Heffers Bookshop

This is easily one of the best bookshops I have ever been to. It's kind of hidden from the main shopping area and looks quite small from outside, but it is absolutely massive inside, and packed full of books from floor to ceiling (literally!) across several floors. Bookshops like this just don't exist anymore and it almost feels like you're taking a step back in time. The atmosphere is really pleasant and it's incredibly fun to just browse the shelves and find something interesting to read. They have a huge selection of books, so I can easily spend hours browsing in here. They also sell toys and gifts too. The staff are friendly and helpful, and I've never had to wait too long to be served. They have a large clearance section, selling books at heavily-discounted prices. In addition, there is a second hand book section, where you can bag some excellent bargains, if you don't mind buying used books. This is a fantastic bookshop and if you like books, you will absolutely love this bookshop!

Great bookstore. Amazing. Good books and helpful & friendly staff. Check it out yourself:)

This is the best and kindest book shop I’ve ever been to! I was on holiday from Japan and I wanted to read Harry Potter for the first time as a way to study English, however I ended up buying the Scott’s edition! It was my mistake for not looking carefully enough, but I was so sad and contacted Heffers to tell them what I had done. Their customer service was amazing and they quickly solved my problem! I’m so grateful to them. I’ll definitely be coming back next time I’m in Cambridge! Thank you so much.

I love stopping by Heffers whenever I’m in Cambridge. Their children’s section is fantastic—thoughtfully curated and full of great finds. The rest of the store offers a wide selection across all genres, so there’s always something new to discover. I also love that they accept the Waterstones card, so I can earn points while shopping. It’s one of my favorite spots in the city!

I only spent four days in Cambridge, yet somehow ended up in this bookstore THREE times. Pleasantly designed, easy to navigate. I was also surprised to see they sell "blanks" - old book covers with new pages to use as notebooks. I've only seen them online before. A beautiful idea.

My 12 year old daughter is a bookworm and thought the shop was beautiful. We spend ages browsing and obviously didn't come out empty handed. Lovely staff too. It was recommended by a friend and well worth the visit.

Heffers is hands down my favorite bookshop in all of Cambridge—truly a treasure trove for readers of every kind. There’s something especially magical about the used book section tucked away downstairs. Time and time again, I’ve discovered books I’d never even heard of, including in the very field I hold a doctorate in. It’s humbling and exhilarating to realize how much more there is to learn, and Heffers somehow always brings those hidden gems to light. That sense of unexpected discovery is what makes each visit feel like an adventure. The entire shop is thoughtfully curated, offering everything from classic and contemporary fantasy to the latest in science, history, and literature. It’s rare to find such breadth and depth in one place, and even rarer to find it presented in such an inviting, warm atmosphere. The children’s section is another highlight—it’s engaging enough to keep my child entertained for hours, giving me time to browse and lose myself among the shelves. Whether you’re on a mission to find something specific or just wandering in search of inspiration, Heffers never disappoints. It’s more than a bookshop—it’s a magical space for the curious, the passionate, and the lifelong learner.

Enjoyable experience to visit here with kids, but realized the price of books we bought were relatively expensive compared to other bookshop.

An excellent bookshop in the centre of Cambridge, with a huge range of both academic and more mainstream texts. I was after a copy of Pevsner, (eclectic tastes, I'm afraid) and they had the full range in stock. Great stuff. Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. A long queue formed on my visit, but they got in 2 extra staff to tackle it after less than a minute. Recommended.

They don't take refunds on statute books (a book which has the law of something on it, in my case the Companys Act, 2006 and related laws). Something they didn't tell me when I first purchased the product. Something that wasn't reflected in the receipt. Something that wasn't on a sign on the counter. All they could offer was "sorry". What is the reason for this, I asked? Because statute books can be photocopied and returned. But that is the same for ALL books in theory. Actually it is even less likely for statute books, because YOU CAN PRINT IT FOR FREE ON THE INTERNET. I imagine they must have other nonsensical policies out there just waiting to bite you. Out of principle, I won't be buying anything from this place ever. Amazon here I come.

A shadow of its former glory, Heffers still has something to offer - a less corporate feel than Waterstones and a good education section being part of it. Recommended for the informed bibliophile.

Heffers used to have a chain of independent bookstores, music and art shops across Cambridge. It's a sad sign of the times but the one big bookshop is now owned by a chain and what was the Grafton Centre's only bookstore is now a pound shop! All that aside, Heffers in Trinity Street has a great range of books, ranging from children's fiction to adult novels to a massive range of educational material, reference books etc. And unlike some of the big chains, it books that unique phenomenon - good customer service and staff that are actually really passionate about reading and know about books!

A very large bookstore with quiet a big selection of specialist literature. But no university discount, not accepting Amex cards, in short not very consumer friendly. There is a loyalty card scheme giving you £5 per £100 you spend, but the immediate 10% off for students at Waterstones is better. I wouldn't advise shopping here if you fall within the latter categories, unless they have something not available elsewhere. On the bright side, there is a pleasant quiet cafe on the ground floor hidden within the shop.

Forget Borders and Waterstones, Heffers may be relatively small, but the staff are simply the most clued-up booksellers in Cambridge. Also, you can get the daily broadsheets at the student price on weekdays: Times, Grauniad, Indy and Torygraph are all 25p! The map department is also very good indeed.

It's nice to come across a bookshop that has staff that still take pride in what they do and that they haven't been swallowed up by Waterstones or put out of business by Amazon. Not only do they have all the regular books but they always seem to have a good few extra that you never find elsewhere. The travel section is very comprehensive and there is a great selection of foreign films there that are well worth a look. There is a cafe in the back if you fancy a break and the layout is clear and easy to navigate. They seem to have quite a few book signings there as well with some well known and some less well known authors signing books. Even if they don't they still tend to have left over signed copies for sale so it's worth a look to see if your favourite author is there.

What bookshops used to be like! If you have a choice between the souless chains and Heffer's you should go to Trinity Street; this place is fantastic. The staff know their sections inside out and can research and advise with authority. Book signings are excellently organised and there is always someone quite eccentric reading about tractors on an arm chair ;-) Long live Heffer's!

A fantastic bookshop that caters for everyone, from the casual reader to the academic. The staff are knowledgeable and provide a friendly service. Much more character than Waterstones or other high street bookstores and a much more extensive range of literature.