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Secondhand and Antiquarian Bookshops in the UK and Republic of Ireland

News:
newly listed, the Book Rest
Phoenix Books Crewkerne has closed
Jonathan Potter is now online only
BookBarn International has closed, see entry
new listing, Readers Halt, Minehead Station
new listing Watchet Community Bookshop
new shop Books by the Yard
new listing Rooke Books

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Open at advertised times   Open at advertised times
Phone before travelling   Phone before travelling
Appointment necessary   Appointment necessary
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We do our best to make sure these details are correct and up-to-date. However we recommend that you contact bookshops before making a special journey.

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Bailey Hill Bookshop/CASTLE CARY/Fore Street
Bailey Hill Bookshop  Open at advertised times
Fore Street   CASTLE CARY   BA7 7BG
map
tel: 01963 350917  e-mail  web 
Open:  9.30 - 5.30.
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We stock a combination of new, secondhand and some antiquarian books. We also sell cards and prints. We can post books to you the same day if we have them in stock, and can have books that are not in stock by the next working day.

A find. Lovely small town, excellent mixed new/second hand books. Limited but classy stock.  Norman Davies 09.06.12
Selection of secondhand books on some shelves on the first floor but not properly arranged. The railway titles could be found in various places and the books overall were generally sensibly priced. Not really worth a detour if you are in search of secondhand books.  SteveBrissle 20.11.17
Mainly an independent bookshop for new books with a quite sparse, miscellaneous, secondhand stock upstairs.  Mark V 21.08.19

Bath Old Books/BATH/9c Margaret_s Buildings
Bath Old Books  Open at advertised times
9c Margaret's Buildings  Brock Street   BATH   BA1 2LP
map
tel: 01225 422244  e-mail 
Open:  Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
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A varied and constantly changing stock including: art, architecture, Bath and Jane Austen, children's, illustrated, literature and many others. A co-operative of five friendly dealers. Featured window displays and twice yearly sales.

As their blurb says, 'very friendly.' A nice neat shop spread over two floors with no real specialisation. Some nice stock on all subjects especially local history.  Chris Harte 18.08.09
An excellent shop, stock sensibly priced with friendly and helpful staff  Mark Barrett 11.05.10
A very good find, large numbers of books in a traditional setting. Varied prices but some good quality books. Note shop is at the north end of a shopping lane off Brock Street.  Norman Davies 20.02.12
Revisited this week. Same comments apply. Really is WAD, an excellent good old s/h bookshop.  Norman Davies 18.02.16
Long-established and one of the few surviving secondhand bookshops in Bath. It's worth a detour although the prices of my two recent purchases were rather high, even after the 25% sale reductions (but easier than purchasing from an online 'warehouse').  SteveBrissle 07.04.16
An old-school shop with some real heft. Upstairs: Antiquarian books, fine bindings, art, children's books. Downstairs (reached by a spiral staircase lined with old prints): fiction, biography, local history etc. They're particularly strong on modern first editions. Has to be worth a small detour on your way from The Circus to the Royal Crescent.  Paul O 06.09.18
Dreadful to think that there are only two traditional secondhand bookshops left in Bath. Fortunately both are of high quality. This one eschews the austere grandeur of George Bayntun for an atmosphere more like that of an Oxbridge don's study. Comparatively small but well-chosen stock, strong on art and literature. Inclined to be pricey, however.   Laurence Purcell 05.11.21
It's not huge, nor cheap but I was happy enough to pay somewhat over the odds for 70 year old streetmap and guide that was surprisingly in NOS condition. Battered guides of other cities from around the same era cost the same so condition isn't necessarily the criterion for pricing that you might think here.  Stive 06.11.21
A lovely traditional shop which must be missing the international tourists who normally head for the nearby Royal Crescent. Prices in my favourite section seemed to have been stepped up considerably since my last visit, and in one or two cases were eyewatering, especially in the light of their poor condition. Surely a case for adjusting prices downwards where stock is worn or damaged?  Wessexman 28.01.22
The comment about worn books and pricing is noted. Thanks. Sadly two of our current five colleagues are unable to be in the shop for health and family reasons, this has been the case for a considerable time. We are trying to check on stock. If a customer has a query on price we are always willing to check and discuss.  Bath Old Books 21.08.23

