Posted on August 27, 2026
With autumn just around the corner, it’s time to prepare for the cosiest season. Whether you’ve got the perfect reading nook in your home, a regular café that’s become your got-to for literary escapism, finding that perfect book is key. As much as we all love the convenience of a chain bookstore, there’s an undeniable charm about local independent bookshops that we love to support. With that in mind, here are our top picks across The Cotswolds.
Cornell Books
Located in Tewkesbury, nestled on High Street, this mediaeval sanctuary offers over 30,000 antiquarian and second-hand books. Specialising in academic topics like topography, natural history, and art, it's a haven for those who love the charm of timeworn books in a building that looks like the books never left. It's the perfect spot to spend time exploring for literary treasures.
Octavia’s Bookshop
You can find this award-winning bookshop in Cirencester on Black Jack Street. The store is a paradise for children's literature enthusiasts. Awarded the Bookseller’s ‘Best Independent Children’s Bookseller 2013’, it offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. Adults can also enjoy Octavia’s top recommendations, making it a delightful visit for all ages. They also offer a ‘book spa’ offer, where for £10 you can gift someone a book voucher and adults will get a hot drink and cake from the renowned Jack’s Coffee Shop just next door, whilst kids will get a bag of treats and a hot chocolate from the ‘The Candy Man’ store next door.
Jaffé and Neale
This adorable bookstore can be found in Chipping Norton on Middle Row, the bookshop is well known due to its combining of high-quality books with excellent customer service. The owners Polly Jaffé and Patrick Neale have over seventy yeas of book selling experience and are dedicated to making the store a community hub. Hosting regular author events and a book club with wine, there’s always a reason to visit. The upstairs café offers homemade cakes and a view of Market Square, so you can even start your newest book in the store's undoubtable charm.
The Yellow-Lighted Bookshops
You can find a store in either Tetbury or Nailsworth. Both shops cater to local interests with a wide selection of books, a wide range of both fiction and non-fiction, you can spend hours browsing their selection. With a great online store where you can order from their entire stock, on top of their ability to order almost any book within a day or two, they provide a personalised shopping experience, which has made them a staple of both towns and well worth a visit.
Cheltenham Rare Books
Founded nearly 40 years ago by Mark Skipper, Cheltenham Rare Books deals in first editions, fine and rare antique, signed books, Cheltenham Rare Books can be found on Imperial Square and is a bibliophile's dream. Its collection spans poetry, fiction, plays, crime, sci-fi and fantasy, as well as private presses such as Cotswold Fine Press.
R&R Books in Stroud
Opened in 1988, R&R Books in Stroud is an Aladdin’s cave of literary goodies, stocking a huge collection of second-hand titles and original ephemera, ranging from children’s fiction and poetry, to history, psychology and horror. And if you’re looking to add a DC or Marvel comic to your collection, their range of comics is impressive to say the least, with vintage magazines and memorabilia also providing novel gift items galore for fans of retro treasures.
Books and Ink
Open a few days a week and only by appointment, the exclusive Books & Ink in Winchcombe specialises in old and antiquarian books, ephemera, maps and prints. It is also known for being a fantastic source to help track down elusive and out-of-print titles, as well as ordering in new books for its customers. With over 25,000 titles from fairytales and folklore to collectible Penguin classics, this quaint Cotswold bookshop can also help you create your own books for display for your business or wedding.
Fireside
A family run store since 1980, Fireside Bookshop is an independent, in Stroud town centre, conveniently just a short walk from the train station, this second-hand bookshop boasts over 30,000 titles on offer in store and in its online collection. Offering fiction, non-fiction, academic and antiquarian books spanning a huge variety of subjects, it's a must-visit for students and curious minds.
The Borzoi
You can find this independent bookshop in the centre of Stow-on-the-Wold, Borzoi Bookshop has been running for 40 years, with a team of ‘avid readers’ in charge, you can find a huge range of books to choose from and the staff are eager to help you source unusual and specialist titles from publishers that you might have difficulty finding elsewhere. Named after the Borzoi dog breed, the bookshop welcomes readers' furry friends, too.
MadHatter Books
Welcoming readers into a real life Wonderland, Madhatter Books in Burford is a uniquely designed independent bookshop that also sells an impressive array of hats, made by some of the oldest milliners in the UK. You’ll be able to find an amazing array of books, including many by local authors. The owners pride themselves in their love of reading and are more than happy to chat with anyone who comes into the store and will happily recommend books for all occasions if you need some guidance.
Draycott Books
For those who enjoy the thrill of discovering a book with a little history of its own, Draycott Books in Chipping Campden is well worth seeking out. This family-run bookshop specialises in second-hand, collectable and antiquarian books, with a fascinating selection ranging from general reading to modern first editions. Tucked amongst the independent businesses of Chipping Campden, it is a lovely stop for collectors, curious readers and anyone who appreciates the character and charm of a well-loved book.
Blandfords of Broadway
Nestled on Broadway’s beautiful High Street, Blandfords has shelves filled with everything from fiction and children’s favourites to maps and guides for discovering the surrounding countryside, it is the sort of traditional bookshop where you can happily spend far longer than intended browsing.
A Festival of Books
This charming independent bookshop has a particular passion for children’s and young adult literature, with shelves filled with everything from beloved classics to new and unusual discoveries. The shop also champions authors and illustrators through events and has a carefully selected collection for adult readers, making it a delightful destination for book lovers of all ages.
Barn Owl Books
Tucked away in Malmesbury, Barn Owl Books is spread across two floors, its shelves are filled with books for readers of all ages, from bestselling fiction and thought-provoking non-fiction to a wonderful selection of children’s titles. With cosy spaces to settle in, alongside a welcoming programme of events and book clubs, Barn Owl Books offers far more than a simple shopping experience.
HollyHocks Bookshop
Located in Cirencester, this mother and daughter owned book store opened early August this year. Fueled by a passion of romance novels both old and new, you can find titles from traditional and independently-published authors, the store specialises in romance subgenres including young adult, fantasy, dark romance, contemporary and LGBTQ+. You’ll also be able to pick up special editions, vintage classics and curated gift items.