Bookshops in Southern/Dorset

Antiquates/WAREHAM/St John_s Hill

Antiquates Open at advertised times

St John's Hill WAREHAM BH20 4NB

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tel: 01929 208224, mob: 07921 151496 e-mail web

Open: Wednesday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.00

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Antiquates specialises in early and hand-press printing - but not excluding all others! Our bias is towards the unusual, the interesting and the important - and we try to offer our customers a varied selection, along with the advice on library development and special purchases.

Antique Map and Bookshop/PUDDLETOWN/32 High Street

The Antique Map and Bookshop Open at advertised times

32 High Street PUDDLETOWN DT2 8RU

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tel: 01305 848633 e-mail web

Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00

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Miscellaneous stock of antiquarian and good quality second-hand books. Specialities: 19th.century literature, esp.G.A.Henty, H.Rider Haggard, Thomas Hardy, H.G.Wells, A.C.Doyle. Also Travel/ Fine Bindings/ Illustrated books. Established in 1976. Members of ABA and PBFA. Puddletown is just outside Dorchester on the A35 to Bournemouth.

Rang ahead to check opening hours and stock. Arrived to find piles of what I collected awaiting me. Very helpful and knowledgeable young man in charge of shop. Chris Harte 14.04.09

Specialist limited but fine book stock. Helpful staff - a good collector's shop not one for the generalist. Norman Davies 09.06.12

Very fine bookshop with an excellent stock in certain subjects. Very pleasant young man with a good sense of humour and a willingness to negotiate. I was persuaded to pay the most I have ever paid for a book, but worth every penny. Well worth a visit. CB 02.04.15

Excellent place, but not for my wallet! Rod Hughes 15.11.16

Black Pug Books/WIMBORNE/The Old Gallery

Black Pug Books Open at advertised times

The Old Gallery 24 West Borough WIMBORNE BH21 1NF

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tel: 01202 889383

Open: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10.00 - 6.00

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Highly varied mix of stock, but no paperbacks or book club editions. Smallish room in private house. Tea and coffee happily offered in home surroundings.

A wonderful bookshop with a great variety of really good books. Thoroughly recommended! David Aston 22.02.18

Book Corner/BRIDPORT/Unit 32

The Book Corner Open at advertised times

Unit 32 Alleyways 52 St Michaels Trading Estate BRIDPORT DT6 3RR

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tel: 01451 832253 e-mail web

Open: 7 days 10.00 - 5.00.

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Very small stock in an antiques centre. General stock, secondhand and antiquarian, also sheet music. Offshoot of our shop (Evergreen Livres) in Stow-On-The-Wold, GL54 1BQ. Major credit cards accepted.

A couple of book traders here at the moment. Not a huge amount of stock overall, but worth a look. I came away with a bagful of useful additions to my library. Wessexman 16.12.21

Worth a look if you are in Bridport anyway. Small stock, prices reasonable. David 20.04.23

Book Wagon/CORFE CASTLE/Swanage Railway Museum, Corfe Castle Station, Station Road

The Book Wagon Open at advertised times

Swanage Railway Museum, Corfe Castle Station, Station Road CORFE CASTLE BH20 5EJ

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e-mail web

Open: Thursday - Sunday 10.30 - 4.00 (April-October), Saturday & Sunday 10.30 - 4.00 (November-March)

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Good-quality selection of second-hand railway books. Shop will be unlocked on request if not already open.

The Book Wagon has a wide range of second-hand books on railways. Corfe Castle station is a stop on the Swanage Railway, which runs steam-hauled heritage trains between Swanage and Norden. The station is also the site of the Swanage Railway Museum, which - along with the Book Wagon - is free to visit. The Book Wagon is open as a matter of course on most weekends and during special events, but the museum volunteers will unlock it on request whenever the museum is open, so its opening hours are effectively the same as the museum's. Payment by cash or card. There is no parking at Corfe Castle station and parking is difficult in the village. There is a large car park a short distance away at Norden station, just up the heritage railway line. The village - with its magnificent castle dominating the skyline - is served by regular buses from Swanage and Wareham (30, 35 and 40), Weymouth (30) and Poole (40). Booker T 08.05.25

Books Afloat/WEYMOUTH/66 Park Street

Books Afloat Open at advertised times

66 Park Street WEYMOUTH DT4 7DE

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tel: 01305 779774

Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.00

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Good general stock on two floors whilst specialising in maritime and naval subjects, very much cover all subjects so something for everybody! Also genuine nautical antiques, ships bells ,models, die cast toys, clockwork trains, old postcards,paintings etc. Park Street is directly opposite Weymouth Railway Station and very handy for the town and harbour and beach.

