In a world where buying a book on Amazon is an all too familiar habit, nothing beats a good browse through a bookshop. Waterstones opposite the Clock Tower offers a warm and hospitable atmosphere as well as boasting a fine selection of books. However, this article aims to shine a light on the little guys – the independent bookshops still standing strong and offering something unique. These bookshops are run and staffed by genuine lovers of the written word, and heading over to them will help out local businesses and make it easy to wile away some treasured spare time. These rare gems are the kind of creative community spaces which make Brighton and Hove a truly unique place to live and visit. So, without further ado, here’s our definitive list of the best independent bookshops in Brighton and Hove…
City Books
City Books has been a mainstay of Brighton and Hove’s eclectic independent book scene for a number of years, and for lovers of the written word who fancy a good rummage through a vast collection of vintage and modern classics, this is the place to go. Its cultural significance has not been lost on those who champion literature in all its forms, with the bookshop frequently hosting literary events with big name guest speakers such as Brighton local Nick Cave, Will Self and Caitlin Moran amongst others.
23 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1AF
Kemp Town Bookshop
This list is all about the ‘traditional’ bookshops in Brighton and Hove, and this local favourite certainly fits the bill. Having won a string of small shop and bookshop awards, this Kemp Town gem with over 10,000 titles spanning the genres has got to be on any inquisitive Brighton book lover’s list. Situated over three floors there are plenty of literary treasures to be found in this charming retreat from the hustle and bustle of an often busy St George’s Road.
91 St. George’s Road, Brighton, BN2 1EE
Books for Amnesty
Standing pink and proud, and still going strong, every Brighton day tripper will have spotted this one on an amble down Sydney Street in the North Laines. Selling often immaculate first and second hand copies (as well as vinyls, comics, maps, chocolates and plenty more), you’d be forgiven for sometimes thinking this isn’t a second hand bookshop at all. Books for Amnesty is not ideal if you’re looking for specific titles – though there’s a surprising amount considering – but it’s a great place to find something unexpected, help out a worthy cause and, like all good bookshops, is a welcoming space that you won’t want to leave in a hurry.
15 Sydney Street, Brighton, BN14EN
The Feminist Bookshop
Situated on Upper North Street, and just a short walk from both Seven Dials and Hove, The Feminist Bookshop is a charming and radical new addition to Brighton’s independent bookshop scene. Opening its doors in 2019, after a successful crowdfunding campaign, The Feminist Bookshop champions inclusivity and community with an emphasis on contemporary women’s and LGBTQIA+ literature. This bookshop speaks volumes about how nurturing and friendly a place like Brighton truly is, and its knowledgeable and welcoming staff are always on hand to recommend something exciting and refreshing to read.
48 Upper North St, BN1 3FH
The Book Nook
In most book shops you can usually find a section dedicated to children’s literature as well as the most popular educational books on offer for infants. However, for parents and younger book lovers looking for a veritable emporium of books for the younger generation, then look no further than The Book Nook in Hove. With a cafe for parents to relax while the kids play, it’s a great space to spend an afternoon, and the collection of books on offer goes from infants to teen fiction. There’s also a tonne of events including storytelling, competitions, Father Christmas visits, Panto, author signings and competitions.
1 St Johns Place, First Avenue, Hove, BN3 2FJ
Raining Books
Raining Books is a traditional book lover’s dream. Inside this bohemian gem, you will find mountains of second-hand books which literally look as if they have fallen from the sky. If you are someone who prioritises order over chaos, then perhaps this is not the place for you, but this quaint and old-fashioned throwback to the bookshops of old is a riposte to a staid contemporary fascination with things being prim and proper. Raining Books has to be seen to be believed.
Trafalgar St, BN1 4DY
Dave’s Comics
Don’t let the humble name fool you, this colourful comic book store is everything comic book lovers of all genres could dream of. There’s everything from DC crime fighters to Guy Delisle; niche manga to the pulitzer prize winning work of Art Spiegelman. There’s even Brighton: The Graphic Novel for you to flick through. You can also find action figurines, memorabilia, board games, limited editions and once a year there’s a ‘free book day’, designed to get people reading things they wouldn’t usually choose, and of course it’s also a chance to dress up as your favourite character. If you haven’t started reading graphic novels yet, there’s a whole new world to explore of fantastic writing at Dave’s Comics.
5 Sydney Street, Brighton, BN1 4EN
