Frequently asked questions

For any questions not answered below please get in touch via our request page.

See all Festive FAQ’s at the bottom of this page.

Do you accept National Book Tokens?

Yes, we accept and sell National Book Token in store, however we are unable to accept National Book Tokens online.

Can I use Books on the Hill vouchers online?

Sadly we cannot accept our vouchers online but they are accepted in store and can be bought online, over the phone or in store. They are valid for one year from the date of purchase.

Can I place an order over the phone?

Yes, you can call us on 01727 807248 and one of our booksellers will help you place an order.

Can I Click & Collect?

Yes, when placing an order over the phone or on the website you will be provided with the option to Click & Collect. Once you have placed an order and the book has arrived in store, you will receive a text notification informing you that the book is ready for collection.

Can I pre-order a book?

Yes pre-orders can be arranged instore, online or over the phone. For online pre-orders please visit our pre-order page (which allows you to pre-order books before their release date to ensure delivery or collection on or just after their publication) or if your title is not there please see our request page which allows you to get in touch.

Can I have student discount?

10% student discount is available with photo student ID in store.

You have two copies of the same book at different prices, why?

The prices of our books may vary due to the different editions or format we stock.

Do you ship internationally?

Internationally shipping is possible, please refer to our international shipping page.

Do I have to pay any additional tax to ship internationally?

As of 1st July 2021, local VAT is payable on goods delivered from Britain to customers in EU countries. As a result, if you would like us to deliver to an EU country, there may be some extra charges applied at the point of delivery.

Rare books Questions

What happens when I order a rare book?

All books from our curiosity cabinet are gift wrapped and if postage is required the items are sent via 1st class tracked.

You have two copies of the same book at different prices, why?

The prices of our books may vary due to their condition, being signed, inscribed, or specially bound.

Are you accepting second hand books?

Sadly at the moment, we cannot accept any more second hand books as we are full to capacity except for first, signed, and special editions.

I want to sell you a first, signed, or special edition book, what is the process for this?

We ask that you send the team an email to office@books-on-the-hill.co.uk containing the following details about the item: author’s name, title, place of publication, name of the publisher, date if possible, description of the binding and any defects along with photos of the items showing the previous details. Please don’t send us a book until you have our confirmation that we’re interested in purchasing your book.

Reading Room Questions

Can I sit and read?

Yes, our Reading Rooms are the perfect place to sit and read whilst enjoying a hot drink.

Can I work in your reading rooms?

Yes, we have access to plugs around the room for laptop use and access to free BT wifi.

Is there internet in the reading rooms?

Yes, there is free public WIFI available in the Reading Rooms.

Are my dogs allowed?

Well behaved dogs are allowed in the reading rooms.

Do you hire out the reading rooms for events?

If you would like to book our Reading Rooms for an event please get in touch with our team using the form on our Reading Room & Café page.

Schools Questions

What can you do for schools?

We can provide a variety of services for schools such as wishlist recommendations, orders, in store talks, author visits, and assembly sessions.

Can I place an order?

Yes, we can either provide a quote for a list you provide, or we can help research a list based on a topic of your choice. We provide a 20% school discount and price match where available with our competitors.

Do you deliver?

We organise delivery on a case-by-case basis as deliveries can be collected in store or sent straight to the school via our courier.

Can you organise an author to visit my school?

Yes, we work with a variety of authors who undertake regular school visits. If you email schools@books-on-the-hill.co.uk we can discuss your needs and options further.

Can Books on the Hill do assemblies?

We are happy to work with local schools to provide fun and educational assemblies on a theme of their choice. Previous themes we have covered are environment, bring a book to read, and information about life as a bookseller. During these assemblies, our booksellers discuss books that are age appropriate and bring examples for the children to see.

Can we visit Books on the Hill with our school?

Yes, we have the capacity for around 30 students at any time, using both our reading rooms and in store. During a visit to the shop we can do a talk on a theme of your choice, a tour of the shop, discuss the history of the building, and allow time for the children to browse.

I have a National Book token for my school, can I redeem it here?

Yes, we accept book tokens to complete a school order.

Do you have a school newsletter?

You can sign up for our school newsletter by sending us an email to schools@books-on-the-hill.co.u with your name and school.

I have a school question that’s not been addressed here, who can I talk to?

Email schools@books-on-the-hill.co.uk and a member of our team will work to answer your question.

Festive 2022 FAQ’s

When is the last date I can purchase a book delivery in time for Christmas 2022?

For postal delivery please order your books before 5pm on 12th December to guarantee delivery in time for Christmas.

When is the last date I can purchase a click & collect book in time for Christmas 2022?

For click & collect in store please order your books before 5pm on 14th December to ensure they are available to collect in time for Christmas.

I would like my item gift wrapped, can you do this?

Yes, you can select gift wrap when purchasing an item online here, or if requesting an item please let us know if you would like us to gift wrap your item.

I am not sure what to buy, can you help with recommendations?

Our team has lots of books to recommend and is always happy to help with book related queries. Please get in touch via our request page, give us a call on 01727807248, or pop in store. We also have a shop blog where our booksellers regularly review books suitable for different ages and genres. You can read our blogs here.

What is your Christmas returns policy?

You can find our returns policy here, for Christmas, we allow all purchases made from October 17th to be returned or exchanged until January 17th with a receipt. All items must be in good condition to ensure they can be resold. If you do not have your receipt we are unable to exchange or offer any refunds for any items bought.

What are your Christmas opening hours?

Prior to Christmas open as normal; Christmas Day- CLOSED; Boxing Day- CLOSED; Tuesday 27th - 11am to 4pm; Wednesday 28th - Saturday 31st- OPEN ; Sunday 1st- CLOSED; Monday 2nd - CLOSED *Normal hours resume*