England
Alnwick
The Accidental Bookshop
4 Narrowgate, Alnwick
When book lovers hear Alnwick, their minds almost automatically jump to Barter Books, the phenomenal second-hand bookshop housed in a former railway station at the entrance to town. With its cosy café and seemingly endless shelves, it’s a true bibliophile’s dream. One day, I may even add second-hand bookshops to this website; I simply can’t resist wandering through places like this and browsing at leisure.
If you continue into the historic centre of Alnwick, you’ll eventually come across the independent Accidental Bookshop, which focuses on new titles. The shop is beautifully designed, with striking features such as an elegant chandelier and what is said to be England’s tallest bookcase, both of which sit perfectly alongside the exposed wooden beams.
At the heart of the shop is a large table showcasing crime fiction and new releases, flanked by shelves of other genres. While the overall selection is fairly modest, the atmosphere makes it a genuinely pleasant place to browse and a real asset to the town.
Book i bought:
Rob Parker: The Troubled Deep
Bath
Mr. B’s Emporium
14-15 John Street, Bath
This bookshop is a joy to discover. Wherever you wander, wherever your eyes land, there is always something new and surprising to catch your attention. It feels almost like a book museum, yet housed within the charm of a residential building.
Upstairs is wonderfully cosy — the legendary bathtub alone is worth the visit. A small, beautifully furnished room invites you to linger, while the shelves are filled with thoughtful staff recommendations that make browsing even more engaging.
Children and young readers have their own dedicated section, complete with a separate entrance, though still connected to the main shop. The interior design is as playful and diverse as the selection itself: graffiti painted next to the graphic novels, for example, is a brilliant touch.
One of the most delightful details is found at the checkout: every pen ever used by an author during an in-store event hangs from the ceiling, creating a quirky and memorable installation.
The staff are another highlight — warm, attentive, and full of the kind of friendliness you’d expect in England. It suits this enchanting city perfectly.
As for the shop’s beginnings: the founders, once lawyers, came up with the idea of opening a bookshop while on their honeymoon. They could hardly have chosen a more beautiful wedding gift to themselves — or to the city.
Book i bought:
Melissa Harrison: All Among The Barley
Persephone Books
8 Edgar Buildings, Bath
Persephone Books is not just a shop, but the beating heart of a publishing house devoted to rediscovering female authors whose voices, in their view, have been unfairly overlooked. Since 2021, it has opened its doors as a sanctuary for stories that might otherwise have remained hidden.
The interior is an absolute dream: light, elegant, and Scandinavian/British in its simplicity, yet infused with the centuries-old soul of the building. History and modernity embrace here, creating a space that feels both timeless and utterly inviting. Few bookshops I have visited have managed to combine such charm and cosiness with such impeccable taste.
The shelves are lined mostly with their own editions, alongside fifty carefully chosen titles they wish they could have published themselves.
What makes Persephone so striking is its design: almost all the books wear the same elegant powder-grey jacket, giving the shop a serene harmony. Each volume, however, hides a secret, exquisite endpapers and flyleaves chosen to reflect the story within. Even the bookmarks, slipped inside with each purchase, are designed to match. Grey, they say on their website, is a colour they love and here it feels anything but dull. Upstairs, where once a hairdresser plied their trade, is now the Persephone Parlour. This delightful room hosts lunches, intimate concerts, and book groups.
Persephone is not just a bookshop. It is a love letter to forgotten women’s voices, wrapped in grey linen, set within one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Book i bought:
Hilda Bernstein: The World That Was Ours
Topping & Company
York Street, Bath
This extraordinary bookshop, nestled in the historic heart of Bath, feels like stepping into a museum. From the outside, it exudes timeless grandeur, and inside… well, it’s hard not to think of it as a museum too – a living museum of literature. The atmosphere is a masterful blend of old and new, modern and cosy, stylish and inviting. Quite simply: it is breathtaking.
On the ground floor, you’ll find an impressive selection of fiction, including a dazzling array of first and rare editions. A glass showcase holds especially prized treasures – I spotted a first edition of Han Kang priced at £500. It’s the kind of place where browsing feels like uncovering secrets.
The gallery above is a delight, with elegant space devoted to art books and other carefully curated themes. And then there’s the basement, though calling it a basement hardly does it justice. With its soaring ceilings and alcoves dedicated to children’s books, history, and more, it feels expansive, bright, and full of character.
Adding to the magic is their inspired “Coffee with a Bookseller” service: an in-depth book consultation over coffee, a concept as appealing as it is unique.
The selection is as thrilling as the setting itself, which radiates harmony and beauty in every corner.
This is not just a bookshop – it’s an experience on another level. A place where literature, history, and design come together in perfect unity.
Book i bought:
Barney Norris: The Vanishing Hours
Bempton
RSPB
Cliff Lane, Bempton, England
Bempton may not be one of England’s best-known destinations, but this small community south of Scarborough is well worth the journey. It is home to one of the RSPB’s most impressive nature reserves, set along a stretch of coastline that feels nothing short of magical.
Here, visitors are immersed in birdlife. The dramatic cliffs are breathtaking, the views unforgettable, and even a sea tunnel adds a touch of surprise to the landscape. Knowledgeable RSPB staff are always on hand to answer questions and share their enthusiasm. One particularly friendly team member offered tips for future hikes, explained the bird breeding grounds, and even pointed out a seal swimming below the cliffs.
If you take the time to look closely, there is always more to discover. After a few hours battling the cold, biting wind, I was grateful for the visitor centre, where a warm coffee was waiting. The centre also has a shop filled with bird-themed items. I couldn’t resist browsing the bookshelf and quickly decided that the RSPB qualifies as a bookstore in its own right. After all, the selection of bird books, in every imaginable variation, is truly impressive.
Book i bought:
Chris Packham: Fingers in the Sparkle Jar
Brighton
The Feminist Bookshop (closed)
48 Upper N St, Brighton
A small and beautifully designed bookshop near the centre of Brighton, it immediately charmed me with its cosy atmosphere. The size felt just right, and the interior, with its tall wall of books, reminded me of a welcoming living room. At the back, a little coffee and tea corner added to the homely feel.
I have a soft spot for shops with a clear concept. Here, the selection of titles reflected the theme suggested by the shop’s name. It wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, though. Personally, if I were to run a bookshop, I wouldn’t create separate shelves for queer or feminist topics. For me, equality means inclusion, weaving all perspectives naturally into the whole.
When I looked at the website on 24 August 2025, I discovered that the shop has now closed permanently. Although its particular concept didn’t fully resonate with me, I still feel genuinely sorry that such a thoughtfully designed and welcoming bookshop could not continue.
Book i bought:
Mikaela Loach: It's not that radical
Waterstones
71-74 North St, Brighton
The Brighton branch of Waterstones sits right beside the city’s famous Clock Tower, a landmark in itself. Inside, five spacious floors offer something to suit every taste, making it a true haven for readers. And if books aren’t what you’re after, the inviting Café W on the third floor is the perfect place to pause and soak up the atmosphere.
Each level has its own focus:
- Ground floor: bestsellers, greeting cards, and stationery.
- First floor: on-trend topics such as graphic novels.
- Second floor: all things family, from children’s books to cookery, gardening, and health.
