superb and account for most of the quality stock. Plenty of other titles which are fairly average. Chris Harte 13.10.09

As a regular patron of this excellent shop, I am in a good position to comment. The books are in well above average condition. If there is a problem Jeremiah will tell you about it. The service is friendly and the shop is well kept. Mark Hemming 12.10.11

Easy to find on the outskirts of the town centre. An attractive shop; was a chemists before. Has good high ceiling and white walls. Table with local history and transport pamphlets etc to search. Owner now thinking of closing down in a few months as local trade fairly quiet. Will still attend PBFAs fairs. Found 2 good volumes of old postcards of the town to add to my collection. Chris K 09.01.15

Called to arrange a visit & shop was open upon arrival. Owner very articulate & friendly & I made several purchases. Small but very neat shop reflecting owners character. Specialising in Sherlockania, local history & Tolkien. Darania 11.08.16

John Turton/CROOK/1-2 Cochrane Terrace Willington

John Turton Appointment necessary

1-2 Cochrane Terrace Willington CROOK DL15 0HN

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tel: 01388 745770 e-mail

Open: By appointment only

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General stock in shop, specialist stock of antiquarian, bindings, ecclesiastical history and architecture can be viewed by arrangement.

This really is the ultimate in Aladdin's Cave. Search for hours in the dim light and you will be rewarded. Allegedly has a warehouse full of books I collect but I am always told that I have called at the wrong time. Chris Harte 14.04.09

Best bookshop in North east - if only it wasn't so far from anywhere. As soon as you enter - that special smell of quality old books... priced fairly as well considering just how interesting the books are. Really WAD Paul P 11.05.10

I strongly advise checking some days in advance that the shop will be open. I turned up on a Friday within the stated opening hours to find the shop locked. There was no reply to the phone. This is hardly a novel experience in visiting out of the way bookshops but it's always an annoying one. There were few other reasons for visiting Willington that I could see. Laurence Purcell 30.09.10

This shop is no longer open at anytime, but if you ring they will arrange to let you view. Geoff Martin 19.03.13

Has anyone been here of late? The location is actually Willington, and the frontage looks most foreboding and uninviting. I visited years ago, and despite being local, have never really fancied venturing back! Anthony 02.05.23

The answer seems to be that the High Street premises are no longer in use, and the business operates from another address nearby. Details now corrected. TBG2 02.05.23

McNab_s Books (was Curlews)/BARNARD CASTLE/11-13 Market Place

McNab's Books (was Curlews) Open at advertised times

11-13 Market Place BARNARD CASTLE DL12 8NF

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tel: 01833 630455 e-mail

Open: 7 days 10.00 - 4.30.

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Small secondhand stock and new books. We have the cafe next door, No.15. We stock giftware, greetings cards, wrapping paper and Lamy Pens and refills. Regular evening events, including storytelling.

Just reopened with new owners, this is a nice shop with some tables and sofas if you purchase food from the cafe next door, the secondhand stock takes up about half the shop. It is a varied range of subjects and reasonably priced. The food is good too. Geoff 30.01.19

This shop is half new and half s/h. The amount of stock in each half is therefore relatively small. The pricing of the s/h is rather higher than experience suggests that the locale will support. But, who knows, the shop may develop. One thing is for sure: 'was Curlews' is not an apt description, because the two summon up very different ideas. The Bookman 06.05.19

Pleasant visit, the ambience is really nice. Worth having a shuffle through the "save us from recycling" box! Small stock, but worth popping in, you never know what's going to be in here. Anthony 02.05.23

Mission Hall Antiques Centre/BARNARD CASTLE/51 The Bank

The Mission Hall Antiques Centre Open at advertised times

51 The Bank BARNARD CASTLE DL12 8PL

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tel: 01833 631101 web

Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00, Sunday 1.30 - 5.00.

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Two or three bookcases of secondhand books.

Good general stock, scattered in places around the centre. I bought a lot here a year or two ago, but my subject now has more overall titles. I guess it depends on the owner buying up specialist collections. Very reasonable prices indeed. Anthony 18.02.16

The stock is fairly narrow in scope, and high in price. Good to visit with a credit card funded by a rich relative. The Bookman 12.02.18

Oxfam Books and Music/DURHAM/18 Elvet Bridge

Oxfam Books and Music Open at advertised times

18 Elvet Bridge DURHAM DH1 3AA

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tel: 0191 384 6366 web

Open: Monday Saturday 10 - 5.30, Sunday 11.30 - 4.30.

