Disclaimer: This Best Bookshops in Brighton guide may contain affiliate links.
Thinking of visiting Brighton? Why not add some bookshops to your itinerary…
Brighton and Hove has a variety of bookshops to choose from – each with their own niche, character and price point. Read on to discover the best Brighton has to offer for book lovers.
Afrori Books
If you’re visiting Brighton by train, it makes sense to kick off this list with the bookshop closest to Brighton’s train station. Just a short walk from the station is Afrori books. This bookshop is the UK’s largest that focuses exclusively on books written by black authors. It’s important to note that this space isn’t just for tea, cake and book browsing. Afrori books serves the community through delivering adult anti-racism training, children’s anti-racism clubs in Sussex schools, hair workshops and so much more.
Address: Afrori Books, Brighthelm Church & Community Centre, Brighton, BN1 1YD
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am – 6pm
Website: https://afroribooks.co.uk/
Waterstones
Waterstones is a well-known book retailer, found in every major UK city including Brighton. Extending across 5 floors, Brighton’s Waterstones holds best selling novels, gifts and a cosy café. If you’re hoping to find a specific title – you’re most likely to find it inside Britain’s most familiar bookshop!
Address: Waterstones, 71-74 North St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1ZA
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am – 6pm Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Website: https://www.waterstones.com
The Oxfam Bookshop
Don’t miss this colourful and cheerful second hand bookshop at the beginning of Brighton’s North Laine. Oxfam raises money for charity by selling an eclectic mix of literature ranging from modern fiction to rare or collectable books.
Address: Oxfam Bookshop, 20 Kensington Gardens, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4AL
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am – 6pm Sunday, 12am – 4pm
Website: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/shops/oxfam-bookshop-brighton/
Resident Music (Book Section)
Whilst not specifically a bookshop, Resident Music offers a generous selection of books for music lovers. Here you’ll find musician’s memoirs, books on music events throughout history, and signed/special edition copies.
Address: Resident Music, 27-28 Kensington Gardens, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4AL
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9.30am – 6pm Sunday, 10am – 5.30pm
Website: https://www.resident-music.com/
Family Store (Book Section)
The Family Store sells a variety of goods, with a particular emphasis on illustration. The shop contains a bit of everything, from clothes to zines to records. Books here cover fiction, non-fiction and art. Be sure to check this shop out whilst strolling through Kensington Gardens.
Address: Family Store, 33 Kensington Gardens, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4AL
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 6pm Sunday, 10.30am – 5.30pm
Website: https://familystoreuk.com/
Dave’s Comics
A Brighton staple for a reason – this bookshop sells a colossal range of comics, graphic novels, manga and children’s books. Known for its friendly and helpful staff, great LGBTQ section and affordable prices – make sure to pop into Dave’s Comics whilst meandering through the bustling Sydney Street.
Address: Dave’s Comics, 5 Sydney Street Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4EN
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 6pm Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Website: https://www.davescomics.co.uk/
Books for Amnesty
A second hand bookshop in the heart of Brighton, painted a vibrant shade of pink. Amnesty Bookshop is home to contemporary fiction, social sciences, history and more. This bookshop has been a part of the community since 2007, and is well worth a visit.
Address: Books for Amnesty, 15 Sydney St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4EN
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am – 5.30pm Sunday, 12am – 4pm
Website: https://www.amnesty.org.uk/second-hand-bookshop-brighton
The Last Bookshop
An independent discount bookshop stocking a range of titles, all of which are priced at £5 or under. The Last Bookshop is full of bargain buys and therefore much loved by locals and tourists alike.
Address: The Last Bookshop, 40 Gardner Street Brighton, BN1 1UN
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am – 6pm Sunday, !0am – 5pm
Website: https://brilliantbrighton.com/brands/last-bookshop/
The Kemptown Bookshop
Since being established 50 years ago, The Kemptown Bookshop has achieved great success. It has won awards, opened the Bookroom Café, and hosted numerous events. These events include the 5am Writing Club, Saturday morning children’s story time’s and author Q&A sessions. Spread over 3 floors, this quaint bookshop contains curated picks for both adults and children. Additionally, the bookshop sells stationary, gifts and fine art.
Address: Kemptown Bookshop, 91 St George’s Road Brighton, BN2 1EE
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9.30am – 5.30pm Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Website: https://www.kemptownbookshop.co.uk/
City Books – Hove Bookshop
In the Brunswick area of Hove, displayed over two floors, is City Books. With a large range of well-chosen books, many of local interest, this bookshop is well-loved by Brighton and Hove’s residents. Likewise, the bookstore has twice been shortlisted for the national ‘Independent Bookshop of the Year Award’ and won the 2018 Muddy Stiletto award for Best Bookshop in Sussex. You can also come along to one of the many literary events organised by City Books. Previous guests include Taylor Jenkins Reid, Jo Brand and Nick Cave.
Address: City Books, 23 Western Rd, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 1AF
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9.30am – 5.30pm Sunday, 11am – 4.30pm
Website: https://www.city-books.co.uk/
The Book Nook – Hove Bookshop
Even further into Hove is the children’s bookshop The Book Nook. An award-winning independent bookstore which opened in 2009, it is the only bookshop in Brighton and Hove dedicated entirely to children’s literature. The Book Nook stocks a range of inspirational, entertaining and educational books for children of all ages. Inside you will also discover a café, a pirate ship, and special events held throughout the year.
Address: The Book Nook, First Ave, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 2FJ
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm Saturday, 9.30am – 5pm
Website: https://booknookuk.com/