The 7 Best Bookshops in Bath

Bath in Somerset has a rich literary heritage. The city has inspired writers past and present including Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. Building on its literary connections, Bath brims with brilliant bookshops. From small independently owned treasure troves to large stores when you can sip coffee whilst browsing, Bath is a haven for bookworms. Ready to peruse those shelves? Here are some of the best Bookshops in Bath.

The 7 Best Bookshops in Bath

1. Bath Old Books

Close to the Royal Crescent, the famous arc of Georgian Houses lies Bath Old Books, which is bursting with books. Every inch of this shop is covered with bookcases and piles of hardbacks and paperbacks. It is a treasure trove and an ideal place for those looking to lose themselves in literature whilst browsing for hours.

2. The Beaufort Bookshop

The Beaufort Bookshop in Larkhall is an outstanding, multi-functional space where you can spend the whole day enjoying all the terrific things on offer. There is a wide range of books on the shelves and loads of engaging, entertaining and educational events to experience. There are books and events for all ages from toddlers to retirees all revolving around reading and writing. Curl up with a good book on the comfy chairs or sit at the table and write your own bestseller.

3. George Bayntun

Press the buzzer and step through the door of the George Bayntun bookshop and you’ll be transported to another time and place. This spacious, quiet and atmospheric building is stunning and steeped in history. The bookshop has an incredible array of first editions and also specialises in illustrated editions, with an emphasis on English literature, and familiar and unusual books. The bookshop is also home to the Bayntun-Riviere bindery, which dates back to 1829. In the bindery, craftspeople bind and restore books for stock and for customers all over the world.

4. Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights

A glorious name for a glorious bookshop. Mr B’s lives up to its name and delights the senses at every turn. The visual displays are a treat and entice you to browse and burrow your head in a book. The best place to do this is upstairs in the incredibly relaxing reading room. Another delight lies downstairs in the basement where you’ll find a toilet which was hand-decorated by writer, illustrator and Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell. But wait! There’s more! You can also enjoy a book spa day which includes a unique bookish pampering gift in one of the bibliotherapy rooms and a one-on-one chat with a bookseller who picks a selection of books to suit your reading tastes. It is such a unique experience.

5. The Oldfield Park Bookshop

Located on Moorland Road, this beautiful bookshop has a real sense of community about it. The staff are super friendly and helpful and are avid readers and love talking all things books. On the shelves, you’ll find a plethora of new and exciting titles as well as a lovely selection of local history books. Be sure to check out the selection of greeting cards too, they are just delightful.

6. Topping & Company Booksellers

Topping and Company is the largest independent bookshop in East Anglia. Drop in to have a chat with the knowledgable staff who love to introduce people to new authors and see if you can find a signed copy of a recent release. These signed copies are often sitting alongside other books on the shelves. The shop itself is beautifully laid out and well organised, so it is easy to find what you are looking for, but you’ll find it hard to resist browsing the packed bookcases.

7. Booklovers of Bath

A bookshop in a bookshop, Booklovers of Bath is inside Fact or Fable located in Peasedown St. John roughly 5 miles (8km) south-southwest of the city of Bath. Specialising in secondhand, out of print and rare books, there are over 2,000 books on the shop’s shelves. There is an eclectic mix of books at bargain prices and some knick-knacks too that the owner may be persuaded to sell if the price is right.