The Bell Bookshop

A traditional and lovely bookstore I go to whenever I'm back at home in the UK. They don't mind if you mill about reading the books forever. They'll politely offer to help and then leave you alone if you want to be left alone. They probably have whatever you're looking for, with an ideal selection of all sorts of new/classic fiction, kids/YA books, travel, poetry and a newly expanded history section. And they'll offer to order anything if they don't have it. Plus they're not packed with *just* crime and thrillers like WHSmiths across the road (though it's certainly there if you want it 🙂.) Support them; they deserve it.

(My only constructive criticism is that the history section is purely popular history, and focused largely on WWII and/or the Tudors. They lack history books that I consider default reading on other topics, including several big countries. However, this could be said of almost any bookshop, so... 😊)

Buy your books here! So easy to order on-line these days but nothing beats enjoying a brouse in this lovely book shop. The staff are brilliant, friendly, so helpful and knowledgeable. If they don't have a book that you want, they can easily order it for you and it normally arrives very quickly. I've also checked availability and ordered books over the phone.

Long-standing local bookshop that is well-presented with a great kids section.

So helpful. Knowledgeable staff give unobtrusively excellent customer service.

A wonderful little bookshop with a great selection of books for everyone. It’s a place you don’t want to leave and could spend hours in there looking for that comforting me time book to curl up with a hot chocolate. Great kid’s selection for the little ones to choose from. Has lots of information for local events happening in the area. Staff are friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend to friends and family when visiting the area.

Nice little local bookstore. Seemed to be a higher focus on crime / whodunnit novels and children’s books and a bit less nonfiction than some bookshops. But overall a very nice browse

This is an excellent Bookshop.
The staff are expert booksellers.
I had needed some ideas for a birthday present and they came up with some really helpful suggestions. They also did an wonderful job of gift wrapping my purchases. They have a hand selected stock of great books so it's always worth popping in for a browse.

Lovely bookshop. Lots of choice and very helpful staff. Good displays in the shop.