Brilliant Bookshops: Paragon Books

Sidmouth is a beautiful coastal town on the Jurassic Coast-'a town caught still in a timeless charm' as Poet Laureate, John Betjeman, once said. The town was made unexpectedly popular by a visit from King George III in 1791 and in the summer of 1801, Jane Austen and her sister and parents visited Sidmouth. Years later, she mentioned Sidmouth briefly in Persuasion, for William Elliot had visited the town before visiting Lyme and meeting Anne. The town boasts many literary links and so it is not surprising that it is home to two bookshops.

Founded over 20 years ago, Paragon Books is Sidmouth’s oldest bookshop. The shop is compact, but well laid out to maximise the range of books on offer. It also sells a range of CDs and DVDs and cards created by local artists.

The man in the shop on the day I visited was very pleasant and keen to be helpful when I asked. The children’s section is at the back of the shop with clearly labelled shelves and a good selection of titles. A very nice place to pass the time!

Paragon Books

38 High Street,

Sidmouth EX10 8EJ