Skip to content

Second-hand bookshops

Two shelves filled with books of the second-hand bookshop at Paycocke's House, Essex
The second-hand bookshop at Paycocke's House, Essex | © 1670118

Did you know that second-hand bookshops raised more than £2.5 million for the places we care for in 2022? With classic volumes, colourful children’s tales, modern fiction and vintage treasures, second-hand bookshops are the perfect place to discover something new.

Second-hand books can transport you to worlds of childhood nostalgia and can also offer 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 great for raising funds to support our work.

Here's how second-hand books stack up

  • In 2022, second-hand bookshops raised more than £2.5 million; these donations can pay for over 55,000 hours of expert collection conservation or for a year's care of the 780 miles of coastline we look after
  • At our last count, there are more than 240 National Trust second-hand bookshops

Donate your unwanted books

Support nature and landscapes by donating your books or picking up a great read at a second-hand bookshop at a place we care for.

Funds raised from second-hand bookshops support vital conservation projects at the historic homes, gardens, countryside and coast in our care. Your support will ensure these places thrive for everyone, for ever.

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

A quote by Eva StuetzenbergerNational Trust Visitor Operations & Experience Manager, Wiltshire Landscape portfolio
Wide shot of two volunteers walking up a hillside from left to right with blue sky behind

Donate to make a difference

Your support is essential to help us look after nature, beauty and history. Make a donation today, and together we can protect precious places for everyone, forever.

You might also be interested in

National Trust Bumblebees Small Wonder gift
Article
Article

Small Wonder gifts make a big difference 

Every time you give a Small Wonder gift to a special person in your life, you’re helping the National Trust to protect the wildlife and environment at the places you love.

A kayaker on the River Fal with autumn trees either side, seen from the beach at Trelissick, Cornwall
Article
Article

Fundraise for us 

Want to set yourself a challenge and raise money to support the places you love? Find out how you can fundraise for us and help to protect land, nature, buildings and more.

A family stand with their backs to the camera, looking out over Ullswater and the surrounding hills
Article
Article

Give through your charitable trust 

You can donate to the National Trust through your own charitable trust. Discover how charitable trusts have helped our work.

Terracotta and black plate in Hamilton 'Collection of Etruscan Greek and Roman Antiquities' (Naples: 1766-1767), part of the Library collection at Tatton Park, Cheshire.
Article
Article

Great books in our collections 

Explore a selection from more than half a million books and manuscripts in the collections we care for. Libraries Curator Tim Pye takes a closer look at some of the most significant works.