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Large and well-stocked. Thomas Krebs

The nicest Oxfam Bookshop that I have been in. Housed in a three storey building in the historic centre of the cathedral city, this shop has a lot more character than most of the rest of the Oxfam bookshop chain. Medium sized, the books are spread over three rooms on the three floors with the second floor also having a small room with CDs, vinyl, DVDs and the inevitable video tapes. The usual glass cases for what they consider to be rare titles are in evidence, but in this instance are also used for some antiques and collectables as well. Jeremy Briggs

On three floors it is one of the best I've seen. Geoff Martin 27.07.10

The most expensive Oxfam in the region, nothing priced to sell, how they make any money for their charity beats me. Frustrating as Durham needs a good secondhand bookshop. PaulP 05.11.11

This must be the most expensive Oxfam bookshop in the country. Advisable, also, to take earplugs due to the loud muzak played throughout the shop. Antimuzak 24.01.12

I'd like to revise the above comment ... The shop must have a new manager, because the prices seem more reasonable and the shelves packed with good things so now WAD. PaulP 06.03.13

Climb: the ground floor is dull, the two above are full of interesting stock. Evidence of past over-pricing, but much very sensible, 1950s Pelicans at 2 for £3 a good example. James Mackay 22.11.14

A new room on the top floor has opened, covering local interest and other matters. Came away with a small pile and change from £20. Good visit this time, but a bit of a lottery over regular visits like all Oxfam shops. Anthony 26.01.15

Good while since I was back at Durham. Found 2 decent non-fiction books on the top floor. They need to remove some of the out-of-date/old stock to add the newer books to the shelves; lots of them on small tables and in boxes on the floor. Chris K 15.01.16

This shop is moving down the road to 18 Elvet Bridge, Durham, DH1 3AA. The stock will be all on the ground floor so I'm worried that the character of the shop will be lost but will call when it opens next week and see. Geoff 02.09.16

This shop is now open and I called at it today. The stock is all on the one floor and as a result rather crammed together. The charm of the old shop is lost and while there is a good range of stock, the academic section is reduced, which is odd for a University city. Some of the book shelves are very close together making it difficult get a good view of the books on the lower shelves. Overall I was disappointed with the change but even so the shop is still worth a visit. Geoff 09.09.16

Bought a good £4.99 item on the 24th of May. Do though wish they made all the non-fiction items properly sorted - other Oxfams do this. Chris K 03.06.17

I donated several books here recently & planned to purchase several books but agree with previous comments that they should consider revising their impractical pricing policy as much of their stock frankly remains too expensive to purchase. Darania 30.08.18

Rather cramped and prices a bit high. A lot of the stock tatty. Managed to buy some books mainly due to the buy 4 for 3 offer on at the time. David 06.10.18

Shop is nicely laid out but very cramped. Prices eye-wateringly high even when 4 for 3 items offer taken into consideration. Graeme Rendall 11.10.18

Have to agree with the above descriptions. lovely shop just off the Elvet bridge. Better than the moribund flagship store in central London.

Bigger inside than it looks outside but little room to pass other browsers. Some good quality stuff here but some very high prices too. Jonathan Morgan 31.07.19

Yes, cramped, with tourists on a spring Sunday and with volunteers making it hard to pass. Not a bad Oxfam but not in my opinion better than the Boomsbury Oxfam. Prices? Well, Oxfam prices such as we now expect in most branches. Adrian 10.04.22

All the sections recently moved around and the shop is much less cluttered than it used to be. If you're into local history and coal mining, the local history section is chock full of unusual titles at present. Mishmash of pricing, but I still came away with some good purchases. Anthony 02.05.23

Some real gems to be found digging through the stock. Amazing selection on Canadian Railways currently! Anthony 24.07.23

People_s Bookshop Durham/DURHAM/The Attic Saddlers Yard

People's Bookshop Durham Open at advertised times

The Attic Saddlers Yard 70 Saddler Street DURHAM DH1 3NP

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tel: 0191 384 4399 e-mail web

Open: Tuesday - Saturday 12.00 - 5.30.

