Bristol loves books—there’s no way a city of this size could support so many incredible bookshops if it didn’t. Whether you’re after Lee Child-like crime thrillers or Jane Austen romance novels, the Next Literary Big Thing™ or a cheap copy of the Iliad, your local bookstore is your best friend. That’s why my bookshelf is filling up faster than I can read them, thanks to these brilliant independent bookshops in Bristol!
1. Storysmith
Those south of the river have limited options when it comes to bookshops in Bristol. But Storysmith has a tightly curated range of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books – so you’ll always find something surprising and special when browsing. Storysmith also serves coffee, so relax and browse to your heart’s content. Regular events with contemporary writers make this Bristol bookstore a visit, wherever you live in the city.
Storysmith, 236 North St, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JD
2. Bookhaus
There’s a strong focus on politics, particularly left-leaning politics, and reflecting Bristol’s radical tradition at Bookhaus. But you’ll discover everything from cookbooks to sci-fi, contemporary novelists and independent presses to literary classics too. Based in Wapping Wharf, also expect regular events like book launches, panel discussions and reading groups.
Bookhaus, Unit 4, Rope Walk, Bristol BS1 6ZJ
3. Arnolfini Bookshop
A bit more specialist, this bookshop can be found inside Anolfini – one of Bristol’s best art galleries. Its stock is an extension of the cutting-edge and contemporary art found in the gallery. Bound to inspire your inner artist. Treat yourself to titles on art, artists, cultural movements, craft and history, as well as magazines and coffee table classics.
Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA
4. The Last Bookshop
For Bristol’s cheapest bookstore (which isn’t secondhand), head to The Last Bookshop on Park Street. Every book here costs £5 or less. But why so cheap, you ask? The Last Bookshop specialises in buying up book returns, remainders, and samples before the pulpers step in. You won’t get quite the latest bestsellers, but you will find lots of modern classics, as well as some rare gems. Its bright orange exterior means you won’t miss it either! Learn more about this Bristol bookshop here.
The Last Bookshop, 60 Park St, Bristol BS1 5JN
5. Max Minerva’s
Having originally been on the site of the former Durdham Downs Bookshop, Max Minerva’s moved to Henleaze in 2022 – the same month it also opened a second shop in Portishead. Three times the size of the shop, you’ll now find a shop packed with a range of “marvellous books” and more – including toys, games, puzzles and children’s stationery. On top of stocking everything from indie-published novellas to bestselling tomes, Max’s also runs regular book clubs and author events, which you can learn more about here.
Max Minerva’s, 47 Henleaze Road, Bristol, BS9 4JU
28 High St, Portishead, BS20 6EN
6. The Small City Bookshop
There’s a real lack of bookshops in the east of Bristol, so The Small City Bookshop is an incredible place for avid readers on this side of the city. The community bookshop started by two friends stocks a curated range of adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction that “represents our tastes and reflects our beliefs of inclusivity of voice, character and theme.” It also doubles as an event space to support and encourage literacy in the area—including numerous author events, showcasing the hottest books flying off the shelves.
The Small City Bookshop, 201 Church Rd, Redfield, Bristol BS5 9HL
7. The Haunted Bookshop
A bookshop with a creepy twist. The Haunted Bookshop is a female-owned indie bookshop specialising in witchcraft, occult, folklore, fantasy and horror books. It’s got every kind of creepy book, from blood-soaked horror classics to eclectic occultist rare reads, but there’s also an incredible children’s selection too. You also find “witchy” gifts and regular events, like a Stephen King-themed book club and Tarot card readings.
The Haunted Bookshop, 43 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3PY
8. Dreadnought Books
The reason we love Dreadnought Books is that it pretty much feels like our dream living room. Wall-to-wall bookshelves, filled with eclectic old books (don’t you love that smell?) and a comfy settee to browse them from. You’ll even find a cuddly cat running around, too! There aren’t many independent second-hand bookshops in the world left like Dreadnought Books.
Dreadnought Books, 125 St George’s Rd, Bristol BS1 5UW
9. Gloucester Road Books
On Gloucester Road, you’ll find the creatively titled Gloucester Road Books. But inside is where the real creative juices flow. There’s a significant focus on titles published by small independent presses. And some of the subject sections are designed “to encourage people to browse as broadly as possible.” Time and Place, for example, covers History, Travel Literature, Geography and Reportage. You’ll find plenty of the great books you’ll find in any other good bookshop too, however, as well as lots of regular events.
Gloucester Road Books, 184 Gloucester Rd, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NU
10. Heron Books
With its lovely green spaces and stunning views, Clifton is a bibliophile’s dream reading spot. Luckily, Heron Books is a godsend if you’re ever in this side of the city and desperate for a good book. The shop stocks a range of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, with almost 4000 books carefully crammed into the cosy space. So you’re bound to find something you will cherish.
11. East Bristol Books (EBB)
Probably Bristol’s smallest bookshop, EBB aka East Bristol Books focuses on stocking small presses, poetry, translation, and radical politics—so ideal for those looking for something outside the norm.
East Bristol Books, 12 West St, St Philip’s, Bristol BS2 0BH
12. Beware of the Leopard Books
Beware of the Leopards Books – named after a quote from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – is by far the oldest of the bookshops in Bristol, even one of the oldest in the South West. Home to over 25,000 second-hand books, you’ll find history, fantasy fiction, and everything in between in this overflowing space. They also have some rare books for collectors.
Beware of the Leopards Books, Located in St Nicholas Market, St Nicholas St, Bristol BS1 1LJ
13. Here
Here is both an art gallery and a bookshop – specialising in “illustrated paper goods”. The Stokes Croft bookshop has everything from art books to graphic novels, indie comics and magazines, as well as a collection of cards and prints. It’s a quirky shop full of unique gift ideas for loved ones (or yourself).
Here, 108b Stokes Croft, St Paul’s, Bristol BS1 3RU
14. Clifton Community Bookshop
Community is key at Clifton Community Bookshop. Not like other bookshops in Bristol, discover anything from yoga classes to book clubs, and music gigs to weekly talks. There’s so much more going on at this volunteer-run bookstore than selling books. But that’s still a key component. It sells lots of low-cost secondhand books to the local people of Clifton. Paperbacks sold at £2, hardbacks at £3, while collectables may vary in price.
Clifton Community Bookshop, 10 Clifton Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1AF