1. Scarthin Books, Derbyshire.
Scarthin Books is truly a hidden treasure. Not only do they have approximately 9,000 children's books in their children's book room, there's also a café behind a "secret" bookshelf. Not convinced? Read this lovingly written review.
2. Mr B's Reading Emporium, Bath
This Bath bookshop is insanely charming, but its real appeal lies upstairs. You can book for a "bibliotherapy" appointment at their Reading Spa. During the appointment, you sit with a cup of tea and nice slice of cake, while the ~bibliotherapist~ will then "gather and introduce you to a tower of books specially selected to suit your reading tastes". Delightful.
3. Armchair Books, Edinburgh
You could easily lose a weekend while nosing about the dreamy Armchair Books. Delve into stacks and stacks of inviting tomes at this Edinburgh institution. If you're still on the fence, Armchair Books are also great value on Twitter. Plus their logo is a dinosaur reading! (See above right).
4. Any Amount of Books, London
This second-hand bookshop is a treasure trove not too far from Leicester Square. If you want to make your money go further, the bargain basement is stocked with titles for only £1 each. Perfect!
5. Young's Interesting Books, Glasgow
Young's describes itself as "a wee shop, with the emphasis on quality rather than quantity". And they're not wrong. They've got a really wide range, and are especially good for quirkier finds – think vintage sci-fi, philosophy, and antiquarian books.
6. Barter Books, Alnwick
Put simply, Barter Books is a book-lover's dream: 1. It's based in an old train station; 2. A model railway runs around the inside of the shop; 3. It has so many squishy sofas, just for reading. What more could you want?
7. Leakey's Bookshop, Inverness
Picture this. It's chilly outside (snowing, maybe?) but you're cosy in Leakey's cavernous bookshop, rifling through your faves, picking some to take home. "How could things get any better?", you think. You then discover that Leakey's has a wood-burning fire, and a café. Amazing.
8. The Sanctuary, Lyme Regis
This second-hand bookshop is a little bit of everything – you'll find books, yes, but also antiques, homeware, and artworks. If that's not enough for you, you can also sleep over in the bookshop! The upper floors form the book-lover's bed and breakfast, above left.
9. Octavia's Bookshop, Cirencester
This vibrant purple Cirencester bookshop specialises in children's books (and also has a small range of books for grown-ups too). If you can't make it there, why not ask them for a book recommendation on Twitter?
10. Topping and Co, Bath/Ely/St Andrews
Topping's forms a cosy trio of independent bookshops, with a real backbone of charm. There's no café, but they'll offer you a coffee, and there are plenty of author events to hold your interest.
11. Madhatter Bookshop, Oxfordshire
Combining books and hats, Madhatter Bookshop is certainly unique. But they've got form with each – visit and pick up a Bronte's Tara chapeau, or catch up their weekly book recommendations.
12. Daunt Books, London
Daunt is almost synonymous with London indie bookshops, and for good reason. They have six locations, a beautiful interior at the Marylebone branch, and plenty of author events. They've also got a pretty Instagram account for their second-hand finds.
13. Astley Book Farm, Warwickshire
You could while hours away in the book barn – even their clock reminds you to "make time to read". Particularly charming is their Children's Hayloft, a hideaway filled with books for youngsters.
14. The Book and Record Bar, London
This West Norwood neighbourhood bookseller sells, well, books and records. It describes itself as "a shop selling second-hand records and books, good coffee" and offers the chance to play your own records. They're particularly good for stealth finds, showcasing a recent first-edition Nabokov.
15. The Book Barge, Staffordshire
This utterly adorable floating bookshop has a great selection of reads – and even has its own book too. (The Bookshop That Floated Away; buy it here). If things couldn't get any cuter, they also have a barge bunny! (Above left).
16. The whole village of Hay-on-Wye.
