PERSONALLY, I do love an independent bookshop and always look to discover new ones locally.

I find their staff’s recommendations are often spot on and very personal, and they also stock books by local authors you might not have come across before.

Here are some of my favourites in Oxfordshire – so hopefully you’ll be able to pay them a visit too:

 

The Bell Bookshop – Henley

I adore this gem of a bookshop in the heart of Henley, located in charming Bell Street.

It stocks more than 20,000 titles and it’s perfect if you are looking for the latest fiction release, or if you are after specific books about the history of rowing, the South Oxfordshire countryside or the River Thames.  

 

The Last Bookshop – Oxford

Situated on Walton Street, in Jericho, this cosy bookshop run by owner Nick Walsh stocks both second-hand and remainder books.

They also have poetry, psychology, politics and philosophy sections and hold both rare and popular material on a wide range of subjects.

The bookshop also hosts regular readings and book launches so make sure you visit their website to check out any new events.

They said their goal is “to provide that rare pleasure, found only in discovering a book you weren't looking for, slipped between two volumes you always meant to read.”

 

The Wallingford Bookshop – Wallingford

First opened by Mary Ingrams in 1983, this lovely shop in St Martin's Street is a real community hub, stocking more than 6,000 books.

They are always up to date regarding the latest events in the town and I can guarantee their staff will do their absolute best to find the perfect book for you if you find yourself in a reading slump.

Oxford Mail: Blind date with a book. Blind date with a book.

 

Mostly Books – Abingdon

This cute bookshop in Stert Street offers one of my favourite opportunities when it comes to books: “a blind date with a book” – which is just ideal if you don’t know what to read next.

They will gift-wrap a mystery book with a delicious bar of chocolate and a stash of fine tea bags for you, and you’ll be able to choose between feel good fiction, crime and thrillers, historical fiction and sci-fi and fantasy.

 

Oxford Mail: Some rare editions at Jonkers, in Henley. Some rare editions at Jonkers, in Henley.

 

Jonkers Rare Books – Henley

I had to include another bookshop in Henley, as this is one of my absolute favourites.

Run by Christiaan Jonkers with his wife Sam, this unique shop in Hart Street specialises in finding rare and unique books, helping clients to enhance their collections.

They have some incredible first editions and signed books on display and for sale, and the shop itself is stunning and definitely worth a visit.

 

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi