What makes a good bookshop? Is it the individual recommendations from helpful, knowledgeable owners and staff? Is it the wide range of books on offer, or perhaps the niche of books in which they specialise?
Perhaps it’s the role they play in the wider community and their welcome presence on the High Street. Whatever you appreciate the most, we hope you’ll find inspiration in our list of great independent bookshops on the Southern network.
Arcade Bookshop, Littlehampton
As well as supporting World Book Day, Arcade Bookshop in Littlehampton donates an item to the local foodbank, which feels very much in the spirit of the day. It’s more than just a bookshop, with three book clubs, author events and signings, a Manga club, and space to sit and read or write.
You can browse in person or order online, and if there’s something you can’t find, they’ll happily try to source it for you. The best part? It’s right next to Littlehampton railway station!
Distance from railway station: 6-minute walk
Address: 86 High Street, Littlehampton, BN17 5DX
Phone: 07498 800591
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-2pm
Official website: arcadebookshop.com
Bags of Books, Lewes
This bookshop in Lewes specialises in children’s books and is proudly taking part in World Book Day. Every Thursday at 10.30am, they host a story time session, reading three picture books for little ones to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, they also offer My Year of Books, a subscription where they hand-pick and personally select a book, beautifully gift wrap it, and deliver it to a young person’s home every month for up to a year.
Distance from railway station: 12-minute walk
Address: 1 South Street, Lewes, BN7 2BT
Phone: 01273 479320
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5:30pm, closed Sundays
Official website: bags-of-books.co.uk
Dulwich Books, Dulwich
Dulwich Books is more than just a bookshop, it’s a welcoming community space with events throughout the month. Alongside its thoughtfully curated shelves, the shop hosts regular author events, from talks and Q&As to signings, giving readers the chance to meet the writers behind their favourite books.
There are weekly story times for younger readers too, creating a relaxed and engaging way to spark a lifelong love of books. If you’re not sure what to pick up next, their ‘Book of the Month’ offers hand-picked recommendations from passionate booksellers who know their stock inside out. You can even hire the entire shop for a private evening event; a unique and characterful setting for celebrations, book clubs or special gatherings surrounded by stories.
Distance from railway station: 17-minute walk (West Norwood)
Address: 6 Croxted Road, London, SE21 8SW
Phone: 020 8670 1920
Hours: Mon-Tues 10am-6pm, Weds-Sat 9:30am-5:30pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Official website: dulwichbooks.co.uk
Village Books, Dulwich
You’re spoiled for choice in Dulwich, as it’s also home to Village Books, a long-established, award-winning independent bookshop that first opened in the 1920s. They always have an interesting range of titles and an impressive events programme.
They can source out-of-print and American titles for customers, and have a large selection of children’s books for all ages, including a young adult section upstairs. They also have a selection of signed and special editions in store and online.
Distance from railway station: 7-minute walk (North Dulwich)
Address: 1D Calton Avenue, London SE21 7DE
Phone: 020 8693 2808
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5:30pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Official website: village-books.co.uk
The Book Nook, Hove
This is a specialist children’s bookshop in Hove with a fantastic line-up of events. They regularly host some of the best children’s authors and illustrators in the country, alongside a brilliant programme of weekly activities including toddler time, story time and Lego Club. They even have a pirate ship full of books that kids are welcome to play in. You can explore upcoming events on their website.
Distance from railway station: 18-minute walk
Address: First Avenue, Hove BN3 2FJ
Phone: 01273 911988
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, closed Sundays
Official website: booknookuk.com
