The reading nook report: The UK regions with the most independent bookshops

Whether it’s fantasy or a thriller, there’s nothing like cosying up with a good book to unwind. As more of us look for tech-free ways to spend our time, reading is the perfect solution, allowing us to learn, spark creativity, and escape the everyday without a screen. And what better way to truly enjoy the world of reading than with a visit to your local independent bookshop?

It seems that we aren't the only ones who think this. While many high street retailers have struggled over the past few years, independent bookshops have bucked this trend. In fact, data shows that the number of indie bookshops across the UK is at almost a 10-year high (The Independent).

To help you celebrate Independent Bookshop Week 2025 (which runs from Saturday 14th June to Saturday 21st June), we’ve done research using the Independent Bookshops list of UK retailers to find the areas with the most independent bookshops. Read on to find out which regions of the UK are spoilt for independent bookshops, and use our reading nook creation tips to make the perfect cosy space to enjoy your latest read.

The UK regions with the most independent bookshops

Wondering how many independent bookshops you have nearby? We’ve calculated exactly how many there are in each UK region with our exclusive research.

Want to find out more about the regions with the most indie bookshops? Whether you’re lucky enough to live in one of these areas and want to find out more about what’s on offer locally, or you’re a book lover planning a literary UK staycation, here’s a rundown of the top 10 UK regions with the most independent bookshops.

10. North East England - 30

Coming in 10th is North East England, with 30 independent bookshops in the region. You might assume that the majority of these are located in the area's main city, Newcastle upon Tyne, but this is actually home to just four of the 30. There is a good mix of indie bookshops in this area, ranging from Darlington in the south of the region to Berwick-upon-Tweed, right on the border in the north.

The best-known bookshop (independent or otherwise) amongst locals is Barter Books in Alnwick. This truly unique shop is set in Alnwick’s former Victorian railway station, where visitors are greeted with a model train running above head height upon entry. It’s considered one of the largest second-hand book retailers in the country, and is even where the first “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster was discovered!

9. South Scotland - 31

South Scotland is the only UK region outside of England to crack the top 10. It’s no surprise that South Scotland is the region to do this. After all, Scotland’s official book town, Wigtown, is in the region. The small town has 12 independent bookshops, despite having a population of just 859! Wigtown also hosts a 10-day literary festival every autumn, which is a particularly popular event amongst book lovers across Scotland and beyond.

8. East Midlands - 43

The East Midlands ranks 8th in the UK for the number of independent bookshops, with 43 across the region. It is no surprise that this area scores so highly, as it’s home to Nottingham, one of England’s three UNESCO Cities of Literature.

However, one of the best-known bookshops in the region isn’t in Nottingham but in Cromford. Scarthin Books, which celebrated its 50th birthday last year, is famous amongst locals and those further afield for its unique setting and huge selection of books, as well as an on-site vegetarian cafe.

7. West Midlands - 53

Most book lovers will know the West Midlands as the birthplace of Shakespeare, with Stratford-upon-Avon long established as a popular destination for literary lovers. But with 53 indie bookshops across the region, there is plenty to explore in the wider area, too.

Birmingham, in particular, has a thriving indie bookshop scene. This includes the community-focused children's fiction specialist Bear Bookshop, as well as Ikon Gallery, which doubles up as a bookshop and contemporary art space.

6. East England - 62

East England is home to another one of the three UNESCO Cities of Literature in England — Norwich. In fact, this city has the most bookshops of all three, with nine in total. And there is plenty more for book lovers to explore across the region too, including Cambridge University Press Bookshop in Cambridge, which claims to be the oldest book-selling site in the UK and is perfectly located for local students.

5. North West England - 78

North West England has made it into the top five, with 78 independent bookshops in the region. With two large cities in the area, including Manchester (the third of the three UNESCO Cities of Literature in England) and Liverpool, it’s easy to see why it is so high up the list. These two cities alone account for 21 of the 78 indie bookshops in the region. But there is plenty to explore outside of these locations, including a range of bookshops nestled in the heart of the Lake District.

4. Yorkshire & The Humber - 79

Yorkshire & The Humber has the most bookshops in the north, with 79 to choose from. York boasts a fantastic selection of bookshops that specialise in specific genres, including Criminally Good Books, which offers a wide array of crime books, and Travelling Man, which specialises in graphic novels. Beyond York, other areas to explore include cities like Sheffield and Leeds, as well as Hebden Bridge, a quaint market town with three independent bookshops.

