In this world of e-readers, online retailers, and chain stores, independent bookstores face an ongoing struggle to survive. As a result, many of UK’s indie bookshops offer something out of the ordinary. From shops specializing in cookbooks or rare editions, offering wonderlands of children’s literature, or hosting a myriad of literary events, independent bookstore culture in UK remains vibrant. Here is a list that bring you a guide to 10 of the most charming bookshops in the UK.
1. Mr B’s Reading Emporium, Bath
Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights is an independent bookshop in Bath, Somerset. It was founded by former lawyer and derivatives trader Nic Bottomley. It is very near to the all central attractions. A good stock and a fun layout, with a cute reading room upstairs. The biggest attraction is the excellent staff. The people working there were so pleasant. They can give you wonderful advice for seeing the area.
2. Armchair Books, Edinburgh
You could easily lose a weekend while nosing about the dreamy Armchair Books. Delve into stacks and stacks of inviting tomes at this Edinburgh institution. If you’re still on the fence, Armchair Books are also great value on Twitter.
3. Young’s Interesting Books, Glasgow
Launched in 2010, Young’s Interesting Books lives up to its title. It’s a small, quirky bookstore on Skirving Street in Shawlands, and one of the few places on the south side where you can find second hand books. This second-hand Southside bookshop is a modest space but given the dearth of decent, wee bookshops south of the Clyde, its persistence is to be applauded. You come here for antiquarian books, art, history, philosophy, Scottish interest titles and – of course – fiction.
4. Barter Books, Alnwick
The shop has many extra features: open fires in the Winter, beloved by all. The Station Buffet with good plain food, coffee, tea and cookies. A model railway acting as a link between the book columns of the central room, along with poetry lines. Three stunning 40-foot murals. A mini-cybercafé (well, two computers!) and free wi-fi. Numerous restored station features. Generous seating. A children’s room with enough toys to allow parents and grandparents to browse elsewhere in peace – provided one guardian is left to look after the children! And a whole huge room lined with over forty glass cases containing many of the more interesting antiquarian books.
5. Leakey’s Bookshop, Inverness
It’s chilly outside but you’re cosy in Leakey’s cavernous bookshop, rifling through your faves, picking some to take home. “How could things get any better?”, you think. You then discover that Leakey’s has a wood-burning fire, and a café. Amazing.
6. Topping and Co, Bath/Ely/St Andrews
Topping’s forms a cosy trio of independent bookshops, with a real backbone of charm. There’s no café, but they’ll offer you a coffee, and there are plenty of author events to hold your interest.
7. Daunt Books, London
Daunt is almost synonymous with London indie bookshops, and for good reason. They have six locations, a beautiful interior at the Marylebone branch, and plenty of author events. They’ve also got a pretty Instagram account for their second-hand finds.
8. Astley Book Farm, Warwickshire
Astley Book Farm is 2 miles outside the North Warwickshire town of Bedworth,8 miles from Coventry and only 10 minutes from junction 3 of the M6. They are situated on the Arbury Estate, which was the birth place of the Victorian novelist George Eliot and stock a range of her novels and related literature.
You could while hours away in the book barn – even their clock reminds you to “make time to read”. Particularly charming is their Children’s Hayloft, a hideaway filled with books for youngsters.
9. The Book Barge, Staffordshire
This utterly adorable floating bookshop has a great selection of reads – and even has its own book too. (The Bookshop That Floated Away; buy it here). If things couldn’t get any cuter, they also have a barge bunny!
10. Octavia’s Bookshop, Cirencester
If you’re in Cirencester, and walking along Black Jack Street, you are not likely to miss Octavia’s Bookshop with its deep purple exterior. The bookshop was established in 2011 by Octavia, who has always been passionate about children’s literature.
More than half the books stocked in Octavia’s bookshop are children’s books, ranging from buggy books, to teen fiction, as well as your favourite classics. Stuffed toys, illustrated hard back books and bunting beautifully decorate the front window display, and is bound to get your kids dragging you in. There is however, an increasing selection for grown-ups. There are cushioned settles, and wooden tables and chairs for you to sit down, either by yourself, or with your children to browse through the stories/novels before purchasing.
As well as all this, Octavia’s bookshop often hosts book signings, and ever popular book groups – usually accompanied by cupcakes. This is a beautiful bookshop, bound to get your children enthusiastic about reading!