Worth visiting even if you have no interest in their specialities. TBG

Good stock of most transport areas at reasonable prices. Friendly and knowledgeable owner. I am a regular visitor, new stock often available. Paul Simpson. 15.11.10

Wonderful bookshop, with excellent selections of naval, maritime, yachting and local interest new & secondhand books, also ship models & memorabilia. Shop very close to railway station. Well worth a visit. Mark Barrett 12.04.11

What a wonderful place that is! Splendid second hand bookshop. I wish I would live closer to this place, alas! I´don´t. Maybe it´s for the better. If I could return, like I would, I´d bring a lorry. Ralf 18.07.11

Unbeatable for marine but also good on topography and fiction. Herne 20.07.11

Excellent bookshop. Good selection of railway books, local memorabilia and fiction in addition to nautical books. Intended just to pop in but spent an hour browsing and buying. Helpful, friendly owner and certainly recommend a visit. Steve Brissle 29.07.13

Excellent shop over two floors - reasonable prices. Have certainly had some bargains there over the years. Parking nearby as well as railway station. Well worth a detour. The Drifter 22.08.13

With its bow-fronted upper floor, close-packed shelves, and marine curiosities hanging in every available inch, the first impression is almost Dickensian. But quirkiness aside, its affable owner runs a tight ship. Everything's well-organised and there are finds to be had. Local history and literature are a specialism: for example, I discovered rare titles by West Country-related authors John Cowper Powys and T.F. Powys. Perfect when you've had enough of the beach. Paul O 29.08.14

Little gems take finding, this is a gem. Unique shop, great stock. Helpful owner. Bazza 22.02.18

Good old fashioned traditional bookshop with helpful owner. Stock well displayed and reasonably priced. Recommended. Steve Newman 08.09.21

The description of this shop remains completely accurate and I was really pleased to find that it has survived the pandemic. There is an amazing stock of books downstairs, and while the nautical theme is very well represented, there is plenty of variety too. Upstairs is crammed with shipping memorabilia, with many items of museum quality. The helpful owner pointed out several items I had missed, and I left with several purchases. Thoroughly recommended. Wessexman 21.04.22

I completely agree with the previous comments. Absolutely brilliant shop. Came away with a large bagful and got a discount. WWAD. David 20.04.23

Agree with above. Found a long sought item in the waterways section! Herne 18.07.23

Ahoy! All the previous reviews of this shop are complimentary and so is mine. If you're interested in nautical matters then you'll be like a kid in a sweetshop here as there's a wide range of nautical books as well as many models and memorabilia. Most other non-fiction subjects are well-represented, including many on Thomas Hardy (being in Dorset, of course). There's a well-stocked paperback fiction room at the rear of the shop and upstairs there is an extensive range of quality hardback fiction. The shop is a bit cramped in places, but I won't hold that against it as I'd rather have more stock to browse than uncluttered aisles. I found prices to be on the whole very reasonable. It's a stone's throw from the train station so getting there is easy. Jon R 04.02.25

Bookshop/LYMEREGIS/The Old Bonded Store Marine Parade

The Bookshop Phone before travelling

The Old Bonded Store Marine Parade LYME REGIS DT7 3JF

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tel: 07720 747328 web

Open: Tuesday - Thursday, Saturday & Sunday 12.00 - 4.00, sometimes until 5.00, occasionally closing around 2.30

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Good-quality selection of novels, mostly paperback. Also poetry and a small stock of non-fiction.

Small but clearly organised and good for fiction. Herne 20.07.11

If this shop was ever open I'm sure it would be good to browse. And people wonder why 2nd hand bookshops are dying out ... Dominic Zero 16.08.11

What a wonderful bookshop! Teeny-weeny-itsy-bitsy but full of character and a *very* discerning collection of books. No pulp here, just outstanding authors - where else would you find the complete works of Marquez for example? Three cheers for the proprietress! Neil 31.07.12

Great bookshop. Small, but you have to examine the shelves carefully as every book counts. All killer, no filler. I ducked in and in 15 minutes I found 3 books that I totally needed in my life. They are now on MY shelves. Loads more I could have bought but at age 55, I already have more books than I have time left to read. Ian 21.04.17

High proportion of paperbacks but that said many titles not your usual run of the mill stuff. David 19.04.23

This well-organised shop, within a stone's throw of the famous Cobb, is very small, but boasts an exceptionally fine selection of novels (mostly paperbacks). The likeable proprietor knows what she is about and has seriously good taste in literary fiction. Editions of Jane Austen's works, together with books about the author, are a minor speciality, given her links to the town. Also a large and quite good selection of poetry. The non-fiction stock is less extensive and far less good. History has the largest selection, but most of the books fall into the "worthy but unexciting" category. There is a small stock in psychology, philosophy and sociology (which I assume must be among the proprietor's interests) and also in natural history, a category which, given Lyme's stunning surroundings and affluent tourist trade, I would have expected to be much better represented. A smaller selection still in travel and art. So, for non-fiction, the shop is really nothing special, but for good-quality literary novels, it positively excels. Popular fiction, crime, sci-fi and children's books are in the covered area directly outside the door; the choice in each of these categories is quite small. One drawback is the prices. In many cases, they are quite steep. The proprietor tends to stay out of sight behind a curtain that leads into the adjacent shop. To summon her, you must ring the bell above the door, loudly. Payment is made in the covered area outside as that is the only place the card reader works. Cash is also accepted.

More than half a century ago, I used to come to these premises with my parents and brother. They occupy a small part of what was then 'The Butterfly Shop', run by Worldwide Butterflies (still a going concern today). Each summer, on our annual fortnight's holiday, two small boys from Yorkshire in those far-off and more innocent times would run excitedly inside to marvel at the brightly coloured specimens in their perspex boxes... the Small Tortoiseshells, the Marbled Whites, the Camberwell Beauties, the Purple Emperors, the Brimstones... I preferred the shop then, to be honest. Undoubtedly so. Visiting it in the early 1970s would be one of the highlights of my year. Visiting it in 2024 was simply one of the highlights of my day. But the fact that part of that astonishing and long-gone cavern of delights is now a rather good bookshop is at least some consolation.

