This book shop is located on Gosford street as the name would suggest and is in the heart of the…read moreUniversity campus. The shop stocks lots of second hand books. The range of books in there is huge and you can often find that little gem of a book! The books are usually very reasonably priced.

Situated in the recently opened Fargo development in Coventry, with a name like Astral Gypsy, you…read moremight expect this shop to be full of incense, worry dolls, magic wands and other mystic paraphernalia. It ain't. Once inside you realise that you are in a Manga fan's dream world. This shop are big on Japan. Graphic novels feature big. If you are a budding artist yourself they stock Copic Ciao pens, which are entry-level quality shading markers with a chisel and a bullet tip. While we're on artists supplies they have a large Moleskine range too. Prints and paintings are also on offer. The shop is owned by artist Al Davison (look him up, he's certainly lived a life), and stocks many of his works and publications. This place oozes authentic small town USA indie book store charm.

The words 'secondhand bookshop' are emotive to some of us. We picture a dark, musty treasure trove…read moreof books on dispirate subjects, with beatiful binding, artistic typography, suptuous illustrations, beautifully written words and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered as we potter around on a lazy afternoon. Unfortunately, this is the other kind of secondhand bookshop, full of old mills and boons, bonkbusters, chicklit and that celebrity biography you never really wanted in the first place. Now don't get me wrong, there's a market for this stuff, but if you're a discerning reader you may as well go hunting round the charity shops on the same street - they're cheaper, better laid out, better stocked and more friendly. On the other hand, if you're looking to sell paperbacks in a hurry, this might just be the place to go.

Books are decently priced and the selection is amazing. The bizarre cobbled together nature of the…read morebuilding only adds to its charm. Some of the books are old, very very old, so pay attention. Checkout is easy and smooth. Several things need to be noted. To get inside you have to drive over the worst driveway in the Midlands so go slow or expect damage to your vehicle. The parking are is both tight, unlit and tricky to use. Expect to get mud on your shoes and clothing getting inside. Getting out onto the busy main road you will need your St Christopher and a lot of faith. There is a cafe inside that has to be double the price of similar locations. The food is very tasty and the drinks are nice but its not a cheap date. It is also popular with locals that have little to no interest in the books. Outside in the parking area, destroying valuable parking space, are five or six 20' shipping containers that reportedly contain a fresh selection of books. One of them was here when I last visited in 2020. It must be difficult to unload them?

I have just visited Astley Book Farm and then read the reviews previously shown on here, I must say…read moreI really do not understand them. What a fantastic place, and no it definitely is not a charity shop. They have tens of thousands of books, covering all subjects and in great condition. This is a place for collectors as well as general buyers. Pricing is very reasonable and the staff chatty and friendly. Somebody was trying to give books away whilst I was there but the owner explained that they have lots in storage and have to pay to dispose of books that they cannot sell on. One of the best secondhand bookshops I have ever been to, highly recommended.

My favourite bookstore in Coventry to wander around browsing for new books. I often go in planning…read moreto buy one particular book and end up leaving with a bag full. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. It's always worth checking out the Staff Picks shelf for great books you might otherwise miss. The Costa Coffee shop on the first floor is a great place to chill out with a coffee after a book buying spree. If you can manage to get one of the comfy sofa's by the window you could easily spend a couple of hours in there drinking coffee and watching the world go by in Coventry's Lower Precinct outside.

The Smithford Way Waterstones is like an oasis of intellect in the middle of a mad and crazy…read moreshopping area. The store is spread out over three spacious floors of which the ground and first floor are mainly fiction. That could potentially be a point of improvement. I was surprised to find only 2 shelves on Philosophy in the Religion/Philosophy section. The staff is very friendly and very interactive and you can be sure to find a good recommendation either through staff picks or just by talking to them. Great way to kill a couple of hours if you're getting bored, like me, in the city centre. :-)

Very good selection and variety of comics, figures, single issues graphic novels and…read moreomnibuses/compendiums. This is a cheap shop and you get what you expect really. Ideal place for shopping for nerdy stuff. Service is amazing they are willing to help with anything at all. Amazing place, will definitely be visiting again

The best place for sci fi and movie items, well its the only place really…read more Has been there for as long as i can remember and changed very little throughout the years. A great slection of film and sci-fi figures, comics and books and all other possible memorabilia available. Prices can be steep but it is a specialised type of shop. Does have some interesting ltd edition items. It does look quite dark from the outside but inside is much better

Another chain of stores, this is quite a small shop. It sells the usual stationary and art stuff…read more It has a good selection of kids books at reasonable and bargain prices. You can get your cheap diaries and calendars too.

We had an hour to kill before having to go back to the train station, as all the tourist's…read moreattractions in Coventry centre had closed at 4pm, and so stopped here, since there did not seem any other place to go nearby for a hot drink. It was also very inviting as it was a nice sunny day, and they had tables outside. It's a shame as they are for smokers. What about non-smokers who want to enjoy the sun and warm weather outside? Unfortunately, we were also subjected to the smoking. I do not drink coffee for medical reasons, and so settled for the hot chocolate. Here, it is a shame again, as most coffee shops, the "hot" is missing, and often I have to ask for extra hot if ever I go again. It was very well presented, but it also was quite powdery, so not the best hot chocolate that I have tasted. Perhaps, it does coffee better but I shall never know. The decor is nice, clean and relaxing and uncluttered with wooden tables. Friendly service. Closes at 6pm, and they starting packing up the outside tables and chairs around 5.50pm, which suited us, as we were just leaving! They also get another star for very nice and clean, modern and pleasant toilet facilities.

A new chic cafe opened up on Warwick row. Very close to the train station offering an alternative…read moreto the vending machines and Starbucks at the station itself. Decent coffee. Decent service. Nice decor with typical Oregon trail pine looking furniture, staff in flanno & Edison bulbs. Would be great for a light business lunch or if you're trying to meet someone in the city centre without just defaulting to the pub.