Book Barn/ILMINSTER/Barrington Court ( National Trust)Barrington
The Book Barn   Open at advertised times
Barrington Court ( National Trust)  Barrington    ILMINSTER  TA19 0NQ
map
  web
Open:  7 days 10.30 - 5.00.
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Large paperback fiction section. Moderate sections on most subjects. Large Barn, many standard paperbacks - £1 each. Other sections feature very variable stock, cheap but unlikely to find a treasure. Payment for books is by honesty box. No NT entrance fee needed.

Large and good selection of books. I've picked up some wonderful items here over the years. £1 for paperbacks, £2 for hardbacks (£3 for large ones). Usually there is a member of staff in the room nowadays.  PLF 28.02.24

Book Rest/ILMINSTER/4 West Street
The Book Rest  Open at advertised times
4 West Street  ILMINSTER  TA19 9AA
map
tel:  01460 52516  e-mail   web
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.00
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Three rooms of secondhand books of every type. Plenty of chairs and sofas, tea coffee and usually cakes on offer. The intention of The Book Rest is to make one feel comfortable and relaxed whilst indulging your thirst for knowledge and love of reading.

A small number of books, apparently part of the shop stock, are listed on the website at huge prices. If these are typical of the whole stock it would put off most people from buying.  Adrian 20.07.21
Medium sized general stock spread over two rooms and a corridor plus a large gloomy semi-basement devoted to (mostly newish) SF and Horror. Prices moderate to high. No sign of the stated tea/coffee and cakes. Not much sign of comfy sofas either! Altogether feels a bit scruffy. A bit out of the way, I was the only customer during my visit on Saturday and the lady behind the counter seemed a little surprised when I entered.   PeterM 12.06.23

BookLovers of Bath/PEASEDOWN ST JOHN/Fact or Fable
BookLovers of Bath  Open at advertised times
Fact or Fable  12 Bath Road   PEASEDOWN ST JOHN   BA2 8DH
map
tel: 01761 437866  e-mail  web 
Open:  Tuesday - Friday 2.00 - 5.00, Saturday 9.30 - 1.00.
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The bookshop houses around 3,000 carefully selected books: Transport; Military; History; Cookery; Arts; Modern Firsts. The internet stock is held separately but may be brought out for inspection with a little notice. Books always sought.


Books by the Yard/FARRINGTON GURNEY/Unit 13 Farrington_s Farm Complex, Main Street
Books by the Yard  Open at advertised times
Unit 13 Farrington's Farm Complex, Main Street  FARRINGTON GURNEY  BS39 6UB
map
tel:  07927 629785  e-mail   web   
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00, Sunday 10.00 - 4.00
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Successor to the nearby Bookbarn.

Went last year and seemed to have limited stock apart from a good children’s section. But much more to see this year and particularly interesting for travel, fiction and vintage Penguins. Nearby fish and chip shop specialises in gluten free - and so do I!  Herne 03.09.23

Brendon Books/TAUNTON/Old Brewery BuildingsBath Place
Brendon Books   Open at advertised times
Old Brewery Buildings  Bath Place    TAUNTON  TA1 4ER
map
tel:  01823 337742  e-mail   web
Open:  Monday - Saturday 9.15 - 5.30
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After over 20 years as a retailer of new titles, secondhand books are now being added to the range. Selected good quality hardbacks bought and sold. Centrally located within Taunton.