- Third floor: travel, art, and fashion.
- Fourth floor: politics, history, and related subjects.
What I particularly enjoy about this branch is not just the range of new titles, but also the variety of older ones that are still on the shelves. While not every Waterstones shop impresses me, the Brighton store truly does – it feels complete, generous, and full of life.
It is, however, a little bittersweet to think that such a beloved chain has now been sold to a US investment group.
Book i bought:
Patricia Highsmith: The Sweet Sickness
Exeter
Bookbag
7-10 McCoy Arcard, Exeter
The McCoy Arcade in Exeter sits between the city centre and the River Exe, bringing together a delightful mix of shops. Among its treasures are a vegan café, vintage boutiques, and the welcoming Bookbag bookshop.
The arcade itself combines cosiness with an industrial edge, and the bookshop’s interior blends seamlessly into this atmosphere. Though small in size, the shop makes clever use of every corner without ever feeling cramped. It’s a space that feels both intimate and inviting.
Bookbag was founded in 2020 by Charlie, a former marketing manager, and Malcolm Richards, a teacher and university researcher. Together, they’ve created a bookshop that celebrates diversity and discovery. The shelves hold a carefully chosen selection ranging from fiction and non-fiction to works by local authors and independent publishers.
The shop is lively, with customers coming and going, clearly enjoying the inspiration and recommendations of the booksellers. Events hosted in the McCoy Arcade add to the sense of community and creativity.
It may be a very small bookshop, but it is highly recommendable and utterly likeable, a little gem in the heart of Exeter.
Book i bought:
Clare Pollard: Delphi
Waterstones
252 High Street, Exeter
I’m always delighted when I step into a Waterstones branch in any English town. There’s always so much to enjoy: a wonderful variety of books, a welcoming café, friendly staff and excellent recommendations.
The Exeter branch is no exception. Perfectly located in the heart of the city, it spans three floors. On the ground floor you’ll find new releases, children’s books, gifts, and stationery. The first floor houses Café W alongside New Adult and Science Fiction, while the top floor is dedicated to non-book items.
When I visited, just before Christmas, the shop was bustling with activity. It was almost impossible to linger at the shelves, and taking a closer look at the selection proved tricky. Perhaps the sheer busyness of the season coloured my impression, but even in the crowd, the warmth and energy of the shop were unmistakable.
Book i bought:
Italo Calvino: If on a Winter's Night A Traveller
The Works
191 High Street, Exeter
The Works shops feel more like discount retailers than true bookshops, offering everything from games and puzzles to stationery at low prices. On the one hand, this makes reading affordable for every budget. On the other, chains like this inevitably put pressure on independent bookshops.
The Works is not a place to be judged by its décor. The bright yellow-and-blue logo already sets the tone, and inside the impression doesn’t improve much: the shop feels crowded and somewhat uninviting.
I started my visit upstairs, where I picked up a set of cubes for a pound. Then I went in search of book recommendations – only to find none. Whenever customers asked for a specific title, the answer seemed to be the same: “We don’t have it.” At that point, I thought: perhaps it isn’t such a competitor to independent shops after all.
On the ground floor, however, I did come across stacks of “Top Titles.” From these piles I chose one book for myself. I didn’t bother asking for a recommendation – I already knew the answer would have been the usual: “We don’t have it.”
Book i bought:
Jeremy Clarkson: Diddly Squat - Pigs might fly
Falmouth
Beerwolf Books
3 Bells Court, Falmouth
The name Beerwolf is likely a play on words, combining beer with Beowulf, the Old English epic. The bookshop is tucked inside a pub, occupying a corner of the first floor. It’s a charming concept, but I found the book selection somewhat puzzling.
On the one hand, it offers second-hand books, including a fair amount of non-fiction; on the other, it carries remaindered titles. This mix may explain why the range feels a little unfocused. For me, that lack of curation takes away some of the shop’s character, which is a shame.
The atmosphere leans more toward bar than bookshop. The lighting is rather dark, without much warmth, so it misses a sense of cosiness. The entrance, with its inviting appearance, raised my expectations higher than the interior delivered. At times it felt less like a bookshop than a private library, though perhaps that was the owner’s intention.
That said, I still love the overall idea of combining a bar with a bookshop. With a more thoughtfully curated selection and a touch of warmer lighting in the book corner, Beerwolf could truly become a gem.
Book i bought:
Kjersti A. Skomsvold:: The Child
Falmouth Bookseller
21 Church Street, Falmouth
This bookshop is on lively Church Street, which runs parallel to the harbour. During my trip to Cornwall, I visited three of these Bookseller shops, and I have to say, the one in Falmouth was the least exciting for me.
The shop itself felt quite cramped and crowded, which made browsing a bit difficult. There’s now a café directly above the shop, which I’ve only seen in photos so far, but it looks really cosy. Hopefully, that vibe will inspire the bookshop below to head in a similar direction.
They also offer a shared office space with eight desks, each named after a favourite author. You can rent them by the day, week, or month, which is a really nice idea. If the shop leaned a little more into that inviting café/workspace atmosphere, it would be close to perfect.
Still, it did have its own charm. The staff were in an incredibly chatty (and very likeable) mood, which added a friendly touch to the visit.
Book i bought:
Becky Manawatu: Auē
Frome
Sherlock & Pages
2 Catherine Hill, Frome
I’d read somewhere that Frome was a little “book town.” I’m not sure I would have described it that way myself, but that description was enough to spark my curiosity and inspire a visit. Without it, I probably would never have stumbled upon the delightful Sherlock & Pages bookshop.
The shop is quite new, opened in 2023 by Luke and Agathe. The couple first discovered Frome while walking a pilgrimage from Bath to Glastonbury, and they instantly felt at home in the town. It’s easy to see why, Frome is wonderfully charming and has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Sherlock & Pages is tucked at the start of Catherine Hill, a lovely little shopping street that suits the bookshop perfectly. Inside, the focus is on titles about nature, history, and heritage, which makes sense since both Luke and Agathe are deeply involved in environmental protection. The shop may be small, but it’s beautifully decorated, and the carefully chosen books match the space perfectly.
One of my favourite touches was receiving a stamp of the shop’s seal in the novel I bought, a small detail, but it made the purchase feel special. Sadly, Mona, the bookshop’s “Chief Executive” (and resident dog), wasn’t there during my visit. Hopefully next time!
Book i bought:
J.L. Carr: A Month in the Country
Winstone’s Hunting Raven Books
10 Cheap Street, Frome
This charming bookshop is nestled right in the heart of Frome, along the medieval Cheap Street. A narrow leat runs down the middle of the lane, giving the street a unique character and a touch of old-world charm.
The front of the shop is mostly dedicated to fiction, with a cosy corner just for children. A narrow passageway leads to the back, where the non-fiction section is tucked away. The selection may not be extraordinary, but it is pleasantly varied and thoughtfully arranged.
Children’s books take up a large portion of the shop, and while I was there, a school class came in and gathered around the big table near the entrance. They looked like first-graders, completely at ease among the shelves. Watching them, I couldn’t help but think how wonderful it would have been to visit bookshops like this with my class back in kindergarten or primary school.
