Second-hand bookshops

Visitors reading books in one of the National Trust's second-hand bookshops

Did you know that £1.88m was raised last year for special places in our care, thanks to second-hand book lovers? From classic volumes and colourful children’s tales to modern fiction and vintage treasures, discover something new (to you) to keep or share.

We’ve got a soft spot for second-hand books. They’re the familiar tales of our childhood and the unexpected new favourites. They’re the keepers of loving inscriptions and forgotten pressed flowers. They’re an invitation to curl up and take a journey into history, mystery, fantasy, or romance. And as a charity, they're pretty great for raising funds for the amazing places and wonderful creatures we look after too.

Here's how our second-hand books stack up

  • In total, second-hand bookshops raised £1.88m for the places we care for in 2019/20
  • At our last count, we have 208 second-hand bookshops
  • Our biggest bookshop at Blickling raised £130k in second-hand book sales last year

Donate your unwanted books

Share in our passion for second-hand books and support the nature and landscapes you love by donating your books and picking up a great read at a National Trust place near you.

Funds raised from our second-hand bookshops support vital conservation projects at the historic homes, gardens, countryside and coast in our care, making sure they continue to thrive. They also help us to look after wildlife and nature too, and the places they call home.

" Every book donated or purchased at our second-hand bookshop, engages and brings joy to volunteers and visitors, whilst helping us to look after the monuments and landscapes in our care."
Find a second-hand bookshop near you

Is your favourite place missing from our list below? We've got so many second-hand bookshops, we couldn't include them all, so contact your local National Trust place to see if they have one and for opening times. Before visiting, please check the webpage of the place you'd like to visit for more information, and to see what's open.

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Shopping at Hidcote

Hidcote, Gloucestershire

Our shop, plant centre and secondhand bookshop are open from 11am until one hour before close. It is through your purchases that we are able to continue looking after Hidcote for everyone, for ever.

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Shopping at Petworth House

Petworth, West Sussex

Take inspiration from Petworth's unique art collection and countryside landscape to find the perfect mementos to take home in our gift shop. You’ll find a range of art inspired gifts, stylish homeware, souvenirs, gardening must-haves, books to browse and locally produced products.

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Cliveden's Gift Shop and Plant Centre

Cliveden, Buckinghamshire

Our shop is open and offers something for everyone. Whether it’s environmentally-friendly swaps for a more sustainable life, a gift for a loved one or an indulgence for yourself, every purchase helps us look after Cliveden for everyone, for ever.

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Shopping at Sutton Hoo

Sutton Hoo, Suffolk

For a special memento of your visit pop in to our gift shop and take a piece of history home with you. With a unique range of Anglo-Saxon inspired designs alongside seasonal National Trust ranges it’s the perfect place for some inspirational shopping.

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Anglesey Abbey's second-hand bookshop

Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill, Cambridgeshire

From the literary classics and modern fiction, to art and history, there are some amazing bargains in our second-hand bookshop.

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What to expect when you visit

Scotney Castle, Kent

The ground floor of the house, garden, tea-room, shop and estate are open at Scotney Castle, and we're looking forward to welcoming you back.

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