Second hand books are worked in among the newer titles- it?s an odd arrangement and a little confusing, but not a bad idea for a small retailer to keep in business. The second hand stock is limited and variable in quality but better than the Taunton Oxfam. Bath Place is worth heading for anyway as a very lovely old corner of a rather messed up town.  George Marshall 23.09.10
Difficult to find - behind Boots. Large stock mixed new/secondhand. Not bad, agree worth a visit, average prices.  Norman Davies 09.06.12
A large downstairs stock, strong in modern fiction and biography, with an even larger upstairs room. Worth finding.  James Mackay 03.03.14
A very good collection on two floors. Particularly strong on fiction and poetry  Herne 30.06.23
I visit this shop once a year when I am in the West Country. It does have a strong fiction and poetry section but it does now need to be refreshed. Bought a couple of paperbacks at very reasonable prices though.   Loyola 15.08.23
I visited Brendon Books today, my first visit to Taunton for many years. I had long forgotten how good Brendon Books is - two floors of new and secondhand books with all sorts of treasures to be found! There's a great variety of all (or at least most) recognised topics, plus a large collection of Somerset and local history books. The shop is in a little alleyway, Bath Place which also includes a variety of quirky and unusual shops and cafes, plus a good Comic, Graphic Novel etc shop. Taunton town centre was buzzing with lots of shops and shoppers, just how I remember a busy town to be. Recommended.  Joss Mullinger (This Way Books) 25.08.23
A good shop although upstairs is a bit of a clutter. I don’t understand how a book for £280 can be squeezed on a shelf with £5 books. Well situated away from the standard high street shops a small oasis to chill and recover   Bazza 18.09.23

Clevedon Community Bookshop/CLEVEDON/27-29 Copse Road
Clevedon Community Bookshop   Open at advertised times
27-29 Copse Road    CLEVEDON  BS21 7QN
map
tel:  01275 218318  e-mail   web
Open:  Tuesday - Sunday 10.00 - 5.00 Summer, 11.00 - 4.00 Winter
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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.

What 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
Excellent: well-organised, well-stocked, reasonably-priced, in a pleasant and charming seaside town.  Mark V 21.08.19
Four rooms, well arranged, pleasant. Reasonable prices. Friendly staff.  PeterM 28.04.22
Still as good as ever, and close to a spectacular bit of coast for those who enjoy a walk. Winter opening time is 11.00 am daily, except Mondays when the shop is closed.  Wessexman 07.12.22
This place is always on our visiting list. Superbly arranged in four rooms with, I am told, thousands more books in a lock-up nearby. The quality is excellent and both my wife and I made numerous purchases. Lovely elderly couple looking after the shop.  Chris 24.02.23

Courtyard Books/GLASTONBURY/2-4 High Street
Courtyard Books  Open at advertised times
2-4 High Street   GLASTONBURY   BA6 9DU
map
tel: 01458 835050  e-mail  web 
Open:  7 days 9.30 - 5.30.
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We specialise in mind, body and spirit titles, books by Glastonbury authors and books about Glastonbury. We also have a good general range of titles. We buy collections large and small, providing they are within our subject area.

Excellent bookshop with a strong leaning towards Glastonbury history, alchemy, occult, mythology, spiritualism etc. Reasonable prices. Parking nearby. Well worth a detour.  The Drifter 14.02.15
A very well set out shop and easy to peruse. Alas, no subjects of my interests.  Chris Harte 12.09.15

Dorothy House Charity Shop/BATH/37 Broad Street
Dorothy House Charity Shop  Open at advertised times
37 Broad Street   BATH   BA1 5LP
map
tel: 01225 471664 
Open:  Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.30, Sunday 10.30 - 4.30.
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Large, well-curated charity bookshop. There's a whole bookcase of older, more collectable fiction and there are real finds to be had (not the Authors Time Forgot that you usually expect). Then there's a large section of twentieth-century paperback fiction and some shelves of "orange" Penguins at a tempting £1.50 each. Modern languages get a look in too -- they even had Samuel Beckett in the original French in the window. Most non-fiction areas are well-represented as well. And there's a music section with some seriously collectable vinyl on display.  Paul Oldfield 06.09.18
Attractive, very un-charity-looking shop with a broad range of very fairly priced titles. I picked up a brand new, just out, copy of Patrick Leigh-Fermor's letters for a fiver. Can't say fairer than that.  Steven Kelly 11.11.19
Almost glamorous in appearance but the stock seemed to me to be standard charity shop stuff.  Laurence Purcell 05.11.21
My first visit to this shop, and a most pleasant experience it was. Well laid out stock and plenty of space, with a largish section devoted to music towards the back. Prices were good, and I spent a much more fruitful time here than at Oxfam.  Wessexman 28.01.22
I agree with Wessexman: very well set out charity shop with books of above average calibre and condition and all sensibly priced. I found several bargains.  Steven 31.08.22

Double-B-Books/TEMPLE CLOUD/Gillards Warehouse Trident Works
Double-B-Books  Appointment necessary
Gillards Warehouse Trident Works  Marsh Lane   TEMPLE CLOUD   BS39 5AZ
map
tel: 01761 451365  e-mail  web 
Open:  Appointment only Monday - Friday 8.00 - 4.00.
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Antiquarian, art, Folio Society, history, private press. For an idea of the sort of stock we carry why not visit our website.

