Barter Books

Really enjoyed Barter Books. The collection of books is amazing. Train running around a track above the books as you go in. The staff are very friendly and help with anything you need. The hot chocolate is really good and cakes fresh made lovely. Spent 2hrs there. Parking is a bit limited but there is alternative parking 5 minute walk away. There's an ice cream parlour which is also good had a lovely time there

A legendary second hand bookstore with several impressive qualities but which, unfortunately, fails in the core features that you would expect in a place like this. First, let’s mention some of its strengths, which are sundry: 1. It is located in a historic building, a former Victorian train station. 2. It’s open from 9 AM to 7 PM, seven days a week. 3. It has a coffee shop, and plenty of space to accommodate visitors. 4. It is spacious and temperature wise comfortable. 5. It has a universal history to tell: remember the iconic “keep calm and carry on” poster? You can see the original copy displayed in this bookstore. The owner found it in 2000 and from here it went almost anywhere in this planet! 6. There is an inventory of thousands and thousands of books to choose from. Sadly, in my humble opinion (and I have no problem to admit that I might be biased by my own personal preferences), this bookshop fails in two aspects: 1. The vast majority of the books are either paperbacks or rather uninteresting hardcovers. The lack of, for instance, hardcover books from the top universities presses is too conspicuous. 2. The prices…ah, the prices…and I don’t mean those of rare books and first editions. Both these failures are the more remarkable considering the numerous strengths that this wonderful venue does have.

Absolutely lovely little gem. Situated in an old train station so the train tracks running above the book shelves is a lovely nod to this. Great cafe, popped in for a brew.

What a place! It must be the biggest second hand bookshop in Britain. It used to be Alnwick station and you can still see the way the station was laid out. What I assume was the ticket office and waiting room are now a buffet cafe with a lovely real warm fire on the go and across the top of some of the bookshelves runs a large gauge model railway. There are places to sit comfortably to enable you to read and staff are efficient and friendly. The downside is the parking. There are plenty of spaces but it is narrow and only one blind entry/exit. We went at a busy time and it was pandemonium! I would suggest parking elsewhere and walking round to it but definitely don't miss visiting it, you won't be disappointed.

Wow!!! Our breath was taken away when we visited this huge 2nd handbook shop in an old railway property. Such lovely relaxed vibes. We visited on a Sunday morning and it was so chilled with great music. People just chilling out and also a great Cafe. I would highly recommend a visit to this special place.

The is a very cool place to visit, even if you’re not buying, it’s great to walk around and browse the range of pre-loved books. They seem to have everything, from fiction to fly fishing, you’ll find what you’re looking for. There is clearly a lot of history behind this place, and it feels like a bit of an institution. If you’re in the area, it’s a must visit.

A Victorian train station transformed in a second hand book shop! If you love books this is the place for you! Hundreds and hundreds of books for you to loose yourself in, in a lovely setting. Choose the books you like and enjoy them by a real fire or while eating in the lovely cafe. Gluten free and vegan options available

Amazing book store!!! I could spend all day in here. Real log fire, comfy seating, friendly staff, small selection of classy merchandise. You think of a topic or interest... they'll not only have a book on it but a whole section! Very reasonable prices. Lovely ice cream shop next door too. Definitely well worth a visit. Pics: my family engrossed & a lovely old ladybird book about Bible story of Samuel.