[12/9/24] Wanderlust in Worn Pages: A Magical Bookstore Crawl through Bristol
I honestly have to say I fell in love with its winding streets, hilly & sloppy array of bookstores and more , its ever-present artistic vibe—that makes it a perfect destination for book lovers. What better way to spend a day (or three!) than wandering the city’s most charming bookshops, discovering hidden literary treasures, and exploring iconic landmarks along the way? Whether you’re after old poetry, vintage collector’s items, or just looking for the perfect secondhand gem, this magical bookstore crawl will take you on a journey through the very heart of Bristol.
As we wander through the city, let’s take some inspiration from the words of J.M. Barrie, who said, "Always try to be a little kinder than is necessary." With each stop, you’ll uncover not just books, but stories woven into the fabric of Bristol itself.
One-Day Bristol Bookstore Crawl
9:00 AM – The Last Bookshop & Bill and Ben Books
Start your day at The Last Bookshop on Park Street. This place is brimming with budget-friendly paperbacks and a surprisingly vast selection. But don’t miss Bill and Ben Books nestled inside—it’s a treasure trove of rare, out-of-print, and vintage books. Keep your eye out for older poetry collections or first editions that you might never find again.
Book hunter's tip: Don’t rush. Take your time exploring the corners. Sometimes, the best finds are hidden behind something seemingly ordinary.
10:30 AM – St. Peter’s Hospice Bookshop (Gloucester Road)
Hop on the bus or walk to Gloucester Road for a stop at St. Peter’s Hospice. Here, the shelves are constantly rotating, and the prices are unbeatable. You might stumble across vintage British classics, a quirky children’s book, or that poetry collection you’ve been after. Plus, it’s all for a good cause.
12:00 PM – Heron Books (Clifton Village)
Wander over to Clifton and explore the quiet charm of Heron Books. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for anyone who loves older, more antiquarian books. This quaint shop specializes in rare finds, from old leather-bound classics to books you’d be hard-pressed to locate anywhere else. Clifton Village is also a picture-perfect spot for a quiet stroll and a great place to grab a coffee.
Book hunter's tip: Look for signed copies or special editions—Heron Books often has these hidden among its shelves.
2:00 PM – British Heart Foundation Charity Shop (Whiteladies Road)
Head over to the British Heart Foundation Charity Shop near Clifton Down. Their selection of secondhand books is surprisingly robust, and it’s not uncommon to stumble across a hidden vintage gem or a stack of old novels that have barely been touched. Take your time combing through the shelves; this is a perfect place to find books on art, culture, and history.
4:00 PM – Castle Park for the Perfect Shot
As you make your way back into the city center, stop by Castle Park. The ruins of St. Peter's Church and the sprawling green space make it a peaceful place to sit with a book. Don’t forget to snap that iconic shot with the Bristol skyline in the background.
5:00 PM – The Bag of Nails
End your day at The Bag of Nails, a quirky little pub known for its cats, beer, and great conversation. Just around the corner is a vintage collector’s haven, and next door is one of Bristol’s oldest bookstores. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, chat about your finds, and flip through a book or two over a pint.
or... how about a Three-Day Bristol Bookstore Crawl?
Day 1: Park Street & Gloucester Road
Spend your first day as outlined in the one-day crawl. From The Last Bookshop to St. Peter’s Hospice on Gloucester Road, fill your tote bags with books and finish up with a peaceful stop at Castle Park.
Day 2: Clifton & Banksy-Inspired Detours
On your second day, explore Heron Books and British Heart Foundation Charity Shop. In between, take time to visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Observatory, a must-see for anyone who loves breathtaking views (and a great spot for a quiet reading break). Be sure to check out the Clifton Vintage Market, too—you might just find some old bookish treasures alongside vintage clothing.
Bonus stop: Keep an eye out for Banksy street art as you stroll through Clifton. His works are scattered across Bristol, and hunting them down is half the fun.
Day 3: Southville & the Harbourside
For your final day, head over to Southville, home to even more hidden bookshops and thrift stores. Check out the Oxfam Bookshop for a wide selection of secondhand finds. Then, stroll along the Harbourside—the perfect way to end a literary weekend with the sound of water lapping at the docks and a good book in hand.
Magical Author Inspiration Along the Way
While wandering through Bristol’s literary haunts, keep in mind the words of iconic authors like Robert Louis Stevenson, whose adventure novels echo the spirit of discovery. Or remember Virginia Woolf’s fascination with the inner lives of her characters as you browse the shelves—each book is a doorway into another world, waiting for you to open it.
With its rich history, vibrant literary culture, and stunning spots like Clifton Bridge and Castle Park, Bristol is a dream for any book lover. Whether you’re after rare vintage finds or just love the thrill of the hunt, this magical bookstore crawl is an adventure you won’t want to miss.