6 of the best independent bookshops in the local area

Supporting an independent bookshop is great for them, bringing them some business which may otherwise go to the high-street chains.

And it’s great for you, as you get to browse and mooch your way around some real treasure troves.

Read on to discover six of the best independent bookshops in Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

1. Scarthin Books, Cromford

Scarthin Books describes itself as a “destination” bookshop, somewhere you seek out deliberately, rather than just happen upon. Established in 1974, it’s tucked away overlooking the pond in the tiny village of Cromford, in between Matlock Bath and Wirksworth.

Inside, you’ll discover a maze of rooms, such as the Art Room, where you can curl up in an armchair and immerse yourself in a book. You’ll find a mixture of new, second-hand, and antiquarian books to browse, with a huge range of subjects on offer.

Enjoy a mooch on your own, or meet with friends and enjoy tea and cake in the vegetarian café. Plus, the shop runs author signings, discussion groups, and interest group meetings. It’s received national recognition too, named by the Guardian as one of its readers’ favourite UK independent bookshops.

2. Scrivener’s Books and Bookbinding, Buxton

Quirky and full of character, Scrivener’s is a five-storey second-hand bookshop in the centre of Buxton.

Established in 1997, it features about 40,000 books covering a huge variety of subjects. As well as selling books, it offers bookbinding and restoration services. You’ll also find a small museum in the cellar, exploring the history of the fascinating building.

The shop also runs meet-the-author sessions, as well as storytime sessions for toddlers and pre-schoolers.

3. High Peak Bookstore & Café, Buxton

This large independent bookshop is particularly good for discount books, with almost all books priced at 50% or less of their original price.

With over 20,000 books to choose from and a huge range of categories, it’s an easy place to lose yourself for hours. Plus, there’s a themed children’s reading room with local artwork murals and reading benches for little ones.

The café is an integral part of the store, serving daily specials and products sourced from small local independent suppliers.

4. That Little Bookshop, Stafford

Starting life as a pop-up at a Dunelm in Stafford, That Little Bookshop opened its own doors in August 2025. It’s Stafford’s only independent bookshop selling new books and prides itself on selling beautiful books for every budget.

Inside, as well as a curated selection of books, you’ll find a reading room where you can enjoy some quiet reading. The shop also runs a book club, as well as writing and creative workshops.

It was also a Midlands finalist for the 2026 British Book Awards Independent Bookshop of the Year, nominated less than six months after first opening.

5. Inkwell, Leek

This independent bookseller in Leek, North Staffordshire, began as a trader of second-hand books operating at car boots, markets, and fayres. It still has an active presence on online platforms eBay and Vinted.

The shop sells a selection of new and second-hand books, as well as a range of literary gifts and stationery.

The second-hand selection is born from a passion for both popular reads and sustainability, and all books are carefully inspected and assessed to make sure they can be enjoyed again elsewhere.

6. The Bookery, Amerton Farm, Stafford

The Bookery is a cosy corner of books based within Amerton Farm in Stafford.

Part of the shopping hub Amerton Artisans, it sells novels from a range of genres, including romance, thriller, and crime.

You can also buy a “blind date with a book”, which is a little reading package including a mystery book with a reading tracker, bookmark, stickers, and a teabag to enjoy a cuppa while you’re reading.

Get in touch

We’re here to keep your finances working hard while you’re busy browsing. Please email enquiries@integritasfp.co.uk or call 01283 777014.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.