Undercover Books, Norwich Travel Guide

Nestled on the first floor of Looses, a purpose-built 1930s department store reborn as a bustling secondhand and antiques emporium, Undercover Books has been a Norwich staple since 2010. Originally a modest corner in the weekend fleamarket, it has expanded into a beloved concession offering an eclectic mix of secondhand books across all genres. Run by passionate bibliophiles Nigel Parke and Lois King, the shop thrives on a cooperative model that defies rising rents and taxes plaguing traditional bookstores.

The shelves brim with classic literature in French, Spanish, and German, alongside local and regional interest titles, travel and climbing narratives, nature writing, and children's books for all ages. Dive into music and sheet music, art and design volumes, war-related histories, atlases, maps, poetry, theatre, science fiction, annuals, crafts, esoteric works, Beats literature, iconic 60s imprints, and crime fiction. Specializing in design and illustration yet unbound by it, the stock reflects the owners' deep interests while welcoming diverse tastes. As a PBFA member, Undercover Books exhibits at fairs nationwide, sourcing rare gems.

Looses itself is a draw, its art deco architecture housing myriad vendors. Undercover's upstairs spot invites serendipitous discoveries— you may not find that exact title, but unexpected delights await. The intimate setting fosters lingering, with knowledgeable staff sharing insights on Modernism, T.S. Eliot, dystopian tales, or Norfolk life.

Open Monday to Friday 10am-5:30pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, and Sunday 10:30am-4:30pm, it's accessible for quick browses or leisurely hunts. Online via Abe Books, it connects global collectors. Partnered with the National Centre for Writing, it supports Norwich's literary scene, making it essential for visitors and locals alike.