Celebrate World Book Day with these five great independent bookshops

We’re getting into the literary spirit on this very special day, which will see twelve awesome new and exclusive books, costing just £1 each, being sold in hundreds of great bookshops across the UK. Here are five top independent bookshops taking part in this year’s World Book Day celebrations, and better yet, they’re just a hop, skip and jump from GWR train stations.

Bath

Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights
This beautiful bookshop on John Street is every bit as romantic and whimsical as its name suggests. With a big shop front window showcasing the latest bestsellers and must-read children’s books, you won’t be able to resist walking through the doors and into this spacious haven for literature lovers.

Recently renovated and now even bigger than before, Mr B’s has a brand new children’s room called ‘The Woods Between the Words’, which is brimming with books and stories that will set your little one’s imagination alight.
mrbsemporium.com
Take a GWR train to Bath Spa station

Cardiff

Octavo’s Book Cafe and Wine Bar
Just a stone’s throw from Cardiff Bay is Octavo’s Book Café and Wine Bar. Who knew it was possible to sink your teeth into a great story while sipping on a glass of bubbles! With bookshelves filled with the latest must-reads and tables of fantastic special gifts and prints for sale, Octavo’s has it all. This bookshop also hosts poetry readings, music gigs, writing classes, quiz nights and more.
octavobooks.co.uk
Take a GWR train to Cardiff Central station

London

Daunt Books, Marylebone
Every book lover needs a Daunt Books. This incredible Edwardian store has a three-level back room that’s brimming with guidebooks, maps, political non-fiction and more. As well as housing many travel related books, Daunt also stocks literary fiction and non-fiction new releases. The stunning oak balconies and beautiful stained-glass window only add to the charm – very Instagrammable!
dauntbooks.co.uk
Take a GWR train to Paddington station and then a bus or tube

Oxford

Blackwell’s
Located on Broad Street, Blackwell’s Bookshop is an institution in Oxford. Firstly, it is huge, with a number of floors filled with thousands upon thousands of books. They sell everything from the latest fiction bestsellers to books on music, computing, social sciences and more. So, whether you’re looking for a revealing biography or the perfect crime thriller for your next holiday, you’ll find it here.
blackwells.co.uk
Take a GWR train to Oxford station

Brighton

Kemptown Bookshop
This award-winning independent bookshop is home to a whopping 10,000 books for both adults. With its brick wall exterior and gorgeous curved window shop front, Kemptown Bookshop looks every bit like a Dickensian shop of curiosities from the outside. Inside you’ll find an emphasis on literary fiction with a great selection of stationary and children’s toys to boot. It’s is also home to the Bookroom Art Press limited edition print collection, which specialises in printing and publishing 20th century British art.
kemptownbookshop.co.uk
Take a GWR train to Brighton station