Off The Beaten Tracks is an independent record shop on Aswell Street in Louth, established in 2004, offering a wide range of new and second-hand vinyl, CDs, and music-related items, with far more available in-store than online. The shop also buys record collections, sources rare releases on request, and takes part in Record Store Day UK, making it a well-established destination for music fans across Louth and the wider East Lindsey area.
Run by Mark and Lee, this family business has been part of Louth for over 20 years, growing into a proper destination for music lovers across Lincolnshire.
Walk in and you’re not dealing with a curated, minimalist “experience”. You’re dealing with shelves, racks, boxes, and real choice. New vinyl, second-hand finds, CDs, DVDs, cassettes, books, and all the bits that come with music culture.
The Off The Beaten Tracks website shows a fraction of it. The shop is where it actually lives.
If you’re looking for something specific, they’ll try to find it. If you’ve got a collection, they’ll probably buy it, not pick through it for scraps. That alone sets them apart from most places trying to do the same thing.
They’re also part of Record Store Day UK, which tells you everything you need to know about where they sit in the wider music scene.
What You’ll Find In Store
- New and second-hand vinyl across all genres
- CDs, DVDs, and cassettes
- Music books and printed artwork
- Boxes of 7″ singles to dig through
- Greetings cards, badges, tote bags
- Gift vouchers available in-store and online
- Access to a much larger catalogue via their Discogs store
- Help sourcing rare or specific releases
More Than Just a Shop
There’s a reason people keep coming back here. It isn’t just stock, it’s knowledge and effort.
Regular customers talk about rare records being tracked down, not just suggested alternatives. Others mention the sheer range, from current releases to older finds that you won’t stumble across online unless you already know what you’re looking for.
It’s the difference between browsing and discovering.
Buying and Selling
If you’re building a collection, this is an obvious stop. But it works both ways.
They actively buy quality record and CD collections and pay properly for them. That matters, because a lot of places either undervalue collections or don’t want the hassle.
If you’re local to Louth, they also offer a simple option for local pickup or delivery, which makes buying easier without relying on third-party platforms.
A Long-Standing Part of Louth
Off The Beaten Tracks has been on Aswell Street through multiple premises and years of change, which says a lot on its own. Independent shops don’t last that long by accident.
They’re part of a wider independent scene in Louth and the surrounding East Lindsey area, where local businesses still matter and people still make the effort to support them.
Questions about Off The Beaten Tracks in Louth
What can I buy at Off The Beaten Tracks?
You’ll find a mix of new and second-hand vinyl, CDs, DVDs, cassettes, books, and music-related items like prints and accessories. The range is much larger in-store than what’s shown online.
Do they buy record collections?
Yes, they buy quality record and CD collections and are known for offering fair prices. It’s worth getting in touch if you have something to sell rather than assuming it has no value.
Can they help me find a specific record?
They can. If you’re looking for something rare or hard to find, they will try to source it for you. That personal approach is a big part of what keeps customers coming back.
Do they sell online as well?
Yes, they have a Discogs store with a wider catalogue, but the physical shop still holds far more stock. Visiting in person gives you access to everything.
Do they take part in Record Store Day?
They are an official Record Store Day UK participant. These events are a big part of the independent record shop scene and usually bring exclusive releases and in-store activity.