Leakey's Bookshop & Cafe in Highland

Great Selection of Books and staff very helpful.

A very large shop, but I still wasn't able to find what I was looking for. Many of the older books were inaccessible and they seemed to have a very large amount of books to go over before shelving. Lots of lovely old art prints.

Veryinteresting but rather expensive. This is an antique book store rather than a used book store. Having said that, well worth the visit. Loads of atmosphere.

A beautiful bookshop with a large choices.

What a fun place. You don't come across bookstores like this anymore.

Lots of books and well organized.

So many books in a very unique store.

Nice interior, good selection of materials. Definitely will have more literature off the beaten path and the best bookstore in Inverness by a mile. Worth checking out if you enjoy perusing bookstores and happen to be in town.

Very nice place, almost magical to say, warm stove, it was lovely experience to visit in winter

An amazing bookshop, if you're looking for something old or obscure I think you'll have a good chance of finding it here. Bought a Gary Rhodes book from one of the first tv cooking programs I ever saw from about 30 years ago

If you're looking for used books from the UK, this is the place. Also old prints from books that have been matted; scenery, animals, plants,etc. Beautiful old building.

A visit is a must when in Inverness. Crazy bookstore 👍

Beautiful. Stunning. Wonderful. I wish I could live in these pages.

So cozy and fascinating! Could spend hours browsing for a true book nerd.

The smell in here is absolutely divine! There are some fantastic gems here. A great selection of books and reasonably priced, especially given the age of some of the books here. An absolute must visit for any book worms in the area!

Fabulous stock of books to suit everyone

Yes, a must for any visitor to Inverness, or even the Highlands.

Recommended stop for reading lovers, evocative collection of historical volumes.

Really beautiful shop, prizes are quite high though. It also takes a while to find… anything. Then again, that was part of the charm for me. It kind of forces you to stay for hours, browsing every shelf. You’ll need a lot of patience and, especially in winter, a good coat (the wood burning stove is nice and toasty up close, but the place is quite big so you’ll soon lose its benefit). If you’re already in Inverness, I absolutely would not skip this one.

A must see, if you´re a book lover and passing through Inverness, in your way to the Higlands. It is a very cosy (but large!) two level store, with a large fireplace at the center. It has a very large collection of second hand books, with a lot of themes to choose from. Also, I was attended with very friendly manners. I highly recommend it.

A quirky bookshop, very popular so quite crowded. Not really able to have a good browse, too many people. Visited early afternoon, maybe best early morning or late afternoon. The shop has allsorts of books, old and new covering any topic you could imagine. And found it weird to have a woodburner in the middle of the shop!

It's probably the best shop for book lovers in Inverness!

You should atleast spend a day in this library of Inverness. There are lot of rare books that you can find hidden between books. just need to look at every corner. If you are looking for something specific you might not get it but surely will get something surprisingly interesting. its like a treasure hunt.

They have an amazing range of second hand books that are near mint condition and also at a reasonable price, there is some collectible books there if you know what to look for

Very old school. Peaceful and the fire was authentic.

Great selection of books, exciting atmosphere

What a magical place - stunning collection in a former church. Book lovers could spend a lifetime browsing here and still not get through all the gems they have. Worth travelling for.

Marvelous bookshop! Could have spent hours, but had a train to reach…

Pretty bookstore of old books. Good vibes.

Lots of stock in piles marked "please do not browse". Almost Everything antiquarian out of reach on top shelves. Mostly 20thC.

The place is huge, could have spent hours in the shop but made sure I didn't bore the husband. Such a selection of books and managed to pick up a couple to take home. Really recommend a visit.

If you love books and especially second hand books this is a must visit while in inverness. A unique bookshop set inside a lovely old chapel. Log fire raging in the centre with a spiral staircase to the first floor. Tens of thousands of books. You'll need plenty of time to browse. Even the owner couldn't tell me how many books there were.

If you are a book worm and do not mind getting lost among the rows of books. This place is for you.

Great old time bookshop with engravings and loads of books. So much character!

Lovely shop with very informative staff. I asked questions about the origins of their antique prints, and I was given so much information! I bought a print of Duckweed as I'm from Minnesota. Land of 10,000 Lakes and every single one of them has duckweed haha.

The entrance to the place was very simple and understated. Then you walk in the door and it's simply amazing. A must for any book lover.

Browse through the many bags ok stacks for unique antique books and orints

Really interesting and fascinating place to visit. I could have spent hours browsing the store. Every little nook had something worth finding.

The atmosphere was great, so many good options to choose from. Unfortunately, they only had a very small selection of philosophy and politics books in the miscellaneous section but I had a great time sifting through the selection they offered. Would love to go back another time to see what's new.

Great bookshop to spend the afternoon in

My friend said that you need to take a day off to find something here. Can't say I blame him, this place is loaded with books!

