Do you need some help in finding bookshops in Hampshire? We’ve featured 10 in the handy list below.
1. One Tree Books
Since the turn of the century, One Tree Books in Petersfield offers a wide selection of books, including popular fiction, nonfiction and children’s books, with particular focus on historic and realistic fiction. You can also hear owner Tim O’Kelly talking about books on the local radio show he co-hosts each week.
One Tree Books hosts a variety of popular events such as book launches, author signings, book clubs and workshops. While you’re there, grab a bite to eat or drink from the plant-based Ginger’s Café located inside the bookshop. Contact them using their online message form for more information.
2. Petersfield Bookshop
Petersfield Bookshop in Petersfield has been operating since Harry Roberts opened it in 1918. It was purchased by Frank Westwood and relocated to Chapel Street in 1958 and remains owned and operated by the Westwood family. While the bookshop stocks new and popular fiction and nonfiction texts, it specialises in second-hand, antique and out-of-print books on nearly any topic imaginable.
Petersfield Bookshop does not host many events in shop but often participates in local events such as the annual Petersfield Antique Show. If you’d like to visit this historic booksellers or have any other questions, contact them via email or phone number found at the bottom of their webpage.
3. The Book Shop
Originally opened in 1933 as a lending library at the back of Leonard Miles’ florist shop, the Book Shop in Lee-on-the-Solent is oldest independent bookshop on the entire Southern coast. They stock popular and contemporary fiction (including genre fiction such as sci-fi and graphic novels), nonfiction and children’s books; all of which can be purchased online and delivered straight to your doorstep.
From Harry Potter theme nights to arts and crafts workshops, you can find an event happening at the Book Shop every week. They also hosts an annual literary festival and a separate children’s book festival. To find out more about what events are happening and how to attend, contact the Book Shop using the online message form at the bottom of their webpage.
4. Hayling Island Bookshop
2009 Independent Bookshop of the Year for South England, the Hayling Island Bookshop prides itself as a bastion of personal and bespoke literary service. They stock a range of new and popular fiction, nonfiction and children’s books, as well as a selection of local interest and local authors.
Events at the Hayling Island Bookshop often bring well-known authors to the area for author signings; the bookshop also runs author events in local schools and through the local library. You can find out more about the bookshop and upcoming events by contacting them using their online email form.
5. P&G Wells Booksellers and Stationers
One of the oldest and most famous bookshops in the UK, P&G Wells has been operating on College Street in Winchester since at least 1729. The name P&G Wells didn’t come about until 1845, when Joseph Wells, an apprentice bookbinder, took over the shop and developed it and the building housing it into what it is today. They now carry a large selection of books covering nearly every genre and form, including children’s board books, graphic novels, classic and contemporary fiction and poetry, and nonfiction.
As well as independent author signings and book launches, P&G Wells work in collaboration with the Wincoll Society to organise a season’s worth of author events. Bookbinding still takes place onsite, as well, and can be organise by appointment only. To find out more about this historic booksellers or for more information about future events, contact them using their online message form.
6. October Books
Originally opened in 1977, October Books is a community run bookshop in Southampton and devoted to diversity, social change and radical ideals. While their shelves contact popular and contemporary fiction, nonfiction and children’s books, their specialities lie in those texts devoted to highlighting social injustices and how to combat them.
October Books regularly hosts author events but also workshops on being more sustainable and eco-friendly living. They also regularly hire out their community space for external events. Contact October Books for more information or to inquire about volunteering at the shop.
7. Bookends of Emsworth
Originally opened in Havant in the 1970s, founder Carol Waldron moved Bookends to Emsworth in the early 2000s and eventually sold to new owner Jo Bray. Bookends specialises in buying and selling high quality second-hand books of any genre. If you cannot make it into the shop, Bookends offers a selection of second-hand books only available for online purchase and delivery.
While Bookends does not host any internal events, they do act as a ticket agent for local music clubs and festivals. Contact them to find out more.
8. Jade Mountain
Since 1998 in Southsea, Jade Mountain bookshop has been the local independent bookshop selling thousands of books to readers with any interest: from religion to transport to DIY and historical fiction. They also buy and sell good quality second-hand books.
After stopping by Jade Mountain for a new or quality second-hand book, check out the Country Pantry Café next door for a classic British breakfast or lunch, or even just a cup of tea or coffee. For more information, contact Jade Mountain directly.
9. Pigeon Books
Also in Southsea is Pigeon Books, another independent bookshop stocking popular and contemporary fiction and nonfiction, but also genre fiction including science fiction and fantasy, LGBT+, children’s books, hobbies and crafts, music, biography and poetry. They even order books for visitors who can’t find something specific on their shelves.
Pigeon Books hosts events such as book club and author signings, book launches and even author launches as they support selling books by new and upcoming authors. If you want to find out more about how to get your book on the shelves at Pigeon Books, or for any other questions, contact them by email.
10. The Bookmark
If you are looking for a good independent bookshop in Stockbridge, look no further than the Bookmark. They stock a variety of new and popular fiction and nonfiction titles, specialising in books on fishing books and natural history, books written by American writers and books written for children.
Since opening in 2015, the Bookmark has hosted events spotlighting local and new authors, as well as bringing more national and well-known names to the village. If you’d like to learn more about the Bookmark or would like them to order a book for you, contact them by email or phone.