Owing to its variable opening hours, the safest time to catch it open is in the early part of its stated hours, from noon until about 2.30pm. Booker T 06.08.24

Bridport Old Books/BRIDPORT/11 South Street

Bridport Old Books Open at advertised times

11 South Street BRIDPORT DT6 3NR

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tel: 01308 425689 e-mail

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General secondhand and antiquarian books, childrens, illustrated and the arts. TBG

A great place: something for all tastes and particularly strong on children's, illustrated, local and military stock, and with plenty of unusual items too. Arthur Hook 14.12.10

A well-organised shop with something for most tastes. Good for topography and art. Herne 20.07.11

Very disappointed. Decent stock but dear, and seemed to be most books in a large inaccessible back room? Maybe I went on a bad day, will try again in future. Norman Davies 09.06.12

Small but pleasant enough shop - 2 rooms, well organised. Good selection of Children's books,local interest and history but a decent enough general selection of most things. Not especially pricey, what I looked at. Nothing grabbed my attention today but ironically my long suffering wife DID buy something. Flip M 06.05.16

I don't feel that the above reviews do this shop justice! The stock is varied, of good quality and in good condition, and the prices of the books I looked at were not unreasonable - you can't expect them to be given away. The owner was very friendly. Henry Middleton 07.12.17

I agree with Henry. A very interesting shop with a varied stock. I found three books I was after and along with others checked found the prices to be a bit on the low side. Most certainly will revisit. Chris Harte 09.04.19

Diverse and well chosen stock particularly if you are interested in the arts, illustrated and collectable children’s books. Mike G 23.10.22

Good selection of fairly priced stock and in good condition. Definitely worth a visit. David 19.04.23

Back after a long absence and pleased to see this shop still going strong. Stock in good condition and fairly priced. Strong on topography and vintage fiction. Herne 15.07.23

Two rooms with stock neatly displayed to make browsing a breeze. Strong on modern firsts, literature, transport and poetry. Prices seemed very reasonable and the owner very friendly - I was greeted like an old friend on this, my first visit. Jon R 09.02.25

Brownsea Island NT/POOLE/Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour

Brownsea Island NT Open at advertised times

Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour POOLE BH13 7EE

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tel: 01202 707744 e-mail web

Open: Mid-March to end November, Monday - Sunday 10.00 - 4.45

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Second-hand bookshop at the rear of Reception. Ferry fare needed, unclear if the shop requires National Trust admission as well.

Chapter House Books/SHERBORNE/Trendle Street

Chapter House Books Open at advertised times

Trendle Street SHERBORNE DT9 3NT

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tel: 01935 816262 e-mail web

Open: Monday 10.00 - 1.00, Tuesday 10.00 - 3.30, Wednesday 10.00 - 1.00, Thursday & Friday 10.00 - 3.30, Saturday 10.30 - 3.30. By appointment after 3.30 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

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Large general stock. More than 30,000 second-hand books, including antiquarian and rare.

Very helpful and pleasant. Stock well ordered - signs indicate a large reserve stock. Hoping to expand customer facilities for next year. Clive Cheeseman 10.09.07

Fantastic stock and superb staff in a proper old fashioned book shop. I only manage to get to the shop maybe twice a year but they always remember me, are always helpful and always have something I want ! oh and they now have a coffee shop what more could you want. Ray Packham 11.10.10

A large selection and topography featured very well. Also has a cafe annexed. Herne 20.07.11

I loved this shop - a genuine large s/hand shop crammed full of all sorts, reasonable prices. Well worth a detour. Norman Davies 09.06.12

Just around the corner from the Abbey. On 2 floors, small cafe at the back (or the side, more accurately). First impression was its all a bit of a jumble - sections are together but there was stock in boxes and piled this way and that. However, some perseverance is worthwhile. Subjects ARE together - and there's a lot here. Good on topography, Children's and history especially. Hardbacks downstairs, paper upstairs. Prices a mix but mostly reasonable. I picked up a couple of old WW2 paperback memoirs for £3 each in excellent condition. Well worth visiting - as is Sherborne. Flip M 06.05.16

Books are organised within categories on the shelves but there are many in boxes on the floor.i thought the prices were a little ambitious but it is worth looking at if you are in the area. Sherborne is a very attractive town and worth visiting anyway. David 20.04.23

Indeed, some prices felt optimistic; of course, unless you “know” your books you might not understand the pricing. Lots of stock - worth a rummage. Richard U 31.08.24

I have always found this shop to be well worth visiting. However, it is closed at the moment. It reopens on Friday 24th January. Booker T 04.01.25

Crooked Book/BOURNEMOUTH/725 Christchurch Rd, Boscombe

The Crooked Book Open at advertised times

725 Christchurch Rd, Boscombe BOURNEMOUTH BH7 6AQ

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tel: 01202 392451 e-mail

Open: Monday, Wednesday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00, Sunday 11.00 - 4.00

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Second hand book shop also selling vintage furniture and bric-a-brac with coffee shop for home-made cakes and drinks.

