The Best Bookshops in Norwich

The Best Bookshops in Norwich

by Katie Thompson

In this City of Stories, there are tales woven into every cobble. Whether that’s about the rich history that’s shaped Norwich’s past or the many people- from all walks of life- who have made the city their own. 

Norwich is not only England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, but home to literary legends like Julian of Norwich, the National Centre for Writing, and one of the best MA Creative Writing courses in the world!

So, what would the City of Stories be without some brilliant independent bookshops? From second-hand treasures to the latest, critically acclaimed releases, here’s a list of the best bookshops in Norwich.

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For Children: Bookbugs and Dragon Tales 

Perched at the top of Timber Hill, Bookbugs and Dragon Tales (Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5.30pm & Sunday, 11am – 4pm) is an Aladdin’s cave specialising in children’s titles. As a family-run, indie bookstore, they pride themselves on their diverse selection, from the latest releases to classic stories for early years, primary school age and teenagers (and adults, for that matter)!  

From board books like Lost and Found to an Asterix graphic novel omnibus, Jacqueline Wilson to C. S. Lewis (by way of activity books and non-fiction), endless worlds wait between the pages, ready to spark your imagination. What’s more, they often hold events and workshops, and you can tuck into a tasty cookie while you browse!

For Curated Selections: The Book Hive and St Saviour’s Yard 

At the heart of the Lanes, award-winning The Book Hive (open daily) is known for their love of print and alternative curation. Foregoing traditional selections and instead favouring the booksellers’ picks, here you’ll float from table to shelf and back again as your eye is caught by new fiction and non-fiction titles, poetry, cookery and art in an untraditional layout. It’s all about serendipity and trying something new! 

On Magdalen Street, vibrant container hub St Saviour’s Yard is home to two unique bookshops! Opening up a world of adventure in a carefully selected space is Lost Books (Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm & Sunday, 10am – 4pm.). Here, there’s something for everyone, from the obscure to the obvious, at an affordable price that makes stories accessible to all. Nearby, The Book Nook (Thursday – Saturday, 11am – 4pm) is a tiny fantasy bookshop full of whimsy and cosiness, championing diverse voices and creating community with wholesome workshops.

For Second-Hand: JR & RK Ellis and City Bookshop 

Walking along St Giles Street, it’s easy to be lured into the bright interior of family-run JR & RK Ellis (Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4.30pm). With stacks of books holding open the door to let you in and an outside shelf giving you a taste of what’s to come, this bookshop has sold second-hand books for almost 50 years from their tile-fronted store! Lose yourself browsing collections of fiction, classics, biographies and more. 

Or just a stone’s throw from Norwich Market, stop by City Bookshop on Davey Place (open daily). Overlooked by Norwich Castle, this independent, family-run bookstore boasts a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere in which you can browse at your leisure. This is the place to go for art, politics and local history- they often exhibit memorabilia in their dedicated upstairs space.

For Antiquarian Treasures: Dormouse Bookshop and Tombland Bookshop 

On historic Elm Hill, Dormouse Bookshop (Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm) is a must for antiquarian lovers and rare title searchers. Housed in one of the cobbled street’s traditional Tudor buildings, duck inside and delve deeper into corners packed layers of books! Whether they’re classic crime, a selection of Penguins or leather-bound hardbacks with beautifully painted covers.  

Nearby, opposite Norwich Cathedral, you’ll find Tombland Bookshop (Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4.30pm). This shop specialises in academic tomes amongst their constantly changing antiquarian and second-hand stock (ranging from £1 to over £10,000!). Beneath the beams of this 15th century interior, peruse rare books on architecture, antiquities and languages, or bring in an old edition for restoration or rebinding.

For the Latest Titles: Waterstones 

Norwich is known for its wonderful combination of high street heroes and indie gems. Along the bustling Castle Street, pop into Waterstones (open daily) for a reliable array of fiction and non-fiction, spanning children and young adults, classics and the most up-to-date award-winning releases. Don’t forget to head upstairs for travel guides, recipe books and coffee table books on subjects like fashion!

For Libraries: Millennium Library, Norwich Cathedral and The Cathedral of St John the Baptist 

Whilst we would never say that we have too many books, sometimes it’s easier to borrow than to buy. That’s where libraries come in. And luckily, Norwich has a lovely selection to find your next read! (Did you know the city was home to the first free library?) 

The Forum is home to the Millennium Library (Monday – Friday, 10am – 7pm, Saturday 9 am – 7pm, Sunday 10.30am – 4.30pm))– one of the most popular public libraries in the UK! Not only is it brimming with tens of thousands of books, but it’s also where you can find the UK’s only American Library, Norfolk Heritage Centre (for any local history buffs) and the Early Years Library, catering to families with sensory zones and comfy seating. 

On the first floor of the largest monastic cloister in the country is Norwich Cathedral’s library (Tuesday – Thursday, 10am – 4pm). Discover texts ancient and modern- some go back as far as the 15th century! Across the city, The Cathedral of St John the Baptist is also home to a library-the Duckett Library (Tuesday & Thursday, after 10am Mass – 12.30pm & Sunday, after 9am Mass). Its collection contains around 5000 religious books, ideal for academic study or personal interest.