Barter Books
A magical secondhand bookstore in a Victorian railway station, offering a vast collection, cozy fires, and a charming model train.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing time
Barter Books
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magical secondhand bookstore in a Victorian railway station, offering a vast collection, cozy fires, and a charming model train.
"The most amazing book shop. Came as a treat for our adult book mad daughter. She was in awe."
📚 Bring Books for Trade
Trade your used books for credit towards new finds! :moneybag:
🚂 Admire the Model Train
Don't miss the miniature train running overhead – a unique feature! :train2:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Reading Rooms
Main Hall
Lose yourself among shelves packed with over 350,000 secondhand books in a stunning Victorian railway station setting.
The Model Railway
Upper Level
Watch a charming model train chug along the upper shelves, a nostalgic nod to the building's railway past .
The 'Waiting Room' Cafe
Old Station Waiting Room
Enjoy a hearty breakfast or a creamy ice cream in a cafe that retains the charm of the original station waiting room .
Literary Quotations
Above Bookshelves
Discover inspiring literary quotes adorning the shelves, adding an extra layer of charm to your browsing experience .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Literary Labyrinth
Cozy Up and Savor the Atmosphere
+1 The 'Waiting Room' cafe offers hearty meals and delicious ice cream, making it a perfect spot to linger and soak in the unique charm of this literary haven.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📚 Bring Books for Trade
Trade your used books for credit towards new finds! :moneybag:
🚂 Admire the Model Train
Don't miss the miniature train running overhead – a unique feature! :train2:
☕ Cozy Up by the Fire
Enjoy the warm ambiance, especially with the fireplaces lit. :fire:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Haven
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome! :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Bring Books for Trade
Trade your used books for credit towards new finds! :moneybag:
🚂 Admire the Model Train
Don't miss the miniature train running overhead – a unique feature! :train2:
☕ Cozy Up by the Fire
Enjoy the warm ambiance, especially with the fireplaces lit. :fire:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Haven
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome! :dog:
🍽️ Cafe Queue Strategy
Be prepared for a queue at the cafe; you order once seated. :stew:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Barter Books is overwhelmingly praised as a magical and unique secondhand bookstore, often described as one of the most beautiful in the world. Visitors love the vast selection of books, the cozy atmosphere with fireplaces, and the charming model train. The cafe also receives positive mentions for its tasty food and ice cream.
"A great bookshop with a great cafe. Love the idea of turning an old train station into a book shop that has a good variety of books. The cafe is amazing also. We came here for breakfast every time we visit Alnwick. The classic English breakfast was tasty and not greasy at all. The bacon and egg were perfectly cooked. The American pancakes were fluffy and delicious."
Wenyi Lee Stones
"The most amazing book shop. Came as a treat for our adult book mad daughter. She was in awe. It made her day. She found several books she's wanted for a long time. But the best thing was, she found a trilogy set she's been after for years, and practically in mint condition, and not badly priced either. We had a lovely breakfast in the 'waiting room' buffet cafe. All freshly cooked and really tasty. The bread/toast, was really nice too. Then later had some really creamy ice cream from their Paradise ice cream parlour. Can not recommend this place enough. Only sorry it's so far away from our home(4+hrs). We will definitely be back when we're in this neck of the woods. 5☆s"
Val Cross
"Totally amazing place. You take clean used books in, they're assessed and your given a credit on your account so you can buy a book from the shop. The cafe serves good basic food and drink in a great atmosphere. A model train runs around the top of the shelves, it's very popular."
Robin Hoole
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Barter Books is located in Alnwick, Northumberland. By car, it's about a two-hour drive from Edinburgh. There are also train services to Alnmouth station, followed by a short bus or taxi ride to Alnwick.
Yes, there are several car parks in Alnwick town centre, a short walk from Barter Books. Some may have charges.
Absolutely! Barter Books is situated in Alnwick town centre, making it easily accessible on foot from most accommodations and attractions.
If coming from further afield, consider driving for flexibility or checking train schedules to Alnmouth. Many visitors combine a trip to Barter Books with Alnwick Castle.
Yes, Alnwick is served by local bus routes, and Alnmouth train station is nearby, connecting you to major cities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Barter Books is free! It's a wonderful place to browse without any admission fee.
Barter Books is typically open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Yes, well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome at Barter Books, adding to its cozy atmosphere.
No, the cafe is part of the bookshop experience, and you do not need a separate ticket to dine there. You can enjoy the atmosphere even if you're just having a coffee.
Barter Books occasionally hosts events. It's best to check their website or social media for announcements regarding book signings or other literary happenings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Beyond browsing the vast collection, you can relax by the fireplaces, enjoy the model train, and savor treats at the cafe.
Barter Books boasts an incredible collection of over 350,000 secondhand books, making it one of the largest in Europe.
Yes, there's a decent children's section, and the model train and cozy atmosphere make it engaging for younger visitors too.
It's described as magical, quirky, cozy, and atmospheric, with roaring fires and comfortable seating areas perfect for reading.
Absolutely! Barter Books has numerous seating areas, including armchairs and tables, perfect for settling in with a new find.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cafe, often called 'The Waiting Room,' serves classic English breakfasts, fluffy American pancakes, halloumi burgers, and delicious ice cream.+2
Reviews suggest the food is tasty and reasonably priced for the quality and atmosphere, with options like breakfast and ice cream being popular.+1
Yes, the cafe offers drinks and treats, including ice cream from their 'Paradise' parlour, perfect for a mid-browse refreshment.
The cafe can get busy, especially during peak times. Arriving earlier in the day or during off-peak hours might offer a more relaxed dining experience.
Yes, options like halloumi burgers are mentioned, indicating vegetarian choices are available.
📸 📸 Photography
Definitely! The unique Victorian railway station setting, cozy nooks, fireplaces, and vast bookshelves make it incredibly photogenic.
Capture the grand scale of the bookshelves, the charming model train, the inviting fireplaces, and the atmospheric cafe areas.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged to capture the unique ambiance of this literary gem.
While generally permitted, it's always polite to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially in quieter reading areas.
The lighting varies, with natural light from windows and warm artificial lighting from lamps and fireplaces, creating a cozy, atmospheric feel.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 Bookworms & Bibliophiles
+1 You can spend hours exploring different genres, from fantasy and crime to local history and rare editions.+1 The ability to trade in books for credit is a major draw, allowing you to refresh your personal library affordably.🚶 Day-Trippers
It's conveniently located in the town centre, making it easy to incorporate into your itinerary alongside attractions like Alnwick Castle. You can easily spend a couple of hours here browsing, enjoying a coffee or lunch at the cafe, and soaking in the unique atmosphere.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Literary Haven in a Historic Station
+1 The architecture itself, designed by William Bell, adds to the charm, with original features like the old waiting rooms now housing a popular cafe.+1 The sheer scale of the collection, boasting over 350,000 titles, is astounding, offering everything from rare first editions to local history books.Visitors consistently rave about the unique atmosphere. The presence of roaring fireplaces, especially during colder months, creates an incredibly cozy and inviting environment.
+1 Comfortable armchairs and reading nooks are scattered throughout, encouraging visitors to settle in and get lost in a book.The Barter Books Cafe Experience
The menu features classic comfort food, with the English breakfast and American pancakes receiving particular praise for being tasty and well-cooked.While the food is generally well-received, it's worth noting that the cafe can get busy, and there's a specific ordering process: you queue, get a table allocated, and then order.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit