Norfolk County is home to several outstanding independent bookshops. The Book Hive, located in Norwich and Aylsham, offers a wide variety of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, small press, cookery, art, and children’s titles. It has become a popular destination and opened a second branch in Aylsham the previous year. Kett’s Books in Wymondham is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that relocated to a larger premises in the Market Place in September. The shop was designed by Jack Kinsey and features a hand-painted ceiling and artificial trees to create a relaxing environment for customers.
Bookbugs & Dragon Tales in Norwich was named the best bookshop in Norfolk at the Muddy Stilettos Awards. Run by Dan and Leanne Fridd, the bookshop specializes in children’s books and hosts regular events to encourage youngsters to read and get creative. By the Book, located in Hunstanton, offers carefully curated pre-loved and new books and hosts author readings and various other events. It was a Norfolk finalist in the best bookshop category at the Muddy Stilettos Awards. Tombland Bookshop, located in a 15th-century building opposite Norwich Cathedral, sells second-hand and antique books on various subjects spread across two floors. It also offers book-finding, book restoration, and rebinding services.
Old School Bookshop in Old Buckenham recently opened in the Church Rooms, which was originally the home of the village school that shut in the 1930s. The shop, run by Lucie Riches, stocks second-hand contemporary fiction and non-fiction books in excellent or like new condition. It also offers products from local makers and hosts a monthly book club. The Holt Bookshop entered a new chapter in August 2020 when it relocated to Lion House Court with new owners Pam Horrocks and Keith Britten at the helm. The shop stocks a large range of fiction, non-fiction, local, and children’s books, as well as maps for sale. These independent bookshops offer unique and curated collections, as well as events and services to engage the local community.
