10 of the Best Independent Bookshops to Visit for World Book Day
Find your new favourite bookshop today
1b Books
Newly opened in Heaton, Newcastle in December 2023, this bookshop is a wonderful addition to the city. Light and airy inside, with an unfussy layout, the shop sells new and secondhand books as well as a diverse range for young adults and children. They plan to start a baby and toddler book group as well as a monthly inter-generational book group for the community to enjoy. Head along for a relaxing browse and friendly conversation.
Bolingbroke Street, Heaton NE6 5PH
0191 230 3038
Forum Books / The Bound / The Accidental Bookshop
Okay, so this is technically three bookshops but these sister stores have become a staple in the North East, with The Accidental Bookshop being the newest addition, having opened in late 2021. They are all known for putting on one-of-a-kind book events and launches, including hosting a talk on new book The Draw of The Sea inside St Mary’s Lighthouse (the pod of dolphins that swam by certainly added to the evening!). The inside of each shop is vibrant and fun, with a friendly and knowledgeable team who are happy to give excellent recommendations if you need a hand – it’s no wonder that Forum Books is a finalist once again for Independent Bookshop of The Year at The British Book Awards, a title it won last year.
Market Place, Corbridge NE45 5AW
01434 632931
Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 2TH
0191 422 1017
Narrowgate, Alnwick NE66 1JG
01665 605857
Keel Row Books
A bookshop with a twist, this store recently relocated from North Shields to Whitley Bay and specialises in antiquarian and rare first edition books. Anthony and Alice, who own the bookshop, have painstakingly restored the building to its former glory and the interior is breathtaking, with wooden floors, warm lighting and shelves stacked high with the most amazing books. Are you new to rare books or looking for something in particular? The team know their stuff and love to talk (book)shop.
Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 3RJ
0191 296 0664
Slightly Foxed
Head north for this absolute treasure in Berwick, selling secondhand fiction and non-fiction as well as vintage movie posters, and fine art prints from the artist L.S. Lowry, famous for his love of the area. The interior is full of whimsy, with bright red walls and a mural painted onto the stunning domed roof. Take some time out and get lost exploring the stacks of books on offer.
Bridge Street, Berwick TD15 1ES
07768 720770
Collected
One of Durham city centre’s newest bookshops, Collected opened in late 2022 and has become a firm favourite with students and locals alike. With cosy seating and a friendly atmosphere, this is a great spot to settle down to read with a coffee and some cake. The shop specialises in work written by women but highlights many local writers too. If you find yourself struggling to pick, or want to foray into something new, we recommend trying out their book bundles – three carefully chosen books all centred around a specific theme, whether you want to try some historical fiction, short story collections or want the very best debut novels going.
The Riverwalk, Durham DH1 4SL
07897 752541
Criminally Good Books
New to York city centre, this bookshop is a haven for lovers of all things crime. Whether you prefer cosy crime to curl up with, like to go old-school with some classic Agatha Christie or want the latest from true crime, this bookshop has you covered. Plenty of thought has gone into the design too, with navy blue and gold leaf detailing throughout, as well as a mural celebrating the golden age of crime writing painted inside the store. Keep your eyes peeled for crime events coming up too, including a visit from DCI Colin Sutton – the inspiration behind The Real Manhunter.
Colliergate, York YO1 8BP
Hold Fast
No bookshop list would be complete without mentioning the wonderfully original Holdfast Bookshop in Leeds – more specifically, floating in Leeds Dock. Climb onboard the historic former cola barge, Marjorie R, and explore the shelves to find your next read. The inside is cosy without feeling cramped, with soft, twinkling lights, comfortable seating and a roaring fire. On warmer days, enjoy your book in the sunshine on the large open deck.
Upper Dock Mooring, Leeds Dock LS10 1LJ
Rhyme and Reason
It’s hard to miss this bright pop of colour in the heart of Sheffield’s indie scene. Surrounded by pubs, cafés and independent shops, this is a great place to stop in for a moment of quiet in your day. The store sells an extensive range of books for adults and children, and is also extremely dog friendly so your four-legged-friends can come along too.
Ecclesall Road, Sheffield S11 8TG
0114 266 1950
Books on the Lane & Walton Herbs
Books on the Lane & Walton Herbs can be found in a quaint, renovated joinery workshop. The independent bookshop and herbary specialises in nature writing and Yorkshire interest titles. Browse books while enjoying the wonderful aromas and beautiful foliage of their well-stocked plant and herb shop. A percentage of all profits are donated to Yorkshire-based youth music organisations each year, which means you can treat yourself without any guilt!
Walton, Wakefield WF2 6NJ
01924 255666
The Book Corner
A regional finalist in The British Book Awards 2023 Independent Bookshop of The Year, this is a great spot to spend a day browsing as they stock a wide range of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books. The team at The Book Corner also love to support local authors as much as possible and regularly stock signed copies and special editions.
Piece Hall, Halifax HX1 1RE
01422 414443
