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13 Bookshops in Brighton You Need to Visit

Published on 8th July 2025 | Updated on 22nd July 2026

Thinking of visiting Brighton? Why not add some bookshops to your itinerary…

If you’re planning a day trip or weekend away to Brighton, and you also want to explore the city’s array of bookshops, this guide (written by someone who’s lived in Brighton most of their lives!) will help you to narrow down the exact ones to prioritise on your travels.

From independent and second-hand bookshops to children’s and specialist bookshops, Brighton has a generous range to explore!

Each bookstore has its own niche, character and price point – which we will explore in greater detail below. Read on to discover what this vibrant seaside location has on offer for book lovers…

Afrori Books

If you’re visiting Brighton by train, it makes sense to start this list with the bookshop closest to the station. Just a 4 minute walk away is Afrori books. This bookstore is the UK’s largest focusing exclusively on books written by black authors.

Afrori Books manages, despite its large and spacious interior, to offer visitors a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The inside is bright and colourful, with comfortable seating and a children’s corner filled with books and toys. It stocks an excellent range of titles across various genres, and caters to children, young people and adults.

The bookshop also hosts a number of events throughout the year, and serves the community through various initiatives. These initiatives include adult anti-racism training, anti-racism clubs in Sussex schools, and hair workshops. This makes Afrori Books so much more than just a place for tea, cake and book-browsing!

If you can’t make it to the bookshop in person, you can browse and purchase books through their online store. You can also use their website to learn about their exciting upcoming events!

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. Centrally positioned on Brighton’s North Street, this Waterstones is massive (extending across 5 floors!) and is impossible to miss.

The bookshop is bursting with best-selling novels across every genre and age range, all perfectly displayed by its knowledgeable and friendly booksellers. Inside visitors can also enjoy cozy reading nooks, browsing through bookish gifts and stationery, and a café serving coffee, hot chocolate and more!

Additionally, Brighton’s Waterstones hosts book clubs and author signings, making it a real community hub for book lovers.

If you’re hoping to find a specific book 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

If you’re travelling to Brighton, don’t miss this colourful second-hand bookshop at the beginning of Brighton’s North Laine! Oxfam Bookshop raises money for charity by selling an extensive mix of literature ranging from modern fiction to rare and collectable books.

While the inside of this bookshop is small, it is conveniently located to so many other amazing independent shops (including places to buy books!) and stocks a massive selection of fiction and non-fiction titles to suit every type of reader.

Side note: Oxfam actually has two bookshops in the area – one in Brighton and one in Hove! You can find the details for both bookshops below…

Brighton store details:

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/

Hove store details:

Address: 47 Blatchington Rd, Hove, BN3 3YJ

Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm Sunday, 10am -4pm

Website: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/shops/oxfam-bookshop-hove-1/

Resident Music (book section)

While not specifically a bookshop, this Brighton store offers a generous selection of books focusing on all things music! If you’re a music lover and you’re exploring the Kensington Gardens area of Brighton, Resident Music is definitely worth checking out!

Here you’ll find musician’s memoirs, books on historical music events, and signed/special edition copies – all at great prices! The interior is clean, modern and spacious – with a thoughtful layout making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Resident Music also occasionally hosts book related events, so it’s worth keeping an eye on their website if you would like to attend one of their signings or author Q&A sessions.

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 is also situated near the Oxfam Bookshop and Resident Music. It sells a variety of goods, with a particular emphasis on illustration. The shop contains a bit of everything, from clothes to zines to records.

Though not a full book shop – the Family Store does offer a curated collection of fiction and non-fiction titles for readers. The business focuses on books across art, design, photography, music and culture. The inside is small and creative, highlighting its colourful artwork and independent products.

Be sure to check this shop out while 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

Dave’s Comics is a Brighton staple, and for good reason! This North Laine’s specialist shop sells a wide selection of comics, graphic novels, manga and children’s books.

The inside has a distinctive and unique aesthetic. Visitors can expect to see floor-to-ceiling shelves, posters and memorabilia covering the walls, and an upstairs space dedicated entirely to new comic releases.

Known for its friendly and helpful staff, great LGBTQ section and affordable prices. Make sure to pop into Dave’s Comics as you walk 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

No bookshops in Brighton list is complete without the Amnesty second-hand bookshop! This bookstore on Sydney Street is home to contemporary fiction, social sciences, history and more. All books sold support Amnesty’s charitable mission – to promote and protect human rights for everyone.

The building is painted in a vibrant shade of pink, and is situated in the heart of The Lanes. The interior is small, simple and welcoming, a place to find both well-known titles and unusual discoveries.

The bookstore has been 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

The Last Bookshop sits on Gardner Street, a lively area of Brighton with a bohemian atmosphere. It is one of the most popular bookshops in Brighton due to its affordability, stocking a range of titles all priced at £5 or under.

The interior is bright, contemporary and medium sized. The shop specialises in new books sold at discounted prices, mainly from publisher overstock and surplus inventory. Book topics include travel, cookery, lifestyle and more.

If you’re hoping to find a bookish bargain on your Brighton trip, definitely prioritise visiting The Last Bookshop!

Address: The Last Bookshop, 40 Gardner Street Brighton, BN1 1UN

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am – 6pm Sunday, 10am – 5pm

Website: https://brilliantbrighton.com/brands/last-bookshop/

Goldsboro Books

The only bookshop in the world that specialises in signed, hardback first edition books can be found on Brighton’s Ship Street.

This small and beautiful independent bookshop is perfect for when you want to treat yourself! Here you’ll find high-quality fiction and non-fiction, as well as dedicated LGBTQ+ shelves and a section highlighting local authors.

With knowledgeable and friendly staff, you’re sure to find your next favourite read at Goldsboro Books.

Address: 22B Ship St, Brighton BN1 1AD

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am – 6pm Sunday, 11am – 5pm

Website: https://goldsborobooks.com/pages/brighton-book-shop

The Kemptown Bookshop

My personal favourite independent (and oldest!) bookshop in Brighton sits in Kemptown. Spread over 3 floors, inside you’ll find curated picks for adults and children. The bookshop also sells stationery, gifts and fine art.

One of the main reasons this bookshop is my favourite is because of its cozy and intimate feel. The space has a real sense of community, and despite its more modest size, there are still so many novels for book worms to browse through!

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 story times, and author Q&A’s.

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 titles, many of local interest, this bookshop is well-loved by Brighton residents.

City Books is the largest independent bookshop in Brighton. It stocks every genre and has a substantial range of collectable black Penguin Classics. The charming interior feels well-loved and inviting, with books separated into sections for easy browsing.

The bookstore has twice been shortlisted for the national ‘Independent Bookshop of the Year Award’. Additionally, it has won the 2018 Muddy Stiletto award for Best Bookshop in Sussex.

Book lovers can 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

Finishing off this bookshops in Brighton list is The Book Nook, an award-winning independent bookstore in Hove. Opening in 2009, it is the only bookshop in the area dedicated entirely to children’s literature.

The Book Nook stocks a range of entertaining and educational books for children of all ages. Inside this whimsical and fun space families can enjoy a café, a pirate ship, and special events held throughout the year.

Past events have included visits from Santa and a party celebrating 10 years since the bookshops opening.