York to Welcome the UK’s Largest Independent Bookshop – Topping & Company
Complete with Tea, ladders, and, well books
Next autumn, Topping & Company Booksellers is moving into 1A Museum Street, promising to make your literary dreams come true—and possibly take over your weekends entirely. This won’t just be any bookshop; it’ll be the largest independent bookshop in the UK. We’re talking 6,000 square feet of bibliophile heaven, in a stunning Grade II listed building. It’s basically Hogwarts with fewer wands and more words.
A Little About Topping & Company
This isn’t Topping & Company’s first rodeo—they’ve been bringing their love of books to places like Bath, Ely, St Andrews, and Edinburgh since 2002. But their new York branch is set to outshine them all. Why? Because it’s York, and York knows how to do things right. They’re famous for their handcrafted bookcases, charming rolling ladders (yes, you can pretend you’re Belle from Beauty and the Beast), and—drumroll—complimentary tea and coffee. So yes, you can sip Earl Grey while pretending you’re well-read.
Their book collection? Over 75,000 titles. That’s enough to keep even the most insatiable reader busy until 2050. Whether it’s the latest bestseller, obscure poetry collections, or an autobiography of some 19th-century nobody you suddenly need to know about, you’ll probably find it here.
It’s More Than Just Books
Topping & Company are not your average bookshop. They’re known for hosting year-round literary events, book festivals, and author talks that attract everyone from bestselling novelists to historians who can actually make history sound interesting.
Their Bath store set the bar pretty high, with its 4,000 square feet of literary luxury, but York will knock it out of the park. Not only is the new shop jaw-droppingly spacious, but it’s in a prime spot: the former Visit York office, just a stone’s throw from York Minster.
Why York?
Why not? This city is practically begging for more bookshops, and this one is as independent as they come. Topping & Company is a family-run business that’s all about community vibes. With York already home to thriving independent booksellers, this new addition will cement its reputation as a haven for readers.
A Space for Everyone
The York store won’t just be a place to buy books—it’ll be a space for readers to connect, whether through themed book groups, personalized recommendations from staff, or just lounging with a cuppa while pretending you’re not going to blow this month’s budget on a 10-book haul.
If you are coming to York and need a place to stay then check out our 3 holiday homes at www.houseofyork.org
Want to read more for your next visit to York?
Then download a free copy of our book York Local Knowledge Must-do Top Tens & the vouchers to get them for less where you will discover the historic UK city of York like a local with tips, top tens, and guidance on where to find the best discounts and vouchers, so you can experience it all without breaking the bank!
You can download it for free from the Apple iBooks Store here
You can download it for free from the Google Play Books Store here
This isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a laugh-out-loud, down-to-earth companion, packed with top-ten lists covering everything from essential attractions and hidden gems to entertainment, dining spots, walks, tours, festivals, and shopping, all enriched with a local’s insider knowledge.
With insights, amusing anecdotes, and a sprinkling of puns and dad jokes, Alistair’s love letter to York will help you see the city in a whole new way. Grab a copy and start planning the York adventure you didn’t know you were missing!
With over 240 pages, this guide is ideal for families and groups of friends planning a trip to York and includes:
Up-to-date information on everything in the ever-changing city of York—this is the 2025 edition.
Top ten lists of York’s best tourist attractions, entertainment spots, food and drink, walks, tours, festivals, and independent shops.
Beautiful photography accompanying every recommendation.
Answers to visitors’ top questions, from “Where’s the best place for ice cream?” to “Where can I find a great takeaway curry?”
Recommendations on where locals go for up-to-date information about York.
The best places to stay, from five-star hotels to holiday homes and houseboats.
Details on where to find discounts and vouchers for York restaurants, attractions, and experiences.
Want to hear a great podcast about York?
A fab podcast for tourists and locals looking to find out more about York History, must do York Top 10's and money saving tips to do it all for less.
Just search your podcast app for York Must Do Top 10s or click on this link for the show on apple podcast here
Book one of our Holiday Homes for your next trip to York
Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next trip to York. All 3 of our holiday homes are next door to each other which means you can hire them individually for up to 6 people or together for up to 12 (107 & 109 together) or even 18 people (Spencer House & 107 & 109 together).
To check availability and book just visit www.houseofyork.org
We pride ourselves on being couples and family friendly and we try to take any of the stress out of your stay so you can focus on enjoying yourselves and magnificent York.