From Norwich to Hunstanton, there are plenty of brilliant independent bookshops in Norfolk that offer something different to the big chains.
These are some of the best ones you can visit in the county.
Owner Henry Layte outside The Book Hive in London Street, Norwich (Image: Archant 2021)
1. The Book Hive, Norwich and Aylsham
Where: 53 London Street, Norwich, NR2 1HL/18 Red Lion Street, Aylsham, NR11 6ER
Situated in the heart of the Norwich Lanes, this award-winning shop boasts a curated selection of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, small press, cookery, art and children's titles.
Stephen Fry once said that The Book Hive was "the kind of place I dreamt of existing in Norwich when I was growing up".
Due to its popularity, owner Henry Layte opened a second branch in Aylsham last year.
Tracy Kenny, front centre left, director and co-founder, and Richard Hall, project manager, front centre right, with volunteers in Kett's Books in Wymondham Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)
2. Kett's Books, Wymondham
Where: 11 Market Place, Wymondham, NR18 0AS
Kett's Books has been run as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) since 2014 and in September this year, it relocated from Whartons Court to a larger premises at the Market Place.
The enchanting space was designed by Jack Kinsey from Norfolk, who was a finalist on the 2023 series of the BBC's Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr.
The features include a hand-painted ceiling at the entrance and artificial trees to create a relaxing environment for customers.
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Bookbugs and Dragon Tales in Timber Hill - pictured are the owners Dan and Leanne Fridd Picture: Sonya Dunca (Image: Newsquest)
3. Bookbugs & Dragon Tales, Norwich
Where: 41-43 Timber Hill, Norwich, NR1 3LA
This charming bookshop was named the best in Norfolk at the public-voted Muddy Stilettos Awards 2023.
It is run by couple Dan and Leanne Fridd and it offers a great selection of children's books, with regular events to encourage youngsters to read and get creative.
It hit the international headlines in 2022 when Hollywood actor Russell Crowe donated £5,000 to its Crowdfunder campaign to help secure its future amid the cost of living crisis.
Celebrating Christmas at By the Book in Hunstanton Picture: By the Book (Image: By the Book)
4. By the Book, Hunstanton
Where: 9 High Street, Hunstanton, PE36 5AB
Over in west Norfolk, this independent shop in the heart of Hunstanton stocks a range of carefully curated pre-loved and new books.
It hosts author readings and various other events and it was also a Norfolk finalist in the best bookshop category at the Muddy Stilettos Awards.
Tombland Bookshop in Norwich (Image: Google Maps)
5. Tombland Bookshop, Norwich
Where: 8 Tombland, Norwich, NR3 1HF
This independent shop is located in a 15th-century building opposite Norwich Cathedral and it stocks second-hand and antique books on various subjects spread across two floors.
It also sells specialist and academic books and offers book-finding, book restoration and rebinding services.
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Lucie Riches at the headmaster's desk in the Old School Bookshop she has opened in Old Buckenham Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)
6. Old School Bookshop, Old Buckenham
Where: Church Rooms, The Green, Old Buckenham, NR17 1RN
The Old School Bookshop opened at the start of December in the Church Rooms, which was originally the home of the village school that shut in the 1930s.
The new business is run by avid reader Lucie Riches and it stocks second-hand contemporary fiction and non-fiction books in "excellent or like new condition".
The space has been lovingly restored and it also stocks products from local makers and there is a monthly book club.
The Holt Bookshop in Lion Court Yard, Holt Picture: Brittany Woodman (Image: Archant)
7. The Holt Bookshop, Holt
Where: Lion House Court, 26a High Street, Holt, NR25 6BH
The Holt Bookshop entered a new chapter in August 2020 when it relocated from Appleyard to Lion House Court, with new owners Pam Horrocks and Keith Britten at the helm.
It stocks a large range of fiction, non-fiction, local and children’s books, with maps for sale too.
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