Secondhand and Antiquarian Bookshops in the UK and Republic of Ireland
News:
The Old Bakery is no longer principally a bookshop
Cardigan Antiques Centre's book dealer has gone
Carmarthen Antique Centre has too few books to list
Nyth y Robin is no longer a secondhand bookshop
Pembroke Antiques Centre has closed
Pembroke Market Emporium has closed
Bookends of Cardigan is no longer a bookshop
St David's Bookshop has reopened at a new location
The Discovery Bookshop has closed.
new shop The Bookshop by the Sea Aberystwyth
Oxfam shop Haverfordwest has closed
Open at advertised times
Phone before travelling
Appointment necessary
Status unknown, update requested
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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Carmarthen Community Bookshop/CARMARTHEN/16a Wood_s Row
Carmarthen Community Bookshop
16a Wood's Row CARMARTHEN SA31 1BX
map
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 2.00.
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A recent move from a local industrial estate has seen this charity bookshop open in new premises in the centre of Carmarthen. There are books on both floors of the building which are all well classified. Parking outside is a bit of a problem but the walk from a nearby car-park is well worth the effort. Chris Harte 03.01.18
Still the place to go in the town if you want to see thousands of donated books. I gave them 500 railway titles a few days ago which came from a neighbour clearing her mother's house. This is the place for either good books or a load of low quality fiction. The separate children's section on the ground floor is highly recommended. Chris Harte 15.08.21
An update on the above. Volunteers have been dedicated enough to create new shelving for the first floor and to superbly classify books by subject, and then even by sub-subject. A terrific example of what can be done in a charity shop. The quality of the titles has improved no end. The only problem is parking. Chris 05.06.23
This shop cannot be praised too much. They are donating literally hundreds of children's books to local schools, many in Welsh for learning purposes. The support from the town is high. On the first floor are books for adults and, alas, it is clear that some sections have been denuded of their quality titles; art in particular. Fiction is naturally strong so are the usual offerings on cooking and gardening. Sport, transport and autobiographies are weak on quality but good on waffle. The politics section reminded me of here-today, gone-tomorrow politicians whose stories are not worthwhile bothering about. The downstairs children's section is quite superb. Chris 04.03.24
Carmarthenshire Rare Books/CARMARTHEN/Milford House87 Lammas Street
Carmarthenshire Rare Books
Milford House 87 Lammas Street
CARMARTHEN
SA31 3AY
map
tel:
01267 223343
e-mail
Open: Likely to close in the future, till then open by appointment
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General secondhand and some antiquarian books, Welsh interest.
This is the place to go for really rare titles. Obviously very strong on Welsh material. Last two visits have seen me depart with a full box. Chris Harte 14.04.09
At the moment the shop is specialising in academic titles and books in Welsh. Otherwise there is a good general stock with emphasis given to locally published works. The current owner's father had a bookstall in the old market sixty years ago so it is really nice to note continuity. Chris Harte 15.08.21
Still worth a visit even though it's now open only three days a week. Shelves nicely sorted into various categories. I noted a good emphasis on military, biographies and Welsh subjects - in both languages. Good quality antiquarian titles on the top shelves. Chris 18.07.23
This was very odd. We arrived here to be told by the gentleman at the door that he was only interested in buying books. If there was a particular book we wanted he could let us know if it was there but we could not browse. Maybe we didn't look like suitable customers as we were not wearing our designer clothes that day (or any other day for that matter as we don't possess any). If this truly is just a book buying rather than selling operation should it even be listed? If on the other hand prospective customers are being judged on appearance perhaps we should be told. David 05.09.24
Carningli Centre/NEWPORT/East Street
Carningli Centre
East Street NEWPORT SA42 0SY
map
tel:
01239 820724 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday 10.30 - at least 4.00
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About 10,000 books on many subjects including Wales/Cymraeg, natural history, railways, art and crafts, cookery, Penguins, science, poetry, plays etc, etc. On the main A487 (between Cardigan & Fishguard) in the centre of Newport. Free car park in Long St.