Overall, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and full of life, a bookshop that clearly belongs to its community.
Book i bought:
Samantha Harvey: Orbital
Grassington
The Stripey Badger
7 The Square, Grassington
This bookshop occupies a prime spot in the heart of Grassington, a popular tourist village in the Yorkshire Dales. Its striped awnings catch the eye immediately as you cross the wide, bustling square.
The building is divided into two welcoming halves: one side houses a cosy café serving homemade cakes and other delights, while the other side opens into the bookshop itself. Unsurprisingly, given Grassington’s steady flow of visitors, the shop features a good selection of regional titles. Beyond that, however, I found the range rather unusual. For my taste, the emphasis on science fiction and fantasy felt oddly out of step with the historic character of the village.
At the back of the shop, a small staircase leads to a hidden room devoted to Channel 5’s All Creatures Great and Small, in which the bookshop itself appears. It struck me as curious that this connection, such a natural draw for visitors, was tucked away instead of celebrated more prominently at the front.
Book i bought:
C.S. Lewis: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
Harrogate
Imagined Things Bookshop
21 Montpellier Parade, Harrogate
I fell in love with the small town of Harrogate, just north of Leeds, from the very first moment. Sometimes you cannot explain why a place captures you so quickly, but as soon as I stepped out of the station, I felt instantly at ease, as though the town had been waiting for me.
It seems only natural, then, that Harrogate should also be home to a bookshop I adore. Set along a street graced with French-inspired bakeries and patisseries, the shop radiates the same quiet charm. Originally located at another location, it was founded by Georgia, who once worked as a radiographer.
With the help of volunteers and a successful crowdfunding campaign, the shop was able to be set up, and it was worth every effort. How often does one step into such a lovely shop and find, right at eye level on the very first shelf, a book by Alan McGee? This, I learned, is thanks to Emma, the bookseller who curates the music section with a keen and loving eye.
The shop itself is tastefully decorated, small enough to feel intimate yet never cramped. The selection struck me as wonderfully different: not the usual parade of bestsellers and heavily promoted titles, but a collection chosen with genuine care. You feel the love behind it on every shelf. And to complete the experience, the staff are as warm and welcoming as the books themselves.
Book i bought:
Benjamin Myers: Rare Singles
Knaresborough
Castlegate Books
Unit 3, 13 Market Place, Knaresborough
The small town of Knaresborough, nestled between Harrogate and York, draws countless visitors, its greatest attraction the striking railway viaduct that arches gracefully across the River Nidd. The village itself, with its quaint station and winding streets, radiates an almost storybook charm.
At the heart of the town sits a bookshop whose exterior looks sweet enough to eat: like a piece of nougat or a soft marshmallow. Stepping inside, however, the enchantment fades a little. The décor lacks warmth, and the way the books are displayed feels somewhat awkward. Still, I appreciated the thoughtful touch of placing regional titles right at the entrance, an inviting nod to the town’s own history and landscape.
A narrow staircase leads up to the main shop, where the layout proves curious, even puzzling. Subjects such as war occupy prime space, while fiction, the true heartbeat of any bookshop, is tucked away, half-blocked by a crowded table of novels and crime stories.
The bookseller clearly knows her local customers well, but to a passing visitor like myself, she seemed less than welcoming. Perhaps it is understandable; tourists arrive in droves, and not every encounter is likely to be pleasant.
In the end, both the selection and the atmosphere left me with the impression of something rather average, a missed opportunity, perhaps, in a village so rich in beauty and potential.
Book i bought:
A.A. Milne: The Red House Mystery
Leeds
Hold Fast Bookshop
Leeds Dock, Leeds
In recent years, several cities have embraced the idea of bookshops on boats, and each one I’ve visited has had its own distinct character. Leeds is no exception. From Thursday to Sunday, the Marjorie R (built in 1946) opens its doors to readers, offering books of every genre afloat on the water.
The interior is beautifully arranged and, contrary to what one might expect, remarkably bright and welcoming. Shelves line both the centre and the sides, while the stern provides a cosy place to sit (though the staircase is off-limits).
The fiction section is lovingly curated, with something to tempt every kind of reader, while children’s and young adult titles are also well represented. Alongside books, the shop sells cards — and even plants, an unexpected and delightful touch.
For me, this little boat is a friendly, sunlit corner in Leeds, a city I don’t always find especially charming. The atmosphere here is wonderful, thanks in no small part to the bookseller: passionate, knowledgeable, and warmly engaging, the perfect guide to every book on board.
Book i bought:
Vincenzo Latronico: Perfection
Liverpool
Waterstones
12 College Lane, Liverpool
I will probably never truly understand Liverpool, nor grow to love it. The city resists me somehow. It is full of life and undeniably rich in history, yet it never quite opens its arms. Even in daylight, I find myself glancing over my shoulder, uneasy in a way I cannot shake. It feels like a shame, for the city of the Beatles ought to dazzle, to shine as a cultural beacon.
And yet, since 26 September 2025, Liverpool has also become, in my mind, the city of Michael Palin. On Sunday, 21 September, I stumbled across a poster in Waterstones, announcing that Palin himself would soon appear there to sign his latest book, In Venezuela.
To see him in person felt like a dream brushing against reality. Here was a man I had long admired, an actor, a writer, a wanderer of the world, perhaps the finest since Chaplin. The event was beautifully organised, but organisation paled beside the moment he entered the shop. It was then, as he stepped into the room, that the weight of it struck me, and I felt deeply moved.
That Waterstones will forever hold a different place in my heart. Spread across two floors, it has a certain grace: a welcoming café tucked above, shelves curated with a thoughtful eye for the city’s character, its sport, its music, its pulse. The children’s section upstairs is particularly charming, tinged with a maturity that seems to respect rather than patronise its young readers.
As with every Waterstones, the fiction is strong and varied, favouring timeless classics over fleeting bestsellers, a balance that lends depth and permanence. Between the books, small delights appear: elegant puzzles, carefully chosen gifts, and, of course, a shelf devoted to the Beatles, a reminder of the city’s enduring legacy, standing quietly on the ground floor.
Book i bought:
Michael Palin In Venezuela
London
Alice Through the Looking Glass
14 Cecil Court, London
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, a story I confess I still don’t fully understand. Can anyone truly explain its meaning? Perhaps not, and perhaps that’s the point. I laughed the last time I read it, though, and maybe that’s reason enough. So imagine my delight to discover that there is now a whole bookshop devoted entirely to Alice herself. A shop that feels as deliciously nonsensical as the book that inspired it.
You’ll find it tucked away in a side street off Charing Cross Road, where several second-hand bookshops sit close together. It is certainly touristy, but in this case that works to the shop’s advantage, tourism helps keep this unusual little place alive.
Inside, the shelves hold more than just books: there are trinkets, treasures, and countless editions of Alice, each one like a different doorway into Wonderland. Among them are beautiful second-hand volumes. One shelf even dares to venture beyond Alice, offering other stories for curious minds.
The name of the shop itself is borrowed from the sequel, Through the Looking-Glass, which feels fitting, because stepping inside is very much like crossing into another world. Every detail of the interior has been carefully considered, down to the smallest flourish. It’s as if the Mad Hatter himself had a hand in the decorating, though with a little more order and a lot more charm.