De Dannan Antique _ Vintage Centre/DORCHESTER/27 London Road

De Dannan Antique & Vintage Centre Open at advertised times

27 London Road DORCHESTER DT1 1NF

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tel: 07710 538 000 e-mail

Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10.00 - 4.00

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As well as books in some other units there is now a small upstairs book room and a book-lined corridor.

I found this antique centre in Dorchester recently and was pleasantly surprised to find books in some units and lots of books upstairs. Although a bit higgledy, piggledy, I still managed to find a few books and printed ephemera including a mint condition London Transport Underground map dated 1965 and a rare Lawrence of Arabia booklet 'From A Brough To A Push Bike' by Dorset author Hugh Elmes. Very pleased and well worth a visit if you are in the area. Dorchester also has in South Street an Oxfam Bookshop and nearby the Weldmar Hospicecare Bookshop. Joss at This Way Books 27.08.23

Dorset Bookshop/BLANDFORDFORUM/69 East Street

The Dorset Bookshop Open at advertised times

69 East Street BLANDFORD FORUM DT11 7DX

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tel: 01258 452266 e-mail web

Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 1.00

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Kevin and Denny Cook took over this quirky unspoilt Georgian building in 2007. 6 rooms of books on 3 floors -new downstairs and four rooms of secondhand books upstairs. Comfy chairs and coffee in a peaceful old fashioned lounge.

Sells a mixture of new (ground floor front) and second-hand (ground floor rear and upstairs). A lot of ?local? topography and travel. Clive Cheeseman 15.08.07

Best bookshop in Dorset by a mile! A 13.09.11

A good bookshop with new books on the ground floor and second hand on the other two. Certainly more ordered since the new owners took over awhile back although prices higher now. Parking nearby. The Drifter 22.08.13

Good general stock, across several rooms, encouraging an enjoyable rummage. To be congratulated on outlasting the local Oxfam bookshop which appears to have closed. Simon Procter 21.08.15

Quirky! Rooms are fairly small but there are LOTS of books, well worth visiting. The odd painting and various antique clocks and other things are dotted around too (we actually bought a couple of paintings as well as some books). Didn't check out the local interest section but otherwise quite a few old books in most categories. A good general browse. Owner did remark the antiques side seems to be He more successful side which would be a shame. WWAD, as they say. Long and short stay car park a few hundred yards away. Flip M 04.05.17

Must admit to being a bit disappointed a year later. More of the stock seemed tatty and dog-eared than was healthy...some of the books I recognised being there last year on my last visit. Still, an interesting shop to visit but it did seem the stock needed freshening up a bit. And some of the prices dropping. Flip M 18.05.18

Very limited opening hours, we arrived in the early afternoon and the shop was closed HB 29.03.22

Emporium/STURMINSTER NEWTON/Market Place

The Emporium Open at advertised times

Market Place STURMINSTER NEWTON DT10 1AS

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tel: 07733 430105 e-mail web

Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 4.00

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Large charity shop that has replaced the Lloyds Bank in the centre of town. Open 9am-4pm Mon-Sat. Wide range of books, CDs and DVDs, mostly £1 for 3. A very few old books have rather high prices.

Harrison-Hiett at Toad Hall/WIMBORNE/Stone Lane

Harrison-Hiett at Toad Hall Open at advertised times

Stone Lane WIMBORNE BH21 1HB

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tel: 01202 880487 e-mail web

Open: 7 days 10.00 - 4.00.

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A wide range of sound books in a book room. Hb & Pb. Lots of maps and prints. A "Shabby Chic" antique centre.

Karen Jakobsen Art _ Design Books/BRIDPORT/Sheepwash Barn, Mill Lane, Symondsbury

Karen Jakobsen Art & Design Books Open at advertised times

Sheepwash Barn, Mill Lane, Symondsbury BRIDPORT DT6 6HH

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tel: 07939543548 e-mail web

Tuesday - Saturday, 11.00 - 5.00, May to September only

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The art bookshop within Charles Chesshire's rare plant nursery is now open for the season until the end of September. Lots of 20th/21st century secondhand art and design books for sale at a range of prices up to £30. Many of the books on the website can also be brought to the bookshop for viewing on request with no obligation. Lots of free parking, and the Symondsbury Kitchen cafe is close by. PBFA members.

Keith Jones Bookshop/BOURNEMOUTH/2 Hinton Road

Keith Jones Bookshop Open at advertised times

2 Hinton Road BOURNEMOUTH BH1 2EE

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tel: 01202 292272 e-mail

Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.30.

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Keith Jones Bookshop has a large second hand section of Christian books as well as selling new books,dvds,cards and gifts. New stock arriving all the time.

Kingston Lacy National Trust bookshop/WIMBORNE/Laundry Courtyard, Kingston Lacy NT

Kingston Lacy National Trust bookshop Open at advertised times

Laundry Courtyard, Kingston Lacy NT WIMBORNE BH21 4EA

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tel: 01202883402 e-mail web

Open: Monday - Sunday 10.00 - 5.00

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Bookshop selling donated books. Entry fee or NT membership needed for access.

