If you’re like us and find browsing at second-hand bookstores calming and exciting at the same time, you’ve come to the right place. There’s just something magical about getting lost among the shelves and finding a book you didn’t expect you’d like.
In this article, we listed down the best second-hand bookstores in London you can go to.
1. Skoob Books
| Website | https://skoob.com/ |
| Address | 66 The Brunswick off, Marchmont St, London WC1N 1AE, United Kingdom |
| Operating hours | Monday-Saturday (11AM-7:30 PM); Sunday (11AM-6PM) |
Hidden behind the Brunswick centre, Skoob Books is worth a visit. It has a broad collection of books from different genres.
Whether you’re searching for the next romance to sweep you off your feet or an autobiography of someone you admire, they ought to have something for you here.
Their collection is so wide that they replace 5000 books every month. So, you’re sure to find something new every time you visit.
Their store is very accessible since it’s open 7 days a week. Still, if you don’t have time to scour shelves of books or are looking for something in particular, you can also check out their online store that holds 100,000 unique titles.
2. BookMongers
| Website | https://bookmongers.com/ |
| Address | 439 Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8LN, United Kingdom |
| Operating hours | Monday-Saturday (10:30AM-6:30PM); Sunday (11AM-5PM) |
BookMongers is a Brixton institution at this point. Established in 1992, this place has been around for quite some time and is known for its unique, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphere.
It’s the kind of place that makes you feel right at home. There’s a sense of community here that will make you want to go back.
They have a vast array of second-hand books available at their shop and at their online store. They have fiction, classics, nonfiction, and so much more stocked on their shelves.
3. Foster Books
| Website | https://www.fosterbooks.co.uk/ |
| Address | 183 Chiswick High Rd., Chiswick, London W4 2DR, United Kingdom |
| Operating hours | Monday-Saturday (10:30AM-5:30PM); Sunday (11AM-5PM) |
Located in an 18th-century building, this bookshop has a vintage feel to it. It’s been a vital part of this neighbourhood for 50 years now.
It’s a great place to score first editions, antiquarian volumes, and fine bindings. If you can’t seem to find what you’re looking for from the website and at the store, you can fill out their search form so they can check uncatalogued shop stock.
It’s not a large bookstore per se, but it has a wide range of material available that will pique your interest. The prices are also really reasonable and the staff are warm and friendly.
4. Judd Books
| Website | https://juddbooks.com/wp/ |
| Address | 82 Marchmont St, London WC1N 1AG, United Kingdom |
| Operating hours | Monday-Saturday (11AM-7PM); Sunday (12PM-6PM) |
Judd Books has been trading for over 25 years and now they have over 50,000 titles to choose from. They have a humongous stock of second-hand and bargain books in their two floors covering a variety of genres.
However, they mostly specialise in academic books. A large number of them come from American university presses as renamed titles.
You can find the literature, art, design, architecture, media, music, theatre studies, and film sections on the ground floor. This is the more arts-related section.
Downstairs is much larger and has titles on history, classical studies, philosophy, economics, psychology, and science. The back room, on the other hand, carries books on sociology, international relations, politics, and even a section dedicated to socialism/Marxism.
We like that they always have new stock at the shop, based on our experience. There’s something for a casual reader or if a student needs a book for their report.
Since they’re situated near the University of London, they offer a 10% discount to students. You just need to show some valid identification.
5. House Of Hodge Bookshop
| Website | https://www.houseofhodge.org/ |
| Address | 174 Blackstock Rd, London N5 1HA, United Kingdom |
| Operating hours | Monday-Sunday (11AM-5PM) |
House of Podge is a charming bookshop that you can find in the middle of Highbury & Islington and Finsbury Park. Founded in 2009, this book shop is a bit younger compared to some of the bookstores on our list.
This store was founded by Dr. Doreen Rolph, a well-loved local and cat lover who wanted to raise money for animal welfare. Now it’s being run by dedicated volunteers.
People think of this bookstore as a place of “organised chaos” or a book cave of some sorts. It’s perfect for bookworms and those in search of a great bargain.
The quality of the books are impeccable, some are even brand new. The place is very cosy and it’s a comforting place to browse and see a hodge-podge of different titles from the popular to the obscure.
