Barter Books, Alnwick Station, Northumberland

“The British Library of secondhand books,” raved the New Statesman. Part of the thrill is the setting – in an ­elaborate Victorian railway station, buffers and ticket grille still in place. You can leave the children in the ­playroom and browse among the books before an open fire in the waiting room, with a cup of coffee. The shop was established as a book swap centre 20 years ago and you can still exchange your old tomes for other people’s. Prices range from 30p to £20,000 and most subjects are covered through the seven packed rooms. The catalogue is available on the website and you can purchase online. Alnwick Station, Northumberland 01665 604888 barterbooks.co.uk