Arriving and rummaging through thousands of books by the warmth of a crackling fireplace, it was a pleasure to stop there.

Pretty cool place to drop in and check out, lots of available art as well as books!

A fabulous place to while away many hours just browsing.

Place to go if you are looking for old booka

Well worth a visit every time I visit Inverness!

Leakey's Bookshop is an absolute gem in Inverness! 📚 The place has a magical, old-world charm with books stacked from floor to ceiling in a cozy, historic setting. 🏛️ The smell of old books and the warm atmosphere make it a paradise for book lovers. The fireplace adds to the charm, making it feel even more inviting. 🔥 I could spend hours browsing through the huge selection! Definitely a must-visit if you're in Inverness!

Wide assortment of books from all eras. It's very laissez-faire in terms of service: you can see if you can find what you want on your own because the staff can't really help you as they don't know their assortment that well. The interior is quite nice, although there are no chairs so one can get quite tired standing.

Terrific bookstore! I could spend hours there. A must-see if you are in Inverness.

Stunning second-hand book shop in Inverness. It is a pleasure to visit it to walk among its shelves full of books. The mere smell of the pages will encourage you to read. Just a 5-minute walk from the center of Inverness, you have the Old High Church and the cemetery next door, another must-see.

Yeah it's a nice building. Yeah there are lots of books. But it's actually very overpriced and not all that.

A must-see bookstore. Wood burning stove, rows and rows of written word... this is a special place

Lovely bookshop! Didn't do my research but it looks like the old courthouse on the inside? So cool. Great older books with some rares thrown in. There was also a wood burning fireplace in the middle which enhanced the whole experience. Definitely worth a visit!

A Mecca for book lovers. Books, books, and more books. One star reduction perhaps for category-labelling, which could be a bit more prominent? Couldn't do it! A lifetime of reading, plus the best log fire anywhere. Just as well they don't have a lot of comfy seats or I'd still be there.

A Hidden Gem: Leakey's Bookshop, Inverness Nestled in the heart of Inverness, Leakey’s Bookshop is a bibliophile’s dream and a destination that offers an experience like no other. Housed in a former Gaelic church, the bookshop’s setting alone is captivating, with its high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and a wood-burning stove that adds a cosy warmth to the treasure trove of books. The collection is vast and varied, from rare antiquarian editions to contemporary reads. Whether you are searching for a particular title or simply enjoying a leisurely browse, there is an undeniable charm to getting lost among the towering shelves and stacks of pre-loved books. The spiral staircase leading to a mezzanine level only adds to the sense of adventure. The staff are knowledgeable and approachable, always willing to help or share a story. There is also an impressive selection of prints, maps, and old manuscripts, making it a haven not just for readers but for history and art enthusiasts too. A visit to Leakey’s is not just a shopping trip but an experience that lingers long after you leave. If you find yourself in Inverness, it is an absolute must-visit. Highly recommended!

Wonderful bookshop, a timeless place where you can find used books and special items

Unfortunately i was only able to browse for an hour, but it’s enough to convince me into buying 3 books. Definitely will go back here again

Leakey's Bookshop is a paradise for book lovers! This vast space is filled with a wide variety of books from different genres and disciplines, making it a treasure trove for readers of all tastes. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff are calm, cooperative, and always happy to help. It's an incredible place to explore, with its charming ambiance and diverse collection. Anyone visiting Inverness must spend some time at Leakey's – it’s a beautiful bookshop that offers much more than just books, it’s an experience!

Let me start by saying I am not an able bodied person. In general I used a wheelchair when out and about because I can't walk far or do steps easily. Unfortunately this place is not disabled friendly. There's five or six steps to get into the place and a handrail on only one side, once inside it's little nooks everywhere displaying various genres of used books. There's little steps in places on this ground floor and as I said I don't do steps so could not get upstairs but from what I saw it looked full too. £86 later we left lol. Unfortunately nowhere to sit and enjoy the wood burner.

We were so excited to visit Leakey's, even before our trip to Scotland. Unfortunately the moment I walked in with my 3 children, I was met with a rude comment from the older man (presumably the owner) working behind the counter. "This is a bookshop, NOT a playground," he said in a gruff voice. I was taken by surprise because I mind my children very well and we had only just walked in. My children are homeschooled and I try to instill a deep love of books in them. Small readers grow up to be adult readers. Anyway, I told him that I was well aware and we went upstairs with my kids to look around. We ended up leaving after just 5 minutes because I really didn't feel right spending money there after that exchange and for some reason he decided to make yet ANOTHER unnecessary comment on our way out the door. "Not really an appropriate place for children, is it?" His tone was very unkind. My poor 6-year-old was in tears because he had been so excited and just didn't understand why he was so unwelcome. I do understand not disturbing shoppers and being mindful of your children but I really can't understand people who get upset for children just existing in a space. A very unpleasant experience.

Be prepared to spend time here. So many books.