Website is dead  juniorbonner 28.07.21

Frome Bookshop/FROME/18 King Street
The Frome Bookshop  Open at advertised times
18 King Street   FROME   BA11 1BH
map
tel: 01373 473964  e-mail  web 
Open:  Tuesday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.00 and first Sunday of the month.
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Hand picked books on subjects including ornithology and British wildlife, children's illustrated books, fine bindings, literature, art and first editions. Books bought & sold.

One room stuffed with good and well chosen stock. Clearly curated by a knowleable booksellers. WAD.  Hugo Boylan 26.04.19
A great little bookshop and I fully endorse Hugo's comments.  SteveBrissle 03.01.20
Heartily agree with last two comments. A beautifully arranged shop and a warm welcome.  Wessexman 06.01.24

George Bayntun/BATH/23 Manvers Street
George Bayntun   Open at advertised times
23 Manvers Street    BATH  BA1 1JW
map
tel:  01225 466000  e-mail   web   
Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 1.00, 2.00 - 5.00
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The bookshop specialises in fine leather bindings, mostly English literature, illustrated books and poetry, in first or fine editions. In the bindery, craftsmen and women bind and restore books from all over the world. It is advisable to contact us to book an appointment before bringing in books for valuation, rebinding or restoration.

An interesting shop, where you need to be 'buzzed' in (not sure why), large general stock downstairs and small antiquarian stock upstairs (some the same books as down stairs).  Mark Barrett 11.05.10
Why the security front door is needed I have no idea. Although the stock is pleasant it is by no means worthy of such protection nor, for that matter, to be patrolled by so many staff. As stated above, the general books in the basement are somewhat duplicated in the first-floor antiquarian section. In fact there were not that many books at all considering the large premises. The occasional gem is on the shelves. However, the shop did not have a welcoming atmosphere and browsers seemed to be tip-toeing around as if in a church.  Chris Harte 19.08.10
Some real finds here if you persist but prices somewhat on the high side in some cases.  Herne 26.07.12
Doorbell entry system, glazed bookcases and a hushed atmosphere for the high end stock on the ground floor but the basement more mid-range, some prices quite moderate, and the stock interesting. Well worth a forage here, and the courtly staff helpful.  Mark V 21.08.19
Well worth a visit just to see the vast and stately premises which preserve the features of a high class bookseller of a hundred years ago, all mahogany, high ceilings, stone staircases and hush. Antiquarian and first editions are on the ground floor and the celestial heights of the first floor. The stock for us regular folks is in the huge basement which specialises in elderly children's books, Folio Society and classic fiction. There is one of the last redoubts of those pre-war pocket books which used to be everywhere once. If this shop should ever close (quod Deus avertat) it must be taken over at once by the National Trust!  Laurence Purcell 05.11.21
I had not found anything to suit my tastes during previous visits, but this time I was more lucky, unearthing a couple of reasonably priced items in the basement. Just loved the traditional service with a numbered manuscript receipt made out in duplicate on which my surname was duly entered. Worth visiting for the time warp experience alone!   Wessexman 28.01.22

Julian House Bookshop/BATH/86 Walcot Street
Julian House Bookshop  Open at advertised times
86 Walcot Street   BATH   BA1 5BD
map
tel: 01225 331114  web 
Open:  Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00, Sunday 11.00 - 4.00.
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Charity bookshop. Large general stock, clean, well displayed and with most categories covered.

