If you are a bookworm on holiday, you would not want to miss visiting bookstores if you happen to be near one. It would be easier to see and check out cute and quaint bookshops when you go around with a car rental. You can hire a reliable one through carrentals.
When you decide to visit the UK, make sure you drop by one of these bookstores:
Hatchard’s
Hatchard’s is the oldest existing bookstore in the UK. It first opened its doors to the public in 1797 on Piccadilly in London. It was able to keep its old world charm despite being acquired by HMV. Hatchard’s is known to carry a wide genre of books and hosts book signings. They also sell first edition books and offer selected signed copies of books.
Leakey’s Bookshop
Leakey’s Bookshop in Inverness is Scotland’s largest source of secondhand books. The bookshop boasts of a cafe and a wood-burning fire thus it is no surprise that locals and tourists alike flock to this place. Leakey’s has been in business since 1979 and offers around 100,000 books to customers.
Octavia’s Bookshop
This purple-colored bookstore in Cirencester is definitely an eye-catcher. Octavia’s Bookshop specializes in children’s books but also carries some adult tomes. They also hold various book events and offer book recommendation services to schools. Their book groups for kids have different age brackets, from 6 years old to teens. They invite book authors to come by and do book signings and reading sessions for the store’s young patrons. The store’s plush toys, called Moomins, pepper the store’s shelves and counters giving the store an inviting and youthful vibe.
The Book Barge
What could be cuter and more quaint than a bookshop on water? This is what The Book Barge is. Found in Staffordshire, the floating bookstore goes from place to place to bring literary works all over Britain. The Book Barge started operating in 2009 and is currently run by writer Sarah Henshaw. The 60’ narrowboat offers a wide selection of books, as well as a book written by Henshaw herself, The Bookshop that Floated Away. You can actually rent the boat if you want to experience a literary retreat.
Scarthin Books
Scarthin Books in Comford, Derbyshire is a must-visit place as you will be charmed by its homey atmosphere and over 100,000 book selection in the 3-storey building. You will be surrounded by wall to wall bookshelves. You can also enjoy drinks and snacks at the cafe that is hidden behind a bookshelf. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Scarthin Books offers well-selected tomes fit for children, young adults, and adults. Founded in 1974, they were able to raise over 4000 GBP through crowdfunding, ensuring that the store will still be around for several years to come.
