If you’re searching for where to buy stamps, you’re usually trying to solve one of two problems: you need a stamp quickly, or you want to stock up without buying the wrong type. This UK guide covers where to buy stamps, typical 1st and 2nd Class prices for standard letters, and what to do if you’ve found older stamps at home.

Let’s explore what to check before you stick anything on an envelope.

Where Can I Buy Stamps?

In the UK, stamps are widely available. Your quickest options depend on whether you need them today or you’re happy to order ahead.

• Post Office branches (including Post Offices inside other shops)
• Royal Mail online shop (handy for books/sheets delivered to your door)
• Supermarkets, convenience stores and newsagents (stock varies by location)
• High-street stationery retailers (availability varies)

If you need stamps right now, the most reliable choice is usually a Post Office counter, because staff can also help you confirm whether your item counts as a Letter or a Large Letter (a very common reason postage gets underpaid).

Here’s what you can do next: if you post even occasionally, keep a small supply at home (a book of 2nd Class is often enough for routine post).

How Much Are Stamps?

When people ask “how much are stamps?”, they usually mean the price for a standard letter. In the UK, the cost depends on whether you choose 1st Class or 2nd Class, and whether your item still fits the Letter category.

A quick heads-up: thick greetings cards, padded envelopes, and folded A4 documents often fall into Large Letter pricing, even if they “feel like a normal letter”.

Table 1: Typical UK stamp prices (standard letters)

If you’re unsure which category you’re posting, it’s worth checking size and thickness before you buy a stack of stamps.

How Much Are First Class Stamps?

A First Class stamp for a standard letter is typically £1.70.

First Class often makes sense when timing matters (for example, important paperwork or last-minute cards). If you need extra peace of mind for something important, you might also consider a tracked or signed-for option instead of relying on a basic stamped service.

A practical tip: if you send time-sensitive items more than once in a while, buying a small book of 1st Class stamps reduces the “panic dash” to find stamps when you’re already in a hurry.

How Much Is a Book of 2nd Class Stamps?

A common purchase is a book of 8 x 2nd Class stamps, typically £6.96 (based on 87p each).

Buying a book is often the most convenient option for routine posting because you’re not repeatedly searching for single stamps. It’s particularly useful if you send return forms, occasional letters, or greeting cards throughout the year.

How Much Are 2nd Class Stamps?

A 2nd Class stamp for a standard letter is typically 87p.

2nd Class is a good default for everyday post where you don’t need faster delivery. If the timing is important (or you’re close to a deadline), moving up to 1st Class can be the safer choice.

Can You Still Use Old Stamps?

This is where many UK households get caught out. The key difference isn’t “old vs new” — it’s barcoded vs non-barcoded (and what type of stamp it is).

For everyday definitive stamps (the common 1st/2nd Class stamps many people kept in a drawer), non-barcoded versions are no longer valid for postage. The good news is that eligible non-barcoded stamps can usually be exchanged through Royal Mail’s Swap Out process.

Some special/commemorative and Christmas stamps can follow different rules, which is why checking the stamp type matters.

Table 2: Quick old-stamp check (simple guide)

If you’re unsure, treat non-barcoded everyday stamps as swap-out stamps and avoid using them on important post.

Can You Still Use Stamps With the Queen’s Head On?

Yes — you can still use stamps with the Queen’s head if they’re barcoded, or if they’re a stamp type that remains valid under the “special/Christmas” rules.

In practice, many Queen’s head stamps found at home are older everyday definitives without a barcode. If there’s no barcode, assume you’ll need to swap them out rather than use them.

A quick way to tell: if you see a barcode on the stamp, you’re generally good to go for everyday use.

How Much Are 1st Class Stamps?

For standard letters, 1st Class is typically £1.70 per stamp.

If you post regularly, books and sheets can feel easier to manage (and reduce last-minute runs to buy singles). For example, a book of 4 is often a sensible “just in case” option for a household, while small businesses often prefer larger quantities for admin mail.

Before you post, it helps to run a quick check so you don’t get hit with insufficient postage or delays. Here’s a simple routine you can use:

• Confirm whether it’s a Letter or Large Letter (size and thickness matter)
• Make sure you’re using a barcoded everyday stamp (for 1st/2nd Class definitives)
• If it’s time-sensitive, choose 1st Class or a tracked option
• Keep proof of posting when the item matters

Here’s what you can do next: save this page (or note down the checklist) so you can do a 60-second “postage sanity check” every time.

Final Summary

If you’re trying to figure out where to buy stamps in the UK, start with the Post Office for reliability, or buy online if you want books delivered and you prefer planning ahead. Typical standard-letter prices are £1.70 for 1st Class and 87p for 2nd Class, with a common book of 8 x 2nd Class costing around £6.96. And if you’ve found older stamps at home—especially Queen’s head designs—check for a barcode first, because non-barcoded everyday stamps generally need to be swapped.