Book i bought:
Lewis Carroll: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (illustrated by Salvador Dalí)
Daunt Books
83/84 Marleybone High Street, London
It’s no surprise that this bookshop appears again and again on lists of the most beautiful in the world, it truly is breathtaking. Opened in 1912, the Edwardian building carries with it the elegance of another era, reminding me more of a grand old library than a modern shop.
The ground floor is divided into three inviting sections: the front with its mix of fiction and non-fiction, a charming children’s corner tucked into the back left, and the glorious rear right section devoted to the countries of the world. Here, the travel shelves are so enticing that, had I not already been on a journey, I might have been tempted to pack my bags on the spot.
From the gallery above, you get the best view of the shop’s beauty, large windows flooding the interior with light, highlighting its graceful design.
And then, in that same rear right corner, a staircase leads you down to the basement dedicated to Asia, Africa, and Australia. The space is so beautifully arranged that the basement alone surpasses many entire bookshops I’ve visited.
Book i bought:
Gerard Reve: The Evenings
Daunt Books Notting Hill
21 Kensington Park Road, London
This lovely Daunt Books branch is just around the corner from the famous Notting Hill Bookshop.
The building once housed the London office of the literary agency Lutyens & Rubinstein, which also ran a small shop selling books they passionately believed in. As the agency grew, they chose to focus on that side of the business, and in Daunt Books they’ve found a worthy successor.
Of course, the book trade itself has changed a great deal. The difference is striking when you see the crowds gathered outside the better-known shop nearby, most of them there not for the literature, but for the film connection.
By contrast, this Daunt branch feels calm, modern, and thoughtfully designed. It has two floors and a small gallery that adds charm and character to the ground level. The selection isn’t huge—partly due to the limited space and the shop’s airy design—but it’s carefully chosen and presented with taste. I thoroughly enjoyed browsing here.
Book i bought:
G.K. Chasterton: The Napoleon of Notting Hill
Foyles
107 Charing Cross Road, London
When I first stepped into Foyles, I wasn’t immediately taken in. The entrance felt almost too ordinary for a bookshop of its reputation. But as I wandered from floor to floor, my enthusiasm grew with every step. By the time I had seen it all, I understood why this place is legendary.
Founded in 1903, Foyles isn’t just another bookshop, it once earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in the world by shelf length. Imagine it: 48 kilometers of books under one roof. It’s staggering, and yet somehow it never feels overwhelming, only exhilarating.
The lower floor is home to the expected bestsellers and new releases, along with a tempting stationery section. But the real magic begins upstairs. The first floor, with its vast sea of fiction, feels almost endless. Then there’s the floor devoted to foreign languages, which I absolutely loved.. Where else can you find Welsh grammar books alongside novels in dozens of world languages? It’s a place where you can truly feel literature stretching far beyond borders.
One of the most unexpectedly delightful spaces was the music section. Surrounded by shelves of biographies (e.g. The Smiths) and scores, I found myself drifting slowly through, soothed by classical music playing in the background. It turned browsing into something almost meditative.
And when I finally reached the restaurant on the top floor, buzzing with conversation and the clatter of plates, it struck me how alive this bookshop is, not just a place to buy books, but a cultural landmark, a meeting ground.
Foyles left me in awe. Deservedly celebrated, even in Steven Wilson’s Limited Edition of One.
Book i bought:
André Rostant: The Muffin Man
Hatchards
187 Piccadilly, London
Founded in 1797, Hatchards is London’s oldest bookshop, a true institution of the city’s literary life. Its founder was also a publisher, and that legacy continues today with the elegant Hatchards Library editions, produced with great style and care.
Just a few doors down, towards Piccadilly Circus, stands a large Waterstones. And yet, next to the breathtaking Hatchards, it feels almost unremarkable. The irony, of course, is that Hatchards itself now belongs to Waterstones, but in character and atmosphere, it remains utterly unique.
The shop is nothing short of a dream. Five floors overflowing with books, their shelves perfectly fitted to the historic building. Dark wooden furniture blends with rich green accents, and even the staircases are covered with handsome, uniform carpets. It’s proof, at least for me, that dark interiors can be every bit as inviting as light ones.
Where to begin? The selection is extraordinary. On the ground floor, you’ll find an array of new titles, many of them signed editions (you might even stumble across signed copies in the art section). Over the centuries, Hatchards has drawn countless literary figures, Oscar Wilde himself counted it among his favourites, and walking through its rooms, you can feel that heritage in the air.
The bookshop also hosts a vibrant programme of events, advertised right at the entrance. But the best way to experience Hatchards is simply to lose yourself floor by floor, shelf by shelf. Bring time, bring curiosity, and let the history of London’s most storied bookshop carry you along.
Book i bought:
Sebastian Faulks: The Seventh Son
Hatchards
St. Pancras International, London
As someone who often travels by train, I have a particular fondness for train stations that are not only well maintained but also beautiful. If there is a good bookstore as well, all the better.
Hatchards has a branch at London St. Pancras International, and true to the spirit of the parent company it is impeccably kept and elegantly styled. The shop itself is narrow and elongated, but the interior has been designed with great ingenuity. The atmosphere is bright, classic, and decidedly stylish.
The book selection is naturally tailored to travellers. Near the entrance, a display features travel literature on Paris and London, the two cities connected by the Eurostar from this station. The store also offers souvenirs and a wide range of items for children to help pass the time on a long journey. Toward the back, you’ll find crime novels and general fiction.
While the limited space means the selection is not extensive, it is impressively varied. Timeless classics are attractively presented on central tables.
I particularly enjoyed this store because it stands out from most train-station bookstores, offering a sense of care, elegance, and character that is all too rare in such settings..
Book i bought:
Christopher Isherwood: Goodbye to Berlin
Heywood Hill
10 Cruzon Street, London
This delightful bookshop, founded in 1936, is housed in a Georgian building not far from Hyde Park and Green Park. Its history is as charming as its setting, Nancy Mitford herself worked here during the Second World War, and over the years the shop has attracted a distinguished clientele.
Step inside, and the elegance of the interior is immediately striking. The shelves are beautifully crafted and perfectly in tune with the space; the layout is uncluttered, airy, and bathed in soft light. It feels refined yet welcoming, a place where books can truly breathe. The staff, warm and attentive, add another layer of ease to the experience.
If I had one wish, it would be for a slightly larger fiction section. But the emphasis on non-fiction clearly reflects the interests of its readers. The rear of the shop is particularly impressive, with rare books displayed in striking red cases, alongside the office tucked neatly into the same space.
It is, in every way, a beautiful bookshop, elegant, serene, and imbued with a timeless charm that makes it well worth a visit.
Book i bought:
Kylie Lee Baker: Bat Eater
I couldn’t resist liberating the shop from this terrible book.
Highgate Bookshop
9 Highgate High Street, London
The Highgate Bookshop sits at the far end of Waterlow Park, not far from the cemetery where Karl Marx is buried.
It feels very much like a neighbourhood bookshop. When I visited, mothers with their children were happily settled in the children’s corner, while the rest of the shop offered a balanced mix of fiction and non-fiction, a little of everything, though nothing particularly unusual. The interior is simple and unpretentious, but that seems to suit its role as a trusted local shop. I can easily imagine how much it means to the community.