This is a great find in the lovely city of Bath. Thousands of books on 2 floors, all displayed nicely and categorised. Interesting stock with a good mix of genres. My fave bookshop in Bath!  Sian Jones 20.02.12
This is a real find and one of the best charity bookshops I have seen. Splendid collection at sensible prices - eat your heart out Oxfam! A must for book lovers in Bath.  Norman Davies 20.02.12
Supposedly a 'charity' shop, but the downstairs bookroom is very up-market,with some hefty prices to match the surroundings.  Second Nature 05.04.12
Endorse previous comments save that I felt prices seemed pretty reasonable.  Herne 26.07.12
Thank you for the very kind comments. Our team try very hard to create an interesting, well stocked and well displayed shop for the enjoyment of our customers, with prices that are fair to all.  Lisa, Julian House Shop Manager 25.08.12
A good charity bookshop which has now largely disappeared downstairs and to the casual passer by this would be unapparent as all that is now on show from the street are shabby chic items with no indication of what lies beneath. Some of their prices are rather over the top but some good buys if you look.  The Drifter 10.08.13
I would like to reply to the previous comment - we have a dedicated downstairs bookshop and a whole window given over to books which is clearly visible from the street. We have created a new vintage section within our store so most of the books have moved downstairs where we house thousands of books covering all genres at competitive prices in a cosy peaceful environment. I am rather confused as to why The Drifter would think our books are not visible from the street but happy that he/she managed to find a good buy!  Lisa, Shop Manager 21.11.13
Best charity bookshop in the city. Found a VG paperback by R.W. Brunskill for only £3.50, to add to my collection. Strange that the paper receipt's address was of Dorothy House, 37 Broad Street, Bath ...  Chris K. 26.09.15
Revisited this week. Still an above average charity shop, the basement contains some good books all subjects. Best of its type in Bath.  Norman Davies 18.02.16
Well presented, clean and tidy selection, mostly good prices. Definitely worth a look.  David 29.09.17
Good quality stock and moderate prices, including on this visit some nice Pevsners at just £5 each.  Mark V 21.08.19
A five minute walk northwards from the abbey takes you here, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. Through the general charity shop, the stairs at the back takes you down to the well-lit and well-stocked book room - but take care at the shallow two steps at the bottom where I nearly lost my footing! The stock is clearly marked into sections and prices are so reasonable that I left with quite a heavy bag. Two helpful volunteers were busy sorting recently arrived stock during my visit. I shall definitely be returning next time I'm in town.  Wessexman 28.01.22
I was not as impressed as Wessexman. Predominantly paperbacks: a great disheartening wall of these faces you in the fiction section as you tread (carefully: thanks WM) down the stairs. NWAD in my view but lots of cups, frocks and so on.   Laurence Purcell 08.03.22

Labyrinth Books/GLASTONBURY/Vestry Hall
Labyrinth Books  Open at advertised times
Vestry Hall  High Street   GLASTONBURY   BA6 9DU
map
tel: 01458 830831  e-mail  web 
Open:  7 days 10.00 - 6.00.
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Secondhand and rare books. Avalonians, sacred landscape, witchcraft and occult. Earth mysteries. Tarot.astrology and Numerology. Celts and Druids. Templars, Magdalene and the Lost Gospels. Proprietor Susan Render is widely acknowledged as the most knowledgable bookseller in her field in the West.

A very good shop within it's stated specialities. Some other books such as music, cult fiction etc. Well worth a detour. Just up the road from Courtyard Books. Parking nearby.  The Drifter 14.02.15
Pleasant shop and proprietor. Was totally thrown by a complete shelf of books about Angels. You don't find that too often.  Chris Harte 12.09.15

Oxfam Books and Music/WELLS/59 High Street
Oxfam Books and Music  Open at advertised times
59 High Street   WELLS   BA5 2AG
map
tel: 01749 677562  e-mail  web 
Open:  Monday - Saturday 9.15 - 5.15, Sunday 11.00 - 3.00.
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Small but well laid out shop. Good to see stock in reasonable condition - so often not the case with Oxfam. Usual unrealistic over the top prices - bought several of the same books for a fraction of the price at nearby charity shops. Mind the step in the middle of the shop. Parking nearby.  The Drifter 26.09.13
Punch-out 1/10.  The Boxer 10.10.13
Sadly offerings here remain scant and overpriced. Eclipsed by the other charity shops and the Wednesday/Saturday market. Parking nearby. Not worth a detour.  The Drifter 14.02.15
Low key stock, much of the older stuff well overpriced for condition.  Robert Brown 18.08.16
Reasonable range of stock (which is always dependent upon the quality of the donated items), mostly at reasonable prices, and friendly staff in a city which is certainly worth visiting.   SteveBrissle 09.12.21

