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.

Article

The Book Barn

Barrington Court, Somerset

Barrington Court's Book Barn is usually open daily from 11am to 4pm. It has a great selection of quality second-hand books covering all topics and tastes, so pop by to see if anything piques your interest.

Article

Second-hand bookshop at the Birmingham Back to Backs

Birmingham Back to Backs, West Midlands

Come and browse the second-hand bookshop at the Birmingham Back to Backs.

Article

Things to see and do at Birmingham Back to Backs

Birmingham Back to Backs, West Midlands

Find out what you can discover during your visit to our 19th century courtyard of working people's houses.

Article

Visiting Felbrigg: What you need to know

Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate, Norfolk

To prepare for your visit to Felbrigg, take a look at our handy guide to help plan your day.

Article

Wimpole's second hand bookshop

Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire

Wimpole’s second hand bookshop helps to raise money for conservation projects all around the estate.

Article

Baddesley's bookshop

Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire

Our bookshop is packed full of books. Pop by and browse through our collection of second-hand books at bargain prices!

See more