Celebrate World Book Day with one of Lancashire's Independent bookshops

World Book Day is here, and Lancashire has everything you need to celebrate right on its doorstep.

Whether you are a literary lover wanting to pick up a new book or two whilst visiting the area or want to know the ideal spot to spend those World Book Day tokens with the kids, you can find all the inspiration you need right here.

Lancashire has a huge range of independent bookshops, including second had stores, ice cream café hybrids, antiquarian specialists and fantastic comic book shops, that are all worth a visit. Read on to find out more.

Wild About Story, Cedar Farm

A relatively new edition to the list is Wild About Story at Cedar Farm in Mawdwsley. Once a pop-up shop on the Cedar Farm site, the shop now has a permanent location upstairs. The store is run by Travey Collins, who is also know as a storyteller and singer, performing at events across the area. A centre piece of the bookshop is the lovingly renovated library trolley, stocked with books ready to enchant and nourish the imaginations of people of all ages.

Carnforth Bookshop

Carnforth Bookshop is an independent, family run bookshop at the heart of the historic town. Dating back to 1977, the shop offers three floors of literary escape, with new books located on the ground floor including a huge selection of local interest books and walking guides, and two floors of second hand books on the first and second floors.

There is also a café area on the first floor with comfortable seating and a self-serve coffee machine, perfect for reading. You’ll also find cards and gifts, children’s toys, stationery, and art materials to buy. They host author events throughout the too.

Assembled Books, Lancaster

Situated in the Assembly Rooms Emporium in Lancaster, Assembled Books is a second hand bookshop selling books, jigsaws and games. The nearly new range of books for sale in the shelves range from classics to whodunits, with special sections dedicated to academic texts and children’s fiction.

Book, Bean and Ice Cream, Kirkham

A specialist ice cream shop, café and bookshop rolled into one, what more could you want? How about a series of fantastic events to go alongside all that? Book, Bean and Ice Cream is a thriving independent retailer on Kirkham High Street which has previously been awarded the Independent Bookshop of the Year Award. The shop has recently played host to huge names including David Walliams, Jacqueline Wilson, John Whaite and Anton Du Beke.

Storytellers Inc, St Annes

Another Fylde Coast bookshop that is definitely worth a visit is Storytellers Inc in St Annes. This beautiful store tucked on the hill near the train station was once dedicated to children’s books but has expanded into adult fiction and non-fiction, as well as toys, cards and gift wrap. The shop is run by mother/daughter team Carolyn and Katie who are more than happy to help you find your next perfect read.

Halewood & Sons Preston

Founded in 1867, Halewood Booksellers has been a staple in the line up of shops on Preston’s Friargate for over 150 years. Once upon a time there were two locations on the street, owned by members of the same family. These days you will find only one at 68 Friargate, owned and operated by the fifth generation of Halewoods, Mike and his wife Carolyn.

The shop was a founding member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association, an organisation the current owners still belong to, and it is one of Preston’s oldest surviving family businesses. Inside you’ll find rare, interesting and collectable books from a wide range of topics, but they specialise in travel, exploration, local history, Arthur Conan Doyle and Natural History.

Ebb & Flo, Chorley

Just off the high street in Chorley, Ebb & Flo is a beautiful little bookshop perfect for visiting with kids. Whilst not dedicated to children’s fiction, this is definitely at its heart. Inside you will find a treasure trove of books for all ages to enjoy, and the owner Diane and her passionate team make everyone feel right at home. The bookshop works with the library in the town to host author events open for the public and a range of events in schools nearby.

Books and Blooms, Blackburn

A not-for-profit bookshop, florist and gift shop Books and Blooms offers a great way to pick up a pre-loved book and support the local area. Situated in the heart of the town centre, opposite King George’s Hall, all proceeds from sales go to support families in Blackburn and the surrounding area. With dedicated children’s books, cookbooks, fiction and non-fiction areas you are sure to find something fantastic to take home.

Clitheroe Books

New and pre-loved books aplenty can be found during your visit to Clitheroe Books. With a newly opened section in the basement the shop is home to thousands of books. Split into paperback fiction, hardback fiction, antiquarian books, folio society fiction and non-fiction, poetry, history, natural history, arts and crafts, travel, local history and more – you can find just about anything at Clitheroe Books.

The Bookshop, Colne

Snuggled on Colne high street you’ll find this lovely bookshop selling a range of new and second hand books. Not only can you walk in and find a selection of literary delights, but there is a next day delivery ordering option in place if you can’t find what you are looking for. Children will love picking their next read from the dedicated children’s corner too.

Comic Book Shops

In addition to the standard bookshops you can find in Lancashire, the county is home to four shops dedicated to new and used comic books and memorabilia. First Age Comics in Lancaster, That Comic Shop in Preston, Blackburn’s The Bat Cave and Ben’s Oddities Comic Book Shop Burnley all feature a great range of comics, graphic novels and more.

Bookish events in Lancashire

Not only is Lancashire perfect for adding a new book to your “to read” pile, but the county also hosts a range of bookish events throughout the year too. The annual What’s Your Story Chorley takes place each March with events from local authors including workshops and performances. Lancaster’s LitFest takes place twice a year; with March’s event starting soon and the autumn event to follow the festival offers talks, read-a-longs and workshops to enjoy. The Northern YA/Kids Literature Festival is dedicated to children’s books for all ages and has taken place for the last 6 years at UCLan, with dates for 2024 hopefully on the way. Word Festival at Blackpool Winter Gardens and Blackburn with Darwen Children’s Literature Festival usually take place during October too.

With so many great places to shop and things to do for literary lovers; definitely check out The Tolkien Trail while you are here, Lancashire is an ideal place to explore when looking for a literary getaway. Book into one of the great places to stay and start your journey today.