Bath is the perfect place for bibliophiles, and I don’t say that lightly.
From bookshops that double as publishing houses to second-hand treasure troves, tiny market stalls, and award-winning independent bookshops, there are enough bookshops in Bath to keep even the most dedicated bookworm occupied.
On my recent trip to Bath, I dedicated a large portion of my time to visiting as many Bath bookshops as I could, and in this post, I’m going to share six magical bookshops in Bath, UK, that you need to visit.
6 Magical Bath Bookshops You Need to Visit
In this post, I’m going to introduce you to the best Bath bookshops, from shops specialising in rare and antiquarian books, to publishing houses championing ‘domestic feminism,’ and even a bookshop where you can hire your very own ‘bibliotherapist,’ who will act as your personal shopper.
Are you ready? Then let’s get into it.
Best Bath Bookshops at a Glance
If you’re short on time, or just want the TLDR, here are the best bookshops in Bath, UK, at a glance.
You can find more information about each bookshop, including the addresses and opening times, further down in the article.
- Topping & Co.
- Persephone Books
- George Bayntun
- Skoobs
- Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights
- Bath Old Books
6 Best Bookshops in Bath UK
1. Topping & Company Booksellers
You’ll find Topping & Company inside the Greek Revival style Friends’ Meeting House, a Grade II listed building designed by the architect of the National Gallery, William Wilkins, and erected in 1818.
With lots of little alcoves, tiny rooms dedicated to specific genres, and sliding wooden ladders, this is the kind of bookshop that you can easily lose an afternoon, and as they give out free tea and coffee, many people do!
They stock over 80,000 titles across a broad range of genres, and host over 200 author events a year, so it’s worth checking what’s on while you’re in town.
Need to know
- Topping & Company address: York Street, Bath BA1 1NG (Google Maps link).
- Opening times: Every day from 8:30am – 9:00pm.
- Topping & Company Website
2. Persephone Books
Persephone Books is an incredibly unique and interesting bookshop, and it also doubles as a publisher.
Since 1999, they have been rescuing and reprinting neglected fiction and non-fiction by women, mostly from the mid-20th century.
Every book comes in the same understated grey cover with a patterned endpaper and matching bookmark, taken from a textile designed around the time the book was written.
As well as novels, they also publish short stories, diaries, memoirs, poetry, gardening books and cookery books.
The books are almost all linked by the idea of ‘home,’ or what they call ‘domestic feminism,’ – books about ordinary women’s lives, marriages, work, and households that were dismissed as too small or domestic to matter at the time, but are now being read as exactly the important work they always were.
I find the whole concept of Persephone Books fascinating, and it’s clear that the people behind the business are so passionate about what they do. The shop is tiny, but lovely, and if you consider yourself a feminist, it’s a must-visit.
Need to know
- Persephone Books address:Â 8 Edgar Buildings, Bath BA1 2EE (Google Maps link).
- Opening times: Mon-Fri 10:00am – 6:00pm, Sat 11:00 – 5:00pm. Closed on Sundays.
- Persephone Books Website
3. George Bayntun
George Bayntun is one of the most famous bookbinderies in the world, and has been hand-binding and restoring books since 1829! Queen Mary was a regular visitor, and the firm still holds a royal warrant.
However, George Bayntun also operates as a bookshop spanning three floors, each of which has a distinctly different feel.
On the ground floor, you’ll find George Bayntun’s finest stock: luxuriously-presented rare, first, and illustrated editions, and antiquarian books dating back up to 500 years.
You can also see exquisite examples of the bindery’s own work, including elaborately tooled leather covers, gilt lettering, and the occasional Cosway-style binding featuring hand-painted miniature portraits set beneath glass on the front cover. There are also intricate maps, illustrations, and various other ephemera available to purchase.
Down in the basement, you’ll find second-hand books of every description: old children’s books, stunning Folio Society editions, stacks of old magazines and newspapers, and tonnes of local history books.
If you’re still wanting more, head upstairs for the antiquarian and rare books collection.
Need to know
- George Bayntun address:Â 23 Manvers Street, Bath BA1 1JW (Google Maps link).
- Opening times: George Bayntun is open Monday to Friday between 9:00am – 1:00pm, and again from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. It is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays.
- George Bayntun Website
4. Skoobs
Bath’s Guildhall Market is a wonderful place to have a browse, whether you’re looking for some artisan cheese, leather goods, or coffee and a scone at Jane’s Espresso Bar.
However, what not many tourists realise is that it’s also home to a bookshop where you can snag some real bargains!
Skoobs Books is a second-hand paperback book stall that is the definition of ‘hidden gem.’
It’s been trading for more than 40 years, and specialises in popular fiction. There’s a huge selection of crime thrillers, sci-fi, and fantasy here, as well as plenty of classics, non-fiction, and everything in between.
You can even sell your old books here.
I managed to find a copy of The Castle of Otranto for £3, which has been on my TBR for ages. As it’s considered the first ever gothic novel, I’m excited to read it this spooky season!
Need to know
- Bath Guildhall Market address:Â High Street, Bath BA2 4AW (Google Maps link).
- Opening times: Mon-Sat 9:30am – 5:00pm
- Skoobs doesn’t have a website
5. Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights
Mr B’s has twice been named Independent Bookshop of the Year, and in 2015, The Guardian even named Mr B’s one of the ten best bookshops in the world!
It’s a bright, labyrinthine shop that sprawls over three floors, complete with a ‘bibliotherapy room’ where you can book a ‘Mr B’s Reading Spa‘: an hour with a bibliotherapist, tea and cake, and a personalised pile of books at the end of it!
I think the concept of the Reading Spa is so cool, and it’s definitely something I hope to indulge in one day.
I love how colourful and cosy this bookshop is, and there are also plenty of comfy armchairs to curl up in while you decide which books you’re taking home.
Need to know
- Mr B’s Emporium address: 14-15 John Street, Bath BA1 2JL (Google Maps link).
- Opening times: Mon-Sat 9:30am – 5:30pm, Sun 11:00 – 5:00pm
- Mr B’s Website
6. Bath Old Books
If you love a good rummage, you’ll love Bath Old Books.
This Bath bookshop is a real Aladdin’s cave of books, specialising in second-hand and antiquarian books, with particularly strong sections on Jane Austen and Bath itself.
The ground floor is tiny, but downstairs you’ll find a large basement with a real treasure trove of books to dig through. I left with a copy of Les Misérables, which was not fun to carry around all day, but for £3 it would have been rude not to.
I had a lovely chat with the bookseller while I was here, who was really helpful without being pushy (a difficult balance to strike), and he also gave me some great recommendations for things to do in Bath (including some fantastic pubs!).
Need to know
- Bath Old Books address: 9C Margaret’s Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP (Google Maps link).
- Opening times: Mon-Sat 10:00am – 4:30pm. Closed on Sundays.
- Bath Old Books doesn’t have a website.
The Best Bookshops in Bath UK | Final Thoughts
So, that brings us to the end of my guide to the best bookshops in Bath!
From domestic feminism to antiquarian gems, contemporary classics and everything in-between, you really can’t go wrong when it comes to Bath bookshops.
I hope that this article has been helpful, and as always, if you have any questions then please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.
Until next time,
XOXO
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