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A radical, independent bookshop in the heart of Durham. Stocks mostly second hand books, with some new books from radical and local publishers. Political biography, socialism, marxism, labour history, radical theory and North East history a speciality. The bookshop is located in the 'vennel' (alleyway) before Waterstone's and then up two flights of "historic" (i.e rickety) stairs.

Really nice little bookshop with friendly chap and comfy seats, has reasonable general stock as well as specialities mentioned above a bit pricey but still worth the climb. PaulP 12.06.12

I made it four staircases not two: just keep climbing. Worth getting there: not huge, but a thinking person's stock, especially for thinkers of the Left, and for local history and topographer; and a thinking owner too. James Mackay 22.11.14

Travelled a long way to come here only to find the shop closed - on annual holidays!!! This is no way to run a bookshop!! Advertise your hours and stick to them - or you will go bust. Recommend you phone them before a visit - otherwise you are likely to find them closed. PJD 01.08.15

To be found up a very small alleyway and then up some lethally winding and angled steps, stopping for oxygen on the way. Almost designed to put most of the lumpen proletariat off. The chap behind the desk did not communicate greatly as he was hearing large headphones Some good stuff on policing the Miners strike but nothing I could see on the Chartists. Not a huge stock - perhaps a few hundred or a great deal of any interest either. Jonathan Morgan 31.07.19

Saddle Up (was The Book _ Film Exchange)/DARLINGTON/109 Victoria Road

Saddle Up (was The Book & Film Exchange) Phone before travelling

109 Victoria Road DARLINGTON DL1 5JQ

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tel: 07946 505 886

Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8.30 - 4.00, Wednesday 8.30 - 1.00, Saturday 8.30 - 3.00.

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Walked past this on my way from and to the station. Didn't have time to go in. Note says that the current opening times are being affected by an illness. Chris K 09.01.15

The shop is currently called "Saddle Up"(!) but is in the process of being taken over by a new owner (the previous person has now retired). There was a serious amount of paperback fiction on the somewhat chaotic ground floor (mixed in with vinyl LPs, although the new chap is in the process of "sorting everything out"), with a much smaller range of non-fiction, ranging from practically new through to well-thumbed. Also a decent range of SF p/bs which were flying off the shelves due to the current 4 for £5 offer. Hardbacks are downstairs but I ran out of time! New and very friendly owner says he is pricing stock cheaply to suit the local market. Less than two minutes' walk from the station. Graeme Rendall 12.09.15

Encouraged by the report this shop was only two minutes from the station I called there between connections. Sadly despite the shop encouraging passers-by to use it, it was closed at mid-day. A sign tells you to ring the bell, but the bell is missing! Next time perhaps. Steve Newman 22.02.18

This appears to be a type of sister shop to the Bishop Auckland one but has a greater degree of organisation to it. Books are quite literally piled floor to ceiling everywhere you look. I went round one pile to be confronted with a small area dedicated to soft porn from the 1970's. The long gone teenager in me got quite nostalgic! The cellar is fascinating and similarly piled. You need dedication and time in this shop but you may be rewarded. Two hours free parking in the car park behind the shop, and a cashpoint round the corner. Ring the bell as the door is normally locked. Very welcoming owner. Jonathan Morgan 31.07.19

Village Bookshop/BARNARDCASTLE/36 Market PlaceMiddleton-in-Teesdale

The Village Bookshop Phone before travelling

36 Market Place Middleton-in-Teesdale BARNARD CASTLE DL12 0RJ

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tel: 01833 640373 e-mail web

Open: Monday - Saturday 10 - 4.00 in winter, 10.00 -5.00 summer.

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A small but good quality stock covering all subjects, but particularly country life and pastimes. Payment in cash only

Bright and pleasant shop with charity shoppish stock and prices, excellent range of local interest books. Toward the west end of the town. PaulP 24.03.14

Can't believe no-one has reviewed here before. Very welcoming, nice atmosphere and good selection of collectanle and antiquarian titles. Keen prices, and nice to see a section on mining given the history of Middleton. Cash only, but mercifully there is a Barclays bank with an ATM over the road. Anthony 24.07.23

Secondhand and Antiquarian Bookshops in the UK and Republic of Ireland