Heffers Bookshop
Cambridge's historic book haven since 1876: vast collections, expert staff, lively events, and treasures from academics to games in a scholar's paradise.
Heffers Bookshop, established in 1876 on Trinity Street in Cambridge, stands as a beloved independent haven for book lovers amid the city's historic heart. Now part of Blackwell’s since 1999, it retains its charming character with vast shelves of academic texts, fiction, children's books, comics, games, sheet music, and second-hand treasures. Knowledgeable staff offer personalized recommendations, while year-round events like author talks and games nights add vibrancy. Opposite Trinity College, it's a must-visit for stationery, souvenirs, and literary immersion in a multi-level space blending tradition and discovery.
A brief summary to Heffers Bookshop
- 20 Trinity St, Cambridge, CB2 1TY, GB
- +441223463200
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
- Thursday 9 am-7 pm
- Friday 9 am-7 pm
- Saturday 9 am-7 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Ask staff for rare academic titles or Cambridge University Press backlist items, often available via print-on-demand.
- Check the events calendar for author talks, book launches, or games nights to enhance your visit.
- Explore the second-hand section for bargains and unique vintage finds among the stacks.
- Students can benefit from the price match guarantee on textbooks and scholarly works.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Heffers Bookshop location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Heffers Bookshop
Foundations in Cambridge's Literary Legacy
Heffers Bookshop traces its origins to 1876, when William Heffer opened a modest stationer's shop on Trinity Street. What began with paper goods and writing supplies soon expanded into books, reflecting Cambridge's scholarly pulse. By the late 20th century, the Heffer family sold to Blackwell’s in 1999, preserving the store's independent spirit within a larger network. Today, at 20 Trinity Street opposite Trinity College, it embodies over 145 years of service to students, locals, and visitors drawn to its enduring allure.Expansive Collections Across Genres and Floors
Step inside to discover a labyrinth of knowledge spread over multiple levels. The ground floor buzzes with general fiction, non-fiction, and bestsellers, while upstairs houses academic tomes essential for university scholars. Dedicated sections cater to children with enchanting stories, comics for enthusiasts, board games for family fun, and sheet music for musicians. A second-hand corner offers rare finds and bargains, complemented by Cambridge-themed souvenirs and high-quality stationery. Print-on-demand services from Cambridge University Press backlists ensure even obscure titles are accessible.Events and Community Engagement
Heffers pulses with literary life through its robust events calendar. Book launches, author signings, games nights, and talks draw crowds year-round, including partnerships with the Cambridge Literary Festival as its official bookseller. These gatherings foster connections among readers, writers, and thinkers in an atmosphere that celebrates storytelling and ideas. The shop's role in the community extends to student price matching, making intellectual pursuits more affordable in this academic hub.Atmosphere of Scholarly Charm
The interior evokes cozy exploration with towering shelves, wooden accents, and nooks inviting lingering browses. Natural light filters through windows facing the bustling street, where historic college spires loom nearby. Scents of fresh pages mingle with the faint mustiness of vintage volumes, creating a sensory tapestry unique to this Cambridge icon. Staff expertise elevates every visit, guiding discoveries from Greek texts to modern thrillers with genuine enthusiasm.Beyond Books: Games, Gifts, and More
Diversity defines Heffers beyond literature. Board games appeal to gamers seeking classics or novelties, while stationery ranges from elegant notebooks to artistic greeting cards. Music lovers peruse sheet scores, and souvenir hunters find locally inspired mementos. This multifaceted inventory transforms the shop into a one-stop destination for intellectual and recreational pursuits, blending Cambridge's heritage with contemporary appeal.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Senate House Hill
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Historic Senate House Hill in Cambridge offers stunning views, iconic architecture, and a vibrant academic atmosphere at the heart of the university city.
The Old Schools
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Historic university landmark at Trinity Lane, blending Gothic and classical architecture at the heart of Cambridge's academic tradition.
Bridge of Sighs
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A Victorian Gothic covered bridge spanning the River Cam, linking history and beauty at St John's College, Cambridge.
Magdalene Bridge
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Historic cast-iron bridge over the River Cam, linking Cambridge’s academic heart with its ancient trading past.
Westminster College
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Arts Picturehouse
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Discover a unique cinematic experience at Arts Picturehouse, Cambridge's historic cinema showcasing independent films and classic favorites.
Duke House
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Castle Mound
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Experience the stunning views and rich history at Castle Mound, a must-visit historic site in the heart of Cambridge.