Great Bookstore in a very old House. Nice and lovely

If you’re in Inverness you must visit this gem of a place!

The best bookshop in Scotland I've been to.

There's a charming allure to a used book shop. Smells like a billion dusty pages of forgotten information. A log fire warms the great hall, with books from floor to ceiling. This shop wouldn't look out of place on the set of harry potter. I'd visit this place even if I wasn't looking for a book. Could do with a seat and a coffee machine. A must see for anyone into alternative locations.

A wonderful and magical place for book lovers - the smells of old books float in the air, you can spend the whole day here discovering the so-called gems. I recommend it

Sadly second hand books are much cheaper online but good for a browse or something a bit more rare/special. Not super friendly.

A magnificent library in an old church, lots of charm, books you won't know where to turn to, it's like being in a film!

A roaring fireplace, spiral staircase, antique prints! Happily spent a few hours in Leakys - such a diversity of books on offer and well organised! Loads of historical kids book, excellent fiction! Floor to ceiling across two large floors absolutely stacked with books + historical maps and loads of antique prints.

It is a very curious bookstore, a peculiar charm, it is worth visiting and buying

Leakeys is the best bookshop I've ever visited. Stacked with character, endless possibilities and some absolute bargains if your up to the search. I visit every 3 months or so and stack up, it's well priced and the excitement of not knowing what you'll uncover makes every trip magical. If your an avid reader or just want to experience something unique, it's a must visit shopping experience.

Great bookshop. Relaxed vibes and feels a bit old school where you can rummage around and find gems. Also got many unique prints to browse through. I spent about 30 minutes in here the time flew by would recommend.

Fantastic selection of secondhand books, allow yourself at least a couple of hours to take it all in. Friendly and helpful staff.

You cannot & should not miss this book heaven.

A magical place for every book lover. Upon entering you are surrounded by the scent of ancient paper which gives an incredible sense of calm, time stops and you would like to stay there all day looking at every single shelf. What magic, the bookshop alone was worth the stop in Inverness on our tour of Scotland.

Wonderful place to seek for good book selections at a good price! The antique selections were good and diverse, even dating back to the 1800s. It was a brief travel back to history.

Lovely two storey 2nd hand bookshop with an amazing collection!

Superb, just spend your time herw

I only had money enough to buy a post card the day I went there (11/12/2024), but I can say it was, by far, one of the most magical places I've been in my life. Maybe because I love books and maps, old buildings and history, but, yeah. Loved the place and I really want to come back there (with money this time so that I can bye books, maps and old prints hehe)

Best book shop I have ever seen. I would recommend visiting and would return again 👍

One of the best bloody bookshops I’ve ever visited! This shop offers a wide selection and variety of old books, rare prints, historical maps, poetry books, shooting & fishing books and much more! To me, I’ve always found comfort in bookshops with their cozy and relaxing atmosphere. I knew I had to pick up a couple of books here for a reasonable price. You could lose your mind here, browsing for hours without knowing what time it is.

My all-time favourite bookshop in Inverness, never disappointed

Not sure what can be said that hasn't already, this place is magical. I wish I'd had hours to spend here, but fortunately I was able to at least find a few books to take home with me. This place has hidden treasures scattered throughout.

Very cool bookstore and very friendly service!

I visited this gem years ago but still remember it to this day! If you find yourself on this side of the earth, it's worth getting lost among the books and maps, hole up in a corner and immerse yourself in the world of an author 🧡

Wonderful service from staff helping me find a book for my nephew.

Amazing bookshop, you can spend hours browsing. However there is a problem with humidity there and it affects the condition of the books.

Very cool bookshop that used to be a church. You can recognise the layout when you walk in, and especially from upstairs. There are wall to wall shelves of all kinds of books, guides, and prints. It’s hard to walk out without buying something, so beware! Well worth a visit on any trip to Inverness.

Fun bookstore if you like hunting for books, seemed a bit disorganized, staff was not very helpful

If you are an old book store fan, this is your must stop when in Inverness. I felt a bit overwhelmed, but I enjoyed my visit.

Great bookshop, but a shame they tease you with a lot of old books you cannot peruse.

This place was well worth a visit. The problem is knowingbwhat you wasn't to buy,there is so much to choose from. It like being a kid in a sweetie shop.

Absolutely brilliant could have sent all day there ☺️

Outstanding place for book lovers

Nice bookstore with second-hand books

great selection in what felt like a shrine for old books

It is a book heaven. You can find real treasures there.

It's a must-visit institution in its own right. The bookshop stocks both old and new books, as well as rare prints. Do be mindful when visiting so as not to disturb other patrons.

If you love books, especially older, out of published books, this is the place to visit. Covers all areas of books, fiction or non. Plus hundreds of old prints.

The space is cool. If you like bookstores it’s a great spot to just admire. The actual books they carry are severely lacking in options.