Amongst my various different longings during lockdown, one of the things I miss are  trips to bookshops and browsing the shelves for new stories Bookstores are magical places.  

We are spending more time online and on our phones than ever before, which has prompted many to question how much time they spend staring at their devices. The technology backlash has been a boon for books. As people try to reduce their screen time, we're turning back to reading more physical books. Lockdown is the perfect opportunity to get reading more regularly.

​The local bookshop is the heart and soul of a community - each one unique, each one filled with local characters, legendary stories, surprising quirks, and comfortable charm. As readers, we cherish them as sanctuaries for learning and dreaming.

Barter Books

A little while ago, on the journey home from a trip to Edinburgh, I visited Barter Books in Alnwick.

It is such a quirky secondhand bookstore, with open fires, armchairs, model trains and a café. Situated in the old station in Alnwick, Barter Books is an establishment where you can buy used books or exchange them as well as buy rare books and first editions. There really is something for everyone.

We ended up spending a pretty long time here, wandering around through the many rambling bookshelves and checking out so many great finds! 

Whilst in lockdown ​I recently found a few random clips from our visit on my GoPro, and decided it might be fun to cobble together a little video. 
Hope you enjoy!
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Topping & Company Booksellers

Topping & Company in Bath is one of my very favourite bookshops. I usually don't like to film inside here, because it is such a quiet and chilled-out spot to amble around and shop, so this video is quite short at the moment but will hopefully still give you a little feel for the place..
​I always leave with a new armful of books! It's also a great place to pick up lots of signed first editions and rare finds.