Frontage on main road gives no indication of what is quite a treasure-trove reaching down through rooms full to the brim of interesting titles. Muddled, musty and somewhat eccentric but worth a stop if you are passing. Junk room a must for railway buffs. Chris Harte 03.09.09
This is an antique centre dominated by old railway signs so inevitably it is good for railway enthusiasts with a good collection of well priced books on railways. Not sure the rest of the stock is very interesting but some good local books. Norman Davies 30.07.11
Revisited and same comments - paradise for a railway enthusiast, also worth a look for other s/h books, extensive local and fiction collection. Norman Davies 27.01.15
A highly enjoyable shop with more than just railway memorabilia - a lot of interesting things to see plus a wide selection of books. Well worth a visit. Nick Harris 05.12.15
Over ten years since my last review and as stated by Norman Davies very good for railway buffs. Otherwise, the stock is dull but there might be the odd treasure hidden away. Closing time is now 5pm: "On the dot," as I was gruffly informed. Chris Harte 06.02.20
A change of ownership and a complete revamp in this antique/book centre. The railway bits and pieces are in one section but the huge improvement is in the book section. The damp and musty smells have gone; new carpet is on the floor and the books have been reorganised into proper sections. Most of the previously unsellable titles have disappeared and what is now in place came as a considerable surprise. I purchased a number of art books and came away very impressed. Chris 29.06.24
Cofion Books and Post Cards/TENBY/Bridge Street
Cofion Books and Post Cards
Bridge Street TENBY SA70 7BU
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e-mail
Open: Monday - Sunday from 2.00, but check first
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20,000 books, at first glance looks like a muddle but is in subjects. Childrens to adult, out of print to a few antiquarian. Postcards, especially Welsh.
A tiny shop jammed with huge piles of books, in a small lane off the harbour, and close to the National Trust Tudor Merchant's House. Not easy for persons of rather a large girth like me - very little room to move or breathe! Richard 28.08.12
Tiny shop with books stacked high. Great collection of postcards. Afraid to move many books in case it caused a landslide. Thought I saw the remains of one customer beneath a pile of Welsh mythology books. Worth a visit. SteveBrissle 06.09.13
Under the thousands of books crammed into a small shop I'm sure I saw the remains of a well-known Hay-on-Wye bookdealer's ego. If only the friendly owner could show his wares properly he would be able the sell the half hidden quality titles quite rapidly. Chris Harte 17.09.13
Sorry, I think there is a point at which we move beyond quirky to unpleasant. Aroma of mouldering books plus collapsed piles blocking aisle make this a no no for me. Mr Grumpy 16.09.14
Half shop now blocked by new book slides and I see what Grumpy means. But persistence and strong arms paid off for me with pile of purchases. Fantastic Welsh postcard selection, found by starting another large slide which revealed interesting other books but sadly no bodies! Norman Davies 03.07.15
The postcards mentioned by Mr Davies above were the easiest things to find during my visit. This shop is a must-visit, but for all the wrong reasons. I arrived to find the proprietor in conversation with a couple out on the street, and two potential customers standing at the doorway contemplating whether they would enter without a hard hat. Once inside, my wife immediately felt claustrophobic and had to leave. The tottering walls of worn titles reminded me of one of those indoor climbing walls, but with the danger of imminent avalanches should I be foolhardy enough to try to extract a book I wanted to look at. One fearless customer was rifling through the postcards and therefore blocked any hopes of seeing what was on the other side of the shop. There was however a large unruly pile of books where I presume the till was lurking. Needless to say I left empty-handed, as I suspect most people do ... Graeme Rendall 22.10.15
The shop phone number does not work. Mrs Jones 26.04.19
Alby is a charming elderly man who finds it amusing that tourists come to photograph the chaos which is this store, for it is not a bookshop as entry is inaccessible due to the piles of books, many of which have toppled over so blocking entry. Even his first floor storeroom is now unavailable to be accessed. Alby enjoys chewing the cud with passers-by and as he told me: "I'm not bothered if I don't sell any books." We spent ninety minutes, sitting outside his entrance in comfortable chairs gossiping about the book trade of years past. I really enjoyed my visit. Chris 29.06.24
College Street Books/AMMANFORD/15 College Street
College Street Books
15 College Street AMMANFORD SA18 3AB
map
tel:
01269 592140 e-mail
Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 3.00, Saturday 9.00 - 1.00
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New and secondhand books, about 50/50. Particularly Welsh interest, maps and walking, history, warfare, art, mythology, poetry, literature, and children's books in Welsh & English.
