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By Natasha Harding
Cornwall has inspired writers and poets since time began with its literary connections extending to Daphne du Maurier, Kenneth Grahame, Agatha Christie, Virginia Woolf and Winston Graham. More recently, Patrick Gale, Fern Britton and Liz Fenwick are some of the authors who have found inspiration in the landscape and heritage.
The county is home to many wonderful independent book shops that are proud to serve the local community as well as championing local authors.
Author Liz Fenwick, who lives in Cornwall and sets many of her books in the county said: “Cornwall is blessed with fabulous independent bookshops and all of them are hubs and hearts of the community. Liz, who recently released The Secret Shore, a historical fiction romance, continued: “As well as stocking books and hosting events, they are a great place to forge connections with readers and local residents.”
Here, bookworm Natasha Harding chooses some of her favourites.
Run by James and Rachael Howorth, this charming bookshop aims to be at the centre of the book-loving community in historic Penzance. As well as stocking the latest releases, they are supportive of authors from Cornwall and hold regular literary events for all. They also offer a super-speedy book ordering service and a loyalty card scheme for regulars. The shop is wonderfully off-the-wall – as is the Howorth’s intention!
Owner Jamie Poyner launched a Crowdfunder campaign in order to open a permanent store in Newquay after running Clemo Books as a pop-up. Inside you’ll find fiction, non-fiction, Cornish inspired titles and a comprehensive YA and children’s section – all of which have been beautifully curated. There are some lovely extras to buy in store too – tote bag anyone? I love the sound of Clemo Club, a monthly subscription book club whereby you’ll receive a gift-wrapped tome each month. They also host authors regularly and are the official booksellers for Rock Oyster Festival.
One of the quirkiest bookshops ever is found tucked away down an alleyway in the fishing port of Looe. Housed in a converted Methodist chapel, it originally opened its doors in 1974. These days they sell a glorious selection of second-hand books, as well as local writer’s works, cards, art and stationery. Everything is laid out really well, so discovering your next read is super easy. You could spend a long time here browsing, so make sure you’ve got enough time to find your next read.
For over 50 years, Spencer Thorn has had a presence in beautiful Bude. As well as stocking the latest new releases, best sellers and children’s books, they are proud to source out of print books and rare titles. They’re incredibly supportive of local authors and as well as holding regular events, they are happy to stock books that are set around Bude. They are the official bookseller for the yearly Bude Literary Festival and do everything they can to encourage a love of reading to the people who visit them. The family run shop is also home to the most sublime gifts, jewellery and cards – and it’s a place where you can easily spend a fortune!
Open daily and until around 9pm during the summer holidays, St Ives Bookseller, which is moments away from the harbour, might be small but it’s perfectly formed. It was established in 2001 and since then, the team of keen booksellers have loved recommending their favourite reads and running events for the local literary community. Their children’s section is particularly special and well visited – and their window displays brighten up Fore Street wonderfully.
Wadebridge is lucky to have a thriving high street and their bookshop is one of the establishments that does a great job of encouraging people to visit. It is full to bursting with old and new titles – as well as bookish paraphernalia that you didn’t know you needed. The well-informed booksellers are happy to help you discover your latest read and the kid’s section is wide-ranging, making it great if your child wants to expand their reading repertoire.
With an extensive selection of books that will appeal to everyone, a cafe serving coffee and cake – and a brand new bookable co-working space, this is one bookshop that knows what it’s doing. The well-informed staff love to suggest what to read next and the extensive selection includes fiction, natural history, children’s books, current affairs as well as a selection of local interest books. They’re also happy to order in specific titles if they don’t have what you’re looking for. Their events page is well-worth checking out as they regularly host a broad range of authors.
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Categories: Local shops & brands
