Collected

Beautiful, thoughtful, community-centred bookshop in the scenic heart of Durham. Independently owned, Collected Books has become the go-to place for local book-related events (author talks, new book launches, a monthly book club). It is also a warm and inviting space in which to browse bookshelves or sit with an excellent coffee or even a glass of wine.

Oh my goodness, this bookshop is a wonderful little gem! We were visiting Durham earlier this week and had been recommended Collected by a friend and it did not disappoint. Whilst we didn't stop for the excellent looking cake, coffee and wine, the selection of books alone was wonderful and I came away with a few for my girls and me (and a mug). As I said to the owner, I can work out if I'm sad or relieved (from a student loan perspective!) that they weren't there when I was a student in Durham 20 years ago. Despite living in Hertfordshire, I shall be back!

A lovely environment, in which to browse an excellent selection of books by female authors. It offers an inviting space to sit and read with a Fika coffee (or various teas) and tempts with a variety of sweet treats! The staff are very welcoming, knowledgeable about literature and happy to share their love of books.

Swansea waterfront is looking upbeat. Very pleasant place for a stroll in the sunshine. We stayed in a twin room in the Premier Inn. It was very reasonably priced and had a good meal deal (breakfast and 2 course dinner). The room was more spacious than I anticipated was very clean. The beds were comfortable and the hotel was quiet so our sleep was not disturbed. Not a 'luxury hotel but very clean and comfortable with friendly and helpful staff. A great place to stay when attending a nearby convention.

I can’t emphasise enough just how wonderful this bookshop is. It features a fantastic selection of books by women, and has a delightfully calming, friendly atmosphere. It’s lovely to see a bookstore supporting and promoting female writers, especially those who would not usually gain as much attention in chain bookstores. Oh, and the cakes are really quite marvellous too. What more could you want?

Amazing independent bookshop, dedicated to female authors. Great range of fiction, non fiction and children's books, showcasing the work of women from across the globe. You can get coffe/tea and cakes and there, too and there is some seating available. They run a loyalty card scheme for purchases. Staff know there stock and can advise about getting copies of specific books. After a good browse I actually chose to purchase 2 mystery read books and having got them home I'm very pleased with them and am looking forward to reading them. I also purchased a book the other day, that had been on my to read list. Definitely be back. Staff are welcoming and not intrusive or pushy for sales. You can browse at your leisure without being interrupted, but they are definitely happy to help shoule you have any enquiries. My friend also enjoyed visiting here too, picking up some books for Xmas gifts. Good location on river walk, too.

Fantastic independent book shop! Amazingly and thoughtfully curated selection of books on the shelves full of interesting and surprising choices. I always discover something new in there. Excellent coffee and the cakes are delicious!

Collected books is an absolute (not so hidden) gem in Durham. A bookshop that champions women authors, with the most amazing local Fika coffee and the cinnamon buns are unreal. Emma & her team are so warm & friendly, giving such good recommendations that I've had to impose a book ban on myself for the next couple of months! I've also attended a few of their events (book club, author talks) which have been brilliant too.

Collected is a wonderful little independent book shop, nestled near the river in Durham city. There was a book-signing event when I went, and I had a lovely chat with the author.I've not tried the cafe yet, so I need to plan for a longer visit!

Wonderfully surprising.I hadn’t planned to buy any books - let alone visit a book shop - but then again I hadn’t planned to eat half of a cake. So here we are.Anyway, it’s a lovely and welcoming environment, well organised with hand-written notes to guide people having a quick nose. Great selection of books, including local and limited runs.Can’t not mention the coffee and cakes - unreal. Smashing stuff. Make an effort to visit when you’re next mincing around Durham.