Getting lost in a good book is one of life’s greatest pleasures. It gives you a chance to escape into new worlds, learn about fascinating topics, or simply unwind at the end of the day.
Yet, when life gets especially busy, finding the time to read is easier said than done. In fact, a YouGov survey found that 40% of Brits hadn’t read a book in the past year.
If you’d like to fall back in love with reading, one of the best ways to do so is by visiting a local bookshop.
Shelves filled with novels, historical epics, and poetry could spark fresh inspiration and help you discover your next great read.
Thankfully, East Sussex has a wealth of independent bookshops that are full of both character and brilliant books. Continue reading to discover five of these.
1. Bow Windows Bookshop, Lewes
Bow Windows Bookshop has been a Lewes institution since it first opened in 1964.
Located on the town’s high street, it’s hard to miss thanks to its bright red exterior and curved bow windows, which gave the shop its memorable name.
Inside, the shop specialises in antiquarian and second-hand books, with a focus on modern first editions. You can even find signed copies hidden among the shelves.
While Bow Windows is popular with more serious collectors, it’s still worth a visit, even if you just want to browse the shop on a quiet afternoon.
The atmosphere is incredibly welcoming, and you’ll quickly lose track of the time as you browse the well-curated selection.
You can find Bow Windows Bookshop on Lewes High Street.
2. Fifteenth Century Bookshop, Lewes
Just a short walk from Bow Windows, you can find another Lewes favourite: the Fifteenth Century Bookshop.
As the name suggests, the unique shop is set in a genuine 15th-century timber-framed building, with sloping floors, uneven walls, and latticed windows brimming with historical charm.
While the shop does specialise in children’s books, its shelves are also stacked with a selection of other second-hand and rare books.
The quirky building and wide selection make it an exciting visit anytime. Even if you don’t purchase anything, it’s still worth visiting simply to step back in time.
The Fifteenth Century Bookshop is located on Lewes High Street.
3. Much Ado Books, Alfriston
Hidden away in the village of Alfriston, Much Ado Books is a two-story shop that has earned its reputation as one of the best independent bookshops in the area.
In fact, it was named by the Times as one of the UK’s most “browsable” bookshops in 2024. This is certainly high praise for a shop that attracts customers from around the country.
Much Ado Books stocks both new releases and second-hand titles. The shelves tend to cover everything from fiction and non-fiction to niche subjects you might struggle to find elsewhere.
Beyond just selling books, the shop is also known for hosting regular events, such as author talks, creative workshops, and literary evenings.
You can find Much Ado Books on West Street, Alfriston.
4. Hare & Hawthorn, Hastings
A relative newcomer to the East Sussex bookshop scene, Hare & Hawthorn – which opened in 2015 – is located in Hastings’ atmospheric Old Town.
Despite its smaller size, it has quickly built a reputation thanks to its carefully chosen selection of books.
Indeed, the shop specialises in contemporary fiction and non-fiction, stocking both hardback and paperback editions.
It also prides itself on offering something slightly different from many of the big high street chains.
And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, the staff at Hare & Hawthorn are happy to order specific books for you on request.
Hare & Hawthorn can be found on George Street, Hastings.
5. City Books, Brighton and Hove
A list of brilliant independent bookshops in East Sussex wouldn’t be complete without City Books.
Located in the Brunswick area, City Books is the largest independent bookshop in Brighton and Hove and has been shortlisted twice for the British Book Awards’ “Independent Bookshop of the Year”.
The shop is well known for its wide selection, from fiction and non-fiction to children’s books and travel writing.
Additionally, City Books regularly hosts talks and signings with your favourite authors.
Upcoming events include a talk by Jonathon Porritt (Love, Anger & Betrayal) on 29 September, followed by Henrietta Moore and Arthur Kay (Roadkill) on 23 October.
Make sure to visit City Books on Western Road, Hove.
Get in touch
While we can’t choose your next great read, our team of independent financial advisers in Lewes can help you gain clarity over your finances.
To find out more, please get in touch by emailing us at financial@barwells-wealth.co.uk or by phone on 01273 086311.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
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