10 of the best bookshops in York

• Henry Northmore
• 13 September 2017

credit: flickr.com/photos/delightsome/8563742901 CC BY 2.0

Where to pick up rare books, novels, comics, kids books and specialist publications in the historic city of York

York boasts a jumbled networks of streets that feels like you are stepping back in time. The perfect place to stumble upon rare books and secondhand gems amongst the city's historic lanes and back alleys. Though if you want the latest blockbuster titles, YA novels or superhero comics York has that covered too.

Books for Amnesty
Charity shop specialising in books. Expect a high turn over of titles and all for a good cause so well worth popping in on a regular basis.
Books for Amnesty, 42 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LF

Fossgate Books
A cornucopia of second-hand books crammed into every available space in York's historic Fossgate area which has links back to the Vikings.
Fossgate Books, 36 Fossgate, York, YO1 9TF

Janette Ray
Janette Ray focuses in on a very niche market: 'rare and out of print books on architecture and building, landscape design, design history, international exhibitions, town planning and fine art mainly published 1800-1950.'
Janette Ray, 8 Bootham, York, YO30 7BL

Ken Spelman Books
Bibliophiles are spoiled for choice in York. Opening in 1948 Ken Spelman specialises in rare books and manuscripts (plus prints, watercolours and cards). In fact The Independent even labelled KS as 'one of the 10 best rare bookshops in Britain'. High praise indeed. Plus there's a cosy real fire during winter to keep you toasty as you browse the racks.
Ken Spelman Books, 70 Micklegate, York, YO1 6LF

The Little Apple Bookshop
Friendly local bookshop with a wide range of fiction, children's books and signed copies. The Little Apple also runs a regular reading group and are the official supplier of books to the York Literature Festival.
The Little Apple Bookshop, 13 High Petergate, York, YO1 7EN

Lucius Books
Yet another rare books emporium with an emphasis on first editions, signed copies and crime fiction. The also sell manuscripts and art, you can check out their impressive catalogue online.
Lucius Books, York Eco Business Centre, Amy Johnson Way, YO30 4AG

The Minister Gate Bookshop
Five floors of second hand and antiquarian books all in the shadow of York's impressive Minster, an area famed for its book shops since 1580. Particular specialisation in children's books, folklore and Arthurian legends alongside maps, prints and lithographs of York and Yorkshire.
The Minister Gate Bookshop, 8 Minister Gates, York, YO1 7HL

Oxfam Books
Not one but two Oxfam bookshops in York on either side of the River Ouse. Tons of secondhand books alongside DVDs, CDs and music. The Micklegate store is slightly larger but both are worth a rummage.
Oxfam Books, 46 Micklegate, York, YO1 6LF; 69 Low Petergate, York, YO1 7HY