The Best Independent Bookstores In Brighton

If cultivating two universities is some indication of Brighton’s dedication to innovation and learning, it’s perhaps no surprise the city is fertile grounds for unique, homegrown bookshops. Here are the best independently-run booksellers to help you read up on your specialist subject, or lose yourself in the nooks and crannies of your imagination.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Kemptown Bookshop

There’s little the Kemptown Bookshop doesn’t offer in the way of variety; from literary fiction, to an extensive children’s collection, to limited edition print (and the home of Bookroom Art Press), each satisfyingly hinted at just beyond the brick-fronted, many-paned shop front. Its quaintness belies a sophistication that will please art lovers and bibliophiles alike.

A quiet space to escape the bustling traffic of the North Laine, Brighton Books ticks all the boxes for serious book seekers. Specialising in second-hand fare, there’s an air here of studious reflection amongst the wooden shelves. Spread over two floors, the staff are knowledgeable and decorous.

City Books

From book-covered floor to ceiling, City Books is a sparkling example of the browse-and-linger booksellers from days past, still going strong after over 25 years. Founders Paul and Inge Sweetman have curated a stimulating programme of readings, events and even gin tastings, keeping the written word at the beating heart of Hove.

The Book Nook

A children’s book shop should be a magical place – and the award-winning Book Nook is no exception. With regular signings, readings and arts and crafts, there’s plenty to fire young peoples’ imaginations, instilling a love of storytelling in the next generation. Best of all, there’s a pirate ship to settle into for a while with your newest purchase.

Dave’s Comics

Once the refuge of the misunderstood and angst-ridden, comics and their step-sibling the graphic novel are reaching much broader, diverse audiences each day. Classic names like Marvel, DC and Adventure Time sit alongside pioneering works from the likes of Daniel Clowes, Neil Gaiman and Marjane Satrapi. To visit Dave‘s is to immerse yourself in a world – or, in fact, hundreds – you didn’t know existed.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.