Eddie PhilipsIn a digital era where reading is often confined to screens, independent bookshops continue to shine as havens for imagination, creativity, and education. Across the UK, dozens of independent bookstores actively collaborate with schools, encouraging students to fall in love with books. Whether it’s through author visits, reading clubs, or immersive storytime sessions, these bookshops help foster a lifelong love of reading among young learners.
Below is a list of 50 of the best bookshops in the UK, each uniquely inspiring and supportive of literacy and education.
Top 50 Bookshops In The UK
1. Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, Bath
Nestled in the heart of Bath, Mr B’s Emporium is one of the UK’s most beloved independent bookshops. Its labyrinth-style interior, creative book displays, and personalised reading recommendations make it a joy for students and teachers alike. The shop hosts school visits, reading challenges, and events designed to engage young minds. The vibrant atmosphere helps reluctant readers discover books they genuinely enjoy — a key element in literacy development.
Why schools love it: personalised “Reading Spa” experiences and themed book bundles for classrooms.
2. Books on the Lane, Walton (West Yorkshire)
Books on the Lane is a rustic gem with a love of storytelling, sustainability, and nature writing. Housed in a converted workshop, the shop supports educational projects tied to the environment and creativity. Schools that focus on outdoor learning or ecology can easily link visits to their curriculum.
Why schools love it: Its emphasis on nature and local authors helps bring English and science lessons alive.
3. The Watermill Bookshop, Aberfeldy (Scotland)
One of Scotland’s most atmospheric bookshops, The Watermill combines a café, gallery, and bookstore in one. Its riverside location makes it ideal for school trips. The shop promotes Scottish authors and educational events that align with literacy and history lessons.
Why schools love it: Stunning rural setting and hands-on learning through workshops.
4. Barter Books, Alnwick (Northumberland)
Barter Books is one of the UK’s largest second-hand bookstores, housed inside a former Victorian railway station. It’s a wonderful educational stop for exploring sustainability through book exchange. Its “bartering” system is a great teaching tool for economics or environmental studies.
Why schools love it: Combines reading with lessons in reuse, history, and community.
5. Foyles, Charing Cross Road, London
A London icon, Foyles is a literary paradise with multiple floors dedicated to books of every genre. Its children’s section and regular author events make it a top choice for schools in the capital.
Why schools love it: Central location, author signings, and broad curriculum support across subjects.
6. Daunt Books, Marylebone, London
Daunt Books is famous for its oak galleries, travel themes, and curated collections. The atmosphere encourages curiosity about the world — perfect for geography and literature students.
Why schools love it: Inspires global awareness and supports world literature studies.
7. Tales on Moon Lane, Herne Hill, London
Tales on Moon Lane is a wonderland for children. With storytime sessions, interactive readings, and literacy workshops, it’s built around engaging young readers.
Why schools love it: Tailor-made for primary pupils and early literacy development.
8. Simply Books, Bramhall, Cheshire
This cosy, family-run shop offers a strong children’s section, community events, and reading clubs. It’s a local hub for book fairs and storytelling sessions.
Why schools love it: Dedicated children’s book groups and a supportive environment for school literacy initiatives.
9. Voltaire & Rousseau, Glasgow
A quirky, bohemian store overflowing with books, Voltaire & Rousseau is an adventure for older pupils. It’s especially useful for exploring rare finds and second-hand treasures.
Why schools love it: Sparks curiosity and supports independent study projects.
10. The Edinburgh Bookshop, Edinburgh
Bright, modern, and family-friendly, this store has won awards for its community engagement. It hosts school partnerships, storytime sessions, and reading clubs.
Why schools love it: A warm environment ideal for fostering reading for pleasure.
11. Jellybooks, Leeds
Jellybooks works with schools to promote literacy through digital reading insights and printed recommendations.
Why schools love it: Blends technology and traditional reading for modern classrooms.
