Things To Do

St Philip's Books

82 Saint Aldate's, Oxford, OX1 1RA, GB

Rating: 4.6 ★ (60 ratings)

Details

Within a historic listed building on St Aldate's, just a brief stroll from Christ Church College, you'll find St Philip's Books, home to an extensive collection of around 10,000 new, second-hand, and rare titles. While the shop boasts a special focus on theology, church history – with particular emphasis on Roman Catholic books, John Henry Newman, and the Oxford Movement – its shelves also house a wealth of knowledge in history, literature, art, classics, and philosophy. The charming interior, with its fine Jacobean ceiling and wooden shelves brimming from floor to ceiling, creates a cosy and intimate atmosphere, inviting you to lose yourself in the written word. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide you through this treasure trove, whether you're seeking a specific scholarly text or simply browsing.

For those with a passion for the humanities, this independent bookstore offers a truly enriching experience. You might uncover leather-bound first editions, out-of-print works, or fascinating volumes on local Oxford interest, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien. The carefully curated selection extends to Folio Society editions and new books in classic literature, including Penguin clothbound classics. More than just a place to purchase books, St Philip's feels like a sanctuary where the physical beauty and historical significance of each volume are deeply appreciated. It's a key destination for academics, students, and anyone with a love for rare finds and the quiet reverence of a traditional bookshop.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday: Closed

Contact

+44 1865 202182

Comments

Ryan Quade
8 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
One of the most perfect bookshops, especially for Inkling lovers. Sadly the prices were out of my range (lots of first editions), but the staff was friendly and allowed me to browse.
Anastasia Balandina
7 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
Nice little bookshop with old and rare books. Massive selection of topics and titles
James Bonomi
2 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
Such a cool, hidden away bookshop. I wish they had a fantasy/sci-fi selection (but understand this isn't really their vibe). Still, a fantastic place to look around, and a great one to find a gift for any bookish friends.
Artin Nasirpour
19 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
I had a very good experience with this bookstore. The staff was professional and very kind and had excellent communication. The book I received, which was packaged very well, arrived promptly. I would definitely purchase from this store again and I would absolutely recommend them to others.
Anisa Mosaiebiniya
1 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
Beautiful and lovely place. I found great books there

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