Brilliant Bookshops: Heron Books

Best known for the iconic suspension bridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Clifton sits above Bristol. Although part of the city, Clifton retains a community feeling with its leafy streets, cafes and boutiques. At its heart lies the area known as Clifton Village, popular with locals and visitors alike, and here you will find The Clifton Arcade.

Originally known as King's Arcade, or the Clifton Bazaar, the Clifton Arcade was built between 1876 and 1878 by Joseph King. It is a beautiful Victorian shopping arcade, now full of a wonderful array of independent shops, one of which is Heron Books, Clifton’s only independent bookshop.

We stumbled upon the shop by chance whilst out and about in Clifton and are really glad that we did. Although a small space, it is light and airy, offering a wealth of titles including a large, well stocked children’s section and some very interesting local history books. The owner was very helpful and welcoming with an excellent knowledge of the shop’s stock, making this is a shop well worth visiting!

Heron Books

Unit 5, The Clifton Arcade,

Boyce's Ave,

Clifton,

Bristol BS8 4AA