Oxfam Bookshop/BATH/4 Lower Borough Walls
Oxfam Bookshop  Phone before travelling
4 Lower Borough Walls   BATH   BA1 1QR
map
tel: 01225 469776  web 
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A very well stocked example of the genre with several interesting finds.  Jon Morgan 05.02.08
Well laid out shop with good stock and, for Oxfam, fairly reasonable prices - more interesting and cheaper than any of their Bristol counterparts. Expensive parking nearby.  The Drifter 27.08.13
Plenty of fiction and children's titles but non-fiction a bit short. Some needed putting back upright, due to the gaps. Couldn't find anything interesting. Sorry.  Chris K. 26.09.15
Decent selection probably above Oxfam average. Sadly same old same old - a couple of goodies were so overpriced ("we check on ABE you know") as to be funny. Sad really as I would have purchased them if they were half the price.  Norman Davies 18.02.16
Well-stocked sections for classic and modern fiction, some interesting topography/local history, and some recent non-fiction that caught my eye in a good window display. Not bad. But the collectables featured some real lumber at high prices: perhaps people buy it as decor?  Paul O 06.09.18
A very average Oxfam which seems increasingly given up to the sale of ideologically approved produce, chocolates, paper hats etc. NWAD in my view.  Laurence Purcell 05.11.21
A very small branch with a poor selection of books at unreasonable prices. A Dutch language course for £20 here was to be found in new condition in Bookbarn for £2 for example. Wherever the good burghers of Bath are donating their literary treasures to, it sure isn't here.   Stive 06.11.21
Agree with the last two comments. This shop is very poor on variety and seems to have lost its way in the last few years.  Wessexman 28.01.22
Worth a quick look as you never know what you might find but in my opinion you would do better to visit Dorothy House on Broad Street first.  Steven 31.08.22
This seems to have improved since my last visit. A more varied stock and fewer half empty shelves were evident. I even found a reasonably priced item in the Collectables section!  Wessexman 06.01.24
It has indeed improved with the addition of a set of "Sale" shelving, noticeably housing rather a lot of generously discounted Modern First Editions, some signed and still with the tell-tale Toppings sash from the shop a short walk away. Alas, including one signed tome I had just bought from the aforementioned Toppings just before visiting this branch of Oxfam.

Note to self, come here first in future.
  Stive 29.02.24

Oxfam Bookshop/TAUNTON/2 The Bridge
Oxfam Bookshop  Phone before travelling
2 The Bridge   TAUNTON   TA1 1UG
map
tel: 01823 270205  web 
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Small particularly uninteresting Oxfam with particularly high prices. Almost on a par with the Bristol Queens Road Oxfam - the benchmark for unrealistic pricing. Parking nearby. Not worth a detour.  The Drifter 26.09.13
Lightweight loser 1/10.  The Boxer 02.11.13
Small shop, fairly small stock. Older books on a few shelves upstairs. Prices the usual Oxfam mix of high to reasonable. Worth a look if you're nearby.  PeterM 09.08.22
On the day I visited there was a promotion for vintage science fiction. As usual with Oxfam, an eclectic selection of older books, some quite collectible.  Herne 30.06.23

Readers Halt/MINEHEAD/The Railway Station
Readers Halt  Phone before travelling
The Railway Station   MINEHEAD  TA24 5BG
map
tel:  01643 704996  e-mail   web  
Open: 10.00 - 4.00 on days when trains are running
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Located on the platform of the station on the West Somerset Railway. General fiction on the outside but you have to ask to see the stock inside the building, which has a very generous stock of railway books arranged by railway company and competitively priced.


