Oxford bookshops: find your next good read

Blackwell’s began at 50 Broad Street in 1879 and has grown sideways, upwards and underground. The Norrington Room, opened in 1966, takes the shelves below street level. The shop also has a Tolkien connection. Blackwell’s published his poem Goblin’s Feet in 1915. Ask about stock in advance if you are looking for a particular title or edition.

Oxfam’s two-storey bookshop at 56 St Giles has a changing second-hand selection. It lists academic and foreign-language books alongside music, reflecting the university community around it. Look at each copy’s condition, edition and price before buying. Oxfam asks visitors to contact the shop for current opening times, so call ahead for a special trip.

Daunt Books at 247–249 Banbury Road stocks fiction, non-fiction, children’s and teenage books. Staff recommendations and author events give you other ways to find something to read. The website carries only part of the stock. Contact the booksellers for a specific book, or look at the events programme if you want to attend a talk. Allow time for the journey to Summertown if you also have central bookings.

Caper is a family bookshop, events and activity space at 74–77 Magdalen Road. There are programmes for children and adults, with an event room at the back. For an activity, look at the date, age guidance and booking arrangements. A shop visit has different hours from an event, and Magdalen Road needs a separate journey from the Broad Street shops.

Blackwell’s and Oxfam on St Giles are a convenient pairing in the centre. Daunt fits a Summertown visit, while Caper is useful for families or an event in East Oxford. There is no need to fit all four into a day, especially around timed college or museum tickets.

For a gift, tell the bookseller a few titles the reader enjoys. For a course book, bring the author, title and edition. Ask about exchange arrangements if you are unsure of a purchase, and leave space in your bag for the journey home.