Birmingham, the second-largest city in Britain, has some of the best bookshops that you would love to discover in your literary journey. It has always had a vibrant culture of writing and publishing. The city has produced some of the most renowned figures in the literary world like J.R.R Tolkien, famously known for ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’. Another famous novelist, Charles Dickens, gave his very first public performance of ‘A Christmas Carol’ in the Birmingham Town Hall in 1853.
Though books can easily be downloaded from the internet nowadays, visiting bookshops never goes out of fashion. The atmospheric vibe of a bookshop and the sheer abundance of books is something that you cannot miss if you are a book lover. For students studying in Birmingham, some of the most popular bookshops are mentioned below.
This Blog Includes:
Waterstones Books
Waterstones is located on High Street and is spread across six splendid floors. It offers a wide range of genres like fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, and whatnot! They also have a knowledgeable and experienced team of booksellers who can recommend books based on your interests and tastes. The store also offers games and gifts for different age groups to make the book-exploring journey an interesting one – just what you need to unwind yourself during a weekend break from your student accommodation in Birmingham!
- Address – Waterstones Birmingham, 24-26 High Street, Birmingham B4 7SL
- Contact Number – 01216334353
- Opening hours – Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, and 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays
Foyles
Foyles is a famous local bookshop located in the heart of the city. It has a collection of over 14,000 books spread across different genres. Not just books, it also has a dedicated section for gifts and stationery. It has a well-trained group of booksellers who can help you in exploring different books. The best part about this bookshop is that it remains open daily, offering you the choice to visit it at your own convenience.
Address – Unit 2A, Grand Central, Birmingham B2 4BF
Contact Number – +441213898679
Opening hours – Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays
Also Read: ebooks vs Printed Books: Which are better?
The Heath Bookshop
The Heath Bookshop is relatively new on the block and was opened in 2022. Like most contemporary bookshops, this one also offers hot drinks and coffee, but the best part is that it is dog-friendly too. The bookshop also provides a warm and cosy atmosphere to sit and chat with your group. There are different types of books available such as modern releases, fiction, and non-fiction. And if you are looking to grab a bite then ‘Pause Coffee Shop’ and ‘Levain & Cherry’ are just a stone’s throw away from this bookshop.
Address – R/O, Kings Court, 94 High St, King’s Heath, Birmingham B14 7JZ
Contact Number – +441214443958
Opening hours – Open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
IKON Bookshop
This bookshop offers art and design books, gifts, stationery, and magazines. IKON is also an art gallery and educational charity, which can offer you a good cultural experience. The stationery collection at IKON is colossal and magnificent, and the bookshop provides books on a wide range of topics like art theory, design, architecture, illustration, and well-being. It is beyond doubt that you would be tempted to go through some beautiful coffee table classics when you visit the bookshop!
Address – 1 Brindley Pl, Oozells Sq, Birmingham B1 2HS
Contact Number – +441212480711
Opening hours – Open from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Oxfam Bookshop
Oxfam bookshop is also a charity shop, so the money you spend is for a good cause! This bookshop in Moseley is staffed with courteous booksellers who can help you in deciding the book as per your interest areas. This place is good for buying second-hand books at a great bargain price. It also specialises in offering a diverse range of books and has a friendly, vivid atmosphere and a perfect reason to get out of your student accommodation in United Kingdom. The bookshop also offers art and design books, gifts, stationery, and magazines.
Address – 101 Alcester Rd, Birmingham B13 8DD
Contact Number – +441214493222
Opening hours – Open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Closed on Mondays
Also Read: Planning A Weekend in Budget? Check Out Weekend Getaways From Birmingham For Students
FAQs
Some of the most famous bookshops include Waterstones Books, Foyles, and IKON Bookshop.
Oxfam Bookshop has a good collection of second-hand books, and the money spent on buying books goes to charity.
These days, most bookshops have spacious reading spaces and cosy cafés. Some of them include Waterstones Books and The Heath Bookshop, amongst others.
When you’ve tired yourself out from your daily routines, bookshops are the places that provide you the necessary break by offering you a wide range of genres and subjects. Head over to the above-mentioned bookshops to satisfy your book lover’s soul!
And, if you are thinking about studying in Birmingham then Leverage Edu can provide you with the best guidance in making your study abroad experience hassle-free. If you are looking for suitable accommodation abroad to start your study abroad journey, you can reach out to our Fly Homes experts at 1800572118.
