A Guide to Bookshops in Oxford

Looking for the best bookshops in Oxford? Here are 10 bookshops to visit!

As a book lover and literature student in Oxford, I was never short of good bookshops to poke my head into. It’s a city with a long literary history as many of Britain’s greatest writers attended Oxford University.

Think Oscar Wilde, Phillip Pullman, Lewis Carroll and more.

Some of Oxford’s bookshops have closed over recent years, which is a great shame, so it’s time to start shouting about them!

Plus it’s an ideal city for those looking for an independent bookshop. Oxford boast plenty of these, as well as independent eateries and cafes, so you can feel good about shopping local!

This post will take you through all of Oxford’s best bookshops today. There are second-hand bookshops, charity shops, independent bookshops and more.

Blackwell’s Bookshop, Oxford

Blackwell’s is somewhat of an institution in Oxford with three of its stores occupying the space at the end of Broad Street near the Sheldonian Theatre.  These shops are the crème de la crème of Oxford bookshops.

The brand was created way back in 1879  and they are historically known as academic booksellers. Today you’ll find all sorts here from general fiction to classics to textbooks. It’s where Oxford University students can guarantee their reading lists will be sold.

But why should you visit?

Whilst from the outside, the main Blackwell’s shop might look like any old bookshop, there’s a vast cavern full of books below. Underneath the main shop is the Norrington Room, which was built in 1966. This room contains a whopping 5km of shelving and is the largest single room selling books in the world.

There are actually four Blackwell’s bookshops in Oxford and the three on Broad Street are definitely worth wandering around. There’s the main Blackwell’s Bookshop described above, then there’s Blackwell’s Music and Blackwell’s Art & Poster Shop.

The fourth is also a small Blackwell’s in the Westgate shopping centre.  If you’re in Oxford for a spot of shopping and don’t have time to wander around the city, then you can poke your head into this small shop.

If you only visit one Oxford bookshop, make sure it’s Blackwell’s Bookshop.

Address: 48-51 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BQ
Website: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/home (Free UK delivery!)

Gulp Fiction

Gulp Fiction is one of the newest Oxford bookshops, but it’s already one of my favourites. Located inside Oxford’s Covered Market, Gulp Fiction is both a bookshop and coffee shop, the perfect combination for bookworms.

There’s a relatively small selection of books on offer but it’s a well-curated selection of new releases and popular fiction so I’m certain that you’ll find something worth reading.

What’s more, the staff are really friendly and knowledgeable – veritable bookworms themselves – so if you’re struggling to find something, they’ll be able to offer their personal recommendations.

With the purchase of certain books, you can even get a free coffee to enjoy with your new read. How great is that?

The cafe section has lots of comfy vintage armchairs and tables where you can while away some time, catch up with a friend, or spend a peaceful moment with yourself and a new book.

Gulp Fiction is a really lovely addition to Oxford’s independent shopping scene and a must-visit when in Oxford.

Address: Unit 28, 29 Covered Market, Oxford OX1 3DU
Website: gulpfictionbooks.com

Waterstones, Oxford

Waterstones is the UK’s last surviving bookshop chain and few branches are more spectacular than that in Oxford.

For starters, it takes pride of place on the corner of Cornmarket and Broad Street in a beautiful grade II listed building called William Blake House. The building dates back to 1914 and Waterstones set up shop here in 1987.

The large window displays which curve around the street corner are usually themed and draw you into the store. On the bottom floor, you can find gifts, new releases as well as a sizable Harry Potter collection.

You’ll find quotes in the stairwells and really well-curated tables of books sorted around different themes and genres.

In total, this Waterstones boasts 5 floors of books and a lovely little cafe with views out onto the street below. The cafe is the perfect little study spot where you can also do some people watching!

Address: William Baker House, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AF
Opening Hours: 9am – 7pm Monday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm Sundays
Website: www.waterstones.com/bookshops/oxford

The Last Bookshop

The Last Bookshop is one of my favourite Oxford bookstores and is located a little way away from the city centre in Jericho. It has a distinctive red facade so you can’t possibly miss it as you walk down Walton Street.

The bookshop that stands here today is actually the second Last Bookshop. The first opened in 2009 but lasted for only three years before it was closed. The new shop opened back in 2014 and, thankfully, is still going strong.

The name is a slap in the face to those who predicted the decline of physical bookshops in favour of e-books, which I absolutely love.

The reason this bookshop remains popular is because their books can be found at astonishingly low prices – just £5 for two books (!).

What’s more, in the summer months you can take your new read and sit outside with a coffee. For students who want to get out of their stuffy college library and enjoy the good weather, there’s free wifi here too.

They stock a wide variety of genres from classics to art, general fiction to politics. If you’re not looking for any book in particular but want to pick up a great deal, for books old and new, then The Last Bookshop is where you should head.

Address: 25 Walton Street, Oxford, OX1 2HQ
Opening Hours: 10am-7pm every day

Oxfam Oxford

There are a number of Oxfam bookshops in Oxford which are always great for picking up classics for a very low price. I used to go to these shops to look for translated copies of the books I was studying and would often find these for knock down prices. They’re the first place I’d look for good second hand books in Oxford.

The most central Oxfam bookshop is located on Turl Street, right next to the Missing Bean, one of the most popular cafes in Oxford. The other Oxfam bookshop is located on St Gile’s.

There are classics, general fiction, history, politics etc. There are even vintage editions of old classics from publishers such as Everyman’s Library and Folio Society. These shops are small but well worth poking your head into to see what you might discover.

