“Independent booksellers – it’s not exaggerating to say that they are lantern bearers of civilisation” Sir Philip Pullman
The Small City Bookshop, Bristol
With experience in teaching, storytelling, and literary, friends Christie and Sarah were perfectly placed to open a bookstore. They offer a carefully curated stock of adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction, hoping that everyone can see themselves represented in their bookshop. They also provide author meet and greets, book signings, and book subscriptions.
Max Minerva’s , Bristol
Max Minerva stocks a wide range of books, from new releases and bestsellers, to classic fiction, graphic novels, children’s books, and non-fiction titles. You can also find t-shirts and vinyl records on the shelves. Previous guest authors have included Anna Mazzola, and Becky Hunter, as well as award ceremony drink parties.
Storysmith, Bristol
Named Independent Bookshop of the Year for the South West at the British Book Awards in 2023, Storysmith stocks a curated selection of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. Alongside their stock, Storysmith offer an extensive author series, with guests including Deborah Levy, Olivia Laing, Maggie O’Farrell, Michael Faber, and Douglas Stuart.
Heron Books, Bristol
Heron Books was inspired by a love of talking about stories and a grip on reality just loose enough to believe in the magic of a bookshop. They stock a large number of fiction, non-fiction, and children titles, as well as providing a space for book groups and author events, welcoming the likes of Amy Jeffs, Jo Leevers, and Orla Owen.
Bailey Hill, Castle Cary
Established in 1979, Bailey Hill is run by a team of knowledgeable booksellers, aiming to provide the perfect match between book and customer. They stock everything from contemporary and crime fiction, to children’s books, leisure titles, gardening, sport, and cookery. A selection of gifts, cards, wrapping paper, and calendars can also be found on the shelves.
Winston’s Hunting Raven Books, Frome
Winston’s Bristol branch offers a wide range of books from new, bestselling, and classic fiction, non-fiction, local history, and children’s books, as well as jigsaw puzzles and book subscriptions. Guest speakers include 2024 debut author, Jennie Godfrey
Bath Old Books, Bath
Bath Old Books is a long-established independent bookstore, with four friendly partners. It’s in the heart of Bath, encapsulating the historical spirit of the city. The bookstore specialises in second-hand and antiquarian books, with specialist areas including books on Bath, Jane Austen, children’s and illustrated books, literature, history, art, and travel.
George Bayntun, Bath
George Bayntun stock a number of titles, but they specialise in fine bindings and rare books. They also stock second-hand books, drawings, artwork, and related documents.
Persephone Books, Bath
Persephone Books published its first title in the spring of 1999. Founder Nicola Beauman’s original concept was to re-print a handful of ‘lost’ or out-of-print books every year, most of them interwar novels by women. They also offer book clubs, and concerts.
Topping & Company Booksellers, Bath
A beautiful independent bookstore set in the heart of Bath, Topping & Company stock everything from new books to classics, fiction and non-fiction, poetry, children’s books, signed copies, and rare and collectable titles. They offer a range of subscriptions – signed fiction, signed non-fiction, signed detective fiction, and signed fantasy – and hold a host of events with authors including Alison Weir, Charlie Webster, Simon Armitage, Joanne Harris, Paul Hainsworth, Elif Shafak, and Matt Haig.
Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, Bath
Opening in 2006, Mr B’s is a beautiful and innovative bookshop in the heart of Bath. Twice named the UK’s best independent bookshop, and was one of The Guardian’s top ten bookshops in the world in 2015, Mr B’s is one of the best loved independent bookstores around. Stocking a huge range of titles, their shelves are full with new and classic fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and collectable items, as well as bookish merchandise and subscriptions. Author events have included Sarah Brooks, Natasha Pulley, Sean Lusk, Joseph Knox, Annie Garthwaite, and Chris Whitaker.
*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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