A UK Tour for Book Lovers
Written by Advisor Lauren - 25/07/2025
Of the many things the United Kingdom is known for, literature is one of the most universally recognized. From UNESCO cities of literature like Edinburgh, to the Bodleian library at Oxford, their history of writing and reading dates back centuries. While there are plenty of literary landmarks to check out while you’re in the UK, you can also check out these famous bookshops to purchase some books of your own, whether for studies or for enjoyment!
What better excuse to buy new books than for your own studies – whether you want to pursue a degree in English Literature, Publishing, Library Science, or any subject imaginable, Across the Pond can help you apply, so you can make your UK dreams a reality!
Follow along with our advising team as we take a tour of the many iconic bookshops all over the UK, and get some information for your own future studies!
Daunt Books
With several locations around London, Daunt Books has it all – historic charm, every book you need, and cute tote bags! Founded in 1990, their Marylebone location’s main hall is stunning, with glass ceilings and classic wooden shelves.
Topping & Company
Started in 2002 by Robert and Louise Topping, this limited collection of bookshops began in Cambridgeshire, and expanded to Bath, St. Andrews, and Edinburgh over the years. In Fall 2025, you’ll be able to check out their new location in York! They have a wide selection of titles, special editions, and signed copies!
Blackwell’s Bookshop
Blackwell’s is the place to go for all your academic books! With multiple locations across the UK, in 2022 it was bought by Waterstones, so while no longer an indie shop, some of their locations are still beautiful buildings. Visit their Edinburgh location, which is the city’s oldest book shop, dating back to 1848! You can spend hours getting lost inside Blackwell’s Edinburgh, and then wander down the street to the National Museum of Scotland.
Hatchards
Why not visit London’s oldest bookshop! Established in 1797, Hatchards has stood in Piccadilly for over two centuries. They also have a long association with the royal family – Queen Charlotte was one of their first customers! They have now expanded to hold a few locations throughout the UK, but the oldest is just a tube ride away if you’re studying in the UK capital!
Foyles
Founded by brother’s in 1903, Foyle’s is now a chain of seven stores across the UK (though they were recently purchased by Waterstones). Their shop once held the world record for the length of their bookshelves, and that’s the least of their quirky history. From the 1930’s onward, literary luncheons were hosted in their Charing Cross Road location, with many notable figures in attendance from the last century, including several Prime Ministers and the last Duke of Edinburgh.
Ullapool Bookshop
If you’re travelling to the Hebrides, stop over at the Ullapool bookshop on your way to the ferry terminal. A family run business dating back to 1946, they are a third-generation family business. Take a trip up to the Highlands, and if you time it right, you can also visit the Ullapool Book Festival, which happens every summer!
Barter Books
Opened in 1991 in the historic Alnwick railway station, this second hand bookshop is one of the largest in Europe. On display, you will find an original “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster from 1939 – one of the things that attract over 350,000 customers per year!
Leakey’s Bookshop
Located in Inverness since 1979, Leakey’s is a family run bookshop that specialized in second-hand and antique books. As the second largest second-hand bookshop in Scotland, you never know what you will find on their shelves! With winding staircases and shelves packed to the brim, this is a must see for your trip to the Scottish Highlands!
Rare Bird Book Shop
One of the newest shops on our list is Rare Bird’s Books! Located in the Stockbridge neighbourhood of Edinburgh, this bookshop specializes in books written by women. Pop in and discover new to your authors, take part in unique events, and join their book club! This shop prioritizes taking women’s writing seriously, but reading for fun.
The Poetry Pharmacy
Do you feel like some poetry will fix what ails you? Why not check out the Poetry Pharmacy in London, which will prescribe you the perfect bit of poetry for your situation. They have been dispensing poetry since 2011, with a second location joining the company soon!
No Alibis
If you’re a crime reader, check out No Alibis in Belfast! Trading for over 25 years, while they sell every genre of book, they specialize in crime and mysteries. Pay them a visit, and check out when of their many creative events, from concerts, to lectures and poetry readings!
Honourable Mentions:
While these may not be traditional UK independent book shops, check out these spots for all your bookish needs as well!
Shakespeare and Company
If you’re looking for a weekend trip abroad, why not take the Eurostar or a quick flight over to Paris and check out Shakespeare and Company in the 5th arrondissement! You’re sure to see many tote bags from this shop while in the UK, and when you’re so close, you might as well make the most of it!
The British Library
Who doesn’t love a bookshop, especially one of the most famous in the world? Check out the British Library while in London, and while you’re at it, check out their book shop, where you can find their exclusive special editions!
The Bodleian Library
Did you know that the Bodleian has a copy of every UK book printed? Founded in 1602, it is one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and the second largest library in the UK. Visit the library for the history, and the bookshop on the way out!
Hay-on-Wye
The world’s largest second-hand and antiquarian book town, check out their long list of bookshops for shopping second-hand! Take a weekend trip to Hay-on-Wye and wander the shelves of their shops, looking for rare finds and new gems, or visit for their one of their numerous events or yearly festival! Known as the “town of books”, it’s a destination for book lovers everywhere.
If you’re ambitious, you can likely visit all of these bookshops during your time in the UK! Leave us a comment if you visit any of our advising teams’ favourite shops, and let us know if we missed one of your favourite shops.
To find out more about studying in the UK, contact our advising team today!