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The best bookshops in York – updated for 2023

Sat 15 Jul 2023 @ 6:38pm - Things to do
Rachel Rogers

Photograph: Canva / davidf

When it comes to bookshops, York has got it all.

From independent, specialist, chain, charity and second-hand, book-lovers are spoilt for choice.

Don’t see your favourite? Let us know by dropping us a line at [email protected].

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The Minster Gate Bookshop

With five floors worth of antiquarian and second-hand books you’re sure to find what you’re looking for (and more!) in this magical bookshop. They specialise in Children’s and Illustrated Books, Folklore and Arthurian literature as well as being general booksellers. Keep an eye out for the room dedicated to maps and prints and also the book bargain rack that’s located outside the shop.

  • 8 Minster Gates, York, YO1 7HL
  • 01904 621812
  • Website

The Little Apple Bookshop

This cute independent bookshop is one not to be missed. The bright interconnecting rooms are brimming with books and the latest bestsellers. Specialising in fiction, children’s books, signed editions and gifts that are perfect for any book lover! Books can also be purchased through their website for delivery or collection.

  • 13 High Petergate, York, YO1 7EN
  • 01904 676103
  • Website

The Portal Bookshop

A bookshop specialising in sci-fi, fantasy and LGBTQIA books. This small but mighty bookshop is tucked away down Patrick Pool but is a welcoming and delightful place to visit. With friendly staff and shelves full of books to get lost in, this one is a must-visit. Books can also be purchased through their online store. Directly above is the Over the Rainbow cafe so once you’re done browsing, pop up for a slice of cake!

  • 5 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB
  • Website

The Amnesty Bookshop

The Amnesty Bookshop on Micklegate is a treasure trove of secondhand books. The shop was originally on Goodramgate, before moving to its current location in 2022. The large and bright shop is perfect for book browsing, and always has a friendly team of volunteers. A must-visit bookshop in York!

  • 19 Micklegate, York YO1 6JH
  • 01904 236268
  • Website

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Lucius Books

Specialising in first editions, signed copies and manuscripts, this bookshop is a must visit for any collector or rare book enthusiast. It is a beautiful shop with wide floor to ceiling shelves in a bright and airy space, thanks to the huge windows.

  • 144 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX
  • 01904 640111
  • Website

Oxfam Bookshop (Micklegate)

This bright and cheerful bookshop is one of two Oxfam books locations in York! This one has a really lovely children’s and young adult corner with a space for little ones to sit and read and play. Keep an eye out for vintage Penguin classics and contemporary first editions.

  • 46 Micklegate, York, YO1 6LF
  • 01904 652140
  • Website

Oxfam Bookshop (Low Petergate)

Head to this Oxfam Books location for specialist non-fiction and a wide selection of paperback and hardback fiction. They also stock CDs, DVDs, greetings cards, fair-trade food and gifts.

  • 69 Low Petergate, York, YO1 7HY
  • 01904 652749
  • Website

Waterstones

This bookshop has something for everyone. Ranging from bestsellers, poetry, crime, science-fiction, young adult, children’s books this sunny and friendly shop will leave you browsing for hours. Keep an eye out for the beautiful Penguin Classics and make sure to have a coffee and cake stop in the café upstairs.

  • 15 Coney St, York, YO1 9QL
  • 01904 620784
  • Website

Janette Ray

Make sure to look up! The stunning period ceilings are just as beautiful as the wide book collection that specialises in rare and out of print books on architecture and landscape design to photography and fine art. Open Wednesday to Friday and outside these times by appointment.

  • 8 Bootham, York, YO30 7BL
  • 01904 623088
  • Website

The Blue House Bookshop

A specialist independent children’s bookshop! Nestled on Bootham, this bookshop will delight both young and old alike. Books can also be bought through their website.

  • 10 Bootham, York, YO30 7BL
  • 01904 927838
  • Website

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Pitch 22

Not only can you find books here but also a wide selection of records of all genres and ever-changing art and collectables.

  • 22 Fishergate, York, YO10 4AB
  • 07896 713988
  • Website

Travelling Man

This is your one stop for graphic novels and manga, and why not pick up a board game too while you’re there? A haven for geeks of all kinds and a really fun and friendly shop to browse.

  • 74 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF
  • 01904 628787
  • Website

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Sat 15 Jul, 2023

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