“Independent booksellers – it’s not exaggerating to say that they are lantern bearers of civilisation” Sir Philip Pullman
The Book House, Thame, Oxfordshire
Selling since 1972, The Book House aim to provide an unrivalled service, offering advice and obtaining books they don’t stock within 24 hours. They sell from all publishers, with a specialism on children’s titles. They also sell greetings cards, stationery, maps, and gifts.
Wantage Bookshop, Wantage, Oxfordshire
Wantage are an indie bookshop in the heart of Wantage. They sell new books to suit all tastes, from latest releases and bestsellers, to bookseller favourites and classic titles. They also have a welcoming children’s area for young readers, and also sell beautiful cards, wrap and book related gifts. Guest authors have included Alex Hay, Lucy Foley, A.J West, and Claire Douglas.
The Bell Bookshop, Henley-on-Thames
Opened in 1966, The Bell Bookshop stocks over 20,000 titles. You can find books here that the chain stores ignore, discovering everything from old childhood favourites to your newest obsession. They stock fiction, non-fiction, classics, children’s, travel, and signed editions.
Rother Books, Battle, Sussex
Rother Books is a small but perfectly formed bookshop in the historic town of Battle with a carefully curated range of books, including new and classic fiction, non-fiction, books on nature, true stories, crime, graphic novels, and young adult books.
Much Ado Books, Alfriston, Sussex
Much Ado Books found itself on the list of the best browsable bookshops in the UK by The Times in 2024. They stock fiction and non-fiction, cookery books, featured titles, and art books. They also provide a space for craft workshops including A Handmade Bowl workshop, and Book Swap and Cocktails.
Blue Bear Bookshop, Farnham, Surrey
Blue Bear Bookshop is a magical place filled with wonder – full of books, gifts, fabulous coffee & wine. They stock book club reads, bookseller recommendations, historical and contemporary fiction, translated, essay collections, mythological retellings, memoirs, and children’s books.
Bags of Books, Lewes, Sussex
Bags of Books is an independent children’s bookshop based in Lewes, East Sussex. They feel passionately about helping children to find great quality books that will inspire them to become readers for life. They seek out those really great children’s books that we know kids (and parents!) will love.
Maldon Books, Maldon, Essex
Maldon Books trives to create a welcoming, comfortable space for each and every customer. They specialise in books for adults and children of all ages, and endeavour to always do our best to find the perfect book for any reader looking for something new. A small team, they sell adult fiction and non-fiction, children’s books, and a range of gifts. Guest authors have included Claire Daverley, Julie Haworth, and Hannah Lynn.
Chicken and Frog, Brentwood, Essex
Initially a children’s book, Chicken and Frog do now sell adult books and can order in pretty much everything that’s in print. They are committed to providing a community-centered bookshop, and offer a range of events including book clubs for adults and children, fun days, parties, and author talks.
Word on the Street, Ashtead, Surrey
Word on the Street are a small indie bookshop who stock a few thousand titles, relying on the booksellers to curate a carefully chosen selection of books to stock. Even though their stock may be small, it is mighty, stocking everything from fiction to non-fiction to memoirs and children’s books. They also invite guest authors, book clubs, and workshops on how to get your children reading.
*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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