When my cousin discovered we were holidaying in Northumberland, she recommended we pay a visit to “Barter Books”:https://www.barterbooks.co.uk/ as she knew we would love it. She wasn’t wrong. This wonderful shop is in the old Victorian railway station and it is huge. Capitalizing on the theme of the railway, there are train tracks suspended from the ceiling once you get in from the front porch.
We could easily have spent a few hours here browsing through all the different sections and imbibing in all the food on offer. Yes, food. You can eat in the Buffet but you can also eat and drink anywhere in the store and there are tables, chairs and sofas for you to make yourself comfortable. All book shops should be set up like this.
I tried to resist buying any books as I was in the country on holiday from Canada and luggage weights are tight. However, I bought three books, my aunt bought three and my uncle bought two Arthur Hailey books to replace ones he has that are threadbare. I tried to limit my purchases to books I would read while I was on holiday so they wouldn’t add to my luggage. To help you out, there is a pamphlet explaining where to find different categories in the shop and the staff were very willing to add their assistance as well.
If you’re looking for Barter Books head for the statue of the lion atop the Percy Column – it’s across the road, the lion is looking at it, sending you a message to go in. Go on, you’ll be glad you did.
