The best adventures start with a surprise.

Here at Oak & Sycamore, in the heart of Herstmonceux, we believe in the power of the written word.

The power to bring a smile to a face that had forgotten the feeling of home. To make a lonely heart romantic on a stormy autumn evening. To soothe a worried mind in a hectic world.

From bedtime fairytales to novels so inflammatory they’ve been banned by governments, books shape minds and inspire hope, excitement, and discovery.

That’s why Oak & Sycamore is thrilled to introduce our Shy Books Range — a handpicked selection of wrapped second-hand books.

Each one is a mystery, chosen to delight, comfort, or challenge you — but never judged by its cover. Just a few clues, a genre hint, and a cheeky “if you liked this, try this” note to point you in the right direction.

Add a little wonder to your reading life — and maybe some guesswork too!

As a minimal-waste company committed to sustainability, we’re proud to offer a way to indulge in the joy of pre-loved stories while protecting the environment.

We know choosing your next read can be overwhelming — so many titles, so many voices. Where do you even start?

By unwrapping your next adventure.

With warmth,
O&S

Best sellers

…and by that, we mean the ones we like the most!

Where can you find Oak & Sycamore?

Currently, we are reaching out to local businesses to ask if the would allow us to place our Shy Books Baskets at their locations so local residents can experience the excitement of choosing your wrapped book in person!

Please get in touch via our form to discuss opportunities further.