“Independent booksellers – it’s not exaggerating to say that they are lantern bearers of civilisation” Sir Philip Pullman
The Book Shop, Lee-on-the-Solent
A fixture on the high street for over 90 years, the Book Shop is one of the oldest indie booksellers on the South Coast. Proud winners at the British Book Awards – Regional Independent Book Shop of the Year, they stock books across genres and ages, as well as a range of bookish gifts.
Chapter 34, Shoreham-By-Sea
Chapter 34 is designed to help you discover new books, ideas, and encourage you to look beyond you usually read. They stock new books, fiction, non-fiction, and prize winners, and have a dedicated ‘mini mind’ section for young readers. They stock books by a diverse range of authors and on a diverse range of topics.
Storytellers Inc, St Annes-on-Sea
Storytellers Inc. is a family-owned indie bookshop in St. Annes-on-Sea. They love books and helping customers to discover their next great read. Books stocked include fiction, writing guides, prize winners, essays, children’s books, young readers, Christmas books, and crime novels.
The Book Nook, Hove
The Book Nook is a specialist independent children’s bookshop with a breadth of knowledge regarding children’s books. They stock a diverse range of inspirational, inclusive and quality children’s books for all ages. They also have a café, hold regular story times, and author events, and they even have a pirate ship to play in!
October Books, Southampton
Founded in 1977, October Books is a co-operative, radical neighbourhood bookshop and community hub. They stock new releases, best sellers, fiction, non-fiction, an children’s books, with specialist areas in social issues, feminism, gender studies, politics, and humanities.
Broadhursts, Southport
A multi-level store, Broadhurst’s Bookshop holds a comprehensive range of books suitable for all ages and pockets. They stock children’s books, antique books, collectables, second-hand titles, maps, school books, as well as offering a bookbinding service.
Afrori Books, Brighton
Afrori Books is an award-winning bookshop in the heart of Brighton, whose mission is simple: support Black authors, create diverse bookshelves, and be a voice against injustice. With a collection of over 4,000 titles across every genre, you’ll find a book for everyone here.
Book Bodega, Ramsgate
Book Bodega is an indie bookship by the seaside in Ramsgate. It stocks fiction books, prize winners, non-fiction, international stories, staff picks, classics, cookbooks, memoirs, graphic novels, and children’s books.
Harbour Books, Whitstable
Harbour Books is a small, independent bookshop that has been serving the Whitstable community for over 25 years. They have a relaxing children’s section; and stock contemporary fiction, classics, crime, memoir, politics, feminism, nature, history, food, poetry, and art.
City Books, Brighton
Arranged over 2 floors, City Books stocks everything from fiction to essays, children’s book, non-fiction, cookery, poetry, sport books, gifts, and stationery. Past guest speakers include Jo Brand, Ranulph Feinnes, Vic Reeves, Nick Cave, and Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Kemptown Bookshop, Brighton
Established 50 years ago, Kemptown has three floors of books for adults and children, fantastic stationery, toys and games, gifts, fine art, and a newly-refurbished café. They also run author events and writing clubs.
The Feminist Bookshop, Brighton
Opened in 2019, The Feminist Bookshop seeks to support, celebrate, and promote women, non-binary, and marginalised writers, creatives, and entrepreneurs. They stock everything from general fiction, poetry, plays, non-fiction, children’s books, and audiobooks.
The Margate Bookshop, Margate
Opening in 2019, The Margate Bookshop is committed to providing an inclusive environment to encourage a larger involvement in reading. They particularly stock books from smaller publishers, underrepresented authors, and translated fiction. Guest speakers have included Julia Armfield, Katherine May and Alice Oseman.
*Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of bookshops. All photos sourced from each individual shop’s online presence. If you have any concerns regarding the photos, or concern regarding the text, please get in touch.
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