The Old Pier Bookshop

Polly Checkland Harding

Visit now

The Old Pier Bookshop

287 Marine Road Central, Morecambe, LA4 5BY
01524409360
  • Monday11:00am - 5:00pm
  • Tuesday11:00am - 5:00pm
  • Wednesday11:00am - 5:00pm
  • Thursday11:00am - 5:00pm
  • Friday11:00am - 5:00pm
  • Saturday11:00am - 5:00pm
  • Sunday11:00am - 5:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

The Old Pier Bookshop, Morecmabe
Courtesy of The Old Pier Bookshop
Book now

The much loved independent Old Pier Bookshop on Morecambe’s shorefront is family run and almost proudly disorganised. It’s a veritable warren of second hand books; the online estimate stands at over 100,000, although how anyone could possibly count them all is another question. Organised loosely by theme, the bookshelves are unlabelled and waist-level piles of novels can be found on the floor – however, the owner (known as Mr Bookshop) is said to be able to pinpoint volumes with unnerving accuracy when asked.

This is a place where quirky ornaments dot the shelves and many a printed treasure is to be found: look out for gems such as a signed book by Sir David Attenborough, a beautiful leather bound volume with a brass lock, and a volume on The Sword Dances of Northern England (we have so many questions). The best way to visit The Old Pier Bookshop is to set aside a few hours to properly explore the vast collection; this is a place to browse, open to finding books you’ve never heard of before, or perhaps classics you’ve forgotten about over the years.

Open until sunset between November and March, The Old Pier Bookshop has become so well known over time that a letter addressed to ‘The Man who has the Book-Shop on Morecambe sea-front’ reached its owner. Pair your visit with lunch and a hot drink from Keegans Coffee and Sandwich Shop, a seven minute walk away, or afternoon tea at the famous Midland hotel, just over a fifteen minute walk away along the seafront, passing the glorious frontage of the Winter Gardens theatre. However you choose to visit The Old Pier Bookshop though, make time to stay an hour or so, and find out why this place has become a firm local favourite.

What's on near The Old Pier Bookshop

Bumps and Brushes
TourCumbria
Bumps and Brushes at Abbot Hall

Meet other expecting parents and connect with yourself artistically in Bumps and Brushes a relaxed artistic workshop at Abbot Hall.

Free entry

Where to go near The Old Pier Bookshop

White Elephant Gallery, Morecambe
Morecambe
Gallery
White Elephant Gallery

White Elephant gallery is a radical art space that has set out to bring cutting-edge contemporary art to the seaside town of Morecambe.

Morecambe
Tourist Attraction
SHIP
at Half Moon Bay

A striking Corten steel sculpture by artist Anna Gillespie celebrating Morecambe’s maritime heritage. Outdoors, and perfect for walkers.

Winter Gardens Theatre Morecambe
Morecambe
Event venue
Winter Gardens Theatre

Formerly the Victoria Pavillion Concert Hall and Variety Theatre, opened in 1897, the Winter Gardens theatre’s stage has hosted the likes of Dame Julie Andrews and The Who. The stunning interior is being slowly restored.

Morecambe
Theatre
Morecambe Winter Gardens

The Grade II listed Morecambe Winter Gardens opened its doors to the public on 17 July 1897 designed to be both a grand variety theatre and a concert hall.

The Bay Cycle Way is a perfect introduction to long-distance cycling. Morecambe Bay is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the UK.
Morecambe
Tourist Attraction
Bay Cycle Way

The Bay Cycle Way is a perfect introduction to long-distance cycling, and passes through some of the UK’s most beautiful coastline.

Eden Project North

Opening in 2024, Morecambe bay will become a centre for eco tourism with the exciting arrival of the Eden Project North.

Lancashire
Music venue
The Platform

Music, comedy, dance, drama and children’s shows in an Edwardian railway station, opposite The Midland Hotel.

Morecambe
Morecambe Bay

A significant natural landmark along the west coast, Morecambe Bay is home to an open-water swimming group who have over 2000 members.

Culture Guides

European Poetry Festival European Camarade
Literature Events in the North

From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

Cloudwater Production One
Tours and Activities in the North

Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Helena Hauff
Music in the North

Shape-shifting bands, scorched-earth techno, and off-grid festivals. Our latest music picks catch the live scene at its most urgent, inventive and alive.