A Complete Guide to the Bookshops in Lewes, East Sussex
Exploring the bookshops in Lewes, East Sussex…
In this blog post we will explore the charming bookshops that can be found in Lewes. Lewes is a historic market town located in East Sussex, best known for its world-famous bonfire night, medieval castle, and its large number of independent retailers stocking crafts, bakery goods, antiques, vintage clothing and more. It is an extremely popular day-trip destination from two major cities in the UK; London and Brighton.
Those looking for a peaceful and historic escape from city life can enjoy Lewes’ array of independent shops, cafés, restaurants, markets and pubs – alongside scenic walks in the surrounding South Downs National Park. Additionally, Lewes is home to a surprising amount of bookshops (for such a small town!) for literary travellers to explore. Keep reading to discover the amazing bookshops on offer in Lewes, East Sussex.
The Fifteenth Century Bookshop
At one end of Lewes high street sits The Fifteenth Century Bookshop, named after the building in which it is housed. This second hand bookstore is hard to miss! It is one of the oldest in the whole of the UK, and the exterior is a true sight to behold for history lovers. Its medieval half-timbered architecture and delightfully crooked appearance are guaranteed to transport visitors back in time. The inside is stacked with rare and collectable books, with a particular focus on classic children’s literature. Though The Fifteenth Century Bookshop is only open on weekends, it is still well worth the visit, especially if you’re looking for first editions or old childhood favourites.
Address: 99-100 High St, Lewes BN7 1XH
Opening hours: Saturday, 11am -5pm and Sunday, 12pm – 5pm
Bow Windows Bookshop
Since 1964, the Bow Windows Bookshop in the town of Lewes has been home to a generous amount of rare and antiquarian books (alongside maps and atlases). This eye-catching and perfectly curated bright-red bookstore also offers a selection of signed works and modern-first editions, perfect for the more serious collector. With books covering children’s literature, art, natural history, travel and poetry, there’s something for everyone inside!
Address: 175 High St, Lewes BN7 1YE
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Website: https://www.bowwindows.com/
Boon Books
Boon Books is the most well-rounded of all the independent bookshops in Lewes – stocking brand new, affordable books of every genre. It is a family run business providing overstocked (excess) books at a discounted price, in line with their mission to make reading as accessible as possible. Due to the bookshops business model, you won’t find new book releases here but you will find plenty of fiction, non-fiction and children’s titles. Additionally, Boon Books sells audiobooks, games and stationery. If you want a sneak peek inside the bookshop before you visit the town – you can take a virtual tour of the space via their website (linked below!).
Address: 18 High St, Lewes BN7 2LN
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am – 5pm Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Website: https://boonbooksbargains.wordpress.com/
Waterstones
There are over 300 Waterstones bookshops in the UK, one of which is located in the heart of Lewes. This is the only chain bookstore in the town – with books, gifts and a café all spread across multiple spacious rooms. Despite its large size. this particular Waterstones branch is inside a historic building and therefore manages to retain a cosy, warm and welcoming atmosphere. Many of the books you’ll find on display here have also been specially selected by booksellers to reflect the literary past of Lewes. Covering genres such as contemporary fiction, fantasy, romance and much more – Waterstones is the bookshop most likely to stock the specific book you’re searching for!
Address: 220-221 High St, Lewes BN7 2AF
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am – 5.30pm Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Website: https://www.waterstones.com/bookshops/lewes
Bag of Books
Bag of Books is a pretty, small and quaint children’s bookshop positioned at the very end of Lewes high-street. Inside, you will find brand new books displayed for every age range with comfortable seating and cushions provided. The exterior of the bookshop, with its colourful bunting and cottage-style windows, only adds to the charm of the place. Additionally, Bag of Books runs a number of exciting and educational events throughout the year. Here, children can attend craft workshops, sit down for story time sessions, and meet incredible authors and illustrators. Event announcements are made via the Bag of books website (linked below), and booking is also done online. The bookshop is a truly wonderful addition to the town, and is frequently praised for its reasonable prices and helpful, knowledgeable and friendly staff members.
Address: 1 South St, Lewes BN7 2BT
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5.30pm
Website: https://bags-of-books.co.uk/