Although the name suggests otherwise the entrance to this pleasant shop is from an arcade which runs parallel to the main window. Strong on Welsh subjects and a very good selection of books on mining. Although there are new books as well it is worth a visit if you are passing. Chris Harte 11.07.13
Over five years since my last report and the shop is still very strong on new and second-hand Welsh titles. Also the shelves held many books on mining; poetry; military and show-business. Still worth looking in. Chris Harte 24.03.19
I've always written highly about this bookshop. It is a true oasis in the wilderness of the Amman Valley. Welsh books abound with some of the mining histories being top quality. There is also a varied general stock. A visit is recommended if you are in the area. Chris Harte 15.08.21
Good little bookshop. A varied stock in mostly good condition, fairly priced. Worth a look if passing. David 05.09.24
Goldstone Bookshop/CARMARTHEN/10 Hall Street
Goldstone Bookshop
10 Hall Street CARMARTHEN SA31 1PH
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tel:
01267 237236 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.30.
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We are pleased to announce our very first bookshop in the beautiful town of Carmarthen has now opened! We will be stocking a range of new and pre-owned books so please call in and say hello.
This shop is situated at the side of the Guildhall building in a pedestrianised part of central Carmarthen. On first glance, it looked like there were only new titles available but I was told by the manager that 'about 20% of the stock is pre-owned.' Looking around, but going from experience, my feeling was that these were either unwanted review copies, remainders (many of which bore British Library Imprints) or quality books from charity shops' donations. However, on the plus side, there were many shelves containing new local books to which my latest effort will be added shortly. Chris Harte 28.06.19
There has been a marked change to this shop. As the manager explained to me, the second-hand books are now in the ascendancy while new books are taking up fairly little shelf space. With a never ending supply from the warehouse (which is an on-line concern) this is now a shop I shall visit more often. Chris 04.03.24
We had been looking forward to visiting this shop as we have bought some good books from their online business in the past. It was rather a disappointment. Nice and clean and bright with comfortable sofas but not much of interest. Biographies were mostly of sports folk and TV types with nothing much of a literary bent. There were some old penguins and pelicans if that's your thing but nothing for us. David 05.09.24
Leafed Through/CARDIGAN/Community (charity) Book Shop
Leafed Through
Community (charity) Book Shop 21 Pendre CARDIGAN SA43 1JT
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tel:
01239 621092 e-mail
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.00.
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A small but well laid-out bookshop, with a wide range of subjects covered.
Housed in what used to be a dog's charity shop, this is a small but well laid-out bookshop, with a wide range of subjects covered. A smaller number of books on show than in the one at the end of the arcade, but my wife and I still managed to come away with several titles for a very modest outlay. Graeme Rendall 22.10.15
Hidden away at the end of the High Street this community bookshop had some interesting titles on their numerous shelves. Fiction took about a third of the space with other subjects rather roughly categorised. However, there were some good quality books to be had. The only questionable point is their pricing: everything is marked at being £3! Chris Harte 24.10.15
Profits given to local charities. Prices are usually set at £1.50 paperbacks, £2 fiction hardbacks, £3 hardbacks. Open 10-4. Janet Barber 15.01.18
Nice small bookshop, heavy in fiction like others posted. Wife and I picked up a couple titles but nothing extraordinary here. Sean Nodland 22.12.19
Still a very good charity shop. I always visit when in the town. Most hardbacks are at £3 which means bargains can be had. Some very knowledgeable and artistic retired people looking after the place. Chris Harte 15.08.21
Another visit to find the shelves full of good books, well laid out and in marked categories. As always a most knowledgeable assistant was in-situ and the prices have not changed from when it was opened nearly ten years ago. In a depressing town centre this shop is a beacon. Chris 29.06.24
An excellent example of a charity shop. Good mix of stock, good prices and condition. We found some excellent titles and bough a large bagful for just £23.00. Would certainly visit again. David 05.09.24
Llandelio Bookshop (British Red Cross)/LLANDEILO/101 Rhosmaen Street
Llandelio Bookshop (British Red Cross)
101 Rhosmaen Street LLANDEILO SA19 6HA
map
tel:
01558 823256
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 4.30.