Since 2024, the bookshop has been under new ownership, continuing its long tradition as a familiar stop for Highgate’s readers.
Book i bought:
George Harrison: Season
John Sandoe
10 Blacklands Terrace, London
This absolute gem of a bookshop has been delighting readers since 1957. Just a short walk from the Saatchi Gallery and Sloane Square tube station, it radiates charm before you even step inside, and once you do, it only gets better.
Spread over two cosy floors, the shop is packed with character. The wooden floorboards are worn smooth from decades of footsteps and creak reassuringly with every step. The staff are wonderfully passionate, always eager to help you uncover your next exciting read.
For its size, the selection is nothing short of phenomenal. Ingeniously arranged shelves, some stacked one behind the other, create endless opportunities for discovery. Browsing here feels less like shopping and more like a joyful treasure hunt.
The shop takes its name from its founder, John Sandoe, who passed away in 2007. In his day, his fiercest rival was Heywood Hill, another legendary London bookshop. By chance, I visited both on the same day, starting with Heywood Hill. When I mentioned there that I was exploring London’s most exciting bookshops, the bookseller didn’t hesitate: “You must visit John Sandoe next.”
And she was right.
Book i bought:
Michael Chabon: Moonglow
London Review Bookshop
14 Bury Place, London
The London Review Bookshop sits in Bloomsbury, just around the corner from the British Museum. From the outside, it has a quintessentially British charm, I especially love its elegant façade. Inside, the shop is pleasant enough, though for me it lacked that elusive spark that makes London’s very best bookshops so unforgettable. I can’t quite put my finger on what was missing, only that I missed it.
The selection, however, is strong, with shelves stretching down into a basement filled with even more titles, including a good number of sale books. While browsing, I couldn’t help but smile when I noticed that one of the booksellers is named John Clegg, it instantly reminded me of South Africa’s great musician Johnny Clegg, which gave the visit an unexpectedly personal touch.
For many years, the shop was paired with its much-loved cake shop, a favourite haunt of visitors and locals alike. Sadly, after 17 years, the café has now closed.
Book i bought:
Frederick Sjöberg: The Fly Trap
Notting Hill Bookshop
13 Blenheim Crescent, London
When I began my further training in the book trade at the end of 2024, we were asked to choose a topic for our final thesis. I chose USP, and that gave me the perfect excuse to visit the famous little shop from the film.
The first impression is, admittedly, a little underwhelming. From the outside, the shop looks just like in the movie, though inside it feels rather ordinary. But then you notice the crowd, tourists gathered on the pavement, slipping through the narrow doorway, phones ready to capture the moment. Most don’t even head straight to the bookshelves. Instead, they gravitate toward the souvenirs: mugs, tote bags, keychains. Clever marketing indeed.
Inside, space is tight. You can hardly turn without bumping into someone, but the bookseller remains surprisingly calm and good-natured, quietly keeping the little shop afloat amidst the chatter and clicking cameras. The shelves hold a modest selection of titles, but it’s the postcards, simple, inexpensive, and charming, that I liked most.
It struck me as a little sad that the soul of the place has been swallowed by mass tourism. The magic of a bookshop, for me, lies in discovery and stillness, and here both are in short supply. Yet the shop has found its niche: decades after the film’s release, it still draws a young, eager crowd. In that sense, it has remained loyal to its roots. Opened in 1979 as a travel bookshop, its business still revolves around tourism today.
Book i bought:
John Williams: Stoner
Primrose Hill Books
134, Regent’s Park Road, London
As the name suggests, this bookshop is tucked right beside London’s beautiful Primrose Hill. Approaching from Chalk Farm Tube Station, you even cross the same bridge where I once happened to see the great musician Edward Ball, so for me, the walk there already carried a touch of nostalgia.
Primrose Hill Books has been around for more than 30 years, and I’m not sure the carpets have been replaced since. From the outside, the shop is wonderfully inviting; inside, it has a certain charm, though it feels a little worn around the edges. I couldn’t quite decide how to read the bookseller. She clearly knows many of her customers by name, which speaks of real community ties, yet she still came across as a little reserved. Even so, the shop feels like an important and beloved part of the neighbourhood.
The selection is surprisingly broad for such a small space, ranging from new to second-hand titles. I especially enjoyed browsing the signed editions, which gave the shop an added sense of character.
Book i bought:
Colum McCann: Twist
Word on Water
Regent’s Canal Towpath, London
This little gem on Regent’s Canal, just a short walk from King’s Cross Station, is truly something special. Approaching from the St. Pancras Basin side, you wander past a row of moored boats until, almost unexpectedly, the tiny bookshop appears before you. It’s absolutely delightful, so charming you can’t help but smile when you see it!
For a first impression, the website is worth a visit, as the photos capture the quirky, almost eerie charm of the place perfectly. But nothing compares to standing there in person, watching the shop nestled so naturally into the canal setting.
Inside, the selection is surprisingly rich for such a small space, especially considering how much room is reserved for seating and lingering. The interior didn’t captivate me quite as much as Eau et les Rêves in Paris, but from the outside, the shop is simply enchanting, you just have to pause and take it in.
And here’s something I feel strongly about: places like this deserve more than to be treated as a backdrop for photos. Tourists should support the shop by actually buying something, not just snapping a picture. The owners make it easy, too, because of the limited space, they offer to order books for you within 48 hours. That kind of commitment makes it all the more worth supporting.
Book i bought:
Henry James: The Turn of the Screw
WS Smith, Gatwick Airport
North Terminal, London Gatwick Airport
I usually prefer travelling by train, but every now and then time constraints make flying unavoidable. On this occasion, I was heading to Brighton for a Midge Ure concert.
I tend to arrive at the airport a little early, which gives me the chance to wander through the airport bookshop before boarding. This time it was a branch of WHSmith, nothing extraordinary, just the typical airport shop tucked into the waiting area.
Still, I always find myself enjoying those few minutes of browsing. The shelves hold the usual mix of fiction, children’s books, and business titles. It’s hardly remarkable, but it makes the time before a flight pass quickly. And honestly, I’m simply grateful that such shops exist at all.
Book i bought:
Alex Michaelides: The Silent Patient
The Bookshop by WS Smith
Terminal 2, London Heathrow Airport
A small airport bookshop with a surprisingly generous selection for such a tiny space. Beyond the predictable business titles, there was a refreshing mix of fiction and non-fiction recommendations, enough to tempt even a rushed traveller.
As for the staff? Hard to say. No one greeted me, and I ended up checking out on my own. Efficient, yes, but it felt a bit like buying a book from a very polite vending machine.
Book i bought:
Christopher Berry-Dee: Talking with Psychopaths and Savages
Manchester
Blackwell’s
146 Oxford Road, Manchester
This branch of Blackwell’s sits near the university in Manchester, in one of the city’s busiest quarters. Students spill out of cafés, crowd the pavements, and lend the whole area a lively, restless energy.
