I've always thought that what central Leeds is really lacking is a decent second hand bookshop,…read moresomething to counteract the spread of 'super' book stores like Waterstone's and Borders and instead offer a place to immerse yourself in the wonderful atmosphere of old, musty books. Happily, Chevin Books in Otley more than makes up for this, with a stock of over 20,000 antique, second hand and rare titles covering most subjects. Prices are reasonable too, and the owner seems to know pretty much everything about everything - something which I'm sure is a prerequisite for second hand bookshop owners. Plus, it's an excuse to have a day out in Otley, rather than yet another traipse into the centre of Leeds.

Very quaint little independent bookstore crammed into a very small space. Not somewhere to go for…read morethe latest Richard & Judy recommended travesty but a place to uncover a gem with some real character to boot. The owner is very helpful and friendly if you know what you're looking for and even if you have no idea. It might not be modern but I love places like this.

This is very unique book store full of unusual books but also has first edition books from medicine…read moreto children's novel. Over 5 floors, which allegedly the building was built in the late 1800s. I personally love the unusual book store, where love thy neighbours vaule/ trust in each other still stands. This is a rarity in itself, which I love so much . They even have diy tea area where you help yourself to tea/coffee for a very small nominal fee.

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.

To compete the all round availability of everything on Street Lane is a small book shop. With…read morecraftily displayed books the shelves appear full but due to the amount of business, I'm guessing that there isn't a roaring trade like there are for the cafes, it would be uneconomical of large stocks of the same titles to be kept here. I was asked if I needed any help and there were little chairs dotted around if you felt the need to peruse a title or two.

This is a lovely little book store situated on the ever popular Street Lane of Leeds. It's on the…read moremain promenade of shops, snugly propped in between two of the charity shops, and so is easy to find and easy to access. I find it interesting that underneath the shop signage is the phrase "Guardians of Knowledge," since that conjurs quite an image and is rather a grandiose accolade to have to live up to! Even so, despite the shop not having some kind of knight eternally guarding sacred scrolls and parchments akin to Indiana Jones, it does have a lovely selection of books. It seems a large section of the shop is dedicated to an array of colourful and exciting looking children's books which is really nice to see, especially given that they offer a 10% discount to readers clubs, which is another bonus of this shop. There were a number of different books to browse too, from popular novels, to fact books (such as WWII books), Leeds related info books and even some limited edition signed copies of 'The History Makers' for £20, a book about Leeds United FC! I don't know about 'guardians of knowledge' precisely, but I do know this. Philip Howard Books Ltd is a great little book store with good range of literature, at a reasonable price. Enjoy!

Is there a finer, funkier, funnier, bookstore in all of Yorkshire? Maybe all of the UK? I don't…read morethink so. What topic are you looking for? Proprietor Barry, with his assistant Jerry the cat, will find it for you. Indeed, probably several books on topic. Or just go in with an open mind and you'll find many books of interest. The difficulty will be deciding which to buy. Don't worry, the prices are so reasonable that you can take all you can carry. Beware, there are approximately 14,000 books there, so bring a really big bag.

I love quaint traditional rummagy book shops and this is one of the best. Set up an old cobbled…read morelane with mandatory ats a top some old books outside, the shops itself is small and paked high with books of all genres as well as some old classics and the frienldy old staff

This is a nice Waterstones store, located on James Street in Harrogate town centre, it is over…read morethree floors, despite the floors themselves being a little small, it does have a reasonable selection across the floors, including a Cafe on the First Floor. I did find the store to be very cluttered, it was just full of empty and half-empty boxes, which hadn't been put away with no staff member nearby, it felt more like an obstacle course, to get into the store and towards the back of the ground floor. The staff seemed friendly enough, the store layout is easy to follow with the store guide, They didn't have the handwritten descriptions and notes to accompany the books which other Waterstones stores have, this is a shame as this is one of the things I like about Waterstones and find it adds a more personal touch. Prices are higher than Amazon and co but again tend to be common with most bookshops. Advertising for events inside the store remains in place, which will be worth a look if you're interested. 3* - Decent selection of books, yet the store could be kept a lot tidier.

My older sister worked here for a time while she was at uni (to become a librarian no less!)…read more The staff in here are all educated literary types, and they're usually pretty good with the book recommendations. The shelves are always very organized, and although the shop is small, it's got a lot of variety. A good bet if you're looking for the latest bestseller or something a bit more obscure.

"Abandon despair, all ye who enter here", should be inscribed on top of the entrance to The Minster…read moreGate Bookshop. And yes, that's a positive take on the famous "Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate" of Dante's Inferno, for this place represents, in its entirety, the opposite to the Inferno's loss of hope. The Minster Gate Bookshop is a palace of wisdom, an oasis of knowledge, a refuge of hope and peace. When you walk up the stairs and see every single wall covered in the most magnificent old and modern tomes, you can't help but feel total and complete bliss. The selection of books in all floors is impeccable. It could take me or you days just browsing every shelf. I stumbled upon it on a visit to the Minster of York, the main attraction in town, but on a second visit the York Minster will be relegated to a secondary level of importance. My first stop will undoubtedly be The Minster Gate Bookshop!

A slanted, creaking world of antique books and maps can be found inches from the magnificent York…read moreMinster, tucked within a small alleyway. Having all at once the atmosphere of a bookshop, a museum, and an interesting relative's even more interesting house, the building provides a tranquil haven to become absorbed by fiction and history. The antiquarian volumes are breathtaking and cheaper editions can also be found for students stocking up for the new term. The History room is the loveliest, with an old desk and chair and battered old rug on the floorboards. The views out of the window are equally charming as the rooftops of the city reveal themselves like a Mary Poppins landscape.

A fantastic book shop that has new and second hand books and a well stocked half price section. You…read morecan also find lots of children's toys and gifts to the rear of the store with all the well known characters (a Godsend at birthdays!). Staff and will and eager to help and will order you anything (which arrives quite quickly!) in that they don't have in stock. Hambleton books also have an impressive range of local books and local history books for the curious and the family history buff. Located in the market square it has adequate free public parking.