“Independent booksellers – it’s not exaggerating to say that they are lantern bearers of civilisation” Sir Philip Pullman
High Peak, Derbyshire
Amidst the rolling hills of the Peak District, High Peak blends sips, sweets, and stories. Bookworms and coffee connoisseurs, prepare to embark on a whimsical adventure through the enchanting world of High Peak Bookstore. They also hold “bookstock” spring festival, offering amazing live music.
Scarthin Books, Derbyshire
Established in 1974, Scarthin is a destination bookshop for visitors far and wide, and was named as one of the Guardian’s best bookshops in the world. They stock books from fiction to non-fiction, clothbound classics, translated books, young LGBTQ+ reads, and a specialist collection of Fitzcarraldo Editions.
Dormouse Books, Derbyshire
Dormouse Books is a community bookshop, meaning that any profit is used for the community, running literary events and gifting book vouchers to young people. They stock everything from adult fiction and non-fiction, and essay collections, to a specialist children’s section.
The Heath Bookstore, Birmingham
The Heath Bookstore is a warm and friendly place to sit amongst books, drink coffee, and chat about all things literary and life. They stock a wide range of books, including LGBTQ+, bookseller recommendations, translated, musical, prize-lists, and by a range of diverse authors.
Quinns Bookshop, Market Harborough
Established in 1981, Quinns Bookshop offer a wide variety of books, art materials, greeting cards, and gifts. Their stock is carefully crafted by their booksellers, and include children/YA, nature, Greek mythology, feminism, general fiction, and graphic novels.
Voce Books, Birmingham
Founded in 2022, Voce Books focusses on the vibrant and boundary-breaking indie publishing scene, stocking fiction, poetry, translation, culture, politics, magazines, and art.
Booka, Shropshire
Opened in 2009, Booka was named the UK & Ireland Independent Bookshop of the Year 2015 and in 2020 was the winner of The Sceptre Bookshop Award. They stock everything from fiction to non-fiction, biographies, signed and special books, and children’s titles. They also have a packed events programme, with guest authors including Louise Minchin, Ann Cleeves, Barbara Erskine, A.J West, and Will Kirk.
Lindum Books, Lincoln
Nestled in the heart of Lincoln, Lindum offer an extensive range of books for all ages. Spread over two floors, they stock a carefully curated selection of new and second-hand titles. A hub for book lovers, they also host a programme of book events, welcoming authors from around the world.
The Poetry Pharmacy, Shropshire
The Poetry Pharmacy started life back in 2011 as a vintage ambulance, selling poems at festivals, conferences, libraries, hospitals, care homes, and schools. As well as poetry books, they also “dispense” gift boxes, relaxation items such as bath bombs, and “poetry pills” – these are not to be swallowed, instead each pill contains a poem to take.
Bookmark, Lincolnshire
Bookmark has been trading for over 25 years and has won a number of awards such as the 2001 Independent Bookshop of the Year, and regional winner in both 2007 and 2008. They stock everything from fiction to non-fiction, children’s books, tiktok favourites, and recommended reads, as well as greeting cards, gifts, and toys.
The Rabbit Hole, Lincolnshire
The Rabbit Hole is a community-focussed indie bookshop offering something for everyone. Named the Independent Bookshop of the Year Regional Winner 2023 at the British Book Awards, The Rabbit Hole are particularly passionate about books for children with the front of the shop dedicated to young readers. They also stock books for young adults, adult fiction, non-fiction, and second-hand titles.
*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.
Books By Your Bedside 