A History of Literature in Leeds
The bookshops in Leeds are diverse and extensive, reflecting the fact that Leeds itself is home to a range of famous writers including Barbara Taylor Bradford and Tony Harrison.
J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings, even lived in Leeds for a time whilst he worked at Leeds University as a professor of English Language.
More recently, friend of the blog, Stu Hennigan is set to release his debut book, Ghost Signs: Poverty and the Pandemic, exploring social inequality in the UK.
Must-Visit Leeds Bookshops
I first stumbled into OK Comics by accident during my first year at university and was taken aback by how impressive it is. The owner is really kind and welcoming, whether you’re new to comics and graphic novels or a seasoned veteran.
One awesome thing about Leeds’ OK Comics is their free regular order service. Even if you’re not a local, you can still get your hands on the latest issues of your favourite comic book series, with free delivery as standard. Pretty neat!
Next time you’re in Leeds, do pop by OK Comics. It’s a proper old-fashioned comic book store, cozy and inviting, and a memorable bookish spot.
OK Comics
19 Thornton’s Arcade,
Briggate, Leeds,
LS1 6LQ
0113 246 9366
shop@okcomics.co.uk
https://okcomics.co.uk/
Just a bus ride away from Leeds city centre lies The Little Bookshop in Chapel Allerton.
It’s a beautiful bookshop that focuses primarily on selling and promoting children’s literature.
In fact, The Little Bookshop is the only independent children’s bookshop in Leeds. Featuring regular author reading events, it’s perfect for families looking to find the next book they can read together.
The Little Bookshop
47 Harrogate Road
Chapel Allerton
Leeds
LS7 3PD
hello@thelittlebookshopleeds.co.uk
https://www.thelittlebookshopleeds.co.uk/
Open since September 2020, The Bookish Type is an independent queer bookshop, hidden away in Leeds’ Merrion Centre.
Championing LGBTIQA+ authors, The Bookish Type’s mantra is to ensure that its readers feel seen in the books they read.
Stocking fiction, children’s books, YA, memoirs, poetry, short stories, zines, non-fiction, colouring books and graphic novels, The Bookish Type has a bit of everything!
They also some brilliant community outreach schemes such as a book club for older LGBTQIA+ people. A brilliant Leeds bookshop that’s conveniently located and well worth visiting.
The Bookish Type
58 Merrion Centre,
Leeds
LS2 8NG
07947 460692
thebookishtypeleeds@gmail.com
https://thebookishtype.co.uk/
4) Philip Howard Books
Philip Howard Books is a classic community bookshop in Leeds’s pleasant suburbs of Roundhay.
As self-styled guardians of knowledge, the staff at Philip Howard Books know their stuff!
Featuring a wide range of books, they also offer an ordering service over the phone and via email, whilst students, reading groups, and teachers can benefit from generous discounts.
Roundhay also has some great bars and pubs nearby.
Philip Howard Books
47 Street Lane
Roundhay
Leeds
LS8 1AP
0113 225 9797
philiphowardleeds@yahoo.co.uk
Village is an independent bookshop specialising in art, fashion, design, and photography from both local artists and those around the world.
The bookshop also includes a not-for-profit art gallery, showcasing talent from Leeds and beyond.
Holding book launches and art exhibitions, Village is a really neat little place in the centre of Leeds, if you’re into your art & photography.
Village
10-12 Thornton’s Arcade,
Leeds
LS1 6LQ
hello@villagebooks.co
https://villagebooks.co/
Arguably the most beautiful place on this list, The Grove Bookshop, based in Ilkley is one of the most popular independent bookshops in the UK.
It’s also the official bookseller of the annual Ilkley book festival!
A short train ride from Leeds, The Grove Bookshop has everything, ranging from brand-new bestsellers to quirky, less well-known titles.
Plus, if you’re looking for something particular, they can order it in for you in time for the next day! Efficient.
If you’re not local, you can browse their full stock online and either get your book delivered or stocked ahead of your visit.
Grove Bookshops
10 The Grove,
Ilkley
LS29 9EG
01943 609 335
info@grovebookshop.com
https://www.grovebookshop.com/
Travelling Man is awesome.
A specialist bookstore that focuses on comics, graphic novels, and board games, it’s a palace of nerd culture.
Beginning as a small shop in Headingley, Travelling Man can now be found in Leeds City Centre proper, as with a small handful of additional stores around the UK.
Owners Simon & Nabil are knowledgeable about all things table-top gaming, and love to stock books and comics that explore the boundaries of what is possible, hence ‘Travelling Man’.
This is a must-visit indie bookshop.
Travelling Man
32 Central Rd,
Leeds
LS1 6DE
01132 450 822
leeds@travellingman.com
https://travellingman.com/
Coffee, cake, literature.
These are three things you’re sure to find in the stunning Truman Books, based in Farsley, West Leeds.
One of the newer independent bookshops on this list, Truman Books opened its doors in early 2021 and has proven a hit success since.
It’s all about the community here. Truman Books wants you to stay, have a drink, and chat whilst browsing the shelves.
From storytime sessions for children to bookish chats with both emerging and established authors Truman offers something for everyone. It’s a beautiful place and well worth visiting.
Truman Books
95 Town St,
Farsley, Pudsey
LS28 5HX
0113 805 6019
info@trumanbooks.co.uk
https://trumanbooks.co.uk/
How many of these Leeds bookshops have you visited? Let me know some of your favourites in the comments below!