Alex Windram, a book lover from the Midlands, recently visited Astley Book Farm in Bedworth near Nuneaton, the largest secondhand bookshop in the region. The shop boasts over 100,000 books, a coffee shop, and an outdoor area.
Massive Collection and Unique Features
Windram documented her trip on TikTok, showing shelf after shelf of fiction and non-fiction. She said, 'This one is a personal favourite. There are so many different genres - I literally lost count walking through.' The shop also features large metal storage containers full of books ready to be shelved.
'Look at these shipment containers - they are full of books ready to go out on the shelves,' she noted. 'A lot of the books are older titles or ones that have been around for quite a long time.'
New Releases and BookTok Trends
Windram highlighted newer releases such as Freida McFadden's 'The Locked Door' and BookTok trends like 'Reckless' by Elsie Silver. Astley Book Farm also offers a weekly riddle challenge, giving shoppers 10% off if they solve it.
Children's and Young Adults' Sections
She praised the 'really lovely' children's section, divided into kids' and young adults' areas. 'I've been coming here for about 15 years. I'm probably biased because it is one of my favourite genres, but the young adults' section is so good - there's a couple of favourites here that got me into reading,' she said.
The shop also has sections dedicated to Manga, comic books, fantasy, and sci-fi, along with a 'cute little reading corner' for customers to sample books.
Cosy Atmosphere and Cafe
'There's also a super-cosy leather sofa area with a real fire,' Windram enthused. She visited the on-site cafe, which sells sweet treats and hot drinks, and noted a 'beautiful little garden' for outdoor seating in summer. The '10 Bob Barn' offers books priced at just 50p.
'It's always worth a look just in case,' she added.
Social Media Reaction
One TikTok user expressed shock: 'Can’t believe I’m finding out about this place through TikTok, turns out it’s 3.3 miles from my house.' Another said, 'I do love this place. A great little spot for a mooch around.' A third wrote, 'I love this place, I love just to take a book and read in there sometimes whilst Mr B goes book shopping.' A fourth gushed, 'My dad took me here when I was 11. I’m nearly 33 now and still love it. The smell alone makes me come back every time.'
