My Favourite Bookshops in Oxford as a Brookes Student

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About the author: Hi, I’m Heather! I am a third-year Media, Journalism and Publishing student at Oxford Brookes University, but I am originally from Devon. As well as being a UniHomes Oxford Content Ambassador, I am a weekly host on Brookes Podcast, and in my spare time, I love spending time with friends and family, reading and baking.

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Home to world-famous authors, historic libraries, and the birthplace of millions of novels, Oxford has always been the city for those who love books. The streets are packed with everything from quirky independent bookstores to renowned, sprawling shops.

Below, I have highlighted a few of my personal favourite bookshops in Oxford, but don’t forget that there are so many to explore.

Top picks for bookshops in Oxford

1.       Last Bookshop, Magdalen Street

Last Bookshop is easily my favourite place to browse and shop in Oxford. Recognisable by its bright orange exterior and conveniently located next to The Randolph Hotel, Last Bookshop is not one to miss when looking for something new to read.

The best part of this shop is that all brand-new books are priced under £5, and there are also a few boxes of second-hand books on tables outside for even lower prices. Spanning over two floors, they have everything from classics to science fiction, cookbooks, a large fiction section, art books, and so much more. The staff are also always on hand to help you find specific titles.

If you love a bargain, this is the place for you, but be warned - you will come out with more books than you went in for!

2.       Blackwell’s Bookshop, Broad Street

Situated in the heart of the city centre on Broad Street, Blackwell’s is immensely popular amongst both Brookes and University of Oxford students alike. This shop has long served the city after being founded in 1879, making it the oldest bookstore in Oxford.

When arriving, don’t be fooled by Blackwell’s seemingly small exterior. As you walk downstairs, prepare to be wowed by the Instagrammable basement, known as the Norrington Room, which for many years held the Guinness World Record’s title of ‘largest single room in the world selling books’.

This impressive space extends across 10,000 square feet, in which over three miles of shelving boasts over 150,000 books. This maze of a shop holds every title you can think of and is truly a book lover’s idea of heaven.

3.       Gulp Fiction

Gulp Fiction takes the prize for being the quirkiest bookshop in Oxford. Here, it’s believed that books are best enjoyed with a beverage, and the staff do an expert job at curating a space that ticks these boxes.

Located inside the Covered Market, this store stocks a wide selection of affordable novels and a bar serving both coffee and alcoholic drinks, with a highlight being the fun cocktails. They also run a ‘book lovers happy hour’ which serves three personalised courses of cocktails and books based on taste, among other events including jazz nights, author talks, a fantasy book club, and speed dating sessions to meet fellow book lovers. So, if you want something a bit different from your regular Oxford night out or pub scene, this is it!

Also, check out the recent social media series in which employees recommend a book and pair it with a Gulp Fiction cocktail based on vibes. This shop is one of a kind, perfect for students looking for a place to both shop and socialise with like-minded bookworms.

4.       Oxfam Bookshop, Turl Street

The Oxfam bookshop, located on the picturesque Turl Street, is definitely a hidden gem. Despite relying on donations, they have a wide variety of books, with a particularly good section on books in foreign languages, which many other similar shops do not have.

This shop is one to visit if you enjoy browsing through sections and finding an unexpected title at a very low price (helping you stay on budget!). You'll also find an Oxfam bookshop in St Giles.

5.       Baker & Company Booksellers, Golden Cross

Baker & Company is one of the newest additions to Oxford’s community of bookshops and opened only in May 2026. This store is located in Golden Cross, the quaint courtyard that is home to Pizza Express and several independent shops, just off Cornmarket Street.

Steeped in history, the building dates back to 1496 as an old coaching inn with legendary ties to Shakespeare. Step inside and you’ll find beautifully preserved period features - from original wooden beams to weathered floors - that give the shop its rich, rustic atmosphere.

It sells second-hand, historic, and antique books, some of which are rare collectables, like a first-edition copy of George Orwell’s 1984. Make sure to pay a visit to Baker & Company Booksellers for an authentically Oxford experience and a browse of books that you may be unlikely to find anywhere else in the UK.

Looking for student accommodation near Oxford’s best bookshops?

In a city renowned for its literature and love for learning, students in Oxford are able to browse for books in a variety of shops that suit every need, creating an experience that simply cannot be replicated online.

Want to live within easy walking distance of these incredible bookshops? Secure your Oxford student accommodation. From Headington to East Oxford, UniHomes features student houses, halls, and flats to suit a wide variety of students  - all with bills included.

Find your perfect pad today and make one of these historic spots your new local!

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