Blackwell’s itself has an illustrious history: the first shop opened in Oxford in 1846, and today the chain counts around 30 branches. Naturally, this Manchester store reflects its academic surroundings. The gallery level is dedicated to course-related material, complete with a Café Nero where students can sip coffee over their textbooks. In a playful nod to campus life, even lab coats are sold here, something I couldn’t help but find amusing.
The ground floor, by contrast, is stylish and vibrant, its colourful walls setting the tone for a broad and well-curated selection. Local interest is given pride of place, with plenty of titles devoted to Manchester. The city’s musical legacy is also unmistakable in the stock, making the range feel far more artistic than in many other cities. The only omission, in my opinion, was a Morrissey biography, a gap that deserves a good-natured “boo!”
Friendly and attentive staff round out the experience, making this a bookshop well worth lingering in.
Book i bought:
Tom Benn: Oxblood
Catalog
86 Princess Street, Manchester
The address at 86 Princess Street is home to a variety of things: co-working spaces, events, and a lively café on the first floor. Tucked into one corner you’ll also find Catalog, though calling it a bookshop would be an overstatement. It is little more than a single shelf and a counter, yet it holds worlds within it.
What makes this small space remarkable is its carefully chosen selection. Here you won’t find the predictable titles of mainstream bookshops. Instead, the focus is on Manchester itself, along with art and music, much of it in the form of self-published works. I find this especially valuable, as such voices are too often overlooked elsewhere.
The atmosphere of the building is unique, and Catalog fits perfectly into it. It is well worth stopping by: enjoy a drink, take in the creative energy of the place, and spend some time exploring this distinctive little corner of books.
Book i bought:
Kevin Boniface: Sports and Social
FOPP
19 Brown Street, Manchester
Yes, I miss the 1980s, the Saturdays I spent at my local record shop, Die Musikbox in Winterthur, or the holidays in London when I scoured the shelves to complete my Creation Records collection.
Stepping into FOPP in Manchester city centre felt like stepping back into that world. The shop has the same energy and atmosphere as the record stores of the past: the first floor is packed with vinyl and CDs, while the lower floor offers films and a corner devoted to books.
The selection of books is perfectly in tune with the shop’s spirit. Many titles focus on music and film, with Oasis featured prominently. For Morrissey or Marr, however, you have to wander into the music section. The novels, meanwhile, are largely classics, available as inexpensive paperbacks, making essential reading accessible to everyone.
FOPP is a gem in a city wrestling with cultural homogenisation and the creeping sense of a cultureless present. Here, at least, the spirit of individuality still thrives.
Book i bought:
Graham Greene: Brighton Rock
Forbidden Planet
65-67 Oldham Street, Manchester
Forbidden Planet is devoted to what we now call pop culture, with branches in many major cities.
Its customers reflect the scene: often male, sometimes girls with brightly coloured hair, and frequently visitors from Asia. It may sound like a cliché, but that was exactly what I encountered. Unlike many of them, I’m no expert in this world, and so I couldn’t “talk shop” with the staff the way others did.
The Manchester branch, spread across two floors, offers an impressively wide selection: comics, manga, film merchandise, fantasy themes, as well as rucksacks and bags adorned with beloved characters. I was especially taken with the Ghostbusters one.
On the ground floor, a corner by the window is set aside for books. Here, fantasy dominates, though you’ll also spot classics such as The Railway Children and Oliver Twist. Most striking of all was the extensive collection of Terry Pratchett’s works, available in both softcover and hardcover, a fitting tribute to one of the greats of the genre.
Book i bought:
Terry Pratchett: Night Watch
House of Books & Friends
81 King Street, Manchester
The charmingly named House of Books & Friends is more than just a bookshop, it’s a space designed to bring people together, in whatever way it can.
Open seven days a week, it also functions as a café, with tables scattered among the shelves and a bar-like counter at the back that doubles as a venue for events. The result is a lively, welcoming atmosphere that encourages visitors to linger.
During my visit, the clientele was largely female, which seems fitting for a non-profit shop whose carefully curated selection leans toward a younger, more feminine readership. The setting itself is wonderful, but for my taste, the range felt like its one shortcoming: a little too light, not quite mature enough.
Even so, House of Books & Friends is a delightful addition to Manchester’s book scene, a bright, inviting place to read, to meet, and to spend time.
Book i bought:
Willy Vlautin: The Horse
Margate
The Margate Bookshop
2 Market Place, Margate
Margate doesn’t exactly charm you at first glance along the seafront. With its fairground rides and busy amusements, it feels more like a seaside playground than the picture-postcard town you might expect in southern England.
But just a short walk away, the market square tells a very different story. Here you’ll find The Margate Bookshop, a truly delightful spot that invites you to linger, both inside and out. A rocking chair greets you at the entrance, and the shelves are arranged with such care that the space feels cosy rather than crowded.
The shop itself is small, so the selection isn’t vast, but it’s thoughtfully chosen. Alongside fiction you’ll find non-fiction, cookbooks, children’s titles, and even a few second-hand treasures. Upstairs, there’s a writer’s room, such a charming idea, giving the shop an extra creative spirit.
What inspired me most was how consistent the whole concept feels. Every little detail has been thought through, even the website glows in the same lovely shade of turquoise. It’s absolutely wonderful, and a perfect example of how a bookshop can be as much about atmosphere and soul as it is about the books themselves.
Book i bought:
Joe Tucker: The Secret Painter
Newcastle upon Tyne
Waterstones
Emerson Chambers, Blackett St, Newcastle upon Tyne
It’s always worth stepping into a Waterstones shop. No two branches are ever quite the same, even though they share a familiar spirit.
The store in Newcastle upon Tyne is particularly striking, and, in a way, feels almost out of place. I have to admit I never felt entirely at ease in the city itself, which strikes me as a curious and sometimes jarring mix of old and new. The Waterstones branch, however, offers a welcome escape from that atmosphere.
From the moment you pass through the beautiful entrance doors, you’re drawn into another world. The ground floor is recognisably Waterstones: inviting and well laid out, though nowadays it often seems to feature nearly as many non-book items as books. Book-themed puzzles, in particular, appear to be having a real moment.
A staircase leads down to the children’s and young adult sections, slightly amusingly (and oddly), the horror titles sit right next to the children’s books.
Upstairs, the mood shifts again: the first floor houses a café alongside an excellent fiction selection, making it an especially pleasant place to linger. Continue upwards and you’ll find the non-fiction section.
All in all, this is a Waterstones that truly rewards a visit.
Book i bought:
Jessie Burton: The Miniaturist
Newquay
WH Smith
27 Bank Street, Newquay
Newquay is an excellent base for visitors exploring Cornwall by public transport, and I spent a few days there myself.
However, the town is a real disappointment when it comes to shopping. Most of the stores feel cheap, giving the impression of a tacky shopping strip you might expect at Ballermann in Mallorca.
The only book-related shop I came across was a WH Smith, hardly a proper bookshop, more of a newsagent, and even that looked like a small, uninspiring warehouse. It left me wondering: don’t the residents or travellers here read?
It’s a shame, really. The locals are so warm and welcoming, and Newquay truly deserves better.
Book i bought:
Jennifer Finney Boylan / Jodi Picoult: Mad Honey
Norwich
The Book Hive
53 London Street, Norwich
You simply can’t walk past The Book Hive without stopping to admire it. The building itself is a real gem.