A warm welcome from the staff in the bookshop at this lovely NT property. Local interest books to the fore and a good selection overall. Herne 02.08.23

Museum of East Dorset/WIMBORNE MINSTER/23-29 High Street

Museum of East Dorset Open at advertised times

23-29 High Street WIMBORNE MINSTER BH21 1HR

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tel: 01202 886116 e-mail web

Open: Monday - Saturday, 10:00 - 4:30 April - October, 10:00 - 4:00 November - March

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A second-hand bookshop in two rooms, with classics, favourites and children’s literature, as well as some more unusual and unique works. Museum entry is not needed to visit the bookshop.

Nangle Rare Books/DORCHESTER/16a Durngate Street

Nangle Rare Books Phone before travelling

16a Durngate Street DORCHESTER DT1 1JP

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tel: 01305 261186, mob: 07758 617149 e-mail web

Open: most Fridays & Saturdays 11.00 - 4.00 and by appointment

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Rare and second hand books. Mainly Literary First Editions of 19th and 20thC. Also: Art, Fine Press, Poetry, Illustrated books (especially Ravilious and wood engravers), William Barnes, Thomas Hardy, Powys Brothers, T.E.Lawrence, Local history.

Added a very unconventional opening hours description. They live above the shop and will open it if in. TBG2 09.01.23

Now open "Most Fridays and Saturdays" 11am-4pm and also by appointment. 'It is easy and in no way inconvenient for us to open up when given a minute or two's notice' (as per the bookseller's latest catalogue, April 2025. Mark V 10.04.25

Nautical Antique Centre/WEYMOUTH/Old Harbour Passage

The Nautical Antique Centre Open at advertised times

Old Harbour Passage 3a Hope Square WEYMOUTH DT4 8TR

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tel: 01305 777838 e-mail web

Open: Tuesday - Friday 10.00 - 5.00 or by appointment. Closed for lunch.

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Specialist stock of nautical related books, prints, photographs and charts.

Very limited number and range of secondhand books when I visited. Steve Brissle 29.07.13

New, Secondhand and Antiquarian Books/SWANAGE/35 Station Road

New, Secondhand and Antiquarian Books Open at advertised times

35 Station Road SWANAGE BH19 1AD

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tel: 01929 424088 e-mail web

Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.00.

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A wide range of first edition and rare books, paperbacks and local interest books, maps and guides for the Isle of Purbeck. Latest bestsellers and new book ordering service. Situated in the main shopping street, 100 yards from the train station.

Very friendly, informative advice given to me on telephone. Thank you for your help. digi13 24.05.12

Mixed stock of, in equal proportion, new, remainders, and second-hand. Strong on Dorset, inc, Thos. Hardy, and maybe WAD if these are your interest. Certainly worth a look if you are already in town. Steven 21.08.19

Four years since my last visit and pleased to see that the shop is still in business. Still strong on local interest books and also on railways (and if this subject is of interest then walk along to the station and check out the book barrow on platform one). Good stock of general s/h paperback fiction and most subjects covered in both new and s/h although it is not a large shop so not really WAD although certainly worth a look if you are in town. Steven 25.10.23

Repeat visit. Not so many remainders as previously so about a 50 / 50 split between new and s/hand stock plus a few antiquarian books. Some vintage p/backs but not enough to be WAD and still keen on Thos Hardy and other Dorset authors. Good children's corner with both new and s/hand stock and on the day I visited an excellent shelf of play scripts. Steven 29.10.24

Oxfam Books _ Music/BRIDPORT/20 West Street

Oxfam Books & Music Open at advertised times

20 West Street BRIDPORT DT6 3QP

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tel: 01308 422117 e-mail web

Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00

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Usual Oxfam fare and prices. Some interesting collectibles and topography. Herne 18.07.23

Only about half of this shop is given over to books. The rest is taken up with Oxfam’s eclectic range of ornaments, confectionery and nick-nacks which I suppose some people must like. Small sections on art, history, travel and literature as well as the usual modern fiction. I also spotted several anthologies of previous winners of The Bridport Prize - a local literary contest and one of the country’s most prestigious. Jon R 09.02.25

For a bookshop, there is a surprisingly small amount of books, as has been said the other usual Oxfam stuff and music have overtaken the books, but a good Tony's chocolate bar is always welcome. Some sections are well stocked but hardback fiction was weak on my last visit. Tidy, clean and well organised. misterg 14.04.25

Oxfam Books and Music/DORCHESTER/24a South Street

Oxfam Books and Music Open at advertised times

24a South Street DORCHESTER DT1 1BY

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tel: 01305 263590

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Pretty much the Oxfam decor and selection you have come to expect. Airy, attractive interior, but not many surprises. Good on children's books, though, and I did find a cache of the appealing Penguin pocket-size "English Journeys" series, so worth a look. Paul O 29.08.14

There are actually two Oxfam shops side by side here. The larger one on the right is general Oxfam merchandise, and the smaller one on the left is just for books. It’s quite small and narrow inside so don’t expect a lot of stock. It is mostly fiction, mainly paperbacks with a few hardbacks here and there. There are small history and academic sections, and an “antique” section which currently has a BOGOF deal (although you might be hard pushed to find one desirable title, let alone two). Jon R 05.02.25

Oxfam Bookshop/SHAFTESBURY/19 High Street

Oxfam Bookshop Open at advertised times

19 High Street SHAFTESBURY SP7 8JS

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tel: 01747 854636 e-mail web

Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00.

