Today (October 10) is the annual Bookshop Day, celebrating all high street bookshops in Booksellers Association membership, including approximately 1,000 UK retailers, both independent and chain branches. The aim is to remind people about the importance of bookshops and that they are a great place to kick off Christmas present buying.
The North East boasts a wonderful variety of beautiful independent bookshops catering to every type of reader in every genre. Bookshops are a key community hub for many, and more have been popping up all over the region. Below are some favourite independent bookshops recommended for this Bookshop Day.
Alnwick and the Forum Trilogy
First on the list is Barter Books in Alnwick, a second-hand bookshop located in the town's gorgeous old Victorian railway station. With its fireside and old and rare books, it offers an atmospheric getaway for any book lover.
Nearby in Alnwick is The Accidental Bookshop, part of the Forum trilogy across the North East, which houses the UK's tallest bookshop bookshelf. The shop also works with local schools and care homes to bridge the generational gap through the joy of reading.
Next in the trilogy is the bound in Whitley Bay, opened by Vera creator Ann Cleeves in 2021. It has a large collection of children's books to appeal to younger readers. Finally, in Corbridge, the original flagship of the trilogy is found in a picturesque chapel, hosting a range of author events and is an award-winning bookshop.
New Additions Across the Region
Books and Bakes in Washington is one of the newest independents, starting this year, with a signature pink look in The Galleries. It promotes local authors and independent book-inspired businesses.
Sinful Spine in Heaton is a new addition for romance and dark romance lovers, offering amazing artwork, pitch black options, and delicious cocktails. Chapter 13 in Sunderland is another new contender, with a dedicated fantasy room and reading snug for enjoying a hot drink and being transported to another world.
Paper and Park in Chester le Street is an independent book and coffee shop offering fiction, gluten-free and vegan cakes, and good roasted coffee. It runs book clubs covering genres such as general fiction, fantasy, romance, and thrillers.
Community and Specialist Shops
Brew and Bind in Whitley Bay offers books, coffee, craft sessions, live book readings, writers clubs, and clothes swaps. The shop prides itself on being a queer safe space open to everyone.
House of Stories in Morpeth opened two months ago, starting as a stall on Tynemouth Market. The family-run business focuses on preloved and antique books with a big variety of options.
1b Books in Heaton is full of second-hand and new books, running family, children, and baby book clubs. It is embedded in the Heaton community and takes part in local events.
Further South and Durham
Back of Beyond Books in Stockton on Tees focuses on northern writers and is a place for historical and crime genres. It partners with local businesses, such as Fusion Cake Haus, for weekly literature-inspired cakes.
Keel Row Books in Whitley Bay is known as the longest established rare and collectable bookshop in the North East, specialising in first editions, signed, rare and antiquarian books, fine bindings, children's books, and North East history.
Finally, Book Wyrm in Durham's indoor market specialises in LGBTQ+ books as well as small authors and independent presses. Books can be bought alongside custom-made miniatures by the owners, including ghosts, mice, and even pets.
