Bookstores in Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire has 57 bookstores on the map. That's 57 bookshops mapped around Milton Keynes, each with its own shelves and specialties. The used sections are where the real bargains hide. Give yourself an hour minimum — bookshops are the one errand that always takes longer than planned.
This guide covers every bookstore we could verify in and around Milton Keynes (within about 40 km), built from OpenStreetMap's community-maintained data. Names you'll run into include Chapter 2 and Waterstones, plus The Works. If a bookshop's missing from Milton Keynes's list, it probably just hasn't been mapped yet.
The Milton Keynes bookstore lineup
57 mapped within about 40 km:
Chapter 2
Bookstore
Chapter 2 — Bookstore.
Waterstones
Bookstore
Waterstones — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about Waterstones: it has a website with more detail.
The Works
Bookstore
The Works — Bookstore on Allhallows. Also worth knowing about The Works: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:00-17:30; Su 10:00-16:00; it has a website with more detail.
Allhallows
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-17:30; Su 10:00-16:00
Waterstones
Bookstore
Waterstones — Bookstore on 72 Midsummer Place. Also worth knowing about Waterstones: it has a website with more detail.
72 Midsummer Place
The Book House
Bookstore
The Book House — Bookstore.
Harrowden Books
Bookstore
Harrowden Books — Bookstore, found on 61 High Street in Wellingborough.
61 High Street, Wellingborough, NN9 5JN
The Works
Bookstore
The Works — Bookstore, found on 23 Spring Lane in Wellingborough. Also worth knowing about The Works: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:00-17:30; Su 10:00-16:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
23 Spring Lane, Wellingborough, NN8 1EY
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-17:30; Su 10:00-16:00
Phone: +44 1933 222539
Close Encounters
Bookstore
Close Encounters is Bookstore on 20 Allhallows. Close Encounters also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Fr 10:00-17:30; Sa 09:30-17:30; Su 11:00-16:00.
20 Allhallows, MK40 1LJ
Hours: Mo-Fr 10:00-17:30; Sa 09:30-17:30; Su 11:00-16:00
Second Hand Bookshop
Bookstore
Second Hand Bookshop is Bookstore.
The Works
Bookstore
The Works — Bookstore, found on Waller Street in Luton. Also worth knowing about The Works: the map lists its hours as Mo,We,Fr-Sa 09:00-18:00; Tu 09:00-17:00; Th 09:00-19:00; Su 11:00-17:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Waller Street, Luton, LU1 2TN
Hours: Mo,We,Fr-Sa 09:00-18:00; Tu 09:00-17:00; Th 09:00-19:00; Su 11:00-17:00
Phone: +44 1582 488270
University of Buckingham Bookshop
Bookstore
University of Buckingham Bookshop is Bookstore on Hunter Street, Buckingham. University of Buckingham Bookshop also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Fr 09:30-17:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
Hunter Street, Buckingham, MK18 1EG
Hours: Mo-Fr 09:30-17:00
Phone: +44 1280 820365
Waterstones
Bookstore
Waterstones — Bookstore, found on 72-76 High Street in Kettering. Also worth knowing about Waterstones: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:00-17:30; Su,PH 10:00-16:00; it has a website with more detail.
72-76 High Street, Kettering, NN16 8SY
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-17:30; Su,PH 10:00-16:00
The Works
Bookstore
The Works — Bookstore, found on 63 High Street in Kettering. Also worth knowing about The Works: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:00-17:30; Su 10:00-16:00; it has a website with more detail.
63 High Street, Kettering, NN16 8SY
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-17:30; Su 10:00-16:00
Our Bookshop
Bookstore
Our Bookshop is Bookstore on 87 High Street, Tring. Our Bookshop also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:00-17:00; Su 11:00-13:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
87 High Street, Tring, HP23 4AB
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-17:00; Su 11:00-13:00
Phone: +44 1442 827653
The Works
Bookstore
The Works — Bookstore, found on Abington Street in Northampton. Also worth knowing about The Works: it has a website with more detail.
Abington Street, Northampton
Close Encounters
Bookstore
Close Encounters is Bookstore.
Waterstones
Bookstore
Waterstones — Bookstore, found on 5 Wood Street in Northampton. Also worth knowing about Waterstones: it has a website with more detail.
5 Wood Street, Northampton
TGJones
Bookstore
TGJones is Bookstore on 23-25, Northampton. TGJones also notes on the map: it has a website with more detail.
23-25, Northampton, NN3 8JZ
Waterstones
Bookstore
Waterstones — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about Waterstones: it has a website with more detail.
