If you’re looking for a new read, perhaps you’d consider shopping at one of these independent businesses that we’ve collated in North and West Cumbria.
While Amazon and Waterstones will always be there, independent bookshops offer more of a signature charm and supporting them means they’ll maintain their high street presence.
It’s also worth noting that as autumn approaches, so too does winter, and the dreaded Christmas shopping comes with it – so shopping at one of these could help stimulate the local economy more than relying on a chain or website.
Hedgehog Bookshop, Penrith
This charming family-run shop on Little Dockray has a great selection of children’s books, as well as adult-oriented books and provides an order-in service.
If you’re not in the market for literature, the business was named one of the best greeting card retailers in the UK last year.
Bookcase/Bookends, Carlisle
Carlisle’s most well-known independent bookshop is split in two – Bookends supplying the new and Bookcase supplying the old, at Castle Street.
Both parts cater to their respective needs excellently, with Bookends featuring regularly-updated displays and hosting book signing events, and will reliably have the latest big books.
Bookcase is your place to go for either a cheaper second hand read, or something more vintage and antique – you can also find locally-produced guides and fiction.
Withnail Books, Penrith
With a name reminiscent of the film Withnail and I, set in Penrith, this shop at The Brunswick Yard provides a healthy selection of second-hand books.
Most recently, the shop announced an exceptionally rare offering of Cormac McCarthy novels, which immediately sold out.
For more updates and to make sure you don’t miss out on the next collections, visit http://www.withnailbooks.com/.
Verey Books, Pooley Bridge
Shortlisted for the 2024 British Book Awards, Verey Books often tops lists of this nature and provides several events as well as a great amount of books.
Its website reads: “The realisation of one man’s boyhood dream, Verey Books has been 40 years in the yearning.
“On its shelves, a thoughtfully curated selection of books from bestsellers to Lakeland greats, practical maps and guides to children’s classics.”
The New Bookshop, Cockermouth
Located at Main Street, The New Bookshop hosts events, groups for children and provides plenty cake, homemade scones and brews to accompany your reading.
Louise Heaton took the brave decision to leave her job as an English teacher and take over at The New Bookshop in Cockermouth on November 1, 2022.
It was a dream for her to have a café and sell books, and it’s one that remains fulfilled today.
Keep an eye on their Facebook page for stock updates.
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