Where to Spend Your National Book Tokens
The Alligator’s Mouth bookshop, Richmond
I do love a National Book Token. They remind me of my school days, when I would receive a paper token on World Book Day to spend on a free book. Nowadays I love that purchasing a book token allows the recipient to spend it in heaps of independent bookshops all over the UK (as well as Waterstones, of course).
I’ve put together a list of 10 wonderful independent bookshops that you (or your loved one) could spend a National Book Token in. As well as being able to use it in-store, you’ll also be able to spend it online or over the phone, so you can still support these amazing bookshops even if you don’t live nearby.
Without further ado, here’s the list!
Margate Bookshop
This gorgeous bookshop opened in May 2019 and is perfect for those of you who love the seaside. Margate Bookshop stocks both new and secondhand books, and occupies a beautiful Georgian building in Margate’s Old Town.
Or call: 01843 639 660
Gay’s The Word
I absolutely adore Gay’s The Word. As the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop, it feels like a safe space, and is a brilliant place to browse for new books. I particularly love their young adult and graphic novel sections, which are always well stocked and include a lot of imported books from the US! Sadly, this shop does get targeted by hate crime every so often, and I love to support them as an ally of the community.
Or call: 0207 278 7654
Brick Lane Bookshop
East Londoners, this one’s for you. Brick Lane Bookshop has been around since 1978 and stocks a wide variety of books, including a section of titles about London. The shop has a rich history and was actually the first bookshop in the borough!
Or call: 0207 247 0216
October Books
This is my lovely local bookshop in Southampton. October Books is the city’s only independent bookshop, housed in an old bank which has a modern, welcoming feel. They’re run as a cooperative and also function as a community hub.
Or call: 023 8058 1030
Blackwell’s, Oxford
Blackwell’s is a small British bookshop chain that first opened on Broad Street, Oxford, in the 1800s. This branch is particularly wonderful as they have a huge underground room that, for many years, held the record as the largest room in the world that sold books! They also have specialist music and art shops on the same road which are both worth a visit.
Or call: 01865 792792
Topping & Company, Edinburgh
I’ve raved about this bookshop many times before, and you might have read my blog post all about it. Toppings is Edinburgh’s largest bookshop with room for 70,000 books on its shelves. They have gorgeous sliding ladders and serve free pots of tea to their customers! It’s my absolute favourite bookshop.
Or call: 01315464202
Golden Hare Books
Another Edinburgh based bookshop, Golden Hare Books is a lovely little shop with a brilliantly curated selection of books. You can find them in Stockbridge, down the same road as the lovely new children’s bookshop Ginger and Pickles. I always have fun browsing in Golden Hare Books and would highly recommend popping in if you live nearby.
Or call: 0131 225 7755
The Alligator’s Mouth
My favourite specialist children’s bookshop, Alligator’s has stunning white interiors and super knowledgable booksellers who can help you choose the perfect book for the young person in your life. It’s a beautiful place to visit in person, particularly as they’re based in beautiful Richmond, London. It’s a great place for a day trip!
Shop online here, Or call: 020 8948 6775
Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights
Bath’s iconic bookshop, Mr B’s Emporium, is high up on my list of all time favourite bookshops. This quirky shop is is multi award winning and is instantly recognisable from its clawed bathtub book display. They also offer Reading Spa sessions, subscriptions, and surprise book packages. They’re definitely one of a kind!
Or call: 01225 331155
Maldon Books
My last bookshop on this list, Maldon Books are based in Essex and were established in 2019. They have a really beautiful shopfront and stock a wide range of different titles. If you can’t see what you’re looking for then just ask, because they can order it in!
Or call: 01621 854968
To find more brilliant bookshops where you can spend your National Book Token, visit their website here. Happy book shopping!