7 of the best independent bookshops to visit in Suffolk

Here are some of the best ones you can visit in the county. 

Dial Lane books opened in 2020 (Image: Newsquest)

1. Dial Lane Books

Where: 8 Dial Lane, Ipswich IP1 1DL

The only independent bookshop in Ipswich – Andrew Marsh opened Dial Lane Books in 2020.

Earlier this year the store won in the Muddy Awards 2023 for best bookshop in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

Visitors to the store can browse through the vast collection of books, including those written by up-and-coming authors and smaller publishers. 

The independent shop is also able to supply books to schools in Ipswich and works with the Suffolk Book League.

READ MORE: The best independent shops in Suffolk as chosen by readers

Mary and Johnny James are owners of the Aldeburgh Bookshop (Image: Simon Parker)

2. Aldeburgh Bookshop

Where: 42 High Street, Aldeburgh IP15 5AB

With views of the North Sea, this bookshop has been owned by John and Mary James for the last 20 years. 

The location of the shop is believed to be the birthplace of George Crabbe, a poet known for his works such as The Borough, The Newspaper, and Tales of the Hall.

It stocks are large range of new books on all subjects and a selection of local books. 

In December the business is running late-night openings on Friday, December 15 and Friday, December 22.

Barnabees books is a second hand bookshop (Image: Google)

3. Barnabees Books

Where: Yoxford Road, Westleton IP17 3AF

Barnabees Books is the self-proclaimed "second best second-hand bookshop in Westleton".

The bookshop sells a range of different reads from Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell to Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 

The cosy vibe is inviting for avid readers and if you stay long enough you may even be visited by a cat. 

READ MORE: Two Suffolk areas named in Britain's best hidden gem locations

Halesworth Bookshop is in the heart of the town (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

4. Halesworth Bookshop

Where: 42 Thoroughfare, Halesworth IP19 8AR

Abbie Clements owns the 'hidden gem' nestled near St Mary's Church and the Market Place. 

The shelves in the shop are full of books from classic literature to gripping non-fiction, and actively search for local authors and independent publishers. 

A mural inspired by 'Where the Wild Things Are' is the feature of the children's area which hosts regular storytelling and craft sessions. 

Framlingham Bookshop is located in the Market Place (Image: Google)

5. Framlingham Bookshop

Where: 18 Market Hill, Framlingham IP13 9BB

This second-hand bookshop can have up to 10,000 books to browse on the shelves. 

Here you can find general favourites as well as some new local books. 

The 'treasure trove' is open from Monday through to Saturday from 10am until 5pm. 

Kate Harris is the owner of Harris&Harris Books (Image: Harris & Harris Books)

6. Harris & Harris 

Where: 3a High Street, Clare CO10 8NY

The tale of this business began with a statue of William Shakespeare in an antique shop in Clare, where owner Kate's mother told her that she would buy the statue if Kate opened her own bookshop one day. 

Harris and Harris recently moved to the High Street and is nestled among a row of independent shops in Suffolk's smallest town. 

The shop is packed with old books, new books and even props. 

If you find the perfect gift for someone staff are on hand to gift wrap it for you. 

READ MORE: 'Very sad' - Woodbridge bookshop  closes after 60 years

Stillwater Books is a bookshop on the Suffolk coast (Image: Google)

7. Stillwater Books

Where: 36 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe IP11 7AN

A small bookshop based by the sea in Felixstowe offering a diverse selection of hand-picked books. 

Each book is carefully selected to provide something for readers of all ages. 

If you're looking for something specific, Stillwater Books offers a free doorstep delivery service for those who live in and around Felixstowe.