Best Bookshops to Head to this Independent Bookshop Week
To celebrate Independent Bookshop Week (18th–25th June) we’re shining a light on the best independent booksellers across the whole region
The Little Ripon Bookshop
This lovely, family-run independent has been selling books since 2009 and they work hard here to balance new titles with classics and old favourites, but if you are looking for something in particular that isn’t in stock, they will source it for you. Keep an eye out for the regular book signing and events too.
12–13 Westgate, Ripon HG4 2AT
littleriponbookshop.co.uk
Barter Books
Quirky and charming, Barter Books is a must-visit. It offers something for everyone and is home to one of the largest second-hand book collections in Britain, with a whole range of categories from history, gardening and children’s books, to medicine and law.
Alnwick Station, Alnwick NE66 2NP
barterbooks.co.uk
Keel Row Books
With more than 40 years of book selling under its belt, Keel Row Books is one of the North East’s leading specialist bookshops, known for its rare collections, fine first editions and quality collectables.
11 Fenwick Terrace, North Shields NE29 0LU
keelrowbooks.com
Cogito Books
Hexham’s Cogito Books is a haven of bookish delights. They boast a carefully-curated collection of titles to suit every member of the family.
5 St Mary's Chare, Hexham NE46 1NQ
cogitobooks.com
The Grove Bookshop
One of Yorkshire’s best-known independents, and open seven days a week, Grove have been selling books in the spa town of Ilkley for more than 40 years and they are the official bookseller for the annual Ilkley Literature Festival. You’ll find all the new and exciting titles here, and a wide range of genres, from crime to children’s fiction. The also have a world travel department with lots of maps, guides, and coffee table books.
10 The Grove, Ilkley LS29 9EG
grovebookshop.com
Forum Books/The Bound/The Accidental Bookshop
Forum Books has been a stalwart of Corbridge’s independent scene since 1977. In 2011, Helen Stanton took charge of the shop, and Forum Books, who also own The Bound in Whitley Bay, recently celebrated the opening of a new outpost in Alnwick: The Accidental Bookshop (for rare and used books). They also host regular readings and book signings so keep an eye out for their special events.
The Chapel, Market Place, Corbridge NE45 5AW
82a Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 2TH
4 Narrowgate, Alnwick NE66 1JG
forumbooksshop.com
Rhyme and Reason
This Sheffield-based indie bookshop is small in size, but mighty in knowledge. This independent bookstore specialises in children’s books and poetry, and their team have plenty of advice to share.
681 Ecclesall Road, Sheffield S11 8TG
rhymeandreasonbooks.wordpress.com
The Bookcase
In the heart of the picturesque mill town of Hebden Bridge, The Bookcase was shortlisted for Northern Bookshop of the Year in 2017. Stocking a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles for adults and children, if you can’t see what you want they offer a next-day ordering service for any book in print.
29 Market Street, Hebden Bridge HX7 6EU
bookcasehebden.wordpress.com
Drake The Bookshop
This bookshop opened its doors in Stockton in 2015. It has something for every keen reader and the shop is keen for its visitors to get involved with their special book groups. Look out for their STEM story times this Independent Bookshop Week.
26–27 Silver Street, Stockton TS18 1SX
drakethebookshop.co.uk
Imagined Things
In the heart of Harrogate, Imagined Things is an independent store with an extensive collection of genres, and if they don’t stock what you are looking for, they will order it for you. Pick up a brand new novel this Independent Bookshop Week, or head along to their next book signing.
21 Montpellier Parade, Harrogate HG1 2TG
imaginedthings.co.uk
Kemps Bookshop
Kemps General Store was founded in 2017 by Liz Kemp, and they opened their bookshop in Malton in 2020 following the success of their limited book selection. Expect events, book launches and workshops – plus, you can read their carefully-curated selection of books on their outdoor terrace.
11 Market Place, Malton YO17 7LP
kempsgeneralstore.co.uk
Book Corner
Book Corner moved to a larger home in Saltburn in 2017. Here you’ll find new releases in paperback and hardback, children’s picture books, young adult fiction, bargain books and non-fiction. Plus, they host book signings.
24 Milton Street, Saltburn TS12 1DG
bookcornershop.co.uk
Portal Bookshop
This LGBTQI+ bookshop is a dedicated queer space. They have used this space to create a home they felt was lacking for queer people in York, and have even foregone labelling genres in their shop, and instead signpost the topics they cover with stickers so that they’re inclusive to anyone who may be questioning their sexuality or gender. They have also partnered with the Lunar Café so you can enjoy your new read with rainbow cakes and coffee.
5 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB
the-portal-bookshop.square.site
The Whitby Bookshop
Crammed with a carefully chosen selection of books and quirky gifts, this popular seaside bookshop also offers in-store ordering, reading groups and plenty of author events and signings in the historic town of Whitby. Pick up a copy of Bram Stoker’s Dracula before heading on up the cobbles and climbing the 199 steps that lead to the famous heritage site of Whitby Abbey, Stoker’s inspiration for his classic Gothic novel.
88 Church Street, Whitby YO22 4BH
whitbybookshop.co.uk
