Cute, quaint, quirky, cosy and homely little bookstore-come-cafe (:…read more It's average opening hours are 11-6 during which time you can grab a slice of cake, tea, coffee etc, have a peruse through some books, and chill on their big comfy sofa! I find a lot of coffee places just don't really want you stay and they have hard, uncomfy furniture to reflect that. But not here! This place often has events that extend its opening hours, too. My favourite is the 'big comfy folk club' which are folk and acoustic sessions hosted on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. Next one is on 4th March and tickets are only a fiver! Brilliant intimate venue, and the performers usually stick around for a while afterwards which is nice (: OH ALSO, WINE! The big comfy book shop serves alcohol! Live music + book shop + cake + red wine = total winner. See you on the 4th!

I really like The Big Comfy Bookshop!…read more It is a quant used book shop that is family owned. The owner spent over a year compiling books to open his shop, and ever since has kept a good variety of books that are unique to customers, or a popular search result of a used book. There is always fresh coffee, tea options, beer and wine, and some sort of snacks like crisps or cake for sale. Seating is available to hang out with friends for a little while or to start tucking into your future purchase. Also I noticed that live folk music nights and game nights regularly occur here too! Great place!

A nice book shop, but FAR TOO SMALL!! I like to browse the shelves in comfort, rather than standing…read morein a crowd of people (why does everyone always seem to be in the same place?!) and constantly having to move out the way of others. It has a good range of books though and also sells some nice cards and odds and ends at the checkout. They do an ordering service too, which is probably good as they can't possibly hold enough stock to suit everyone. The shop has a nice atmosphere though and the staff are friendly.

Far be it from me to suggest you make a trip to Oxford just to visit one of the most wonderful…read morebookstores ever, but if you happen to be in or near Oxford it'd be a shame to miss out. Despite a plethora of 1-star reviews of Blackwell's online ordering service, the in-store experience is sheer delight. The selection (on multiple stories of the building) is simply stunning. Not wanting to come back home with a suitcase full of books (well, wanting to but loathe to carry them), my purchase here was a single book which I read in its entirety before leaving the UK. Bookstores which began their lives in the 1800's are rare finds. Blackwell's is one and they haven't endured due to mere good luck. Someone is paying attention to the look and feel of the place as well as the vast and deep selection of great reads. Blackwell's is a great place to get lost in.

Blackwell's is a bookstore experience! It reminded me of the bookstore I grew up in with a big…read morekid's section upstairs, places to sit and read, and the good, booky smell that can only be captured by a place constantly shelving and sharing books. Note that there is a one stall bathroom inside the children's section that gets a lot of use and gets smelly.

Almost on the brink of being horribly alternative, I could not keep myself away from here after my…read morefirst visit. My very strictly-no-red-trousers boyfriend coyly lured me here on the pretence of it having coffee and cake after a long walk. He usually does this so he can roam around bookstores for 2 hrs+. While I normally find it annoying I could not stop looking around. There are some new novels but there is a great deal of used books, beautifully bound. Most of the collection is 20th century fiction. Modern classics (Dr. Zhivago and Slaughterhouse 5) and poetry are well stocked and there is a peculiar feeling that the books are meticulously chosen as the categories are select but complete in depth. I found some gorgeous Oxford emblem bearing 1947 published versions of 'English Short Stories' 'Lorna Doone' and a stunning gold leafed Dante's Divine Comedy. So on to the second layer of the shop: The Cafe. A small number of colorful tables occupy the front where you can sit and sip a enviable selection of international leaf teas, ranging from your standard Earl Grey to things like "Green Chai" "Brazilian Mate", "Russian Caravan" and a satisfying amount of Chinese teas. They go for 2 pounds a pot and you can choose your own cup. I haven't tried the cake selection...yet. There is also coffee available but in a refreshing hipster without being hipster fashion there are no lattes or americanos. Sorry. No wi-fi either so don't think you can spend your day here with your macbook and your big glasses. The time limit is an hour unless you want to buy another pot. Very nice to see people of all ages come in to the whimsical bookshop and there is no huge open glass for everyone to spot you being every-so busy. Just go about your business. Also, the owner is just the right amount of involved, which is nice. Overall an independent Jericho based bookshop of which Oxford is very much in need. They host poetry and jazz evenings which I hear are extremely popular as well. Carry on, AB.

Words that describe Arcadia: Whimsical, magical, adorable, twee, cute, colourful…read more This is an adorable little shop, just off Cornmarket St on St. Michaels. It's a shop filled with trinkets, vintage items, books, pretty stationary, calendars, cards and more. This absolutely gorgeous spot almost feels like a step back in time, with classical music playing, an old-world parisian vibe, and a collection of vintage penguin books for your perusal. Definitely worth a visit if you need a gift for someone, or just want something pretty for yourself. Prices seem reasonable as well.