Castle Mound: site of medieval Cambridge Castle
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Dinky door: Ride and Park
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Little St Mary's Church
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Experience the serene beauty and historical significance of Little St Mary's Church, a must-visit Anglican church in the heart of Cambridge.
Jesus Lock
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Historic Jesus Lock on the River Cam offers serene riverside charm and a unique glimpse into Cambridge's aquatic heritage.
The Fitzwilliam Museum
0.8 km
Explore the rich collections of The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, where art, history, and culture converge in a stunning setting.
Midsummer Common
0.8 km
Discover the tranquility of Midsummer Common, a stunning park in Cambridge, perfect for relaxation, picnics, and scenic riverside walks.
Castle Park
0.9 km
Historic green space featuring the Norman Cambridge Castle Mound with panoramic city views and tranquil parkland near the city centre.
Unmissable attractions to see
All Saints Garden Art & Craft Market
0.0 km
Discover Cambridge’s charming Saturday market where local artisans showcase unique handmade crafts in a tranquil garden setting.
Rose Quarter Cambridge
0.1 km
Historic Cambridge shopping quarter where medieval streets meet independent boutiques and contemporary dining.
St John's College
0.1 km
Walk through centuries of Cambridge history at St John’s College, home to the iconic Bridge of Sighs, a magnificent chapel, and tranquil riverside gardens.
Gardenia
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Lively Greek takeaway in Cambridge serving authentic flavors late into the night at budget-friendly prices.
Trinity College
0.1 km
Explore Trinity College, Cambridge’s grandest college, where history, architecture, and genius converge in stunning courtyards and timeless halls.
Market Passage
0.1 km
Discover Market Passage, a historic and charming alleyway blending Cambridge’s rich past with vibrant local culture in the city centre.
The Round Church
0.2 km
Explore Cambridge’s medieval marvel: a rare 12th-century round church inspired by Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulchre, rich in history and Norman architecture.
Christian Heritage
0.2 km
Discover Cambridge’s iconic 12th-century Round Church, a rare Norman circular landmark rich in history, architecture, and Christian heritage.
Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge
0.2 km
Explore the historic elegance and academic legacy of Gonville & Caius College, a tranquil Cambridge oasis rich in tradition and iconic architecture.
Market Hill
0.2 km
Market Hill is Cambridge’s historic marketplace, alive with centuries of tradition, vibrant stalls, and rich community spirit at the city’s core.
Great St Mary's
0.2 km
Discover Great St Mary’s, Cambridge’s historic university church with stunning Gothic architecture and panoramic city views from its iconic tower.
Cambridge Market Square
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Discover the vibrant heart of Cambridge’s culture and commerce at Market Square, a historic open-air market with global flavours and local crafts.
House of Wizard
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Map of Cambridge
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Discover the historic charm and vibrant culture of St Mary's Passage, a timeless lane at Cambridge’s heart.
Kitchen Bridge, St John's College
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Historic Kitchen Bridge at St John's College, a serene stone span blending early 18th-century craftsmanship with Cambridge's timeless academic heritage.
Essential places to dine
The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie
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A vibrant British brasserie in Cambridge city centre, blending classic elegance with lively atmosphere and exceptional dining.
Trinity Restaurant
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Bill's Cambridge Restaurant
0.1 km
Eclectic British dining with vibrant charm in the heart of historic Cambridge’s Green Street.
KIBOU Japanese Restaurant & Bar Cambridge
0.2 km
Experience authentic Japanese cuisine and vibrant ambiance in Cambridge’s stylish KIBOU Japanese Restaurant & Bar, where sushi artistry meets elegant design.
Market House
0.2 km
Historic charm meets modern British-Asian cuisine in Cambridge’s Market House, a multi-level dining and wine destination with a sustainable ethos.
Byron
0.2 km
Savour expertly crafted, indulgent burgers in a stylish, cosy setting at Byron Cambridge, the home of proper burgers since 2007.
Gastrono-me
0.2 km
Vibrant brunch and cocktail bar in Cambridge offering generous portions, vegan-friendly dishes, and a lively atmosphere near the city centre.
The Orator
0.2 km
Historic Cambridge Union’s stylish bar and brasserie blending tradition with modern dining and a lively beer garden.
d'Arry's Restaurant, Liquor Loft & Cheesemonger
0.2 km
Experience Cambridge’s vibrant blend of restaurant, wine bar, and cheesemonger with generous portions and exceptional cheese in a quirky, characterful setting.
Côte Cambridge
0.3 km
Classic French brasserie charm meets modern dining in the heart of Cambridge, with inclusive menus and a warm, romantic atmosphere.
