Lose yourself in the charm of Bath’s picturesque streets, where a plethora of enchanting bookshops invite you to have a peek.
If your bookshelf needs a new cover, be it a graphic novel or handcrafted leather bindings, you’re sure to find it at one of these stores.
Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath
The family-owned bookshop, Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath, recently relocated to a new location on York Street inside an elaborate Georgian building. Much larger than the previous location, it has been winning over readers in the area thanks to its bespoke shelving spanning two floors and its unique rolling ladders.
With this big move, they’ve expanded their collection to more than 75,000 titles, covering virtually every topic imaginable, from art books to science to poetry.
Address: York St, Bath BA1 1NG, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8:30AM - 9PM
Mr B’s Emporium Bookshop
Having been named the UK’s best independent bookshop twice, you can count on Mr B’s Emporium Bookshop to have what you’re looking for. Established in 2006, it’s perfectly situated on John Street, right in the center of Bath.
Upon entering, a sense of calm will wash over you, thanks to the warm decor, rich green walls, and tall, crisp white windows. The shop offers an impressive assortment of fiction and nonfiction, but the renowned book spa concept truly sets it apart. Customers can have a one-on-one session with an expert, who will take the time to learn about your interests and provide tailored book recommendations.
Address: 14-15 John St, Bath BA1 2JL, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:30AM - 5:30PM
- Sunday: 11AM - 5PM
Bath Old Books
Navigate your way through the sprawling shelves at Bath Old Books. A specialty shop with an intimate feel, they mainly sell second-hand books but have a strong focus on topics related to the city of Bath, as well as Jane Austen, children’s books, and more.
Bath Old Books also offers some cool features that book nerds will enjoy, like a poster showcasing a breakdown of some of the world’s most famous writers, and an antiquarian section for those seeking rare finds.
Address: 9C Margaret's Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10AM - 5PM
- Sunday: Closed
Waterstones
Waterstones needs no introduction; it’s the largest bookstore in the city and has been a staple of Bath’s historic centre since the 1980s. Each of the three floors has its own unique vibe, making it feel like you’re stepping into a different shop with every flight of stairs.
The ground floor is dedicated to all things nonfiction, from academic to historical texts. The second floor houses crime novels and literary fiction, while the top section is a haven for creativity, featuring books on art, photography, and travel. There’s also an on-site café where you can relax with a quality cuppa.
Address: 4-5 Milsom St, Bath BA1 1DA, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9AM - 6PM
- Sunday: 11AM - 5PM
The Oldfield Park Bookshop
Tucked away on the outskirts of Bath, you’ll find the community-driven Oldfield Park Bookshop. Proudly independent, they’ve carved out a fantastic reputation in the area, partnering with local schools to offer books at affordable prices to those who need them most.
Even though the shop is small, they still manage to host occasional events that bring readers together. Known particularly for their lineup of sci-fi and fantasy, they’ll happily order in titles they don’t have, usually within a few days, if you plan to stick around.
Address: 43 Moorland Rd, Bath BA2 3PN, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9AM - 5:30PM
- Sunday: 11AM - 4PM
George Bayntun
Chances are you’ve already heard of George Bayntun; it’s one of the world’s most renowned bookshops, thanks to the historic Bayntun-Riviere bindery, dating back to 1829. Specializing in both old and new handcrafted leather bindings, rare bookshops don’t get better than this.
The interior is just as impressive as the collection itself. Think grand, freestanding dark wood cabinets, elegant glass-fronted cases, and multiple levels to explore. Don’t forget to pop down to the underground floor, where a treasure trove of second-hand gems awaits.
Address: 23 Manvers St, Bath BA1 1JW, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9AM - 1PM, 2PM - 5PM
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Persephone Books
Got a thing for female writers? Persephone Books has brought a revival to the women’s literary scene by stocking a slew of fiction and nonfiction reads from female authors from the middle of the twentieth century. With just 152 covers, the display has been curated to ensure only the finest reads from this generation are sold.
Clearly, the owners of Persephone Books favor a structured and neat layout; you’d almost feel guilty for touching any of the shelves where the books have been stacked so pristinely.
Address: 8, Edgar Buildings, Bath BA1 2EE, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10AM - 6PM
- Saturday: 11AM - 5PM
- Sunday: Closed
The Beaufort Bookshop
Hoping to find some rare texts at unbeatable prices? That’s the motto at Beaufort Bookshop in Bath’s Larkhall neighborhood. It’s celebrated for its fantastic range of second-hand books, but you may have to do a little digging; it’s the kind of spot where some patience is required. Luckily, the owner knows his inventory inside and out.
On select days, the shop hosts reading sessions for kids, led by a dedicated tutor. So, if you’ve got a little one, bring them along. You’ll need all the time you can get to scour through the piles upon piles of books that may be a nightmare for some, but a feast for the eyes for every true bibliophile.
Address: 1 Beaufort Pl, Bath BA1 6RP, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
- Monday: 12PM - 5PM
- Tuesday to Friday: 11AM - 5PM
- Saturday: 9AM - 5PM
- Sunday: Closed
BookLovers of Bath
BookLovers of Bath does things old school with their carefully arranged, cash-only second-hand shop in Peasedown St. John. While their catalogue isn’t particularly large, it offers a nice mix of politics, transport, military, and gardening books.
Much of BookLovers of Bath’s trade is done online, with many past customers raving about the service they received after buying from them from different parts of the world. They also have a book-buying service where they’ll take certain prints off your hands if they meet their criteria.
Address: 12 Bath Rd, Peasedown St John, Bath BA2 8DH, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday & Sunday: Closed
- Saturday: 9AM - 1PM
Skoobs Books
If you take a stroll through Bath’s Guildhall Market, you won’t miss Skoobs Books. Unlike a traditional bookstore, it’s a small wooden market stall of neatly placed second-hand paperbacks, all offered at surprisingly affordable prices.
Skoobs doesn’t stick to a specific theme. Expect to come across published work from different authors and genres. However, past visitors have spoken about the selection leaning toward modern fiction.
Address: 40 - 42 Guildhall Market, Bath BA2 4AW, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:30AM - 5PM
- Sunday: Closed
