Darlington is a pretty small town and has had many music shops in the past (with 'Williams' being…read morethe longest standing and most prominent). I personally think the Darlington Music Centre is one of the best music stores we've had in Darlington, the staff are friendly and always very willing and helpful. The prices are pretty competitive and if appropriate they have been willing to negotiate in the past. For a music store in a small town they also have a decent selction of guitars including big name originals like Gibson, Fender and PRS. Also for those of you wanting to learn how to play an instrument you can enquire in store for guitar lessons or drum lessons, in fact you can take the drum lessons at the back of the store so you don't need a drum kit and don't need to annoy your neighbours (until you decide you're serious about it!;)

Was looking for some sheet music & books for base guitar. A fair selection available. Have been in…read morea few times & have found it has what I need.

THECDVAULT.COM was an excellent find . browsing the web I…read morefound the most unbelievable catalog of rock rarities available for purchase , prices were incredibly affordable and the service was THE BEST . the guys are collectors and they understand your questions I recommend them 100% .

Hooray for independent bookshops! They are a dying breed. This one has many endearing…read moreidiosyncrasies. The classical music playing in the background gives it an austere feel and the window display of nature/gardening orientated books reminds you are shopping amongst the middle aged. Maybe I'm old before my time as this is what dragged me in most recently but when it comes to bookshops I don't even need a nudge. There is a large local section with books and maps about Ilkley, the Moors and Yorkshire, in historical, fictional and photographic form. There is a fiction section and I liked the 'our choice' stand that had books mostly about - you guessed it - Yorkshire, on it. There is a large cookery and travel section and apart from books they sell penguin mugs and bags. I didn't venture downstairs but I hear there is a classical music section selling sheet music and CDs, alongside British and foreign film DVDs. Their book-ordering system is speedier than Waterstone's too!

This bookshop is totally humungous, and being in Ilkley, in not without it's quirks! The building…read moreoutside is gorgeous and inviting, with stark royal blue woodwork, and it sits on one of the main high streets so it's easy to locate. It sells a good deal of standard titles. Selling a range of musical books, from contemporary, jazz, folk and more, as a musician (or budding musician) you couldn't want for more! The staff are helpful if you get stuck, which is always a bonus, so have no fear if you're not sure what it is you are looking for. They also have a whole host of fiction, classics, children's books and a load of lovely Yorkshire related titles. On a slightly more odd note, like I said - quirks, at the time of shopping they had a bunch of children's titles in the window for Christmas. All looked normal, cute and such until I noticed one most peculiar title. It was a picture booked called "Santa needs a wee!" Possibly the funniest and most bizarre Christmas related child's book I've ever seen. Awesome.

This is a good sized store and is one of my favourites if ever I need a DVD, CD or video game. They…read morehave many offers (they nearly always have some sort of offer on) such a buy one get one free, 3 for 2, etc. Because it is such a popular store, the queues can be very long but staff are great and usually apologetic. Their prices are good too.

This is a large spacious store located in the centre of the bridges shopping centre. Loads of…read moreoffers available on all current music and films. A valid NUS card gets a further 10% off in store and online. Really busy at this time of year but worth a visit as you can get something for everyone.