A trio of Cornish bookshops have been handpicked for a new guide for book lovers across the UK.
Louise Boland’s ultimate slow-travel guide for book lovers: Bookshop Tours of Britain was officially published on Thursday, October 31.
Now in its fourth edition, Bookshop Tours of Britain features 20 shops across the country and includes a tour of bookshops in the Duchy.
Following the number of new bookshops opening since the first edition came out in 2020, the new Bookshop Tours of Britain now includes three new shops in Cornwall.
Shrew Books in Fowey, The Bookshop in Helston and Clemo Books in Newquay are all now featured in this new edition.
Shrew Books: 4 South Street Fowey
Nestled on the corner of South Street, it is evident that Shrew Books is loved by many. It has a 4.7 rating on Google, with several people leaving their comments about the bookshop.
One reviewer said: “Outstanding selection of books carefully curated in a cottage and welcoming shop in the heat of Fowey.
“Intrusive mix of the latest and classic good writing, local and global, great and fiction and a very good children's section. Highly recommended. But be prepared to buy something every time you visit.”
Another shared: “I am not often moved to leave a review, but I was genuinely delighted to find Shrew Books on a rainy day in Fowey.
“They have a fantastically curated fiction section that includes a superb selection of new literary fiction, some nice independent/small press stuff too.
“A lot of the modern novels felt as if they were carefully selected by someone with good, diverse taste who cared about books and about representation. Really thrilled with my purchases.”
The Bookshop: 77 Meneage Street, Helston
Book lovers rejoiced when this cute little bookshop opened in Helston just in time for Christmas in 2023.
At the helm is Ginny Sealey, from Ruan Minor, who is fulfilling a childhood dream of opening her bookshop.
Ginny told the Packet in 2023: I’ve lived on the Lizard for 20-odd years and always wanted to open a bookshop ever since I was a child
“Helston has so many things going on and I always wondered why it didn’t have a dedicated bookshop.”
With a top rating of 5 on Google, people have shared their views on the only independent bookshop in Helston town.
One person said: “This is a wonderful addition to Helston. It is an excellent bookshop with very knowledgeable staff. You can also have a cup of coffee whilst you browse.”
Another added: “What a fab bookshop! The owner is a delight and so is the shop. She helped me choose a book and ordered books for me which arrived very promptly. Very friendly atmosphere.”
https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/thebookshopinhelston
Clemo Books: 33b Bank Street, Newquay
Clemo Books started as a pop-up bookshop at farmers markets, local cafés and various other venues across Cornwall.
However, in November 2023, owner and bookseller Jaimie Poyne officially opened the doors on its new premises on Bank Street.
And thanks to the public who donated to a Crowdfunder campaign to renovate the space and get the bookshelves in the shop opened just in time for Christmas.
“It was a chaotic but truly magical time in our lives, and we’ll always be grateful for everyone’s support in making this bookshop dream come true.” Jaimie shared in a post on the Clemo Books website.”
The shop has a Google rating of 5 and has been highly praised by customers.
One said: “I just visited Clemo Books for the first time and was immediately greeted by a lovely shop assistant! The atmosphere was so much more comforting than that of large book-selling chains, and the experience has left me buzzing!
“Alongside my book, I got a free bookmark and a book with very cute images on it.
"Very happy with the experience.”
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