The Best Bookshop Treasure Hunt Every Derbyshire Reader Needs
Is there anything quite as exciting as a good treasure hunt?
We can let you into a secret, there are many treasures to be found scattered around Derbyshire. Especially for avid readers and writers searching for their next favourite book.
Join us as we take you on a treasure hunt full of independent bookshops, and cafes to help you find your treasure and the perfect place to devour the new book that you’ve discovered on your trip through Derbyshire.
“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island. ” – by Walt Disney
How To Use The Treasure Map
You can start wherever you would like, but we recommend starting at Kedleston Hall (Derby) and ending in the George St Community bookshop (Glossop).
Explore new places on your journey and find coffee shops, small parks and maybe even some writing pals!
Enjoy visiting as many places as you’d like on our map and support local businesses and authors as you do.
Make a note of the books (or treasures) you find from each location.
1. National Trust Kedleston Hall Kedleston Hall, Derby. DE22 5JH
National Trust Kedleston Hall, Kedleston Hall, Derby. DE22 5JH. 01332842191.
This bookshop sells second-hand books at Kedleston Hall. And after browsing the bookstore, the beautiful grounds are perfect for a little reading surrounded by nature.
The books are donated by locals, visitors, and supporters. The books donated are in great condition, so you won’t need to worry about loose pages, just well-loved books (the best kinds in our opinion). Not only does this bookshop sell books, but also maps, and vintage national trust guides, so there really is something for everyone.
2. Scarthin Books of Cromford The Promenade, Cromford, Matlock DE4 3QF
Scarthin Books of Cromford The Promenade, Cromford, Matlock DE4 3QF. 01629 823272
Nestled in the picturesque Cromford Promenade, you’ll find Scarthin Books has the best spot in town, overlooking the village pond and church with plenty of benches to have a read or write if the inspiration hits.
Started in 1974, Scarthin Books has a wonderful history, told as an amusing story on the bookshop website. They run plenty of events throughout the year and have a strong focus on promoting local authors. And there’s even a small café connected to the bookstore!
3. Hawkridge Books 14 Matlock Street, Bakewell. DE45 1EE. 01629 815547.
This little bookshop is owned by Irene and Joe Tierney. Bakewell’s beautiful bookshop specialises in ornithology, in which they provide over 1100 volumes.
If you are into looking through a vintage store that holds antique books, this stop on our treasure hunt is for you. With plenty of beautifully illustrated books, over 200 of which are about Derbyshire itself, what better way to spend your day in Bakewell than visiting an antique bookstore with plenty of information on Derbyshire?
4. High Peak Bookstore & Café Brierlow Bar, Buxton SK17 9PY
High Peak Bookstore & Café Brierlow Bar, Buxton SK17 9PY. 01298 71017.
Featuring a bookstore and a café, this gem of a place is a perfect location to rest and read whilst exploring the peaks around Buxton. Many books here are less than half price and as its stock changes weekly, there will definitely be a bargain or two to enjoy.
With free parking and a room dedicated just for children, this is a perfect place to bring the whole family for a day of adventure and fun.
5. Scrivener’s Books, 42 High Street, Buxton. SK17 6HB.
Scrivener’s Books and Bookbinding 42 High Street, Buxton. SK17 6HB.
Started in 1997 by Alastair Scrivener and with five entire floors of books, this bookstore is a reader’s dream. There are so many books to explore that we definitely recommend making an afternoon of it. When we visited, it certainly felt like time stopped the moment we opened the door.
A firm favourite of Derbyshire Writing School, Scrivener’s Books and Bookbinding was also voted one of The Guardian’s 10 best second-hand bookshops in the UK. This bookshop holds all the charm of a small local store, with the variety and stock of a huge chain bookshop (if they sold second-hand books!).
6. Peak Volumes Tideswell, Derbyshire, SK17 8NT
Peak Volumes Tideswell, Derbyshire, SK17 8NT. 07821 131702
Peak volumes found a home in Tideswell in early 2010. They host an enormous variety of books but focus mostly on well-loved second-hand books. Based in an old bank, you’ll find the books housed under high ceilings, surrounded by beautiful woodwork. Pop in from Thursday – Sunday for a browse.
7. Reading Matters bookshop 48 Market Street, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak. SK23 0HY
Reading Matters Bookshop 48 Market Street, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak. SK23 0HY. 01298 938166
Another relatively new one that is perfect to visit if you’re planning a trip to High Peak, this independent bookshop was established in 2012. It holds a wide range of books, from non-fiction to local guides for walkers and cyclists. Just like the High Peak bookstore this shop has a children’s corner with some wonderful children’s books, from fiction to factual. Adding to its appeal, although this is a bookshop, you may enjoy finding a film to watch when you get home.
8. George St Community Bookshop 14-16 George Street, Glossop. SK13 8AY
George St Community Bookshop 14-16 George Street, Glossop. SK13 8AY. 01457 853413.
The last step on our treasure map is this large, beautiful house-like bookshop established in 2018. Featuring in-person and online resources this bookshop is perfect to satisfy any reading needs you have. If you’re into listening to podcasts, then this bookshop website is perfect. Regularly posting, George St Bookshop holds podcasts discussing a wide selection of amazing books. And Glossop is always a beautiful place to visit, with the people’s park just next door to this bookstore why not grab a cheeky novel to read whilst you relax and have a picnic?
What Treasure Will You Find?
Thank you so much for coming along with us on our treasure hunt through Derbyshire. We hope you enjoy these little gems we found. At the Derbyshire Writing School, it is so important to us to support small independent bookstores as they really are the lifeblood of all readers and writers! So please get in touch with us! Let us know how you’ve spent your day, or if you’ve found your own little gems tell us about those too, we’d love to visit!
So have a coffee, grab a book and enjoy one of these beautiful bookstores. And let us know how you get on – info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