This little gem is hidden off the main shopping street in Oxford. It is a real treaure chest,…read moreeverytime i go in there are new little things filling every possible space. Vintage books, scented candles, boxes, cards and so much more. This is always a stop on my christmas shopping runs.

This is a beautiful tucked away antique and second hand bookshop…read more It is so full of books that it can be a bit hard to know where to start, but the owner is lovely and extremley helpful, should you want something specific. There are a lovely combination of really beautiful old books, second hand bokos to read, and prints of the Thames and Henley.

Tis is what a bookshop should be…read more Brilliant owner with fantastic customer service, staff know locals names and a nice selection of books. There is a great range for kids, adults, garners, teenagers, designers... the list goes on. Come here for your books, and if you cannot find it speak with the owner. They may be able to order it for you.

Tons of books and a friendly knowledgeable staff that has a good sense of humor! Shop here!read more

Bath is hardly short of book shops (being England's publishing mecca) - so what sets Mr B's…read moreEmporium apart from the rest? Outstandingly friendly service, fantastic book signing events and a room dedicated to tranquil reading to name just a few. Voted Best Independent Bookshop, Mr B's Emporium isn't just a shop - it's an experience. My favourite thing to do of a lunch hour, is to pop along to the Bibliotherapy room at the top of the show, pick up a book, sit on the sofa and listen to the relaxing music. They also have a special booth equipped with tea, biscuits and headphones if you're looking for the ultimate in 'me time'. The shop spreads over three floors and covers a number of genres from cookbooks to psychology. These books are always sold at full price, so don't expect to get a bargain here, but you will find a carefully chosen selection of publications which you don't find on the highstreet.

Another example of a shop that is too small for the amount of stuff it wants to sell. It is in the…read moremain shopping area and sells the typical stationery/books/magazines that you'd expect of a newsagent. The problem is that the shelves are all a bit too close together and things (especially books) tend to be rammed on to the extent that they end up getting damaged. Ok if you want magazines and stationery, but I'd recommend Ottakers if you want books

A book-lovers paradise!…read more We heard about this place when staying at a nearby B&B. Apparently, it's the largest second hand book seller in the UK, and after visiting I can truly believe this. The Book Barn is a massive warehouse on an industrial estate not far from Bath. It doesn't look much from the outside, but enter at you peril and be prepared to be overcome with the musty smell of second hand books - and what better smell is there, if we are honest?! Shelves are stacked floor to ceiling with every genre of book that you could possibly imagine - cookery, health, travel, science, religion - every topic under the sun. The fictional novels take up most of the space and are loosely categorised alphabetically. It can be a little overwhelming but the staff will run a search for you if you are looking for a particular author, and there are a couple of computers available for public use. The best bit about these books? They are all priced at £1!! I challenge you to come out with less than an armful! There is also a children's area and a rare book section, obviously with a slightly higher price tag. There is a cafe here too selling everything from hot drinks, to freshly baked cakes, cooked breakfasts, and light lunches. A great place to make a start on one of your new purchases. This really is book heaven. Bring a large bag and be prepared to lose a few hours in here!

I'm going to Bookbarn tomorrow and have been several times...its heaven!…read more Literally the biggest library of books you've ever seen in a huge converted barn just outside of Bristol...all books are £1!!! They have free parking and a small tea shop with homemade cake and big old sofas. There is a vintage book section as well with rare books at still very cheap prices. The last time i went i bought 16 books i kid you not. Out of those included the complete works of Shakespeare for £1 (mint condition) complete works of oscar wilde (less mint condition) and the best thing ever: the complete sonnets of Shakespeare which had a sweet message written inside from 1962 where a man bought this book and gave it to her on their 20th Anniversary..and here it was going home with me in 2014. Love that so much. You really can spend hours here, books are put into genres and you are given a map when you come in, sofa's and chairs dotted around for you to casually read along with wheel-able shopping baskets. The staff are super friendly and helpful, it's a bit rough around the edges but super cute, exactly the kinda place i feel at home. If you don't see me for 3 days, i've been in bookbarn :)

This bookstore is a real cutie on the Main Street in Stowe. I was in need of a book for our five…read moreday walking trip and was able to find a winner here. Despite being tucked into a small space, they had a wide variety of hard packs, paperbacks, kids books and more to offer. The shopkeeper was both friendly and helpful. I should add that it's also conveniently located a few doors down from the tasty Cotswold Creamery cheese shop (which I also highly recommend). If you're in need of a read or for some literary perusing, this spot is for you!

Must stop here if you're in the area. The books are well displayed with wonderful reviews to help…read moreyou make a selection. However, for me it was the customer service! We were looking for where to travel to next and the two kind ladies working took the time to look up and write down directions since my phone has spotty service.