Where I buy second-hand books in London

A guide to book bargains from Bloomsbury to Brixton

Is this photo heaven or hell to you?

Next to actually reading books, searching for them second-hand has got to be one of my favourite hobbies. Like all vintage hunts, it’s about the magic of discovery – you never know what you’ll turn up. In my twenties, my searching was more free-ranging, I had more time (and perhaps was slightly less fussy) and it led to some brilliant discoveries, such as coming across my first Virago Modern Classic, A Pin to See the Peepshow by F. Tennyson Jesse, in Balham’s My Back Pages (RIP). Now, a couple of decades on, I’m more conscious of my already groaning bookshelves, and tend to be guided by various lists I’ve made on my phone. That doesn’t stop me looking, however…

In my years of book shopping in London, I’ve established a few favourites, which I’m sharing here in the hope it inspires you to have a rummage too.

THE CHARITY SHOPS

Amnesty: Hammersmith & Kentish Town

The gold standard for me. Both are extremely well stocked, and slightly cheaper than Oxfam. Sadly / luckily, they’re slightly inconveniently located for me – well, actually, the Hammersmith one is extremely inconvenient. I’d determined to go back, however: on my first and only visit there I bought 7 books (including multiple Virago Modern Classics and a Dean Street Press volume, pictured above on the tube home), and could have bought many, many more. I saw on The Bookclub Review’s Instagram that the Hammersmith one is at risk of closure. You can sign a petition against that here.

Oxfam Books & Music

These always have a great edit of books, though you pay a bit more for that convenience. I visit the one on Upper Street the most (it’s also where I donate books) but I’m also very fond of the Bloomsbury branch. Though they’re not books focused, I have also found some gems in the basement of the Goodge Street branches and in the Marylebone one.

Any and every charity shop

Can you ever risk passing by one without going in? Especially when my best ever charity shop book find was from a regular neighbourhood shop one Tuesday lunchtime. My theory is that the best finds are clustered in places that are also served by a good independent bookshop – such as Balham (thanks to Backstory), Crystal Palace (The Bookseller Crow) and Kentish Town (Owl Bookshop). Where I work in Oxted, Surrey, has the greatest number of charity shops on the high street that I’ve ever come across, especially in such a well-heeled place, but is dire for book finds… no bookshop, see.

THE BARGAIN BASEMENTS

New books + old = my idea of heaven.

Housmans, Kings Cross

A radical not-for-profit bookseller, I love buying new books here, too – there’s always something of which I’d otherwise not have heard. Then there’s their basement room of second-hand books that have been donated to support them, which therefore have a slightly wider / random scope than the books upstairs. My favourite find from here was my Marion Milner, A Life of One’s Own, for a couple of quid.

Burley Fisher, Haggerston

Probably my most used indie, and likewise great for an unusual recommendation. Chances of me leaving without something are decreased further by their second-hand stock – both outside the shop and, if you’re prepared to tackle some fairly steep stairs, in the basement. I bought a great copy of Jessica Mitford’s The American Way of Death here.

Pages of Hackney

I was ignorant of its second-hand section, until I went to a talk there and was sat right beside a distracting selection of books. I’ve since righted that wrong several times over.

Waterstones Gower Street, Bloomsbury

A slightly more student-y vibe than the usual Waterstones, it has trolleys of second-hand books outside, which always waylay me when I’m meant to be on my way elsewhere. Next to Rymans in the basement is a whole section of vintage books, including some very nice and quite pricey first editions. But there are more regular books on the shelves too: I’ve picked up a fair few Anita Brookners here.

THE DEDICATED SECOND-HAND BOOKSHOPS

My regulars

Any Amount of Books, Westminster

One of the last few remaining second-hand sellers on Charing Cross Road (Helene Hanff would weep). I think they must buy directly from reviewers as there’s always a good selection of recent-ish books for sale, plus a (slightly naughty, as you’re not meant to sell them on) proofs section in the basement corner, where I bought The Secret Public, among other things. I’ve also found some great art and design books there, such as a lovely edition of the King Penguin Popular English Art by Noel Carrington and Clarke Hutton.

Skoob Books, Bloomsbury

For the last couple of years, I’ve had a membership at the Bloomsbury Curzon, and this has become a regular stopping-off point. It’s great for a rummage, with loads of literature along with more academic section. Staff are young and friendly. The only strike against it is that you can’t get a signal there, meaning I have to prep for a visit with my various reading lists already loaded on my phone…

Judd Books, Bloomsbury

Extremely crammed, and involves a lot of “excuse me”-ing with other customers. Fiction is all upstairs (which makes a change from the usual basement trip). They carry lots of heavily discounted remaindered books.

House of Hodge, Highbury

A well organised charity bookshop, which gives its money to animal welfare. Combine with a visit to the nearby Ink84 and BookBar for a short but satisfying Highbury book crawl.

If I’m in the neighbourhood…

Hurlingham Books, Fulham

I’ve a soft spot for Hurlingham Books – when I first came down to London to do work experience, this was on my route home. The window display remains as crammed as it always did. Only enter this shop if you enjoy a dig (I love a dig): everything is stacked deep and high, and having just three other people in it feels a tight squeeze (it’s the shop pictured at the very top of this post). But it rewards perseverance – I came away with a fairly rare Angela Carter on my last visit.

Archive Bookstore, Marylebone

Another proper old school, it’s all about the hunt place, all the more charming for being in such a plush part of town. You do feel like you might get taken out by a falling book at any time, but that’s a risk I’m prepared to take. Bring cash.

Bookmongers, Brixton

One of Brixton’s treasures, it’s been around since 1992, and I wish didn’t now live so far from it. Spacious, well organised, well priced, and nice and calm. There are even sofas. Last time I was there, I bought a Henry Green compendium and the Elizabeth Smart journals for about £3 each.

Walden Books, Chalk Farm

As pretty as you’d hope a Chalk Farm second-hand bookshop would be. On my last visit, I picked up a handful of Virago Modern Classics before I’d even got inside the building.

A DATE IN THE DIARY

St Giles Bookfair

One of my favourite places to buy books. They always have a wide ranging, well-sorted selection and friendly volunteers who’ll indulgently chuckle over your purchase of an extravagant number of books, plus it’s in a church so it feels calm and orderly. I’m not sure how frequently it pops up, but it usually lasts around a fortnight, and they keep the stock topped over up its run. The church – which sits in the middle of the Barbican complex – has lots of literary links. John Milton is buried there, for example, and it also features in Rose Macaulay’s The World My Wilderness. The fair is next on from 15 August to 3 September 2025.

OVERRATED AND OVER-PRICED?

In my 20-something years of buying second-hand books in London, I’ve never bought anything from the stalls under Waterloo Bridge – they’re quite pricey, and don’t really seem to cater to my taste. It doesn’t stop me looking though….

Where do you like to buy second-hand books in London? Have I missed any favourites? Please let me know and help me indulge my hobby.