Address: Oxfam Bookshop, 15 Turl St, Oxford, OX1 3DQ
Address: Oxfam Bookshop, 56 St Giles’, Street, Oxford, OX1 3LU

Arcadia

Like much of Oxford, Arcadia looks like it’s come from a different era. But one also gets the sense that it may have originated from a different, magical world. I’ve always felt like it looks like it comes straight out a fairytale and is run by pixies (pretty sure it has normal, human owners).

Striped white and green overhangings decorate the shop’s facade and protect the shop’s wares, which are displayed outdoors when the weather holds up.

And what do these outdoors shelves contain?

Books, of course! 

Arcadia stock a whole range of whimsical and adorable items but the vintage and second-hand books displayed outside always draw my attention. 

The shop is very small but it’s packed with little titbits and is great for gift shopping if you want to find something a little more unique. 

Arcadia is right in the centre of Oxford so you’ve got no excuse not to visit. It’s also conveniently located next to The Nosebag, which is one of the best places for brunch in Oxford.

Address: 4 St Michael’s St, Oxford, OX1 2DU
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday

Bodleian Libraries Shop

If you want to shop for bookish gifts in Oxford then the Bodleian Libraries shop is where you’ll want to head. The shop itself looks like the inside of an Oxford library with portraits hanging from the walls, wood panelling and stacks of books.

There are loads of great souvenirs you could pick up in here but my favourite collection is the Bodleian Bookshelves range. This is a collection of bookish items inspired by the books on the Bodleians’ shelves and you could get tote bags, cushions and more.

I’ve got my eye on the Rad Cam book ends, which are beautiful, but very expensive! Dad, if you’re reading this post, Christmas is coming…

The best thing is, these exclusive collections are available to shop online so you don’t even need to go to Oxford to get your hands on these items (though you definitely still should!).

Address: Bodleian Quad Shop, Old Schools Quad, Oxford 
Website: bodleianshop.co.uk

St Philip’s Books

St Philip’s Books is located just across the road from my alma mater, Christ Church. It’s tucked away down a small alleyway so it would be very easy to miss it. It’s located next to Alice’s Shop, a must-visit for fans of Alice in Wonderland in Oxford.

St Philip’s Books is filled from floor to ceiling with books and you’ll need to squeeze down its narrow passageways as you explore.

This Oxford bookshop stocks rare and vintage second-hand books and you never know what gorgeous edition you’re going to stumble upon in here. They have over a whopping 10,000 books available to buy so if you’re after something in particular, don’t hesitate to ask!

I particularly love that they have specific sections dedicated to the works of J.R.R Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, who formed part of the The Inklings, a literary circle at Oxford. To find out more about what inspired them, make sure to check out my tour of literary Oxford.

Address: 82 St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1RA
Website: www.stphilipsbooks.co.uk
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday

Sanders of Oxford

Sanders of Oxford is one of the largest print sellers in Britain and you can’t help but stop and stare at the beautiful works on display in the window as you walk down Oxford High Street. Whilst they predominantly sell prints and maps, they also stock some rare and second-hand books.

These are truly unique, and often very expensive, volumes of prints featuring Oxford that would make wonderful gifts. Most of them are out of my price range but I love taking a look at what’s in stock and imagine myself slowly rifling through the pages.

Address: Salutation House, 104 High St, Oxford OX1 4BW
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm every day (closes 5pm Sundays)
Website: www.sandersofoxford.com

The Book Stop

The Book Stop is a new Oxford bookshop opened by the same people who run The Last Bookshop in Jericho. It’s a discount bookshop with most titles costing only a few pounds so it’s brilliant for those looking to pick up a bargain in the centre of Oxford.

It’s not a particularly large store so it doesn’t have the broadest selection of titles. However, it specialises in arts, humanities and history so if you’re interested in these topics then this Oxford bookshop is a must visit.

Address: 19 Magdalen Street, Oxford, OX1 3AE
Opening Hours: 9am – 7pm Monday to Saturday; 10am – 6pm Sunday

There you have my guide to the best bookshops in Oxford! The city is simply a must-visit for book and film lovers as there’s so much to explore from Harry Potter filming locations to the lamppost that inspired C.S. Lewis and the place where Lewis Carroll met the real-life Alice in Wonderland!

Where else can you shop for books in Oxford? 

St Andrews Christian Bookshop
Antiques on High
WHSmith
British Heart Foundation 

How to get to Oxford

By Train 

There are regular trains from all major UK stations to Oxford. If you are coming from London, you will need to go via London Paddington. Oxford station is a little way out of the city centre but you can then take a bus or walk into town. Book via the Trainline for the cheapest tickets.

By Bus

If you’re planning to come by bus, aim to get off at either Oxford High Street or Gloucester Green bus station depending on your first Oxford destination.

The Oxford Tube is a super convenient and cheap bus service that’ll take you from the centre of London straight into the heart of Oxford. If you’re taking this route, I’d recommend getting off at the High Street so that you can walk to Radcliffe Square in just 3 minutes. 

By Car

Oxford is easily accessible via the M4, M25, M40 and A roads.

Where to Stay in Oxford

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This post was updated in February 2023.

Laura

Founder & Editor of What’s Hot?

Laura is an award-winning travel and book blogger based in the UK. She studied French literature at Oxford University and is now an IP lawyer at a top law firm in London. She was named UK Book Blogger of the Year in 2019 and loves to combine her passion for books and travel with literary travel.