Brilliant Bookshops: Bag of Books, Lewes

Found on South Street in the lovely town of Lewes in Sussex, ‘Bags of Books’ is a fabulous bookshop, devoted to children’s books. Housed in the most beautiful old building, the shop is a joy from the moment you set foot through the door.

When we last visited, we were lucky enough to be able to stay in the lovely flat above, a real dream come true, allowing me to visit the bookshop everyday! Since then, the shop has passed into new hands, but has lost none of its magic or charm.

The range of books on offer is exceptional, with titles from a whole range of publishers, including smaller ones. There is so much choice that there is no excuse for anyone to miss out on their perfect book- and if anyone is not sure what to choose, the friendly, helpful staff are only too happy to advise and support. We had a lovely chat about Eve Garnett as they tried to help me establish which street she had based One End Street on as well as introducing me to ‘Elsie Piddock Skips in her Sleep’, a book by Eleanor Farjeon, also set locally.

As well as the incredible selection in the shop, Bag of Books offers a ‘My Year of Books’ subscription where they personally select a book, gift wrap it and deliver it every month for a year. They also run a lively programme of events, including story times.

An essential location for any book lover, ‘Bag of Books’ is worth a trip across the country for any day!

Bag of Books

1 South St, Lewes BN7 2BT