The Works
Bookstore
The Works — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about The Works: it has a website with more detail.
Waterstones
Bookstore
Waterstones — Bookstore.
Magazine Heaven
Bookstore
Magazine Heaven is Bookstore on South Terrace, Rushden. Magazine Heaven also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-We 09:00-18:30; Th 09:00-19:00; Fr 09:00-18:30; Sa 09:00-19:00; Su 09:30-17:30.
South Terrace, Rushden, NN10 6FS
Hours: Mo-We 09:00-18:30; Th 09:00-19:00; Fr 09:00-18:30; Sa 09:00-19:00; Su 09:30-17:30
The Works
Bookstore
The Works — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about The Works: it has a website with more detail.
The Works
Bookstore
The Works — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about The Works: it has a website with more detail.
Magic Kingdom Comics
Bookstore
Magic Kingdom Comics — Bookstore, found on Winchester Circle in Milton Keynes.
Winchester Circle, Milton Keynes, MK10 0BA
Wargames Workshop
Bookstore
Wargames Workshop — Bookstore.
The Works
Bookstore
The Works — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about The Works: it has a website with more detail.
WHSmith
Bookstore
WHSmith is Bookstore on Coreys Mill Lane. WHSmith also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Fr 08:00-20:00.
Coreys Mill Lane
Hours: Mo-Fr 08:00-20:00
Waterstones
Bookstore
Waterstones — Bookstore, found on 1-3 New Street in St Neots. Also worth knowing about Waterstones: it has a website with more detail.
1-3 New Street, St Neots, PE19 1AE
Waterstones
Bookstore
Waterstones — Bookstore.
WHSmith
Bookstore
WHSmith is Bookstore.
66 Books Ltd
Bookstore
66 Books Ltd — Bookstore on 2 Eastman Way. Also worth knowing about 66 Books Ltd: it has a website with more detail.
2 Eastman Way
The Bookshop by WHSmith
Bookstore
The Bookshop by WHSmith — Bookstore.
The Works
Bookstore
The Works — Bookstore, found on 17 Sheep Street in Bicester. Also worth knowing about The Works: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 08:30-17:30; Su 10:00-16:00; it has a website with more detail.
17 Sheep Street, Bicester, OX26 6JF
Hours: Mo-Sa 08:30-17:30; Su 10:00-16:00
Cole Books
Bookstore
Cole Books is Bookstore on 22 Crown Walk, Bicester. Cole Books also notes on the map: it has a website with more detail.
22 Crown Walk, Bicester, OX26 6HY
Christian Books
Bookstore
Christian Books — Bookstore.
Old Hall Bookshop
Bookstore
Old Hall Bookshop — Bookstore.
The Eagle Bookshop
Bookstore
The Eagle Bookshop is Bookstore on 16-20 St. Peter's Street. The Eagle Bookshop also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 10:00-17:30; Su 11:00-16:00; PH off; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
16-20 St. Peter's Street, MK40 2NN
Hours: Mo-Sa 10:00-17:30; Su 11:00-16:00; PH off
Phone: +44 1234 269295
EH Second Hand Bookstore
Bookstore
EH Second Hand Bookstore is Bookstore.
Waterstones
Bookstore
Waterstones — Bookstore on Midland Road. Also worth knowing about Waterstones: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:00-17:30; Su 10:30-16:30.
Midland Road
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-17:30; Su 10:30-16:30
Buzzard Books
Bookstore
Buzzard Books is Bookstore on 7 Rylands Mews.
7 Rylands Mews
Book Leighton Buzzard
Bookstore
Book Leighton Buzzard — Bookstore, found on 3 High Street Mews in Leighton Buzzard. Also worth knowing about Book Leighton Buzzard: the map lists its hours as Tu 10:00-16:00; We-Fr 12:00-16:00; Sa 10:00-15:00.
3 High Street Mews, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1EA
Hours: Tu 10:00-16:00; We-Fr 12:00-16:00; Sa 10:00-15:00
David's Bookshop
Bookstore
David's Bookshop is Bookstore on 14 Eastcheap, Letchworth Garden City. David's Bookshop also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:00-17:30; Su, PH 10:00-17:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
14 Eastcheap, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3DE
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-17:30; Su, PH 10:00-17:00
Phone: +44 1462 684631
Waterstones
Bookstore
Waterstones — Bookstore, found on 168-176 High Street in Berkhamsted. Also worth knowing about Waterstones: it has a website with more detail.