12. Lionheart Bookshop, Woking
Lionheart is a vibrant community hub, offering curated book lists for different age groups and themed school packs.
Why schools love it: Excellent collaboration with local educators and parents.
13. Gay’s The Word, London
As the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop, this store promotes inclusivity and representation. Perfect for diversity and PSHE lessons.
Why schools love it: Encourages discussions on equality, respect, and acceptance.
14. The Feminist Bookshop, Brighton
This progressive space focuses on gender equality and women’s literature. It also hosts school discussions and workshops.
Why schools love it: Inspires social awareness and debate among older students.
15. Afrori Books, Brighton
Afrori Books celebrates Black authors and stories. Its educational events align perfectly with English and history classes.
Why schools love it: Promotes diversity in reading lists and curriculum inclusivity.
16. Storytellers Inc., St Annes, Lancashire
A cheerful seaside bookshop devoted to children’s and YA literature. They offer author events, writing workshops, and storytelling afternoons.
Why schools love it: Perfect for class trips and literacy festivals.
17. Pickled Pepper Books, London
A creative space designed around children’s reading. The shop hosts book parties, literacy sessions, and puppet shows.
Why schools love it: Combines fun and learning in one setting.
18. The Alligator’s Mouth, Richmond, London
A beautifully designed children’s bookshop with interactive storytelling and recommended reads by age group.
Why schools love it: Excellent resources for classroom libraries.
19. Salts Mill Bookshop, Saltaire (West Yorkshire)
Located inside a heritage arts complex, this shop offers children’s classics alongside art books.
Why schools love it: Blends reading with art and design studies.
20. The Book Shop, Wigtown (Scotland’s National Book Town)
This famous second-hand shop is a cornerstone of Wigtown’s literary scene.
Why schools love it: Great for exploring Scottish culture and book history.
21. Leakey’s Bookshop, Inverness
Housed in an old church, Leakey’s is breathtaking and filled with rare and second-hand titles.
Why schools love it: Connects reading with heritage and architecture.
22. Topping & Company, Edinburgh
Known for its wood-panelled interiors and free tea for browsers, Topping’s hosts many author events.
Why schools love it: Great for advanced readers and literary clubs.
23. Falmouth Bookseller, Cornwall
Bright and inviting, this coastal shop supports local schools and literacy festivals.
Why schools love it: Perfect for seaside educational trips.
24. Far From The Madding Crowd, Linlithgow
Named after Hardy’s novel, this indie store encourages reading circles and themed literary events.
Why schools love it: Encourages cross-curricular projects in literature and history.
25. Juno Books, Sheffield
A welcoming feminist and queer-inclusive bookshop offering diverse voices.
Why schools love it: Supports equality and representation in reading lists.
26. News From Nowhere, Liverpool
A radical, worker-run bookshop with a wide range of political and children’s books.
Why schools love it: Encourages critical thinking and civic awareness.
27. Hatchards, London
Founded in 1797, Hatchards is one of the oldest bookshops in the world.
Why schools love it: Combines history, literature, and cultural learning.
28. Heywood Hill, London
An elegant boutique bookshop offering bespoke reading subscriptions for schools.
Why schools love it: Personalised book curation for libraries.
29. Waterstones Piccadilly, London
Europe’s largest bookshop features educational workshops and a huge children’s floor.
Why schools love it: Central location for school trips.
30. Skoob Books, London
Academic and second-hand books fill this Bloomsbury gem.
Why schools love it: Ideal for A-Level or university prep students.
31. Judd Books, London
Famous among students for affordable academic texts.
Why schools love it: Excellent for research and reference projects.
32. The Bookshop by the Sea, Ceredigion, Wales
A charming coastal spot that runs reading camps and workshops.
Why schools love it: Combines reading with outdoor learning.
33. Bags of Books, Lewes
Dedicated entirely to children’s books, this indie shop runs themed literacy days.
Why schools love it: Huge range for classroom reading schemes.