Step inside, and you’d be forgiven for thinking the bookshop has been around for decades. With its well-worn carpet and ageing shelves, it has the charm of a much older establishment, yet The Book Hive only opened in 2009.
And it’s not just the building that makes this place special. The way the books are displayed is extraordinary, too. They stand or lie on top of one another, arranged almost like dominoes. The selection is equally unconventional, although I must admit I’d expected a little more. While it doesn’t offer the extensive range you’d find in a commercial bookshop, I couldn’t quite identify a common theme running through its collection either. There are, however, a few signed copies and some local titles to discover.
A fun fact: Margaret Atwood finished writing her novel The Heart Goes Last right here on the premises.
The Book Hive also has a publishing connection. Its owner, Henry Layte, joined forces with two customers to establish Galley Beggar Press, an independent publishing house.
And the shop is as welcoming as it is charming. During my visit, I watched the bookseller immediately come to the aid of an elderly gentleman, helping him up the stairs towards the exit. A small gesture, perhaps, but one that says a great deal about the place.
Book i bought:
Jeremy Page: New York to California
Waterstones
11-17 Castle Street, Norwich
You’ll find Waterstones branches in all of England’s major cities, and I generally rate them very highly. They usually offer a wonderful mix of fiction and non-fiction, with plenty of interesting titles to discover. The Norwich branch, however, impressed me more with its building than with its selection of books.
The interior is beautifully designed, with a striking wooden staircase taking centre stage in the sales area. The layout is excellent, too. Fiction greets you as you enter, while the young adult and children’s sections are tucked away at the back of the ground floor. The rest of the collection is spread across the first floor, where you’ll also find a lovely café.
Unfortunately, I found the selection a little too commercial for my taste. It lacked that certain something that makes some other Waterstones branches so special. Perhaps this comes down to the individual booksellers, who often put their own stamp on a shop through the titles they choose to stock and display.
Nevertheless, with its beautiful interior and prime location in the heart of Norwich, this Waterstones branch is certainly worth a visit.
Book i bought:
Francine Toon: Pine
Padstow
The Padstow Bookseller
1 Broad Street, Padstow
In the high season, the small harbour town is brimming with tourists. Yet just a few minutes’ walk beyond the centre, you’ll find yourself surrounded by peace, quiet, and the gentle beauty of the Cornish countryside.
Right in the heart of Padstow’s charming town centre lies one of Cornwall’s independent booksellers, part of a small but much-loved chain scattered across the county. The Padstow shop is tucked inside a delightful old house, its walls draped in greenery, truly impossible to pass without pausing.
For its modest size, the selection is surprisingly strong, and the atmosphere is exactly what a bookshop should be: warm, welcoming, and quietly inspiring.
Book i bought:
Nikki Erlick: The Measure
Saltaire
Salts Mill – The Gallery
Victioria Road, Saltaire
The name may be misleading, for this is not a salt factory at all, but rather a tribute to Sir Titus Salt, who built an entire village around his textile mill to provide his workers with everything they needed. Today, the site is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.
That heritage makes its continued use all the more meaningful, and here it has been achieved with striking success. The old mill has been transformed into a vibrant space where art, cuisine, and cultural events come together. Even the great chimney that towers beside the building stands as an impressive reminder of its industrial past.
On the ground floor, visitors step into a gallery dedicated largely to the work of David Hockney, alongside art supplies and an array of carefully chosen books on architecture, painting, photography, and design. The atmosphere is perfectly attuned to its purpose.
The effect on entering is nothing short of breathtaking. A true wow moment!
The restaurant and bookshop occupy the first floor, where the atmosphere is calmer and more orderly, free of industrial design and bold artworks, yet no less appealing.
The bookshop offers a generous and varied selection: fiction, children’s literature, poetry, and titles on food and drink, complemented by cards and a thoughtful range of non-book items.
One piece of advice: allow yourself plenty of time. This is not a place you can easily leave, the building seems to draw you in and hold you there.
Book i bought:
John Berger: The Foot of Clive
Scarborough
Waterstones
110-111 Westborough, Scarborough
You’ll find a Waterstones in almost every major town, and the centre of the coastal resort of Scarborough is no exception. This branch sits in a prime spot right in the middle of the main shopping street.
The shop is laid out on a single floor and is, frankly, not especially inspiring. I did look around for an alternative bookshop, but there wasn’t anything even remotely comparable. So Waterstones it is.
One genuine plus is the staff, who are more than happy to recommend classics and clearly know their way around the shelves. As expected, the selection consists of the usual bestsellers and standard classics, supplemented by a generous spread of non-book items scattered throughout the store.
In a way, it’s reassuring that this Waterstones exists at all, as it lends the shopping street a much-needed hint of cultural credibility. I was almost taken aback by just how few appealing shops there are in the area. Head closer to the seafront, and the situation deteriorates further, unless your idea of retail pleasure involves endless arcades and fading souvenirs.
Book i bought:
Andrew Martin: The Last Train to Scarborough
Seaford
WH Smith
31-33 Broad Street, Seaford
The bookshop sits in the small seaside town of Seaford, not far from the dramatic beauty of the Seven Sisters cliffs. As a very young woman, I once picked up three chalk stones there and many years later (2012 during the Olympic Games in London), I returned them to the exact place I had taken them from. It felt like letting an animal run free again.
The WH Smith in Seaford feels less like a bookshop and more like a practical stationery store that happens to sell books. The goods aren’t displayed with much care, and the atmosphere lacks charm. Yet, it remains important to the local community, filling a useful role in everyday life.
Still, I couldn’t help but think what a difference it would make if more attention were given to detail—this little coastal town truly deserves a welcoming, characterful bookshop.
After my stop in Seaford, I set off towards the Seven Sisters and followed the nature trail to the bus stop. By the end, my shoes were so caked in dirt that I don’t think they’ve ever been that muddy in my entire life.
Book i bought:
Colleen Hoover: It ends with us
Settle
Limestone Books
3 The Shambles, Settle
Settle lies just south of the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct, cradled by rolling green meadows and the timeless beauty of the Yorkshire landscape. In the heart of the village sits Limestone Books, a small shop reached by a modest staircase.
The selection is limited, spanning a mix of fiction, children’s titles, and non-fiction. The furnishings, too, feel somewhat dated, the brown shelving evokes a 1970s living room rather than a bookshop set against the splendour of the Dales.
Change, however, is on the horizon. At the end of September 2025, the shop will pass into the hands of a new owner, and with it, perhaps, a fresh chapter for this little bookstore in the heart of Yorkshire.
Book i bought:
Jo Hamya: The Hypocrite
Sidmouth
Winstones
10 High Street, Sidmouth
Winstone’s Bookshop sits on the High Street in the beautiful seaside town of Sidmouth on the Devon coast, a perfect match for the charm of this place. I came to Sidmouth because of the Donkey Sanctuary, where my adoption donkey, Timothy, lived. Timothy sadly passed away on 9 October 2024, though even during my visit I sensed that he wasn’t in the best of health. I’m deeply grateful I had the chance to see him again.
The bookshop itself is a delight, with a wide and thoughtfully chosen selection of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books.
