A family of bookshops on this coast, in Scarborough since 1981, now in a bigger home a stone's throw from the beach. Thousands of second-hand, rare and new books, from manga and romantasy to Folio editions and Yorkshire history.
Before the 1980sThe Lofthouse family runs bookshops in Robin Hood's Bay and Whitby.
1981Sean Lofthouse opens the Scarborough shop.
Around 2010Michael Heaton takes over the shop.
Late 2020Daniel Spink buys the shop and adds new books to the second-hand stock.
2023The shop moves next door into bigger premises, refitted with handmade shelving from recycled materials.
ThenA new Victorian-style shopfront, hand-painted by sign-writer Paul Banks of Bridlington.
What visitors say
5.0TripAdvisor · 17 reviews Travellers' Choice
4.9Google · 82 reviews as of February 2026
Like the Tardis. Looks small on the outside but is vast inside.
harlequinn55 · TripAdvisor
Sold a large collection (600+ volumes) of manga to them.
Google review
You could get lost for hours just browsing the huge range of books.
Shelli S · TripAdvisor
I have always loved this shop but now it has expanded into new larger premises it is even better.
Jason M · TripAdvisor
Before you come
Getting in
The entrance is step-free apart from a small lip. Books are shelved high, so just ask and we'll reach them. The raised section at the back isn't wheelchair accessible, but we're happy to photograph or bring books down.
Dropping off books
Pull up outside the front door to drop off books for sale, valuation or donation. Drop-off stops are allowed on the double yellow lines.