34. Chicken & Frog Bookshop, Brentwood
A specialist children’s and YA bookshop with creative writing classes for kids.
Why schools love it: Offers structured workshops tied to the curriculum.
35. The Chiltern Bookshops, Gerrards Cross & Chorleywood
These twin shops are loved for their community focus and author evenings.
Why schools love it: Excellent partners for school literacy projects.
36. Rare Bird Books, Edinburgh
Highlights female and LGBTQ+ authors and offers themed school reading lists.
Why schools love it: Great for inclusive English lessons.
37. Brick Lane Bookshop, London
A long-standing East London icon celebrating diverse voices.
Why schools love it: Helps promote reading across cultures.
38. Warwick Books, Warwick
Independent and welcoming, with events tailored to children’s literacy.
Why schools love it: Supports school book fairs and author visits.
39. Kenilworth Books, Kenilworth
A trusted local indie store that collaborates closely with schools.
Why schools love it: Runs reading schemes and library-building support.
40. The Book Nook, Hove
One of the UK’s top children’s bookshops, filled with colour and imagination.
Why schools love it: Frequent author visits and storytelling sessions.
41. Octavia’s Bookshop, Cirencester
Winner of multiple indie awards, this children’s-focused store encourages creativity and confidence in young readers.
Why schools love it: Warm environment and educational workshops.
42. Waterstones Gower Street, London
This academic flagship supports older students and teachers.
Why schools love it: Access to textbooks and subject-specific guides.
43. Jarndyce Antiquarian Booksellers, London
A treasure trove for literature lovers, especially those studying the classics.
Why schools love it: Connects students with historic texts.
44. Booka Bookshop, Oswestry
A lively independent with strong ties to local schools and reading charities.
Why schools love it: Engaging book-fair partnerships.
45. The Feminist Bookshop, Brighton (Revisited)
Beyond its focus on feminism, it doubles as a café and event space for writing clubs.
Why schools love it: Provides a safe, inclusive environment for students.
46. Storytellers Inc. (Revisited), Lancashire
This award-winning store deserves a second mention for its creative youth programming.
Why schools love it: Delivers custom workshops for literacy and creative writing.
47. The Book Hive, Norwich
Known for championing small presses and local authors, it’s a creative hub for East Anglia schools.
Why schools love it: Encourages local authorship and writing competitions.
48. Topping & Company, Bath
Sister shop to the Edinburgh branch, offering literary festivals and school discounts.
Why schools love it: Ideal for literature-based excursions.
49. The Book Lounge, Penarth (Wales)
A friendly, modern space with a café and regular school book-fair collaborations.
Why schools love it: Combines relaxation and reading for pupils.
50. The Word, South Shields
An innovative cultural venue that combines a library, digital lab, and bookstore.
Why schools love it: Blends technology and storytelling for 21st-century learning.
Why Visiting Bookshops Matters for Schools
Bookshops aren’t just retail spaces — they’re learning environments that inspire curiosity, empathy, and creativity. Organising school visits to independent bookshops helps students connect reading to real-world experiences. These visits also encourage collaboration between educators and local communities, ensuring that books remain at the heart of education.
How Schools Can Partner with Bookshops
- Organise school reading trips: Pair literature lessons with author visits or storytime sessions.
- Host book fairs: Many independent stores collaborate with schools to host local book events.
- Create student reading clubs: Encourage peer-to-peer book reviews and discussions.
- Support local literacy drives: Partner with independent stores to donate or sponsor reading materials.
- Integrate themes: Link English, geography, and social studies to bookshop visits.
Conclusion
The UK’s independent bookshops are vital partners in promoting literacy and creativity. Whether it’s a grand historical store like Hatchards or a colourful children’s paradise like The Book Nook in Hove, every one of these shops offers something invaluable to students and educators alike. By supporting them, schools not only nurture readers but also sustain the cultural heartbeat of Britain’s reading community.