- Play Hard
- 25th Sep 2026
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A book lover’s day out: 13 indie North East bookshops you’ll love
There’s really nothing like a good book, and you don’t have to be lying on a sun lounger on holiday to enjoy one. You can read anywhere.
That’s especially true here in the North East, where we’re lucky to have an incredible collection of independent bookshops, each with its own charm, carefully curated shelves, and knowledgeable booksellers ready to help you discover your next read.
Whether you’re hunting for a bestseller, a rare second-hand find, or a beautiful coffee table book, these indie gems are well worth a visit.
KEEL ROW BOOKS
93-97 Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 3RJ
Keel Row Books has been championing independent bookselling on Tyneside since 1981 and moved into its Park View home in 2023. This family-run bookshop specialises in collectables, first editions and rare finds, with two floors of shelves stretching from antiquarian treasures to local history. If you’re after a one-of-a-kind read, this is the place for you, and the passionate team are always happy to offer expert advice.
THE BOUND
82a Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 2TH
The Bound is every modern book lover’s dream. It’s bright, beautifully styled, and stocks every genre you could wish for. From the latest fiction releases to stunning cookbooks and gift-worthy editions, every shelf has been thoughtfully and expertly curated. Beyond the shelves, The Bound has become quite the local hub, hosting creative events, book clubs, and author talks – they love seeing their community come together.
1B BOOKS
1a, 1b Bolingbroke Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 5PH
Right in the heart of Heaton, 1b Books feels like the neighbourhood bookshop everyone wishes they had on their doorstep. It’s warm, welcoming, and full of character. They stock a mix of new and preloved books, and you’re guaranteed to leave with an armful of colourful covers and plenty of inspiration. Keep an eye on their Instagram for community-focused events, from writing groups and baby book clubs to reading groups for young children.
THE SINFUL SPINE
12 Heaton Road, Newcastle upon Tyne
Image credit: Third Eye Traveller
Calling all romance readers, Newcastle finally has a bookshop just for you. The Sinful Spine opened on Heaton Road in August as the city’s first romance-only bookshop, and it had queues out the door on day one. Owner Ezibela Welsh grew it out of her own romance book club. The shelves cover every corner of the genre, from contemporary romance and romantasy to dark romance, young adult, and indie favourites. Browse special editions and gifts, then settle into a comfy corner with a coffee or a cocktail. Keep an eye out for book clubs, quizzes, and author signings too.
COLLECTED
Unit 44, The Riverwalk, Durham DH1 4SL
Looking for a women-run bookshop that specialises in work by women and non-binary authors? Look no further than Collected in Durham, which prides itself on tackling gender bias in publishing and media. What began as an online shop with a bookshop on wheels quickly gained popularity and became the sunshine-yellow shop we know today. Pop in next time you’re in the city, grab a coffee, and have a chat with one of their lovely team, because if there’s anything we love more than reading books, it’s talking about them!
OLIVER’S BOOK SHOP
48A Whitley Road, Whitley Bay NE26 2NF
Small, mighty, and packed with personality, Oliver’s Book Shop is a little gem that’s adored by locals. Browse shelves upon shelves of contemporary fiction, children’s books, and beautiful gifts, all handpicked with care. The atmosphere is relaxed and you’ll never feel rushed. It’s well worth adding to your next trip to the coast.
UNIQUE MAGAZINES
Unit 2, Sands Industrial Estate, Swalwell, Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 3DJ
Unique Magazines is one of the UK’s largest independent magazine retailers, stocking thousands of titles from around the world. They cover everything from fashion and food to interiors and photography. You could spend hours getting lost among glossy covers, articles, and artsy images – perfect for anyone who can never find the time to sit down with a full book.
FORUM BOOKS
The Chapel, Market Place, Corbridge NE45 5AW
If you’ve ever wandered the cobbled streets of Corbridge, chances are you’ve admired Forum Books. This award-winning independent bookshop is housed in a stunningly restored chapel and has everything you could want from a bookshop. Original features like the pulpit have been transformed into a reading den and a spot for author talks and events. This bookshop has stood proudly since the 1970s, and when you visit, it’s clear to see why the locals love it so much.
BARTER BOOKS
Alnwick Station, Alnwick NE66 2NP
A list of North East bookshops wouldn’t be complete without Barter Books. Set inside Alnwick’s grand Victorian railway station, it’s one of the UK’s most famous second-hand bookshops. A trip here is nothing short of magical, with roaring fires, a model railway humming overhead, and vintage books in abundance. Be prepared to lose an entire afternoon. It’s a destination in its own right, and we guarantee you won’t want to leave.
BOOKWYRM
Unit 12, Market Hall, Durham DH1 3NJ
Tucked away inside Durham Market Hall, Bookwyrm is a treasure trove of LGBTQ+ books, including plenty by authors who fly under the radar. Alongside new and preloved books, you’ll find graphic novels, science fiction, and lots of unique discoveries you won’t spot in larger chains. It’s proof that small, hidden bookshops are often the most rewarding to find.
NEW BRIDGE BOOKS
Clarence Street, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AL
New Bridge Books is truly one of a kind in the North East. Part bookshop, part creative space, it champions independent publishing and gives up-and-coming writers a platform. The team source their stock through relationships with independent publishers and give local artists a voice through open submissions. From poetry books and magazines to visual art and politics, you’ll leave this quirky spot full of inspiration, and with a few new reads too.
THE ACCIDENTAL BOOKSHOP
4 Narrowgate, Alnwick NE66 1JG
From the owners behind the much-loved Forum Books and The Bound, The Accidental Bookshop brings the same high standards to Alnwick. It’s charming from the moment you walk through the door, stocking thoughtfully chosen fiction and non-fiction alongside elegant stationery and gifts. It’s the kind of place you can’t leave until you’ve bought something.
THE FORTH
Gosforth Central, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1JZ
Keep your eyes peeled, because there’s a new indie on the way. The Forth is coming to Gosforth Central. It’s the fourth bookshop from the team behind award-winning Forum Books, The Bound, and The Accidental Bookshop. Expect a handpicked, eye-catching range of beautiful books for all ages and tastes, with the same warm, browsable feel that’s made its sister shops such local favourites. The fit-out is already underway, so watch this space for an opening date.
Molly Ferry
CONTENT ASSISTANT
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