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!

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.

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.

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.

Absolutely fantastic, great selection and really knowledgeable staff. I recommend their film literature section, its quite well stocked. Very cozy with a classic bookshop feel. Great for when you want to buy a specific book and get great customer service and recommendations, as well as for an afternoon of browsing through their extensive stock. Highly recommend!