Barter Books
One of Europe's largest secondhand bookshops, housed in Alnwick's beautiful Victorian railway station. Also home to the Station Buffet cafe.
About Barter Books
Barter Books occupies the grand Victorian Alnwick railway station, designed by William Bell and opened in 1887. With over 350,000 books spread across the old waiting rooms, platforms, and booking hall, it is one of the largest secondhand bookshops in Europe and a destination in its own right. The shop is famous for rediscovering the original 'Keep Calm and Carry On' poster, and a model railway runs above the shelves. The Station Buffet cafe serves tea, coffee, and light refreshments in the beautifully restored station building, the perfect spot to sit with a newly discovered book. Open every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Featured in These Guides
Blog posts and guides that feature Barter Books.
Family Activities in Alnwick: Days Out with the Kids
The best family days out in Alnwick, from the castle and The Alnwick Garden to Lilidorei, Barter Books and rainy-day soft play, grouped by type so you can plan around the weather.
The Lost Buildings of Alnwick
From vanished town gates and a demolished tollbooth to a suppressed abbey and the railway that closed under Beeching, here are the Alnwick landmarks that time, traffic and the demolition men took away.
Interesting Facts About Alnwick
From a castle that became Hogwarts to the rediscovery of the Keep Calm and Carry On poster, a medieval game of football and a garden full of poison, here are the stories that make Alnwick so distinctive.
The Best Independent Shops in Alnwick
Alnwick is one of Northumberland's best towns for independent shopping. From Barter Books to family butchers, delis, boutiques and galleries, here is where to shop local.
More Retail in Alnwick
Morrisons
Alnwick's town-centre supermarket on Fenkle Street, with the full grocery range plus fresh butcher, fishmonger and bakery counters, a cafe and a large car park.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's superstore on Willowburn Avenue, on the south-east edge of Alnwick, with a wide grocery range, fresh food and free parking for the weekly shop.
Aldi
Aldi discount supermarket on South Road, offering good-value groceries, fresh produce and bakery plus the rotating Specialbuys middle aisle.
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What's On
Spookydorei Days at Lilidorei
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM from 24 October) · Lilidorei, The Alnwick Garden, Denwick Lane, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1YU
The Pumpkin Garden at The Alnwick Garden
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM from 24 October) · The Alnwick Garden, Denwick Lane, Alnwick, NE66 1YU
Bullfield Community Orchard Apple Pressing Day
See website · Bullfield Community Orchard, Alnwick