York’s cobbled streets are brimming with stories, and with bookshops too. In fact, the city’s a dream for book-loving families with kids of all ages. Whether you’re raising a reluctant reader, a comic-book collector or a full-on bookworm, these brilliant bookshops are some of our favourites.
📚 Brilliant bookshops in York for families
The Blue House Bookshop
A proper gem of a place for younger readers, this specialist family-run children’s bookshop feels like you’re stepping into a storybook. Small but beautifully curated, it’s the place to find something a bit different.
📍 The Blue House Bookshop, 10 Bootham, York YO30 7BL
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The Little Apple Bookshop
Buzzy, welcoming and brilliantly curated, The Little Apple Bookshop is often top of the list for local families. There’s a fantastic selection of children’s books for all ages, along with fun gifts and plenty of staff picks you’ll actually want to take home.
📍 The Little Apple Bookshop, 13 High Petergate, York YO1 7EN
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Criminally Good Books
York’s go-to for crime and thriller fans, with a growing range for younger readers too. Alongside brilliant books and gifts, their events are a great way to hook older kids and teens into reading.
📍 Criminally Good Books, 14 Colliergate, York YO1 8BP
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Waterstones York
A firm family favourite right in the heart of the city, Waterstones on Coney Street is brilliant for kids. There’s an excellent children’s section, lots of great gifts, a cafe and loos and regular trails, activities and events in the school holidays, too.
📍 Waterstones, 15 Coney Street, York YO1 9QL
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Poetry Pharmacy York
One of York’s newest and most unique shops, The Poetry Pharmacy blends books, poetry and a little bit of magic. Expect ‘prescriptions’ for feelings, beautiful editions and lovely gifts. One for older kids and their grown-ups.
📍 Poetry Pharmacy, 20 Coney St, York YO1 9ND
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Minster Gate Book Shop
This iconic book shop is a treasure trove for older kids and grown-ups, with second hand and antiquarian offerings as well as lovely prints to brighten up your home.
📍 Minster Gate Book Shop, 8 Minster Gates, York YO1 7HL
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Coming soon – Toppings York!
Toppings will be a very exciting addition to York’s book scene. Known for their beautiful, library-style shops and excellent events, this is one to watch for family-friendly browsing and author visits.
📍 Toppings, 1 Museum St, York YO1 7DT
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