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General secondhand stock.

A small but well laid out shop and, for Oxfam, quite reasonable prices. Certainly better than any of the Bristol Oxfam's. The Drifter 14.08.13

Oxfam Bookshop/SWANAGE/21 Institute Road

Oxfam Bookshop Open at advertised times

21 Institute Road SWANAGE BH19 1BT

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tel: 01929 425739 web

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Well laid out shop but with little of interest and usual unrealistic Oxfam overpricing which doesn't exactly encourage repeat visits. Nearby charity shops generally have more interesting books to offer at more realistic prices. Parking nearby. Not worth a detour. The Drifter 29.08.13

Palooka. 1/10. The Boxer 14.09.13

Another Oxfam Boutique shop with a small over-priced stock. Simon Procter 21.08.15

A small shop in a small town so I did not have any great expectations. It is relatively strong on p/back fiction across the genres and there are holdings on most non-fiction subjects although none in any great depth. While it should be possible to find something to read on the beach it is NWAD for collectors Steven 29.08.19

Much as I said before although the condition of the p/back stock is much better than typical charity shop standard and sensibly priced. Still plenty to read but little to collect, at least in my fields so worth a look if in town but not really worth a special journey. Steven 29.10.24

Sanctuary Bookshop/LYMEREGIS/65 Broad Street

Sanctuary Bookshop Open at advertised times

65 Broad Street LYME REGIS DT7 3QF

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tel: 01297 445815 shop hours, 01297 443653 out of hours e-mail web

Open: 7 days, 10.00 - 6.00

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Large and diverse general second-hand stock, including some antiquarian. Extensive single-author and subject-themed collections often available. Notably good selection of fiction. Also known locally as ‘The Books Bought Bookshop’.

General secondhand bookshop with a mysterious "reserve stock", which apparently you have to sleep with the owner to see. TBG

A bit of a mystery that seems to work on the principile that a rummage in what could be a stage set for a second-hand bookshop and the chance of somewhere to keep warm and dry will sell a book or two - and it seems to work - especially now there is a more traditional bookroom at the back run by another dealer. Arthur Hook 14.12.10

Two shops in one building - second one at the back was the more helpfully laid out. Again good for fiction. Also Antiques emporium on the front has several cases of books. Herne 20.07.11

Interesting to say the least - large varied and somewhat higgly piggly laid out stock. Well worth a visit and rummage as is a chat to the owner! Norman Davies 09.06.12

Higgledy-piggledy is indeed a good description. An interesting shop to visit if you have the time to mooch around in here. If you're in a rush, perhaps not. Books are crammed in everywhere, alongside pictures of authors, in the relevant shelves (nice touch) plus odd antiques here and there. No evidence of a separate shop at the back - it seemed like it was all 1 shop now. There is also a downstairs area too. Decent prices from what I looked at. Nothing for me today however. I did notice a very large children's section with many annuals at the front of the shop priced very reasonably - no more than £3, the couple that I checked. Flip M 06.05.16

Great bookshop. I really enjoyed a couple of hours I spent here. Pretty damn good children's section as you go in. Books all over the place in different alcoves and rooms. Sorted in various ways. Plus a basement with sofas in a weird bit with a very low ceiling. A bookshop that holds out plenty of hope. The shop contains at least five books that you will enjoy so much that you will remember them all your life. All you have to do is find them. The room at the back does seem to replicate sections that can also be found in other areas of the shop. I wonder what Driff would have made of it. Friendly owner who just lets you get on with it. Ian 21.04.17

There really are some hidden treasures here amongst all of the muddle. I would have spent longer searching but was told it was lunchtime and that the shop was closing. What I did purchase were some scares titles but others of interest were far too expensive. Chris Harte 26.04.19

Since my last visit 3 or 4 years ago, this shop has become cluttered to the point that it is quite difficult to negotiate a way around the obstacles, even more so when other browsers are present. Sadly some of the stock in my favourite sections has become worn and tatty to the point that the marked prices are far too ambitious. Despite these reservations, there are interesting things to be had, but patience and perseverance are needed, and deep pockets too. Wessexman 09.12.21

Shop still very muddled and some stock getting quite tatty. But perseverance can pay off if you have the time. David 20.04.23

I tried hard to search as many shelves as possible in between all of the muddle and clutter. What I eventually purchased are nowadays described as 'reading' copies' as the damp and salt air had got to them. At least Bob took cash which is a rarity in this rather bumptious resort. Chris 02.10.23

