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Bookshops and Pub Stops
Autumn calls for mornings spent mooching around local bookshops, browsing shelves for something new to read before huddling up by the fireside in the pub. We’ve compiled some of our favourite bookshops - from second-hand treasures to specialist collections - near our pubs, with plenty of ideas for where to head afterwards for lunch, a pint or a cosy afternoon.
Holt Bookshop
near The Feathers
Right in the heart of Holt, Holt Bookshop is a lovely place to browse, with everything from the year’s biggest bestsellers to hidden gems you might not find elsewhere.
While you’re in town, make time to explore Holt’s collection of independent shops and boutiques, including Bakers & Larners, before settling into the bar at The Feathers for a well-earned pint.
Barnabees Books, Westleton
near The Westleton Crown
For something a little different, head to Barnabees Books in Westleton. This second-hand bookshop is set within a house, meaning you can wander from room to room browsing the shelves. If the fire is lit, pull up an armchair and spend a little longer finding your next read.
Once you’ve had your fill of books, walk into the centre of the village for lunch at The Westleton Crown. And if you’re still looking for another book or two, pop into Chapel Books, another second-hand bookshop in Westleton.
Harris & Harris Books, Clare
near The Black Lion, Long Melford
A visit to Harris & Harris Books in Clare is a joy for anyone who likes a mixture of new and old titles. It’s a beautiful little shop with plenty to browse, open Monday to Saturday.
The story behind the shop is just as charming. After Kate Harris moved to Suffolk in 2010, her mother spotted a Staffordshire figure of William Shakespeare in an antique shop in Clare. She offered to buy it for Kate, on the condition that Kate would one day open her own bookshop.
Today, you can pair your visit with a trip to The Black Lion in Long Melford, or take a short walk to Clare Country Park and make the most of an afternoon exploring the Suffolk countryside.
The Old Station Pottery & Bookshop, Wells-next-the-Sea
near The Globe
Housed in the Old Railway Station in Wells-next-the-Sea, The Old Station Pottery & Bookshop brings together two things that are rather lovely to browse on an autumn afternoon: books and ceramics.
Its eclectic collection makes it a good stop while exploring Wells, with plenty of other independent shops, cafés and galleries nearby. When you’ve finished browsing, head to The Globe for something to eat or a drink, or continue towards the coast for a walk on the sandy beach.
The Open Road Bookshop, Stoke-by-Nayland
near The Crown
Just a few doors down from The Crown in Stoke-by-Nayland, The Open Road Bookshop is a small second-hand bookshop tucked inside a Grade II listed building.
This teeny treasure trove is filled with carefully selected volumes, making it well worth a browse if you’re passing through the village. The shop is open Friday to Sunday each week, so plan your visit around a weekend in the Suffolk countryside.
Hart’s Books, Saffron Walden
near The Eight Bells
Located on King Street near the market centre of Saffron Walden, Hart’s Books has been part of the town’s story for generations. Founded in 1836 by Henry Hart, W Hart & Son Ltd began life as a printing business, and the original printing press can still be seen today at Saffron Walden Museum.
Today, the independent bookshop is a lovely place to browse before exploring more of Saffron Walden’s independent shops. You could also take some time to wander around Bridge End Garden before topping off your visit with a bite to eat at The Eight Bells.
For the Love of Romance, Newmarket
near The Three Blackbirds, Woodditton
If romance is your favourite genre, For the Love of Romance in Newmarket is one to add to the list. The independent shop specialises in romantic fiction alongside bookish treasures, making it a fun stop for anyone who likes their reading with a little romance.
Pair your visit with a morning watching the horses train on Warren Hill, or stop by while travelling between Newmarket and Cambridge. Afterwards, head to The Three Blackbirds in Woodditton for lunch and make an afternoon of it.
Crabpot Books, Cley-next-the-Sea
near The White Horse, Blakeney
Book lovers with an interest in wildlife will want to make a beeline for Crabpot Books in Cley-next-the-Sea. This second-hand bookshop is particularly popular with naturalists and birdwatchers, with a collection that includes plenty of bird and natural history books.
The shop sits just off the Norfolk Coast Path, making it a natural stop as part of a coastal day out. Browse the shelves, head out along the coast, then finish up at The White Horse in Blakeney with fish and chips.
Aldeburgh Bookshop
near The Ship, Dunwich
A short drive from The Ship in Dunwich, Aldeburgh Bookshop has been part of the town’s High Street for more than 70 years. With a view towards the North Sea, it’s a fitting place to browse before exploring the Suffolk coast.
The bookshop is well known for its connection to Aldeburgh’s literary scene, including hosting the annual literary festival, and has welcomed plenty of artists and actors over the years.
After picking up your next read, continue exploring Aldeburgh before making your way back towards The Ship for lunch, dinner or a drink by the coast.
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