Real Books Shop/PORLOCK/High Street
The Real Books Shop     Open at advertised times
High Street    PORLOCK  TA24 8PS
map
tel:  01643 863070 outside opening hours  e-mail
Open:  Wednesday - Saturday, summer 10.00 - 5.00, winter 10.00 - 4.00
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About 2000 books. I specialise in Railway books, principally those about pre-Beeching times. The shop also stocks a good selection of fiction and non-fiction titles on other subjects. Also art quality photographs by local photographer Paula Kirby. Payment by cash only.

Passed by a couple of times today (a winter Thursday) but the shop was closed.  Wessexman 17.03.22
Friends who visited this shop at the weekend tell me it is in the final stages of a closing down sale and that the shutters will be coming down for ever very shortly.  Wessexman 17.04.23

Rooke Books/BATH/The Dispensary, 8 Cleveland Place
Rooke Books  Appointment necessary
The Dispensary, 8 Cleveland Place   BATH  BA1 5DJ
map
tel:  01225 448831  e-mail   web
Open: by appointment Monday - Friday 09:00 - 5.30
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A collection of over thirty thousand rare, collectible and antiquarian books, stocking a wide variety of works from sixteenth century texts all the way up to modern first editions.

Surprisingly not yet in the guide, a place for the serious collector with prices ranging from low double digits to five figures. Covering most areas but particularly strong in literature and modern fiction. Currently geared towards online sales but staff and stock are all housed in the above building and are very happy for people to come in and view books in person. Fortunately, as with all places in Bath, it is a short walk from anywhere despite being somewhat outside of the city centre.

Current plans are to develop the building and have two floors converted to a retail premises to complement the online business.

I visited today and staff could not have been friendlier or more helpful. I eventually left having spent a lot of money but more than delighted with what I came away with. Along with George Bayntun, this one will be a must-visit address for me on my visits to Bath.
  Stive 03.03.24

Rothwell And Dunworth /DULVERTON/2-6 Bridge Street  
Rothwell And Dunworth   Open at advertised times
2-6 Bridge Street    DULVERTON  TA22 9HJ
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tel:  01398 323169  e-mail   web   
Open:  Monday - Saturday 10.30 - 5.15. Summer months: also Sunday 11.00 - 4.00
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Antiquarian Booksellers based in Dulverton, Somerset, specialising in a wide range of rare and second hand books since 1975.

Traditional secondhand and antiquarian bookshop with a particular interest in sporting books.  TBG 
Truly magnificent. Wonderful stock of books on country matters and high quality children's section. I spent far too much but came away with a full box of newly purchased treasures .  Chris Harte 14.04.09
An absolute treasure house for a wide range of books, excellently organised over two cottage floors in which I have spent hours and hundreds over the years. Set in a lovely village with Lewis's teashop up the road for the lunchtime. Paradise for booklovers.  Patrick Standford 27.10.12
Agree splendid old fashioned well stocked country town shop. Worth a look but a bit pricey for the specialist collector of their main areas.  Norman Davies 28.02.15
A great little bookshop in a charming country town. There is a large downstairs space and a couple of spacious rooms upstairs. As one might expect in the area, strong on country pursuits such as hunting and fishing, but plenty of variety overall. When in the town, it's also worth having a peep at the secondhand shelves in the Exmoor Society shop a few yards up the High Street.  Wessexman 20.08.21
To me this is one of the very top second-hand bookshops in the country. I arrived on Sunday morning to find the town swarming with trendies and second-home owners eating food of which I have no knowledge, having read the various menus. I was first into the shop and two and a half hours later was still the only visitor. I just cannot understand why, as the quantity of titles on the easy to search shelves was top quality. Pricing was most reasonable and during my time on the premises the staff were packing overnight on-line orders. I went through the Art section with a fine toothcomb and found no less than fifteen books of which I had previously been unaware. Magnificent, as were other classifications. WWAD (but best not at feeding time as parking is non-existent).  Chris 02.10.23
I've been going here over 40 years and it never changes (I think they have opened up one more room in that time!). Always the same wonderful, old-style bookshop. Must be the best second-hand bookshop in the West Country. Dulverton itself is always worth visiting too, especially out of season as parking can become a problem.  PLF 28.02.24

