Mirror reporter Julia Banim spent the night at Read and Rabbit, a pink bookshop in Loftus, Yorkshire, where guests can try their hand at running the shop. The experience includes staying in cozy accommodation above the shop and exploring the nearby North York Moors National Park.
The Bookshop Experience
Read and Rabbit is owned by Marta Eleniak, who created the experience for literary-minded holidaymakers. Guests can open the shop on Saturdays and one midweek day between 10 am and 2 pm, organize books, change window displays, and even offer workshops. Marta told the Mirror: "I love creating experiences for people. It's like my calling, really, creating experiences for others."
Exploring Loftus and Beyond
Before her shift, Banim visited Cattersty Sands beach, a dog-friendly hidden gem. She also enjoyed a walk in local woods with waterfalls and visited Staithes, a fishing village with cobbled streets and the Cod and Lobster pub for seafood. For lunch, she had a pie and brownie from the award-winning Willow Cake Shop.
The Accommodation
The self-catering rooms feature literary touches like typewriters and books. Banim chose the larger room with a window seat overlooking the street. The kitchen was stocked with fresh local eggs and oranges. She also enjoyed the colorful roof garden for morning tea.
Community and Connection
Marta emphasized that the bookshop is a happy place for neurodivergent individuals and a space for physical connection. Profits from book sales fund affordable events like meditation sessions. Marta said: "I want to make it a happy place for people. Even if they come in and something just makes them laugh, that's good enough for me."
Nearby Attractions
Banim also visited Saltburn, a Victorian seaside town with a historic pier and surfing. She had fish and chips at The Seaview Restaurant, which offers ocean views. Yorkshire's literary culture, highlighted by Wuthering Heights, makes Loftus a perfect base for exploring beyond Whitby and Haworth.
