If you’re trying to locate bookshops in Cheshire, this post will help. We’ve featured 8 bookshops in the county in the compilation below.
1. Simply Books
Ex-educators Andrew Cant and Sue Steel realised their pipedreams of owning an independent bookshop when they launched Simply Books in Bramhall in the early 2000s. They stock books covering nearly every genre or topic imaginable, from popular and contemporary fiction to children’s books to nonfiction books on self-help or traveling. If you want it, they likely have it or can order it for you.
What makes Simply Books truly notable are their range of events: they have four different monthly book clubs, a range of author events, and even a Friday night cinema group. But if events are your thing, stop by for a tea, coffee and a homemade sweet treat from the in-house café. Contact the bookshop to find out more about this community-hub.
2. Curiosity Bookshop
The Curiosity Bookshop in Runcorn was opened by Liz Howard in 1990. As one of the biggest independent bookshops in the North, Curiosity Bookshop contains over 500 square metres of books covering nearly every subject: general and bestselling fiction, science fiction, classic fiction, biographies, reference texts, transport, travel, history, and wellness. There is also a large selection of children’s books, including fiction, picture books, religious stories, and activity books.
As the Howard family have been based in the Cheshire area for over 200 years, they take special pride in selling books by local authors or about local areas. They also have a swath of signed editions of books by both local and popular authors. To find out more about this eclectic Northern bookshop, contact them by email or phone.
3. Cavern Books
In 1997, Harry Madden opened Cavern Books in Nantwich to provide a place where readers could come and find new and preloved books at affordable prices. They stock over 30,000 fiction titles including first editions, rare and antique titles, poetry, academic companion texts, children’s books, and classic literature. For the nonfiction connoisseur, Cavern Books stocks over 40,000 titles including books about architecture, mysticism, military, transport, history, religion and local interest.
They sell more than just books: Cavern Books also sells vinyl records and stamps, two of the owner’s other interests besides reading a good book. You can even bring in your own books, records or stamps to sell. To find out what the shop is looking to buy, or for any other questions, feel free to contact them anytime.
4. Nantwich Bookshop and Coffee Lounge
Also in Nantwich is the Nantwich Bookshop and Coffee Lounge, opened in 2003. They sell fiction and nonfiction books on nearly every topic from science and nature to humour and literary classics to children’s and young adult novels. There is even a healthy selection of books by local authors and about local interests.
Stop by and check out their award-winning café, the Coffee Lounge. They sell coffee, tea, chocolates and cold fizzy drinks, as well as a spread of classic breakfast and lunch fare. Whether you just want to stop in for a cuppa or fancy a toastie or an all-day breakfast, the Coffee Lounge has what you’re looking for in a bookshop coffee shop. To find out more, simply contact them using their online message form.
5. Forget Me Not Toys and Books
In Culcheth, Forget Me Not Toys and Books offers more than just books. While they sell best-selling adult fiction and nonfiction, Forget Me Not Toys and Books specialises in children’s and young adult fiction; they even sell and accept National Book Tokens so children can access books no matter the cost. They also sell jigsaw puzzles and popular toys.
The bookshop’s monthly book club has been running since 2012 and includes books from all genres and subjects, such as The Children Act by Ian McEwan and A History of Britain in 21 Woman by Jenni Murray. Forget Me Not Toys and Books also hosts a range of author- and book-related events. Use their online contact form or email to find out more.
6. Copnal Books
Copnal Books in Crewe was opened by Peter Ollerhead in 1984. They stock mainly secondhand book covering a large range of topics, particularly local history and classic fiction, as well as over 600 first editions and nearly 120 signed editions for sale. The founder’s own novels focusing on the local history of Crewe and the old Rolls-Royce factory can also be purchased.
If you’d like to see what they have for sale before visiting the shop, you can browse their stock online. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact the bookshop directly to see if they can order or know someone one who does.
7. Bear Hunt Books and Toys
Opened in Bebington in 2021, Bear Hunt Books and Toys was the lifelong dream of owner Michelle Peters. They sell graphic novels, children’s books, picture books and board books, Christmas books, and nonfiction books all aimed at a child or young adult audience. They also sell academic study guides and new baby albums, cards and stationary, and even gifts and toys.
The bookshop kitchen offers local and homemade sweet treats, coffees and teas. There are a range of book-related events at Bear Hunt Books and Toys, including book signings and monthly book clubs. To find out more about this childhood-inspired bookshop, contact them using their online form or the contact information found here.
8. Words & Music Café
In 1996, the New Life Church of Congleton opened Words & Music in the Danesford Community Centre as a place for anyone to find an open ear, a shoulder to cry, or even just a good book and cup of tea. The bookshop part of the shop stocks Christian fiction and devotional texts, children’s books, and autobiographies. They also sell cards and gifts, such as candles, stationary and soaps.
The café offers a menu of traditional breakfast items and café sandwiches, as well as tea and coffees; there’s even an option to book a full afternoon tea, with cucumber sandwiches and all. To find out more about what’s on at Words & Music, send them an email or message them on social media.