Shepton Community Bookshop /SHEPTON MALLET/15 High Street  
Shepton Community Bookshop   Open at advertised times
15 High Street    SHEPTON MALLET  BA4 5AA
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tel:  01749 345 522  e-mail   web
Open:  Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 3.00 or by e-mail arrangement
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About 3000 fiction and non-fiction, antiquarian vintage and modern, well sorted and reasonably priced. Particularly strong on theology, science fiction and children's books. Also local interest, history, thrillers, classics etc. Reasonable prices, all clearly marked inside the front cover. Very accessible for wheelchairs and run by friendly knowledgeable volunteers in aid of local good causes.

Not huge, but better than your average charity shop selection.  Malcolm Parker 02.07.19
One large, bright room with an interesting selection at moderate prices. It has been open for about 6 weeks and is already well-supported, I was told.  Mark V 17.08.19
Friendly volunteer staff, a good selection of subjects and books, with all profits being distributed to charities (more than £17,000 since opening), and definitely worth supporting.  SteveBrissle 06.02.20
Post pandemic, this is still a very pleasant little shop, well-lit and with clearly marked categories. The stock is not huge, but there's something to suit most tastes. When I called it was supervised by a helpful and knowledgable volunteer.  Wessexman 03.02.22

Skoobs Secondhand Paperbacks/BATH/Guildhall Market
Skoobs Secondhand Paperbacks  Open at advertised times
Guildhall Market   BATH   BA2 4AW
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tel: 01225 463133 
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Seemed a little disappointing at first with limited pulp fiction stock until I turned a corner and off it stretched. Little organisation into category and most of the stock appeared mass market remaindered paperbacks. Prices a little steep for what they were but some recent quality paperback fiction was unearthed after a prolonged scan.  Jon Morgan 05.02.08
Surprisingly large selection of newish/current paperbacks at cheap prices. If you want a paperback published in say the last 20 years this is the place to come.  Norman Davies 20.02.12
A large permanent market stall in the Guildhall Market near the City Centre/Bath Abbey. Wide-ranging paperback stock at reasonable prices. Worth a detour. Very expensive parking nearby.  The Drifter 29.08.13
Sadly not quite as good as it used to be - quality down, prices up and local parking considerably up. NWAD.  The Drifter 22.10.14
Revisited this week. Disagree with The Drifter (or it has improved again). For a large market stall type there is a good collection including non fiction. As usual came away with a couple. Worth a look if in Bath.  Norman Davies 18.02.16
No-frills, pile-it-high bookselling, with an emphasis on genre fiction -- and it's a formula that works, as people were queuing up to get recommendations from the helpful guy on the till. Look a bit further and there are also some classics, plus Booker-Whitbread-Orange-Prize books and other recent lit fiction, and some non-fiction. Not for collectors, but most people will find something they've been meaning to read.  Paul O 06.09.18
It's a long-establised shop in Guildhall Market with a friendly owner catering for readers of reasonably priced paperbacks (in which case it's WWAD), and not one for book collectors.  SteveBrissle 09.12.21

Speaking Tree/GLASTONBURY/5 High Street
The Speaking Tree  Open at advertised times
5 High Street   GLASTONBURY   BA6 9DP
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tel: 01458 835 974  web 
Open:  Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.30, Saturday & Sunday 10.00 - 6.00.
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The best in mind, body & spirit titles, many at seriously reduced prices.

Neat; tidy; compact. Nothing for me but my wife was attracted by some titles, the subjects of which I have absolutely no comprehension.  Chris Harte 12.09.15

Watchet Community Bookshop/WATCHET/7 The Esplanade
Watchet Community Bookshop  Open at advertised times
7 The Esplanade  WATCHET  TA23 0AJ
map
tel:  01984 633895    web  
Open: Monday - Sunday 10.30 - 4.30, April to October
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Wide selection of books including fiction, non-fiction and children’s books. All books are in good condition and there is a special feature each week. Supports the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and local causes.

Newly re-opened after the customary winter break, this neat two room shop is well stocked and clearly categorised. Prices are very reasonable and I shall be dropping in regularly.  Wessexman 23.03.24