Sticks'n'Sushi - Cambridge
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant fusion of Japanese sushi and Nordic grilled sticks in the historic heart of Cambridge, where tradition meets innovation.
Honest Burgers Cambridge
0.3 km
Savor fresh British burgers and handmade rosemary chips in the heart of Cambridge’s vibrant Corn Exchange district.
Galleria restaurant cambridge
0.3 km
Elegant continental dining with riverside views and romantic balconies in the heart of Cambridge’s historic center.
Aromi
0.3 km
Experience authentic Sicilian cuisine and stone-baked pizzas in a vibrant, historic Cambridge setting with a lively Mediterranean atmosphere.
Pint Shop
0.3 km
A vibrant gastropub in Cambridge blending historic charm with an exceptional craft beer selection and hearty British fare.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Heffers Bookshop
0.0 km
Cambridge's historic book haven since 1876: vast collections, expert staff, lively events, and treasures from academics to games in a scholar's paradise.
Jigsaw
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Discover timeless elegance and premium ladies' fashion in the heart of historic Cambridge at Jigsaw on Trinity Street.
Jacks on Trinity
0.1 km
Authentic Cambridge gifts and official university apparel in a charming Trinity Street shop blending tradition with modern British style.
White Stuff Cambridge
0.1 km
Discover vibrant, stylish fashion for the whole family at White Stuff Cambridge, nestled in the city’s historic shopping heart.
The Department of Magical Gifts
0.1 km
Step into Cambridge’s enchanting Harry Potter shop where magic, whimsy, and unique gifts create a spellbinding experience for all ages.
Fantasia
0.1 km
Discover unique vintage fashion at Fantasia, a charming clothing shop in Cambridge that brings nostalgia to life with every exquisite piece.
The Cambridge Gift Shop
0.1 km
A compact, friendly gift shop on Rose Crescent offering locally made crafts, stationery and Cambridge-themed keepsakes in a tidy, well-curated space.
Lilac Rose
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Discover unique British fashion and accessories in a charming independent boutique in the heart of Cambridge.
Bring It Back Cambridge
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Discover premium vintage and streetwear fashion with a sustainable edge at Bring It Back Cambridge on Green Street.
Giles & Co
0.1 km
Compact Trinity Street giftshop specialising in Cambridge-branded clothing, personalised keepsakes and locally sourced presents with friendly, knowledgeable service.
As Seen On TV
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Discover quirky vintage fashion and unique accessories with great value in the heart of Cambridge’s Market Street.
Sugarmark!
0.2 km
Capture Cambridge's charm with Sugarmark!'s iconic mugs, apparel, and prints from the heart of Market Hill—perfect souvenirs blending heritage and style.
Urban Outfitters
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Discover Urban Outfitters Cambridge for trendsetting fashion, eclectic home décor, and a vibrant urban shopping vibe in the heart of the city.
Souvenirs And Gifts
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Authentic Cambridge souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of Market Hill.
Robert Graham 1874 - whisky & cigars
0.2 km
A refined Cambridge haven for whisky lovers and cigar connoisseurs, where heritage meets expert curation in a relaxed, intimate setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
2648 Cambridge
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La Raza
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Town and Gown
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Ta Bouche
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Hidden Rooms
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Modern Jazz
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Glitterbomb
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The Cambridge Brew House
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Bath House
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BrewDog Cambridge
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Eagle
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Pickerel
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Champion Of The Thames
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Bar -OH
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Revolution Cambridge
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Cambridge’s vibrant cocktail bar and nightclub offering fresh food, rooftop views, and lively nightlife with DJs and karaoke pods.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
MASH
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Vinyl Cambridge
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High Five
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Cambridge's electrifying gay nightclub where themed nights, drag glamour, and inclusive dance floors ignite unforgettable evenings in the city heart.
Cambridge Lola Lo
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Step into Cambridge Lola Lo, a vibrant tiki-themed nightclub with tropical vibes, lively dance floors, and a stunning rooftop terrace in the city centre.
Cambridge Pop-up Speakeasy Jazz
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Free live jazz pop-ups in a historic Cambridge pub: intimate sets, diverse musicians, speakeasy vibes on select Wednesdays at 7:30pm.
EBC Shop
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Cambridge Working Mens Club
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80s karaoke bar
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Newnham Croft Social and Sports Club
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The Calling
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Cambridge Junction
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Sing Dizzy
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Salisbury Club
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Rock
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The Lounge
18.6 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Entertaining
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
