5 Incredible Independent Derbyshire Bookshops We Love
Embark on a literary journey through the charming landscapes of Derbyshire as we unveil the hidden treasures of independent bookshops nestled in this picturesque county.
In this exploration of literary havens, we bring you an insider's guide to the unique and thriving independent bookstores that we love in Derbyshire. Discover the stories, characters, and vibrant atmospheres that make these local gems not just repositories of books but integral pillars of the community's cultural fabric.
Our Pick Of Wonderful Independent Derbyshire Bookshops
If you are a Derbyshire local, or if you are on holiday in the Peak District, visiting all of these bookshops can make a great day out.
1. Scrivener’s Books and Bookbinding
Location: 42 High Street, Buxton. SK17 6HB
Stepping into this bookshop is like walking into Narnia. You pass the threshold and time stops. You’ll even smell the magic. With five floors of books, you might want to block out an entire afternoon to explore. There is even a small museum in the cellar that celebrates the past lives of the Victorian shop.
A firm favourite of Derbyshire Writing School, Scrivener’s Books and Bookbinding was also voted one of The Guardian’s 10 best second-hand bookshops in the UK. Started by Alastair Scrivener in 1997, the bookshop holds all the charm of a small local store, with the variety and stock of a huge chain bookshop (if they sold second-hand books!).
2. Scarthin Books of Cromford
Location: The Promenade, Cromford, Matlock DE4 3QF
Nestled in the picturesque Cromford Promenade, you’ll find Scarthin Books has the best spot in town, overlooking the village pond and church. Started in 1974, Scarthin Books has a wonderful history, told as an amusing story on the bookshop website. We love the events that Scarthin Books runs and adore how they promote local authors – you’ll find a huge list on their site. They also have a quaint café and incredible staff. What more could you want? Well, New books, second-hand books and even gifts. Plus, Culture Trip listed Scarthin Books as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
3. Dormouse Books
Location: 36 Market Pl, Belper DE56 1FZ
Dormouse Books is an independent bookshop in Belper whose main aim is to nurture the next generation of readers. The quirky bookstore not only offers an incredible range of books, but you’ll find cool displays and lots of unique treasures. Be sure to add this bookstore to your list!
4. High Peak Bookstore & Café
Location: Brierlow Bar, Buxton SK17 9PY
A café and a bookstore? SOLD! This gem is in a great location for a mid-morning coffee stop whilst exploring and walking in the Peaks. High Peak Bookstore boasts that 95% of books are less than half price, and with stock changing weekly you are bound to find a bargain book you love. There is a free car park and a dedicated children’s room, did we mention the delicious cake too? You’ll find you can explore for a couple of hours or pop in for a few minutes and pick up a perfect gift – either way, you’ll love it!
5. Peak Volumes
Location: Tideswell, Derbyshire, SK17 8NT
Tim Dudley found Peak Volumes. The store found a home in Tideswell in early 2010. They host an enormous variety of books but focus on second-hand books. Based in an old bank, you’ll find the books housed under high ceilings, surrounded by beautiful woodwork. Pop in from Thursday – Sunday for a browse.
Why Not Make a Day of it?
There are plenty more inspiring independent bookshops in Derbyshire, and we’d certainly recommend a day out exploring these treasure chests of shops. We’ve even made a treasure map for you to follow.
We’d love to know how you get on. Have you found a hidden gem? Or are we missing a shop right in front of us? Let us know and we can add to the list. If you’d like more useful articles like this one, sign up for our monthly newsletter. We’ll send you interesting ideas, free resources and writing tips.
Don’t Forget the Gift of a Book
Is it ever too soon to think about Christmas? We don’t think so. Especially when you are shopping for books! We believe books can make the most perfect gift option! Easy to wrap, and with so much choice, you are bound to find a book to make even the fussiest of relatives happy.
Christmas time is often the busiest for the publishing industry. According to an article from the Independent, In Iceland, there is even a name for this busy book period: jólabókaflóð (pronounced yo-la-bok-a-flot) or “Christmas book flood”. This phrase also refers to the Icelandic traditions of giving and receiving books on Christmas Eve. The custom then dictates the night before Christmas is spent reading. In our imagination, they should do this whilst curled up by the fire and Christmas tree, with a huge mug of mulled wine in hand. Sounds good? Why not bring a little bit of Iceland to Derbyshire and start Christmas celebrations with a relaxing, cosy evening of reading? You could even go one step better and buy your Christmas Eve books from an independent Derbyshire bookshop.
We would love to know which shops you visit, please get in touch and share your book-shopping adventure.
