This place is a global treasure. One of us had been here 11(!) years ago with friends who live in…read moreNewcastle who brought her here, and she loved it so much that she insisted we all go again--so we did. After spending the morning at Alnwick Castle, we came to Barter Books for lunch and browsing. The cafe is adorable and cozy, and our party of seven was promptly seated. You order at the register and you do not want to sleep on the rarebit--it's so good! While it had just a tad too much mustard than remembered, it was still so gooey and heart-warming (and certainly more impressive than the pile of gloop that was our daughter's mac-n-cheese...let's just pretend that never happened). The beans on toast was also comforting and perfect in such a setting. Fries (chips!) are well-made, and the accompanying salad has a tangy vinaigrette. The whole bookstore is a converted train station and it's massive and we would have perused the titles for several more hours had we not had four children in our party. It was still a lovely time exploring the store, roaming the aisles, and getting lost in old books. We bought a few to bring home, as well as some other swag. And obviously you don't want to miss seeing the famed original "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster. This is just one of those magical places that you really can't describe, but once you go, you'll get it. Five unequivocal stars.

Love this place! Neat rooms to explore, fun model train, lots of used books a nice selection of…read morenew gifts AND a great and reasonable cafe. Their chips are so good I went back the next day for a snack.

Cheap clothing store with what appears to be a permanant sales section in the back of the store…read more Nice, helpful staff and a changing room. Get great, trandy bargains here! Men, women and children clothes, shoes, bags, jewellery and lingerie.

Cheap and cheerful clothing is the mainstay of this shop, with the range including men, women and…read morechildren's clothes. There's a reasonable selection and the shop is bright with plenty of staff on hand. There's frequently sale racks where there are bargains to be had and I've always found the clothes wash well.

This store has a big selection of grocery goods, sweets, newspapers etc. The owners are very…read morefriendly.

Good card shop with some gift wrap etc available. Extra stock at yearly occasions (Easter/Halloween…read moreetc).

Wide range of magazines and newspapers as well as a selection of stationery and gift items. Within…read morethe shop there's a Thorntons which sells lovely chocolates. Handy place for picking up a quick present!

This photogrpaher has his studio near to the Market Place area of Bedlington Front Street. The…read moreclosest parking is the free carpark behind Tesco's store. The building itself has a small, dirty front which looks like it has been the victim of vandals. The wood and window facade have a decayed look, unfortunately. This is simply due to the age of the building and is apparant on other buildings nearby - not due to the neglect of the photographer. Inside there are two rooms - the front secton is where you are greeted and served by the staff. The place has an arty look about it with examples of the photographer's owrk on display. There are also lots of equipment set up in the other room - a place that has a strange ballroom feel to it! The staff here are very talented and friendly and will do anything to assist you. There are many services available and these can be valued and requirements explained when at the studio.

A great little newsagents that been around for ages - located at far end of the main shopping area…read more A good selection of the usual newspapers, sweets magazines etc and also stocks toys, cards and gift-wrap etc for all occasions. All items are reasonably priced and great service always given. A nice local business rather than a large chain that does not care and only cares about its profits and not the need of the customer. A place your kid will love with all the sweets, toys and magazines in store. Toys are often branded toys such as Thomas the tank etc - not cheap tacky stuff as some shops sell.

This store sells wallpaper and related items: brushes, paper scrapers, filler etc all related to…read morewall-paper decorating. Prices are very cheap in here but the cheapest products are quite basic. Good choice if you are decorating on a budget. Staff are friendly and competent. The store often seems to be closed though!

If you need cheap decorating supplies, Decoflair is the place to go! Not the best selection of…read morepaper (mostly seems to be kids or 'old granny' types) but I find it very useful for the supplies - brushes, paste etc. A good selection and cheaper than other chain companies. Friendly and helpful staff as well.

Rather unusual stationery shop. Lots and lots of birthday cards and a small stationery section with…read morea few basics. I think they also provide a printing/copier service.