Scarthin Books in Cromford, Derbyshire.
I fell into this wonderful wonderland of books by accident. I was with colleagues when we called in for a hot drink while travelling and the result was I nearly had to be physically dragged away because I just didn't want to leave.
As you walk through the shop door the smell of books hits you straight away, and then the sight of floor to ceiling books adds to the feel of a real old fashioned, cosy, comfortable place to be.
The shop was on three to four levels, I can't remember, I was feeling so excited. I actually felt like a child during that first Christmas where you start to understand the joys Christmas can bring. The entire place is filled with books including the stairways. Everything you could ever wish to read about, you could find here. I saw books I desperately wanted, but had never considered reading before. Non-fiction books that drew my interest but are something I wouldn't necessarily browse for when I shop online for ebooks, or even hardcover books for that matter. The world opened up in that one shop I very nearly didn't get to know about. It showed me that bookstores like this really do have a place in our technological world.
There was a wonderful childrens room, which had the ceiling decorated very originally and was obviously created with children in mind. I've already discussed the shop with little man and said we can spend an afternoon there and he was thrilled. Especially when I showed him the photographs. I love that he shares my love of books and hope that this continues as he grows.
I completely feel like I'm on a sugar rush, even hours after leaving, only it's a book rush. It's a wonderful place and I'm so glad I came across it.
I will leave you with a couple more photographs and a suggestion to visit it if you can.
Do you have a similar book shop you visit? Tell us about it. They really are wonderful places and deserve our support.
That looks like such a wonderful place. I'm jealous! All those books, all those shelves... And yet, I'm too far away :-(
ReplyDeleteLooks wonderful, I could feel your excitement. Love bookshops, especially the smell. I want to go there!
ReplyDeleteNice discovery, seems like the way a bookshop should be.
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
@mooderino
The Funnily Enough
Now I'm trying to come up with a reason or excuse to go to Derbyshire! That looks like such a wonderful bookstore and I love how they decorated the children's room.
ReplyDeleteI did get my secondhand bookstore fix last weekend though, so I can't complain. I was up in Hay-on-Wye for their Winter Weekend and it was wonderful. Mulled wine, mince pies, the company of a good friend and fellow book lover, some top author events and 36+ secondhand bookstores to browse. It always feels like I've come home when I'm there.
I love Scarthin books - it's literally an Aladdin's cave! I'm very lucky as it's not far away from me, and I could spend hours browsing in there.
ReplyDeleteAnother bookshop I love is Barter Books in Alnwick, Northumberland. It's in the old railway station, so it's all on one level rather than on several floors, but there's just as many tucked-away corners. I came away with a real haul from the children's book section last time I was there!
What a lovely place - and what a lovely idea, sharing our local bookshops. :) xx
ReplyDeleteI would walk in and never leave.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful find Rebecca, extremely kind of you to share your discovery with us. I often visit Derbyshire so will make sure I go and take a look, or possibly a book. Or two!
ReplyDeleteDelightful! Thanks for sharing! I like to see small bookshops like this that thing big.
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect looking place. One day ...
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos of a treasure trove! I know if no place aorund here like that...
ReplyDeleteI love bookshops too, but with my busy, crazy life, I do mostly online buying when it comes to books. But I find an odd hour to go in to my local shop where they have chairs and tables for reading. It's like a library.
ReplyDeleteThat is just fantastic looking - I could live there, waking and sleeping.
ReplyDeleteWonderful.
(Btw - found you via Gaelikka.)
Annalisa - It really was amazing and I can't wait to go back. It may be worth your while having a search of the internet to see if there is something similar close to you. I promise you if you find it, you'll never want to leave it.
ReplyDeleteMargaret - It was wonderful, everything was there, the books, the people and the smell of books. Delicious!
Mood - It definitely had the feel of an old style bookshop, long before the open airiness of places like Waterstones. Much as I love a bookshop, this is something special.
Kath - Now that is one thing, or rather two things that could have improved my experience - mulled wine and mince pies!
Emma - I'm so envious that you live so close! Though it should be close enough for me to make a trip fairly regularly.
Sheryl - It really is wonderful. I've never been in a place like it and I think there should be more of them around.
Donna - That's exactly how I felt and I had to be nearly dragged out. I'm looking forward to the time I go knowing I have time to spend in there.
Claire - You definitely need to visit if you get the chance. you would love it!
Karen - It really was beautiful. A gem among bookstores.
Sarah - You should if you can. Beautiful.
Denyse - There really should be more of them around.
Maria - Up until this point I did most of my book buying on line, and I can understand how bookstores are going out of business, but now I've found it, I'm determined to use it.
Blackwatertown - Thank you for stopping by! It really is a magical place and one you can definitely spend a lot of time in. It's what i intend to do on my next visit.
Forgot to mention - a fave bookshop - No Alibis on Botanic Avenue in Belfast. Friendly, great books, great staff, great events - a real cultural powerhouse and supporter of local writers and musicians.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Blackwatertown. I hope that a Belfast resident maybe sees this and decides to pay it a visit. They really are great places.
ReplyDelete