3. South East England - 95

The South East has the third highest number of bookshops in the UK, with almost 100 in the region. While many areas have a high proportion of shops in one or two cities or large towns, there is a good mix to explore across the whole South East, from Southampton to Southend-on-Sea. This region is particularly good for little book lovers as it has a variety of children’s fiction shops to explore, including Moo Like a Monkey in Folkestone and Bags of Books in Lewes.

2. South West England - 132

Just behind the top spot is South West England, which has a staggering 132 bookshops across the region. One charming city that many book lovers fall in love with is Bath, which has been home to many famous authors over the years, from Jane Austen to Mary Shelley. It even hosts the Children’s Literature Festival annually, which is the largest of its kind in Europe. Not far from Bath is Bristol, the city with the largest concentration of independent bookshops outside of London.

1. London - 160

Unsurprisingly, London tops our list as the UK region with the most independent bookshops, with a staggering 160 across the city. London is a great place for particularly niche offerings. There are a variety of genre-specific shops, as well as dedicated feminist bookshops like The Feminist Library, and queer bookshops like Gay’s The Word, the UK's oldest LGBT+ bookshop and a key part of the BAFTA-nominated film, Pride.

Creating a reading nook at home

Now you know where to find your next read, but do you have the perfect spot to lose yourself in it? If not, try setting up a reading nook. It is easily one of the best ways to create a peaceful reading atmosphere, and they are so small that they can fit in homes of any size. And with the recent surge of the “literary girl” trend, which is all about embracing literary-inspired aesthetics like sprawling book collections and cosy armchairs, now is the perfect time to incorporate one in your home.

What is a reading nook?

A reading nook is exactly as it sounds — a quiet, cosy nook for curling up and enjoying a good book! They of course feature shelving for the books, as well as a comfortable chair, and sometimes a sideboard or coffee table for your snacks and drink of choice.

Tips for creating your own reading nook

Find the perfect bookshelf

The bookshelf is the main feature of any reading nook, so it’s important to choose the right one. If you’re looking for something more versatile than your standard bookcase, modular shelving units and cabinets are a great choice They provide ample space for your books and can accommodate a growing collection, plus they can act as a barrier between your reading nook and the rest of the room to create a more cosy setting. You can also use a modular shelving unit to keep other essentials you may need in your nook, such as your vinyl collection if you like to read with music, and a reading light.

Create a relaxing reading environment

Even if you’re reading a mystery or a thriller, you’ll want a relaxing space to do it! So, try to use calming decor to create a peaceful atmosphere. Natural materials are a great way to add a touch of zen to a space, so consider incorporating a wooden shelving unit, jute rug, wool throw, and house plants into your nook.

If you’re a music lover, some soothing instrumental soundtracks can be a great accompaniment to your reading session, and you can even choose the music based on your current genre! Consider adding a speaker, or go old school with a record player for that lovely warm sound. And don’t forget the impact that colour can have on the feel of a space. Pale shades and relaxing colours like nature-inspired greens, dark blues, and warm yellows can make for a perfect reading atmosphere.

Decorate based on your favourite genre

Have a particular genre you love more than any other? Whether it’s something general like romance or a specific niche like steampunk science fiction, use this as inspiration for your decor to really get yourself in the mood for your next read. Here are a few ideas for ways you can style your reading nook based on your favourite genre:

• Romance: Opt for soft pink and red shades, with fluffy throws, heart-shaped decor, and soft warm lighting from candles or fairy lights.
• Mystery: Dark and deep shades of green and blue can create a moody feel while still keeping a cosy atmosphere, alongside old-fashioned decor like antique bookends and a wooden pendulum clock.
• Crime: Keep your crime fiction-inspired nook cosy with dark shades of blue, deep reds, and black, alongside a leather chair and industrial-style decor. If Skandi Noir is more your vibe, embrace this with a fluffy throw in a Nordic print, or perhaps even some faux antlers to hang on the wall.
• Mythical fantasy: Embrace nature with a woodsy-themed reading nook. Use shades of brown and nature-inspired green shades along with twinkling string lights and fairy-inspired decorative trinkets.
• Science fiction: Opt for minimalist decor in grey, black, and dark blue shades, alongside neon lights and space-inspired wall art for an intergalactic reading nook.
• Historical fiction: Choose decor based on your favourite period of history, whether this is the mid-century modern style of the 60s or the ornate, elegant style furnishings of the Victorian era.
• Travel: Create the ultimate escape at home with vintage travel posters of your favourite destinations, a globe or world map, and your favourite souvenirs.

Support the UK’s independent bookshops

Want to create the perfect reading nook while supporting small businesses? The best way to do this is to visit your local independent bookshop. With over 900 to choose from, hopefully you have one nearby to support. But if not, don’t worry — you can go independent online! With Bookshop.org, you can choose an independent bookshop and buy from them online.