There’s something difficult to put into words, but this bookshop gave me a sense of real comfort, as if I had stepped into a welcoming, familiar place. The bookseller was wonderfully friendly and had an excellent instinct for curating the range. Dogs are also warmly welcomed, which adds to the shop’s charm.
Winstone’s has other branches in Frome (see my review there) and Sherborne.
Book i bought:
Gail Honeyman: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
Skipton
The Little Bookshop
4 Craven Court, Skipton
Skipton Shopping Centre on High Street, close to the bus station, is less a conventional shopping centre than a gallery of small, characterful stores. Among them sits a real gem: The Little Bookshop, a name that could not be more apt.
Originating from a children’s bookshop in Leeds, the Skipton branch continues this tradition with a dedicated upper floor for young readers, reached by a bright and welcoming staircase. Here, children are given a space of their own, filled with stories to explore.
Firmly rooted in the community, the bookshop hosts events, organises book fairs, and runs a book club, ensuring it plays an active role in the town’s cultural life.
The ground floor, with its cosy atmosphere, instantly captivated me. Reminiscent of an old corner shop, it has been designed with obvious care, while the bookseller’s commitment adds to the store’s charm. The selection, partly shaped by the interests of local readers, gives the impression of a bookshop that listens as much as it curates, an unexpected and refreshing discovery.
Book i bought:
Rosanna Pike: A Little Trickery
St. Ives
St Ives Bookseller
2 Fore Street, St. Ives
The St Ives Bookseller is a little jewel of a shop, tucked not far from the West Pier in this picturesque harbour town in Cornwall. St Ives may be crowded with tourists, but stepping into the shop feels like entering a calmer, more timeless world.
An elderly bookseller presides over the space, her presence as natural a fit as the shelves themselves. The shop is small but rich with character, its book-lined walls inviting slow and curious browsing. Fiction sits alongside nature writing, folklore, cookbooks, and myths, subjects that seem to echo the wild landscapes and old stories of Cornwall itself.
What I loved most was the scattering of staff recommendations throughout the shop. Handwritten notes marked certain books as favourites, giving the shelves a personal and human touch. Each one tempted me, and choosing just a single book felt almost impossible.
The whole place had the charm of an English coastal town, cosy, a little weathered, yet always inviting. It felt like more than just a shop: a spot to pause, to breathe, and to feel at home.
Book i bought:
Emma Stonex: The Lamplighters
Sydenham
Kirkdale Bookshop
272 Kirkdale, Sydenham
I always associate Sydenham with the legendary Dry Cleaning Ray cover by No-Man. I was lucky enough to see the original once during a visit to London, though sadly the location itself no longer exists in the same form. If you’re heading to Sydenham from central London, I would recommend travelling via London Victoria rather than Whitechapel, as I mistakenly did.
Just a short walk from Sydenham station stands the Kirkdale Bookshop, founded in 1966 and often described as the oldest bookshop in south-east London. From the outside, it looks every bit the five-star candidate. Inside, the front of the shop lives up to that promise with its charm, while the back area feels a little plainer, and the children’s section somewhat sparse.
Downstairs, the basement houses an extensive collection of second-hand books, which adds another layer of character. The shop also places a strong emphasis on queer literature.
Book i bought:
Flann O'Brien: The Third Policeman
Truro
Waterstones
11 Boscawen Street, Truro
It may seem surprising how often Waterstones appears in my notes, but visiting one of their branches is always a pleasure. As similar as they may be, each still manages to feel distinct.
The branch in Truro, with its café on the top floor, is an absolute must. I could happily have spent hours there, drawn in by the wide selection, the cosy atmosphere, and the sensationally friendly staff.
Perhaps my fondness is also tied to Truro itself, a wonderful little town I’ve grown to love. Normally, Waterstones shops feel more like big high-street chains than small local bookshops that capture a town’s unique character. But in Truro, it feels different. This branch has the air of a community hub, a place where people naturally gather. Its location, just steps away from the cathedral, makes it all the more special.
Book i bought:
Helen Rebanks: The Farmer's Wife
Whitby
Whitby Bookshop
88 Church Street, Whitby
You simply have to visit the place made world-famous by Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The author is said to have drawn inspiration from the steps and the haunting ruins of the abbey during a visit to Whitby.
With such a rich literary heritage, a bookshop feels essential. The Whitby Bookshop occupies a prime spot, directly on the route to the famous 199 steps leading up to the abbey. The shop is housed in a beautiful building and is tastefully decorated throughout. On the ground floor, you’ll find novels, several editions of Dracula and other Gothic classics, children’s books tucked away at the back, and an assortment of souvenirs. A charmingly creaky spiral staircase leads to the upper floor, where non-book items are displayed. There are even a few vinyl records, one of them by The Jesus & Mary Chain.
That said, the shop could offer much more. For me, the selection lacks excitement. While it’s understandable and necessary to devote space to Dracula, the range would benefit from a bolder, more adventurous approach, especially given the heavy tourist traffic. With a more daring and distinctive selection, the shop could become a destination in its own right, rather than just a pleasant stop along the way.
Book i bought:
Michel Faber: The Hundred And Ninety-Nine Steps
York
Criminally Good Books
14 Colliergate, York
If you are in search of crime fiction, thrillers, or true crime, you need look no further than this bookshop in the heart of York’s historic centre, just a short stroll from the Shambles Market. Open seven days a week, it is a haven for lovers of the genre.
The shop itself is beautifully designed and spread across two well-organised floors. Upstairs, shelves are devoted mainly to true crime, while the ground floor offers a rich selection that spans from the timeless works of Agatha Christie to today’s most compelling crime writers.
What truly sets the shop apart is its bookseller: passionate, knowledgeable, and wonderfully welcoming. Her enthusiasm for the subject shines through, and she seems to know every corner of her carefully curated stock.
A gem of a bookshop, and one that should be high on the list of places to visit during any stay in York.
Book i bought:
Steve Cavanagh: Fifty Fifty
The Little Apple Bookshop
13 High Petergate, York
Tucked away in a side street beside the soaring Gothic splendour of York Minster lies a bookshop that has been part of the city’s fabric since 1997. It attracts a steady stream of visitors, many step inside, browse the shelves, and drift out again, perhaps as curious tourists rather than devoted readers.
The shop offers far more than books. Between the shelves you’ll find Moomin bags, literary-themed souvenirs, and small treasures that make the space feel both quirky and welcoming. Toward the back, the selection expands: shelves for younger readers, eerie ghost stories well suited to York’s haunted reputation, crime novels, and an impressive array of signed editions in both fiction and non-fiction. I was delighted to spot, among them, a signed copy by Robyn Hitchcock.
Open seven days a week, the shop has a practical reliability, though its atmosphere struck me as a little unusual. The bookseller sat behind a plexiglass pane, reminiscent of a post office counter or the protective barriers of the pandemic years, which created a subtle sense of distance.
As for the selection, it was broad enough, but I struggled to find something that spoke to me personally. The emphasis seemed to lean heavily on female authors and stories that simply didn’t match my taste. Still, the shop holds undeniable character, a curious mixture of charm, peculiarity, and the bustle of a city where history and tourism constantly intertwine.
Book i bought:
Robert Thorogood: The Marlow Murder Club