A diverse selection of affordable used books, including fiction, non-fiction, and local Welsh history titles.
Curated boxes of back-issue comics for browsing, with gems from various eras for collectors and enthusiasts.
Focus on South Wales history, featuring authors like Alexander Cordell and Jack Jones for history buffs.
A welcoming, relaxed environment where you can chat with staff and explore at your own pace.
Regular posts on Instagram showcasing new arrivals and customer finds to stay connected with the community.
A surprising find here but this genuine little book store sits perfectly well within it's covered market surroundings. A diverse selection of volumes on offer, and another surprise was the selection of comics. As a self confessed geek myself I can't resist a rummage through a box of back issues, and though I came away empty handed there is enough here to appeal to the casual browser. All in all a worthy addition to a really nice covered market area.
My friends and I really loved this second hand book store. We could have spent forever looking at the books and I found some that I had always wanted to read. The vendor was super friendly, a very sweet person! Also, the instagram page is very nice and it’s lovely to see all the people finding great books.
Only managed a flying visit whilst rushing back to the train station, but for a small place it had a great selection of reasonably priced used books. Hopefully one day I can make it back for a proper look.
Great for South Wales in coal and iron history; Alexander Cordell, Jack Jones - a rich seam of amazing novels. Alongside Reacher, Jason Bourne and DI Tennyson - really good range for home or travel reading. Been going there for ten years, always good..
It's been years since I past through the old market and decided to see if this store was still around, it was, and turned into a lovey trip down memory lane. Really friendly, had a nice chat and purchased a few 70's comics which cought my eye. Long boxes are a little disorganised, but that was half the fun, sorting through trying to find a gem.

Cardiff's hidden gem for second-hand books, comics, and local history treasures.
No photos available
Nestled in Cardiff Market, Bear Island is a beloved independent bookshop specializing in second-hand books, comics, and local history. With a 4.9-star rating, we offer a diverse, curated selection for casual browsers and avid collectors alike. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff create a welcoming atmosphere where you can discover rare finds, explore Welsh literature, or lose yourself in classic novels. Whether you're seeking Alexander Cordell's works or the latest thrillers, we're your go-to spot for affordable, quality reads in the heart of Cardiff.
Claim Bear Island to update business info, respond to reviews, and access analytics.