This self-guided walking tour takes you through Oxford’s finest bookshops, offering a blend of new releases, rare finds, and unique literary treasures. The tour covers iconic spots like Blackwell’s on Broad Street, eclectic gems like Gulp Fiction in the Covered Market, and speciality shops like St Philip’s Books on St Aldate’s. You’ll also explore secondhand havens like The Last Bookshop in Jericho and Oxfam Bookshop on Turl Street.
What to Bring:
- Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking through Oxford’s historic streets, so wear shoes that can handle cobblestones.
- A Tote Bag: Perfect for carrying your book purchases as you browse through each shop.
- A Camera or Smartphone: Capture the beautiful architecture and interiors of these iconic bookshops.
- A Notebook and Pen: For jotting down titles, authors, or simply reflecting on your literary discoveries.
- A Water Bottle: Stay hydrated as you explore the city.
Oxford Bookshops Tour: The Short One
Tour Duration (not including browsing!): 44 minutes (2 miles)
Here’s a shorter suggested walking tour for lovers of new and old books in Oxford. You can open this route in your own Google Maps here.
- Start at Blackwell’s Bookshop on Broad Street
Begin your tour at Blackwell’s, Oxford’s most famous bookstore. Explore the Norrington Room, one of the largest bookselling rooms in the world, filled with both new releases and classic titles. - Head to Gulp Fiction in the Covered Market.
A short walk from Blackwell’s, Gulp Fiction offers an eclectic mix of books, coffee, and craft beer. It’s a perfect stop for something unique and quirky. - Wander to St Philip’s Books on St Aldate’s
Just a short distance away, this shop specializes in rare and antiquarian books, particularly on theology and church history, making it a treasure trove for collectors. - Continue to The Last Bookshop in Jericho
Located on Walton Street, this shop is known for its selection of remainder and secondhand books, offering great deals and a diverse range of genres. - Finish at Oxfam Bookshop on Turl Street
End your tour at Oxfam, where you can browse a wide range of secondhand books while supporting a good cause.
St Philip’s Books
St Philip’s Books is a distinctive and specialized bookshop renowned for its extensive collection of rare and antiquarian books.
Gulp Fiction
Gulp Fiction is an innovative and eclectic bookshop located in Oxford’s historic Covered Market. It is also a café and bar.
Jericho’s Last Bookshop
The Last Bookshop, located on Walton Street in Jericho, offers a curated selection of both secondhand and remainder books.
Blackwell’s Bookshop
Blackwell’s Bookshop first opened its doors in 1879 on Broad Street, Oxford. They have been trading continuously from there ever since.
Oxford Bookshops Tour: The Long Thorough One
Tour Duration (not including browsing!): 2 hours 17 minutes (6 miles)
Embark on a comprehensive walking tour of Oxford’s bookshops, where history, literature, and charm intertwine. This tour covers a mix of iconic establishments, eclectic finds, and speciality shops, offering something for every book lover. You can also see or download this map here.
1. Blackwell’s Bookshop (Broad Street)
Start your tour at Blackwell’s, one of Oxford’s most famous bookshops. Explore the Norrington Room, home to over three miles of shelving, and browse an extensive collection of both new and classic literature. With a history dating back to 1879, Blackwell’s is a must-visit for any bibliophile.
2. Daunt Books (Summertown)
Next, head to Summertown to visit Daunt Books. This branch of the renowned bookshop offers a curated selection of travel literature, fiction, and non-fiction. Known for its beautifully arranged shelves and knowledgeable staff, Daunt Books provides a more intimate shopping experience.
3. Arcadia Bookshop (Jericho)
From Summertown, make your way to Jericho to explore Arcadia. This independent shop offers secondhand books, vintage stationery, and literary-themed gifts. The cosy atmosphere and eclectic mix of items make Arcadia a delightful stop for those who appreciate the charm of a classic bookshop.
4. The Last Bookshop (Walton Street, Jericho)
Just a short walk from Arcadia, you’ll find The Last Bookshop. Known for its great deals on remainder and secondhand books, this shop is a treasure trove for bargain hunters. The Last Bookshop offers a wide range of genres, from poetry to politics, making it easy to find something unexpected.
5. Gulp Fiction (Covered Market)
Head back toward the city centre and visit Gulp Fiction in the Covered Market. This quirky shop combines books with a café-bar experience, offering a selection of new and secondhand books alongside coffee and craft beer. It’s the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a drink while browsing.
6. St Philip’s Books (St Aldate’s)
Next, visit St Philip’s Books on St Aldate’s, a specialist shop dealing in rare and antiquarian books, particularly on theology and church history. With a rich selection of out-of-print and hard-to-find titles, this shop is a haven for collectors and scholars alike.
7. Oxfam Bookshop (Turl Street)
Continue your tour at the Oxfam Bookshop on Turl Street. This shop offers a wide range of secondhand books, with all proceeds supporting Oxfam’s charitable efforts. Whether you’re looking for fiction, non-fiction, or academic titles, Oxfam is a great place to find a bargain while supporting a good cause.
8. Oxfam Books & Music (St Giles’)
Just a short walk from Turl Street, you’ll find Oxfam Books & Music on St Giles’. This shop specializes in both books and music, offering an impressive selection of secondhand books, vinyl records, CDs, and sheet music. It’s a must-visit for those with a love of both literature and music.
9. Sanders of Oxford (High Street)
Finally, conclude your tour at Sanders of Oxford on High Street. This shop is renowned for its collection of antique prints, maps, and rare books. With its historic setting and fascinating inventory, Sanders offers a unique shopping experience for those interested in antiquarian art and literature.
Sanders of Oxford
Sanders of Oxford is one of Oxford’s most esteemed and long-standing print and antiquarian bookshops. It is located on High Street.
Oxfam St. Giles Bookshop
Oxfam Books & Music on St Giles’ is another cherished part of Oxford’s vibrant secondhand bookshop scene, offering a great selection.
Daunt Books
Daunt Books in Summertown is a charming outpost of the renowned independent bookstore chain known for its curated selection of books.
St Philip’s Books
St Philip’s Books is a distinctive and specialized bookshop renowned for its extensive collection of rare and antiquarian books.
Gulp Fiction
Gulp Fiction is an innovative and eclectic bookshop located in Oxford’s historic Covered Market. It is also a café and bar.
Jericho’s Last Bookshop
The Last Bookshop, located on Walton Street in Jericho, offers a curated selection of both secondhand and remainder books.
Arcadia Books & Stationary
Arcadia is a popular bookstore in Oxford, offering second-hand books and stationery with a vintage and whimsical vibe.
Blackwell’s Bookshop
Blackwell’s Bookshop first opened its doors in 1879 on Broad Street, Oxford. They have been trading continuously from there ever since.