Some interesting stock in this sprawling and old-fashioned establishment, which has been a mainstay of Lyme's chief shopping street since 1997. The shop somehow manages to be both cluttered and organised - albeit very idiosyncratically - at the same time. The clutter stems from the fact that there are more books packed in here than the shop can comfortably accommodate, although - with the exception of the room at the back of the ground floor, where a huge and unsightly heap of cricket magazines is unforgivably scattered across the carpet - it is of tolerable proportions. Racks of mostly dull ephemera and cabinets of assorted and rather random bric-a-brac add to a slight air of chaos. However, a certain level of organisation is apparent in the number of labelled sub-categories: for the art shelves (one of the stronger non-fiction sections), I counted 22, including "biographies and journals", "patronage", "fakes", "art criticism", "framing", "art techniques" and "time periods and movements". Also on the ground floor, the sports books are disappointing, but the architecture and natural history stock is quite good and there is a recently acquired collection of 300 books on the occult. Many hundreds of OS maps - the largest selection I have ever seen in a second-hand shop - with a valiant attempt made to file by reference number (£2 to £3.50). Also antiquarian stock, although the selection on the open shelves contained nothing to set the pulse racing. Downstairs in the basement can be found a surprisingly limited and rather weak history section as well as a small stock of biographies of reasonable quality. Under the stairs is a diverse choice of books on music as well as hundreds of old copies of hobby magazines that I suspect might prove tough to sell these days ('Meccano Magazine', 'Practical Wireless' etc). The strange basement back room's most interesting feature is its exceptionally low ceiling. Other than a creditable selection of music scores, its contents, alas, consist of thousands of neatly shelved copies of 'National Geographic' magazine, dating from 1930 to 2000. Pre-1960 editions are £2 each; £1 buys a post-1960 one. More in hope than expectation, I would like to think that, by the time of my next visit, a customer with deep pockets and an equally deep obsession will have snapped up the entire stock of these as the novelty of this startling display wore off, for me at least, after about 40 seconds and I shall set eyes on them again only with a sharp feeling of dismay. The shop is undoubtedly stronger for fiction. The framed photographs of famous authors on the shelves containing their works are an interesting feature. Some of the shelves are reserved for the shop's "20 most popular authors", an eclectic mix that includes Mrs Beeton, Bernard Cornwell, Georgette Heyer, Patrick O'Brian, the Powys brothers and Miss Read alongside perhaps more easily predicted choices such as Dickens and Graham Greene. Elsewhere, as well as a copious array of classic fiction, there is large-scale representation of works by authors of a certain vintage whose popularity peaked long ago: for example, Jeffery Farnol (more than 40 hardbacks, many with dust jackets, ranging from £5 to £15) and Zane Grey (a collection of 90 novels for £165). "Someone will buy them eventually," opined the proprietor, Bob, after considering the matter for a few seconds. Vintage Penguins, some of them in rather iffy condition, are mostly £3. Crime fiction is here in abundance, both in paperback (ground floor) and hardback (basement), including many works by 'golden age' authors, as well as science fiction (ground floor, mainly older titles). Also quite a lot of poetry (ground floor), but mostly rather dull; the stock of drama (basement, under the stairs) is equally extensive but of a much higher quality. Children's books (at the very front of the ground floor) are one of the shop's strengths, both modern and vintage, and there are several dozen vintage annuals ('Girl', 'Roy Rogers' etc, mostly priced at £3 to £4.50).

So, this is a shop of contradictions. For fiction (especially pre-1980), it is well worth visiting, but the non-fiction is largely unexceptional. Much of the stock, I suspect, comes from house clearances. The condition of many of the books is not great, but the prices are on the low side almost across the board, except perhaps for the rarest books and some of the antiquarian stock. At the moment, although there are good things to be found here, they are not as easy to locate as they should be, so quite a lot of time should be allocated for anything even vaguely approaching a thorough perusal. In a seaside resort as attractive as Lyme Regis, that is rather a big ask for all but the most ardent bibliophiles, at least if the weather is fine. Although the stock is well categorised, its locations within these warren-like premises are not always logical. The stock could so easily be made more convenient to browse by a determined effort at decluttering and by devoting the entire ground floor to fiction, moving all the non-fiction into the basement, and positioning similar categories next to (or at least near) one another. I'd probably rein in the rather loud music (notably the frenzied and discordant spirituals) too. Given the above weaknesses, I'd say the shop is perhaps not quite worth a detour. The owner has incurred some criticism on social media - unjustifiably in my view - for being "remote" and "aloof"; he does tend to remain unobtrusive, but he is friendly and helpful in response to customer queries. Booker T 05.08.24

Stour Bookshop/STURMINSTER NEWTON/Bridge Street

Stour Bookshop Open at advertised times

Bridge Street STURMINSTER NEWTON DT10 1AP

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tel: 01258 473561

Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.00. Closed for lunch 1.00 - 2.00.

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General stock and illustrated books, archaeology, aviation, history and woman authors.

Opening hours currently given as 10:00 to 16:00 and closed for lunch from 13:00 to 14:00. Good general stock as per listing. Simon Procter 21.08.15

WVS Bookshop/CRANBORNE/14 Wimborne Street

WVS Bookshop Open at advertised times

14 Wimborne Street CRANBORNE BH21 5PP

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tel: 01725 551123 e-mail

Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00.

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The shop has a wide-ranging stock attractively priced. A dedicated charity bookshop established in 2009 by the Worldwide Veterinary Service in an attractive village setting.

An excellent charity shop tucked away in the middle of nowhere. Reasonable prices and well laid out. Worth a detour. The Drifter 14.08.13

A Belter. 9/10. The Boxer 16.10.13

A wonderful shop full of interesting books. Helpful and friendly assistant. MT 26.07.14

Weldmar Hospicecare Trust Bookshop/DORCHESTER/1 South Terrace

Weldmar Hospicecare Trust Bookshop Open at advertised times

1 South Terrace DORCHESTER DT1 1DE

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tel: 01305 251225

Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00.

