The Best Bookshops in York

York is a treasure trove of independent shops and businesses. One of the reasons the city has so much charm is in the small and unique businesses that you just can’t find anywhere else. York is absolutely full of hidden gems. Bookshops are no exception – York has some real gems for book lovers! Whether you’re looking for something a bit more rare, a beautiful folio, or just a good bargain, York will have something for you! Here are the best bookshops in York.

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1) Minster Gate Bookshop

With its enviable location right next to York Minster, Minster Gate Bookshop is spread over five floors so there’s plenty to discover. The staircase and some corners can be a bit tight with other customers, but there’s so much here it’s worth any cramped quarters. They also have some pretty spectacular old prints and maps of York and the greater Yorkshire area, and a great history section!

Looking for hostels? Book here!

8 Minster Gates // Website

2) Fossgate Books

While Fossgate is home to some of my favorite bars in York it’s also home to one of my absolute favorite bookshops. Fossgate Books is a small store packed to the brim with different books, spread over two floors. They have a particularly impressive selection of folios of the classics – if you’re looking for a gift for a book-loving friend, you can’t go wrong here. Note that they’re closed on Sundays.

36 Fossgate

EDIT (December 2023): Fossgate Books has unfortunately closed for good. I can’t bear to take them off this list as it was such a great bookshop – who knows, maybe they will reopen under new ownership!

3) Ken Spelman Books

Over on Micklegate, Ken Spelman Books has a huge quantity of second-hand and antiquarian books for sale. You could easily spend all day here – in the colder months, they even keep coals burning in the fireplace, making this such a cozy place! Open from Tuesday-Saturday.

70 Micklegate // Website

4) Little Apple Bookshop

Located just a stone’s throw away from York Minster, Little Apple Bookshop is a great independent bookshop. They’ve got a great selection of children’s books here, but there’s certainly something for everyone, regardless of age. They have a little Yorkshire section which is also great for gifts, as well as signed copies of some books.

13 High Petergate // Facebook Page

5 and 6) Oxfam

York is home to two Oxfam charity bookshops, and both merit a place on the list. Run by Oxfam and generally staffed by friendly volunteers, both locations hold a great selection of used books to choose from. The Micklegate location has slightly more of a focus on antiquarian and collectible books, and the Petergate location has a good foreign language section. But really both locations are a must for book lovers.

69 Low Petergate // Website

46 Micklegate // Website

While you’re walking around town, don’t forget to find the statue of Minerva! This statue of the Roman goddess of wisdom, drama, and the arts is located at the intersection of Low Petergate, Stonegate, and Minster Yard. The sculpture is from 1801, to commemorate the booksellers that was here from 1580 to 1607. Make sure to look up!

York is just two hours away from London by train, making it an easy daytrip or long weekend away. I always use Trainline to find the best deals for train tickets. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Planning on staying overnight in York? I’d recommend the following places:

Budget: Safestay York or the Fort Boutique Hostel
Mid-range: Hotel Indigo or Galtres Lodge
Luxury: The Grand

You can book hostels in York here, and check out hotels in York here!

So there you have it! The best bookshops in York! Regardless of what you’re looking for, somewhere in York will have something for you. Supporting local small businesses is a great way to give back to the community as a tourist, visitor, or resident, and these bookshops make it really easy. Happy shopping and happy reading!

Do you have a favorite bookshop? Any in York that I’ve missed?? Share in the comments below!

Check out my other posts on York!

Quintessential Yorkshire: The Best 4 Daytrips From York

Where to Take the Best Photos of York Minster in York

The Best Bars and Pubs in York, England

The Best Restaurants in York, England

The Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in York, England

20 Things to Do in York That Are Absolutely Free!

The Best Snickelways in York

9 Reasons to Visit York at Christmas

18 Hidden Gems in York

5 Places You Must Visit in York