Chosen for different browsing moods: academic depth, a traditional central bookshop, used and remaindered titles, a Brixton neighbourhood stop and a quieter Camden shop. Second-hand, antiquarian and remaindered are not interchangeable: we explain the distinction so you can look for the kind of book you actually want. Numbers are a reading order, not a price or quality score. Reviewed 26 September 2026.
01
Skoob Books at the Brunswick Centre · Ewan Munro · CC BY-SA 2.0Bloomsbury · 66 The Brunswick, WC1N 1AE
Skoob Books
Second-hand · academic and general
For following a subject beyond the obvious
Skoob makes sense when you arrive with an interest rather than one fixed title. Its Bloomsbury setting and substantial second-hand range lend themselves to a long browse. Choose a subject, work along a shelf and leave a little space for a book you did not know existed. It is especially useful as one half of a Marchmont Street bookshop afternoon.
What to look for
For study, check the edition and publication date before buying: the cheapest copy is not always the one your course requires. For illustrated books, inspect plates and fold-outs. A previous owner’s notes may be charming in one book and unhelpful in another.
Make a visit of it
Pair Skoob with nearby Judd Books and keep a café break between them. A backpack protects heavy books better than several thin carrier bags.
Before you decide
The shop is at number 66 in the Brunswick Centre. Its online stock is not identical to the shelves. Selling books to Skoob is by appointment; email first.
02
Any Amount of Books on Charing Cross Road · Ewan-M · CC BY-SA 2.0West End · 56 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0QA
Any Amount of Books
Second-hand · rare and out-of-print
For the traditional Charing Cross Road browse
This is the central stop for a broad second-hand selection, from reading copies to rarer books. The shop describes frequently changing stock, which makes repeat visits more interesting than treating the shelves as a fixed catalogue. Look beyond a familiar author: neighbouring books can take a browsing afternoon in a completely different direction.
What to look for
If collecting, identify the edition and impression rather than assuming an old-looking cover means a first edition. Ask about the dust jacket and any restoration. If you simply want to read, a sound, affordable copy can be the better buy than an immaculate collectible.
Make a visit of it
The address is convenient for a central London day. Browse before a theatre booking rather than carrying a rushed decision into the evening.
Before you decide
Prices and stock range widely. Check a specific title with the shop before travelling for it, and inspect the actual copy rather than relying on a generic cover image.
Judd’s range covers subjects including history, social sciences, art, photography and fiction. It makes a useful companion to Skoob because the two shops offer another chance to explore an interest without crossing the city. Take a slow approach: a book discovered by its spine can be more memorable than one selected from a familiar bestseller table.
What to look for
Distinguish used copies from remaindered new books when comparing condition and price. For an art or photography title, check the binding and whether image pages are complete. For a reference work, consider whether you need the latest edition or whether an older one meets your purpose.
Make a visit of it
Build a compact Bloomsbury route with Skoob. If you are adding the British Museum, leave the heavy book purchases until the end of the day.
Before you decide
Use the current shop listing for hours and ask about a particular title in advance. Do not assume an online catalogue describes every book on the shelves.
04
Bookmongers on Coldharbour Lane · Matt Brown · CC BY 2.0Brixton · 439 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LN
Bookmongers
Neighbourhood second-hand bookshop
For a book-led Brixton afternoon
Bookmongers is the south London choice in this shortlist, with a physical second-hand shop on Coldharbour Lane. It is a good reason to slow down during a Brixton visit and browse without an exact target. The pleasure is in choosing a copy you want to spend time with, not in ticking off another shopfront photograph.
What to look for
Read the first page before committing to an unfamiliar author. Inspect spines and loose pages, and choose the copy that feels comfortable to read. A book’s wear can be part of its appeal, but water damage or a failing binding may make it a poor travelling companion.
Make a visit of it
The shop is near Brixton station. Combine a browse with a neighbourhood meal and give yourself enough time to choose instead of buying the first familiar title.
Before you decide
The physical shop is second-hand; the website also offers new books through its online search. Keep that distinction in mind when checking availability.
Walden offers a reason to step away from the busiest Camden shopping streets and make a bookshop the destination. The trade association lists the shop at 38 Harmood Street. Our suggestion is to visit with one subject in mind and enough time to let a different shelf change your plans; this is a browsing stop rather than a guaranteed source for a particular title.
What to look for
Take note of publisher, date and condition when comparing copies. For a gift, think about the recipient’s interests and whether they would prefer a reading copy or a collectible. Ask questions about a book’s history without treating every inscription as evidence of special value.
Make a visit of it
Make Walden the quieter part of a Camden outing. If you are carrying other purchases, protect book corners and keep paper away from food or drinks.
Before you decide
Confirm current opening days before making a dedicated journey. A small independent shop’s schedule should not be inferred from nearby retail opening hours.
01 IN FOCUS
Second-hand, antiquarian or remaindered?
A second-hand book has had a previous owner.
An antiquarian or collectible copy is valued for qualities such as edition, scarcity, binding, association or condition; it is not simply any old book. A remaindered copy may be new but sold through a discounted stock channel.
Decide whether you are buying to read, give or collect before comparing prices across those categories.
02 IN FOCUS
Build a manageable bookshop walk
Skoob and Judd are the natural pair for a compact Bloomsbury afternoon.
Any Amount of Books fits a separate West End visit, while Bookmongers belongs on a Brixton day and Walden on a Camden one. Leave room in your bag and avoid a five-shop cross-city dash.
If a specific book is the whole reason for your trip, contact the seller first.
03 IN FOCUS
Inspect the copy, not just the cover
Open the book carefully and look at the title page, publication information, hinges and page edges.
Check for missing illustrations, loose pages and substantial annotation. For an expensive purchase, ask for a written description of condition and edition.
For an everyday read, prioritise a sound binding and readable pages. A photograph of the shop is a guide to the place, not an inventory of books available today.
