Thousands pass through railway stations daily, yet unlikely gems often lurk beneath their familiar facades. One woman’s recent visit to a historic British station left her utterly floored by what she uncovered.

Korina, who shares content as thedreamywanders on Instagram, posted her remarkable discovery on social media, where it quickly went viral as followers marvelled at the stunning find. Upon entering the station, she encountered significantly more literature than trains, and it was experience that left both her and her audience spellbound, for entirely understandable reasons.

Such extraordinary station discoveries aren’t unprecedented. Previously, one was even revealed to have a secret garden in the grounds. 

In Korina’s video, she wrote: “POV: You entered a Victorian train station and found the UK’s cosiest second-hand bookshop.”

Alongside this, she added: “Barter Books is set inside a Victorian train station and it feels like stepping into a different world. There are shelves everywhere, cosy corners to browse and model trains running overhead as you explore.

“It’s the kind of place where every book feels like it’s waiting to be found.There’s also a café on site and fireplaces around the shop, so you can grab a coffee, sit by the fire and read for a while. One of those places you could easily lose track of time in.”

The post sparked considerable discussion, with numerous people sharing their reactions. One said: “Oh I love this spot! You really captured its magic.”

Another added: “Had the absolute joy of introducing a friend to this place today. He loved it.” A third replied: “Wow, this is amazing.”

Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “It’s a truly wonderful world. A place I could spend a whole weekend.”

One more also chimed in with: “I think I bought 17 books last time I was there.” Another also noted: “Such an adorable bookshop.”

Where can you find it?

The bookshop sits in Alnwick, Northumberland. For those unfamiliar, it’s renowned for its enchanting ambience, featuring towering shelves packed with pre-loved books and a delightful array of vintage railway artefacts.

Barter Books also operates a distinctive “barter” scheme, allowing people to exchange old volumes for shop credit. It’s regarded as a magnificent destination for book lovers and history enthusiasts alike. You’ll discover it housed within the historic former Alnwick Station, established in 1991 by Stuart and Mary Manley.

The station, originally constructed in 1887, underwent transformation into this remarkable bookshop. Much of its original Victorian architecture remains intact, including the station’s platforms and waiting areas.

Today it ranks amongst Europe’s largest second-hand bookshops. If you’ve never been to Northumberland previously, it sits immediately beside and to the north of Newcastle upon Tyne. Numerous locations can be reached in under an hour by vehicle or public transport.

It acts as a countryside and seaside alternative to the city, providing convenient access to destinations such as Alnwick, Morpeth and the coastline. Additionally, Northumberland borders Scotland directly, making it England’s most northerly county and sharing the frontier to the north and west.