Brilliant bookshops in England
1) Book-cycle
Not only is Exeter’s Book-Cycle in a beautiful building – an ancient, half-timbered one full of wonky bookshelves, squishy armchairs and low beams – it’s also a pretty beautiful concept. Shoppers can choose up to three secondhand books a day, and decide what they want to pay for them. It’s all volunteer-run and the charity also works to provide free books to children and to plant trees with the donated money they make.
![Façade of Book-cycle bookshop in Exeter](https://images.the500hiddensecrets.com/2023-04/sh_bookcycle-9195.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&h=1080&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1920&s=0f8510e26f11cb0a046e118b646611ae)
2) Persephone Books
The saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ can be taken quite literally at Persephone, where all the books on the shelves are a matching shade of grey. Each of the 145 books on their shelves are reprints of forgotten-about fiction and non-fiction by (mainly) female writers from the 20th century. They’ve saved and revived a number of really great reads over the years. Peak inside each book’s grey jacket – the endpaper of every Persephone publication is a bold fabric pattern that has a link to the story within.
![Hands holding a book open on a table at Persephone Books](https://images.the500hiddensecrets.com/2023-04/sh_persephonebooks-0806.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&h=1080&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1920&s=98e5397d1cec419d997ba8a661b08b9f)
More hidden England?
The Hidden England guide takes you to hundreds of places worth exploring, from amazing coastlines to foodie heavens.
3) Scarthin Books
You’ll find Scarthin Books on a narrow street overlooking a pond in Cromford, on the edge of the Peak District. The much-loved indie has been selling books since 1974. You can pick up new volumes, as well as secondhand and rare books here, plus sheet music and literary-themed gifts. Once you’ve selected your next tale, settle down in the on-site veggie cafe and get reading.
![Interior with bookcases and armchairs at Scarthin Books](https://images.the500hiddensecrets.com/2023-04/327242094_902597041155443_7745295393362945183_n.jpeg?auto=format&fit=max&h=1080&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1920&s=f5343e5e37efbb86fd5e286d1288601b)
Join the community
Sign up for free to gain unlimited access to the website. Plus, you'll receive a 10% discount in our online bookshop.
Already a member? Log in. |
New here? Sign up. |