“Independent booksellers – it’s not exaggerating to say that they are lantern bearers of civilisation” Sir Philip Pullman
Archways, Axminster
Originally opened in 1966, Archways moved premises in 2021. They stock books on every topic, such as art, biography, plays, crafts, cookery, gardening, health, history, politics and travel, as well as fiction, children’s books, puzzle books, and signed editions. They also hold author events, with previous guests including Joanne Burn.
Liznojan Books, Tiverton
A Finalist in the Independent Bookshop of the Year category at the 2024 British Book Awards, Liznojan is a small family-run store who focus on sustainability inclusive children’s books, and adult fiction.
Ivybridge Bookshop, Ivybridge
Ivybridge Bookshop stocks everything from local favourites to national bestsellers and children’s books. They also stock indie editions and autographed books. Authors who have spoken at Ivybridge include Liz Fenwick, Emma Cowell, and David Gilman.
The Bookery, Crediton
Community owned since 2013 and with over 300 shareholders, The Bookery is a not-for-profit bookshop that hosts a range of events and actively pioneers programmes supporting literacy, community well-being and access to cultural & learning opportunities, as well as stocking bestselling fiction and non-fiction titles. It was named the Independent Bookshop of the Year 2022, and Children’s Bookseller of the Year 2022 at the British Book Awards.
Own and Pyramid, Seaton
Owl and Pyramid is a bookshop by the sea, on the Jurassic Coast in lovely East Devon. They see themselves as a bookshop for everyone, with a very strong children’s section, putting the best books into the hands of readers from babies to adults. Browse books, chat books, and take home your next favourite read,
Gullivers Bookshop, Wimborne
Gulliver’s Bookshop is a family-owned bookshop which has been trading in the market-town of Wimborne Minster since 1969. Winners of the Muddy Stilettoes award for the Best Bookshop in Dorset, Somerset and Bristol 2022 and 2023, they stock a full range of books from fiction to non-fiction, and can order any book within 48 hours. They also stock toys, cards, jigsaws, calendars, and diaries.
The Book Shop, Liskeard
The Book Shop stock a wide range of titles from children’s books, to fiction and classics, as well as non-fiction. They also sell cards, notebooks, diaries, and seasonal products, as well as specialist Cornish-interest books.
Falmouth Bookseller, Falmouth
Falmouth Bookseller’s shelves are packed full of books to cater to everyone – from fiction to natural history, children’s books to current affairs, and a selection of local interest books. They also have a café, and offer author events which have seen the likes of Elizabeth MacNeal and Sophie Keetch walk their halls.
Winstone’s Books, Sherborne
Winstone’s has won the British Book Awards South West Bookseller of the Year four times and was winner of the Independent Bookseller of the Year nationwide award in 2016. They stock over 9.000 titles from fiction, poetry, and plays to non-fiction and children’s books, puzzles, gifts and subscriptions.
Bert’s Books, Swindon
Probably the most famous independent bookstore in the area, Bert’s Books first opened as an online business in 2019 and then a bricks and mortar shop in 2022. Stocking everything from new releases to the books that go under the radar, Bert’s Books also offer monthly subscriptions, and one-off book bundles, with each book being delivered with a hand-tied bow.
*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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