“Independent booksellers – it’s not exaggerating to say that they are lantern bearers of civilisation” Sir Philip Pullman
Chepstow Books & Gifts, Monmouthshire
Once voted the top independent bookshop in Wales, Chepstow Books & Gift has been in business for over 25 years, offering a range of books, greeting cards, wrapping paper, calendars, jigsaws, notebooks, toys, and games. They also hold authors events, with previous visitors including David Attenborough and Nigella Lawson.
Book-Ish, Crickhowell
Book-ish is an award-winning bookshop, cafe, and event space which stocks a huge range of books, gifts for book lovers, greeting cards, and games. Their philosophy is simple: helping to connect people with books, helping children to develop a love for reading, and encouraging conversation around books.
Griffin Books, Penarth
Named the UK Independent Bookshop of the Year at the 2023 British Book Awards, Griffin Books are a small independent bookshop selling new fiction and non-fiction, children’s books, signed books, gift vouchers, and book subscriptions. They also offer author events, with guests including Clare Mackintosh and the Children’s Laureate Wales Alex Wharton.
Browsers Bookshop, Porthmadog
Opened in the 70’s, Browsers first week’s takings came to 8 pounds, 17 shillings, and sixpence. Now passed down the generations, Browsers sells a range of new and old books, as well as greeting cards, stationery, and art supplies.
Palas Print, Caernarfon
Palas Print is an independent bookshop located within Caenarfon’s town walls. It sells a range of books from all over the world, in both English and the Welsh language.
Stella & Rose Books, Tintern
Once located in Hay-on-Wye, Stella & Books are now situated in the lovely village of Tintern. Established in 1991, they stock around 30,000 books, including quality editions, rare books, and collectable titles.
Victoria Bookshop, Pembrokeshire
Victoria Bookshop are a family-run bookstore, offering a range of new and old books, including a lot of signed copies. They also sell local guidebooks and maps, and carry out giveaways on their social media, including books by Tom Hanks, The Reverend Richard Coles, and Lorraine Kelly.
Cover to Cover, Swansea
Known as Swansea’s only independent bookshop (at time of writing), Cover to Cover stock a large range of contemporary fiction, children’s books, general non-fiction, specialist books in local history and music, plus a number of quality gifts and cards. They also provide literary events, with previous authors including Patrick Gale, Kate Mosse, and Heather Morris.
*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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