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A wide range of good condition secondhand books. All books are donated and profits go to support local hospices.

Promising charity bookshop, with clued-up staff. Looked strong on history (and local history), but also had some unexpected titles in literary classics. From their collectable shelves, I bagged a first edition of a minor 50s novel I've always meant to read. Easy place to visit if you're on the Dorchester museums trail. Paul O 29.08.14

Moved to this address 21/11/16. TBG 22.11.16

A well laid out shop with a good range of stock situated at the south end of the main pedestrian shopping precinct. Wessexman 16.12.21

Nicely laid out shop with a good range of stock. Strong on fiction, both hardback and paperback, and particularly crime and thrillers. Small sections for classics, history, military, biography and “smart thinking”. Prices seemed generally reasonable. The pedestrianised South Street is currently being dug up, so depending on which way you approach it you may have to follow a short diversion. Jon R 05.02.25

West Moors Bookshop/WEST MOORS/205 Station Road

West Moors Bookshop Open at advertised times

205 Station Road WEST MOORS BH22 0HX

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Open: TBA

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Dorset Book Exchange is now internet only. The good news is that the shop continues under new ownership along the same lines but with a change of name to The West Moors Bookshop. Full details to follow.

Wild and Homeless Books/BRIDPORT/12 South Street

Wild and Homeless Books Phone before travelling

12 South Street BRIDPORT DT6 3NQ

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tel: 01308 421970 e-mail web

Open: Monday - Wednesday, most Thursdays, Friday - Saturday 10.00 - 3.00

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Est 2009, under new mismanagement since Bastille Day 2016 - aux bibliothèque, mes amies! Frequently changing general stock over two floors in a Grade II listed building. Major renovation of stock and shop planned for winter 2016/17. Most credit cards accepted, book searches undertaken, and perhaps needless to say, we buy books as well as sell them.

Seems to be expanding its stock and seems to have taken root, and their arrival plus the (always changing) stock in Bridport Books gives bookbuyers a good reason to linger. Arthur Hook 14.12.10

Closed at 4pm not 5 as advertised so I never got there. Herne 20.07.11

Just OK. Lots of indifferent stock, the few things of interest highly priced. Shop over the road much better. Bookworm 12.05.12

Totally disorganised. I think 2 shelves were labelled with a category, otherwise there were random books everywhere. Sometimes several related books were together but the ground floor and upstairs were mostly like a big jumble sale with nothing organised. "If you want to find something, put the work in" seems to be the motto. Random books were on shelves, the floor in piles, in boxes...and the lad behind the counter was sat reading a book. An utter mess. I did spend ten minutes looking around but if they can't be bothered, why should anyone else be? Don't ask me what they specialised in, it was impossible to tell... Flip M 06.05.16

Now under new management. TBG 14.10.16

I came in with my partner but he didn't stay long, however I stayed for perhaps 40 minutes. What a treasure trove! It is disorganised and you will have to put in the effort but it is worth it when you find a hidden gem. Upstairs is incredible. Lots of really rare books and very well priced. Don't be put off by the chaos, it is the best book shop I have ever been to, promise! Lucy 31.01.17

If the reviews above are anything to go by this shop has improved no end over the last few months! It's not up to the standard of Bridport Old Books across the road but it is well worth a visit and I was happy to find two good purchases. Henry Middleton 07.12.17

An enjoyable visit. The owner (Jon Lever) knows his books and was able to direct me to the various categories of my interests. Different stock to the shop opposite which is why a visit to the town will be repeated. Chris Harte 09.04.19

A very interesting little shop where I always find something to buy. Allow at least 30 minutes to browse before crossing the street to Bridport's other bookshop. Wessexman 16.12.21

The owner seems to have lost interest. This was my third attempted visit on different days when he is supposed to be open at midday, only to find the shop closed. Fortunately, it is directly opposite Bridport Old Books which is reliably open. Mike G. 23.10.22

Apologies to Mike G for our unexpected closures during the autumn. These were the result of complications arising from the head-on collision of Covid and Diabetes. Not something to be wished on anyone.

Fortunately, things appear to be on the mend, and on top of our vaguely 10 - 3 opening hours, we are now also open most Thursdays. As always, it is best to check (phone, email, social media) before travelling, just in case. Wild & Homeless Books 07.03.23

Interesting shop with knowledgeable and friendly owner. Prices reasonable and condition good. Definitely worth a look if in the area. David 20.04.23

Very interesting stock and worth climbing upstairs on the spiral staircase. Strong on railways and art in particular. Herne 15.07.23

Some interesting and quality titles to be found here. Even the tempters set out on the pavement outside had some decent titles. Strong on first editions, signed editions, children’s, cricket, military history, literary criticism and travel. Not a huge shop, but there are two rooms in total - ground and first floor, with a spiral staircase connecting the two. Jon R 09.02.25

Can be a tight squeeze in here when it gets busy (my most recent visit was a Saturday) but there was a fine selection of decent volumes at generally sound prices. Strong on signed first editions and I could have spent 10 times the amount I did and lied to the other half for the rest of time. We've all been there... misterg 15.04.25

Secondhand and Antiquarian Bookshops in the UK and Republic of Ireland