Whatever genre you’re looking for, this store probably has it.
6. Books for Amnesty
| Website | https://www.amnesty.org.uk/amnesty-bookshops |
| Address | 175 King St, London W6 9JT, United Kingdom |
| Operating hours | Monday-Saturday (11AM-5:30PM); Sunday (12PM-4PM) |
This second-hand bookshop deserves a spot on our list not just because of the great quality of books and value for money, we also like how they foster a spirit of community. They raise funds for local campaigns, so you’ll feel a sense of purpose when you buy from them.
The first Amnesty bookshop actually started a small stall in the Hammersmith & City Line tube station by Dick Langton and Christine Pain. They have since come a long way and now there are over ten of its kind around the country.
We like that they have a wide range of titles to choose from. Some are even rare collectibles.
You can find books from different genres to fit different needs and moods. They have contemporary fiction, graphic novels, children’s books, classics, foreign language, history, social sciences, arts, and even politics.
Aside from these, they also sell cards and other gift ideas in the shop.
7. Any Amount of Books
| Website | https://www.anyamountofbooks.com/ |
| Address | 56 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0QA, United Kingdom |
| Operating hours | Monday-Saturday (11:30AM-7:30PM); Sunday (12:30PM-6:30PM) |
We love how welcoming everyone is here. The staff is very helpful and will patiently answer all your questions.
This bookshop is a nice place for rare finds as gift ideas for people you love. If you’re a voracious reader, this bookstore is a haven for you with wide ranging selection of books and
£1.00 bargains.
You’ll find collectors’ gems, rare books, first editions, and leather bound sets here. You’ll also see books on modern literature, poetry, art, history, literary criticism, uncorrected proof and so much more.
You can also now buy books online and have them delivered to you. Their entire internet stock of over 18,000 books is searchable on Biblio, making for a convenient book-buying experience.
8. Henry Pordes Books Ltd
| Website | https://www.henrypordesbooks.com/blue-bookshop-london/about/ |
| Address | 72 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0BB, United Kingdom |
| Operating hours | Monday-Saturday (10:30AM-7:30PM); Closed on Sundays |
Henry Pordes has been around for more than fifty years, making them a famous name as far as second-hand book shops go. It is a favourite spot among Londoners because of their wide range of volumes.
The shop is run by Francesco Ponti and Rita Servidio. We love how welcoming their staff is and how passionate they are about books.
If you need guidance or recommendations, they’ll help you out for sure. We also like that they have an online catalogue that you can check out here.
9. Worlds End Bookshop
| Website | https://www.worldsendbookshop.com/ |
| Address | 357 King’s Rd, London SW3 5ES, United Kingdom |
| Operating hours | Tuesday-Saturday (10:30AM-6:30PM); Sunday (11AM-5PM); Closed on Mondays |
Established in 1986, Worlds End Bookshop is a well-loved store located in the heart of Chelsea. They have become, in their own words, an “enduring cultural icon” and we totally agree.
We love that they stock books on an extensive range of subjects sourced privately from local houses. They mostly have modern first editions, fine leather bindings, and even photography and art.
We particularly enjoy that they’re very accommodating. They even prepare a coffee or beer when you call ahead, they’re really friendly.
It’s also easy to get there by tube. They’re near Sloane Square, Fulham Broadway, and South Kensington.
They also have parking available in front of the shop, a loading bay across the street, and metered parking on Kings Road.
10. Halcyon Books
| Website | https://www.halcyonbooks.co.uk/ |
| Address | 266 Lee High Rd, London SE13 5PL, United Kingdom |
| Operating hours | Monday-Friday (9AM-5PM); Closed on weekends |
This family-run business carries 40,000 books in their shop and online for delivery. So in case you don’t have time to go to their shop directly, you can still find good reads.
They have a wide range of books to suit different tastes and varying budgets. We also like that they have postcards and records available.
It’s just a charming shop that you can’t help but fall in love with. They even have coffee and tea you can enjoy while reading.
Plus, as an added bonus, they have free Wi-Fi.
That concludes our article on the best second-hand bookshops in London. We hope we were able to help out bookworms out there find their next favourite place.
Did we miss out on any nice bookshops? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you!
By the way, here are some exciting things to do around in London that you can check out:
