Leakey's Bookshop: Scotland’s Largest Secondhand Literary Haven
Discover Scotland’s largest secondhand bookshop, a cozy treasure trove nestled in a historic Inverness church with over 100,000 volumes to explore.
Nestled in a converted 18th-century Gaelic church on Church Street in Inverness, Leakey's Bookshop is Scotland’s largest secondhand bookshop, offering over 100,000 volumes across two floors. With a cozy log fire, a stunning spiral staircase, and an inviting atmosphere, it’s a treasure trove for book lovers seeking rare, antiquarian, and secondhand books in the Scottish Highlands.
A brief summary to Leakey's Bookshop
- Church St, Inverness, IV1 1EY, GB
- +441463239947
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter browsing experience and to enjoy the warm log fire ambiance.
- Take time to explore the upstairs choir loft area via the spiral staircase for a unique perspective on the collection.
- Look out for rare finds and personal inscriptions in books that add historical and sentimental value.
- Check the shop’s website or call ahead to inquire about specific titles or special collections.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the local city bus services that stop near Inverness city center; from the bus stop, it is a 5 to 7-minute walk to Church Street. Buses run frequently throughout the day with fares around £1.50 to £3.00.
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Taxi
A taxi ride from Inverness train station to Leakey's Bookshop takes approximately 5 minutes and costs about £5 to £8. Taxis are readily available but may be limited late in the evening.
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Walking
If you are staying in central Inverness, walking to Leakey’s is easy and scenic, typically taking 10 to 15 minutes on mostly flat, paved streets. Suitable for all fitness levels and wheelchair accessible.
Leakey's Bookshop location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Leakey's Bookshop
A Historic Church Transformed into a Literary Sanctuary
Leakey's Bookshop occupies the former Gaelic Church built in 1793, located on Church Street in Inverness. This historic building was repurposed in 1994 to house what has become Scotland’s largest secondhand bookshop. The church’s original architectural elements, such as high ceilings and the choir loft, have been preserved and creatively integrated into the shop’s layout, lending it a unique and atmospheric charm. The two floors are connected by a striking spiral staircase, originally part of the church’s design.An Extensive and Eclectic Collection
The shop boasts a vast collection of over 100,000 selected volumes, including secondhand, antiquarian, and rare books, as well as maps and prints. The books are arranged thematically throughout the space, inviting visitors to explore a wide range of genres and subjects. Among the shelves, one might discover first editions, signed copies, or books with personal inscriptions and hidden mementos like postcards, adding layers of stories beyond the texts themselves.Atmosphere of Warmth and Invitation
Leakey’s Bookshop is renowned for its welcoming and cozy ambiance. A wood-burning stove surrounded by freshly chopped logs fills the space with warmth, making it an inviting retreat from the often brisk Highland weather. Comfortable chairs scattered throughout encourage visitors to linger, browse, and read at leisure, creating a feeling more akin to a private study than a retail space.A Family-Run Legacy and Community Hub
Established in 1979 and family-run since its inception, Leakey's has been actively buying and selling books throughout the Highlands for over four decades. It serves not only as a commercial enterprise but also as a cultural hub for Inverness, celebrating the region’s literary heritage. The shop also operates online through AbeBooks, offering a curated selection of unusual and interesting titles to a global audience.Unique Finds and Local Charm
Beyond books, Leakey’s offers charming surprises such as goose eggs for sale, underscoring its local and independent spirit. The experience of browsing here is enriched by the unexpected treasures one might find—whether a rare book, a quirky collectible, or simply the pleasure of being surrounded by stories and history in a distinctive setting.Visiting and Practical Information
Open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM and closed on Sundays, Leakey’s Bookshop is conveniently located within walking distance of Inverness Castle and the city center. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful and enriching visit, whether seeking specific titles or simply soaking in the unique atmosphere of one of Scotland’s most beloved literary landmarks.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Cozy
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
