Last Updated on 27th January 2022 by Sophie Nadeau
Books sit side by side. Tome after tome. Row upon row. Shelf upon shelf. All just waiting to be glimpsed through, purchased, read. Abbey Books is owned by Spencer Magill and has been established for well over a decade in the very heart of Launceston, a Cornish town between land and Moor which is well worth checking out on any British adventure.
Abbey Books: A Vintage & Antiquarian Bookstore in Launceston
The Abbey Books bookshop can be found at Unit no. 2 of the White Hart Arcade, one of the more iconic shopping destinations in the market town of Launceston. On one end of the covered mall there’s the historic White Hart Hotel (which is thought to date back to the time of Edward IV and whose archway entrance contains stone from the former Launceston Priory), while at the other lies a selection of coffee shops.
Also of note within the White Hart arcade is the Launceston tourist information office (open from Monday through to Saturday) where you’ll find all manner of guides and advice for exploring Northern and Central Cornwall. While there, I recommend picking up a free copy of the town map/ guide which includes a brief overview of Launceston’s history.
Within the walls of Abbey Books itself (as well on display on the shelves on display outside), some 15,000 books are to be found. As well as contemporary titles, there’s out of print and antiquarian tomes to be discovered. Of particular note, I rather enjoyed the huge variety of photography, art, and travel guides for sale, many of which are vintage.
Things to see near Abbey Books
Launceston is a must-see South West town and was even once the capital of Cornwall. Home to a castle, countless antique shops, and a superb town museum, you could easily dedicate an entire afternoon to wandering around the town, soaking up the historic atmosphere, and acclimatising to the slower pace of life to be found there. For more inspiration about the town and its surrounds, check out our guide to the best things to do in Launceston.