168-176 High Street, Berkhamsted, HP4 3AP
WHSmith
Bookstore
WHSmith is Bookstore on 29 High Street, Harpenden. WHSmith also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:00-17:00; it has a website with more detail.
29 High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2RU
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-17:00
The Snug
Bookstore
The Snug — Bookstore, found on 23 Market Place in Olney. Also worth knowing about The Snug: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 11:00-16:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
23 Market Place, Olney, MK46 4BA
Hours: Mo-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 11:00-16:00
Phone: +44 7710 404209
The Works
Bookstore
The Works — Bookstore, found on 7-9 Central Approach in Letchworth Garden City. Also worth knowing about The Works: a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
7-9 Central Approach, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3DL
Phone: +44 1462 484739
The Works
Bookstore
The Works — Bookstore.
Suddenly on Sheaf Street
Bookstore
Suddenly on Sheaf Street — Bookstore on 22 Sheaf Street.
22 Sheaf Street
Oxfam Bookshop
Bookstore
Oxfam Bookshop — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about Oxfam Bookshop: it has a website with more detail.
The Works
Bookstore
The Works — Bookstore, found on 3 High Street in Banbury. Also worth knowing about The Works: it has a website with more detail.
3 High Street, Banbury, OX16 5DZ
WHSmith
Bookstore
WHSmith is Bookstore on 23-24 Castle Quay Shopping Centre, Banbury. WHSmith also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 08:30-17:30; Su 10:30-16:30; it has a website with more detail.
23-24 Castle Quay Shopping Centre, Banbury, OX16 5UH
Hours: Mo-Sa 08:30-17:30; Su 10:30-16:30
Waterstones
Bookstore
Waterstones — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about Waterstones: it has a website with more detail.
WHSmith
Bookstore
WHSmith is Bookstore on Midland Road.
Midland Road, MK40 1TP
Waterstones
Bookstore
Waterstones — Bookstore.
Waterstones
BookstoreRun by Waterstones
Run by Waterstones, Waterstones is Bookstore, found on High Street in Harpenden. Also worth knowing about Waterstones: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:00-17:30; Su 10:00-16:30; it has a website with more detail.
High Street, Harpenden
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-17:30; Su 10:00-16:30
University of Buckingham Bookshop
Bookstore
University of Buckingham Bookshop is Bookstore.
What the map tells us about bookstores in Milton Keynes
19 of the 57 list their opening hours on the map, which is genuinely useful — bookshops keep civilised hours, so the listed ones are usually reliable.
32 have websites listed. Worth a look for events — readings and signings get announced there first.
There's a cluster: 2 of them sit on Midland Road, so you can string those into one walk and drive between the rest.
The Milton Keynes bookstore crawl
Plot these on a map and the day plans itself: Chapter 2, Waterstones, The Works on Allhallows, Waterstones on 72 Midsummer Place, The Book House, Harrowden Books on 61 High Street, The Works on 23 Spring Lane, and Close Encounters on 20 Allhallows. That's 57 stops on the Milton Keynes bookstore crawl. 49 more are listed below.
Bookstore tips for Milton Keynes
The regulars' playbook for Milton Keynes's bookshops:
- Ask for the out-of-print hunters at Chapter 2. Some used shops will hunt down out-of-print titles for you. It takes patience, but the find is worth it.
- Check the sale shelf rhythm at Waterstones. Shops clear shelves on cycles. Ask when the next cull happens — that's when the bargains land.
- Visit during author events. Readings and signings are usually free and turn a bookshop into the best evening out in town.
- Note the shop's specialties. Sci-fi, travel, art books, philosophy — every good shop leans somewhere. Find the lean that matches yours.
Good to know
We searched about 40 km around Milton Keynes — that covers the town itself plus the surrounding communities you'd reasonably drive to. Listings come from OpenStreetMap, mapped by local volunteers, so a brand-new bookstore in Milton Keynes can take a while to appear. If you spot one of the 57 that's closed, or a great bookstore we missed, the fix is to update the map itself — that's where this guide reads from.
We don't list prices — they change constantly and vary by edition. What we list is the where: real shops, verified by real mappers, in alphabetical order with no favourites.
If you run one of the 57 listed here and something's wrong — a closure, a move, new hours — the fix is the same: update the shop on OpenStreetMap and the correction flows through to this page on the next daily refresh.
Bookstore listings for Milton Keynes: 57 mapped from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Photos from Wikimedia Commons contributors; individual photo credits appear in captions. Listing data was last refreshed automatically — verify hours before visiting.