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Charity bookshop selling donated books.
Although a British Red Cross charity bookshop the shelves had some quite interesting titles. One wall is solid paperback fiction but other shelves are categorised and easy to check. The travel section was especially strong. Chris Harte 25.10.14
It is always worth visiting this charity shop for sometimes they have some very interesting books on show. Unsurprisingly, cookery books dominate followed by trash 'celebrity' ghosted autobiographies and modern paperback fiction. Chris Harte 15.08.21
A huge amount of new stock has arrived with much of it now on the shelves. More local history than usual and seemingly a good selection of fashion books. Country sports section larger but still rows of autobiographies by television "personalities" (sic) none of whose names mean anything to me. Chris Harte 24.09.22
Some knowledgeable person has come and revamped this charity shop. Unsellable dross has disappeared and the books now on the excellently marked shelves were easy to see and to browse. In among the usual paperback fiction were some decent hardback titles. If you add this shop to your visiting list might I recommend the bakery opposite: the cottage pies are magnificent. Chris 04.09.23
Pendleburys Bookshop/LLANWRDA/Garreg FawrPorthyrhyd
Pendleburys Bookshop
Garreg Fawr Porthyrhyd LLANWRDA SA19 8NY
map
tel:
01550 728 276 e-mail web
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00 .
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Booksellers for many decades with a large general stock & specialisms of 20,000 theology, 3,500 botanical & gardening books. Outside advertised hours please telephone before visiting. A remote hillside bookshop housed in converted barns in the foothills of the Cambrians within a three acre garden project.
A journey into the middle of nowhere was rewarded by a friendly greeting, hot coffee and lots of chatter. This really is an oasis in the wilderness and the tens of thousands of titles on offer took some hours to browse. The theological stock took the whole of one massive converted barn. Other subjects, with a large gardening section, were a joy to behold. Only a fraction of the books are on the internet at the moment. There are many scarce titles on offer, particularly on field sports and rural pursuits. WWAD. Chris Harte 05.03.13
These premises should be on every serious collector's list to visit. The driveway up to the books is not easy to find if you are not familiar with the area but once into the converted barns you cannot fail to be anything but amazed. Everything is well set out and time will pass quickly while checking the shelves. The website is worth consulting before visiting. Chris Harte 02.03.22
Great bookshop in a beautiful setting. Much to my surprise we managed to locate it without any difficulty. We disturbed the owner whilst he was having his lunch but he was very helpful and explained where we could locate everything. We were here for a couple of hours and found some long sought titles. The stock is extensive and prices fair. A large bagful was bought. I get the impression that they probably do most of their business online now but it is certainly worth visiting in person. David 05.09.24
St. David_s Bookshop/ST.DAVID_S/2 Tŷ Eurvil, Maes Dyfed
St. David's Bookshop
2 Tŷ Eurvil, Maes Dyfed ST. DAVID'S SA62 6RD
map
tel:
01437 720480 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 11.00 - 5.00, Sundays on Bank Holidays and in high season.
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Reopened at new location An idiosyncratic new and secondhand bookshop with a strong Welsh section.
This is now selling second-hand books again at its new shop
About half the stock is second-hand. The owner explained that he had to build this back up again after closing the previous shop. Also sells second-hand CDs and LPs and new books. Mark V 03.06.22
One of the strangest bookshops I have ever visited. There is probably now about 20% of used titles on the shelves the rest being new books mainly aimed at the tourist trade. However, whenever I asked the price of anything which caught my fancy I was told: "It is not for sale. It's part of my work collection." After five attempts to purchase I left and walked around the corner to enjoy a cappuccino-flavoured ice-cream. Chris 29.06.24
