The Book Lover's Guide to Stockport

Long before algorithms decided what you read next, there were bookshops. Stockport, thankfully, still has a wonderful independent selection.

The irony isn't lost on me that you're probably reading this on your phone, but nothing beats the forced digital detox of a book. Certainly not a flickering blue light screen, the Kindle that overheats on a hot summer's day, or the audiobook you have to keep rewinding because you stopped paying attention somewhere around the traffic lights.

There's something quite magical about a physical book that's a little dog-eared, slightly musty, with someone else's pencil notes scribbled in the margin. Or the crisp, freshly printed pages and smooth texture of a brand new magazine. Just like vinyl made a comeback because records simply sound better, physical books hit differently. Print is definitely not dead.

Stockport and the surrounding areas have some brilliant, longstanding independent bookshops that deserve to be celebrated. Here's where to find them:

Greenhouse Books

13 Great Underbank, Stockport SK1 1LF

If you like bookshops with personality, you'll love Greenhouse Books. It feels like the type of bookstore you read about in fiction; slightly eccentric, cosy and welcoming.

A family-run shop on Great Underbank, you'll find a wonderful mix of both new and second-hand books, magazines, comics, and graphic novels. You're far more likely to unearth something unexpected than a mainstream bestseller, with titles from indie Manchester publishers, ancient folklore hardbacks, and educational textbooks all finding a home on the shelves. It's also one of the only vegetarian bookshops in the country, and certainly in Stockport.

There's a small reading nook out the back, artisanal coffee behind the counter, and on some days homemade cake if you need any convincing to stay a little longer. They host events too, including a recent singles night. Imagine meeting your future partner in a bookshop. It's the perfect start to a romantic novel.

Rare Mags

5 Lower Hillgate, Stockport, SK1 1JQ

Tucked away on Lower Hillgate, Rare Mags is a distinctive and non-traditional bookshop in Stockport.

As the name suggests, the shop specialises in hard-to-find international magazines alongside carefully selected fiction and non-fiction from independent publishers, plus stationery and coffee. Choose from a curated range of titles and genres ranging from Wonderland to Weird Walks, alongside thoughtful small-press and coffee table books you won't generally find in mainstream high-street stores.

It's a favourite for creatives and collectors, and a wonderful place to browse if you have half an hour spare.

Simply Books

228 Moss Lane, Bramhall, SK7 1BD

Over in Bramhall, Simply Books is a proper destination independent bookshop for literary fans.

The award-winning shop has a broad selection from classics to contemporary works, and hosts regular author evenings, book clubs and community events both in-store alongside its curated shelves. It also includes a speciality coffee shop and an evening wine-bar atmosphere during events.

Serenity Booksellers

Stockport: 11 Warren Street, Stockport, SK1 1UD

Marple: The Precinct, Romiley, SK6 4EA

A long-standing favourite in Romiley, Serenity Booksellers now has a second location in central Stockport and is a classic, modern independent bookshop. As well as the standalone stores, they host regular book club events and author signings so it’s worth keeping an eye on their website for all the latest activities.

They have a strong fiction selection, wide range of children's books and the staff are knowledgeable and helpful if you’re looking for something specific. Serenity is a real community bookstore and a hub for literary fans.

Know a brilliant independent bookshop in the SK area we've missed? Drop us a message, we're always adding to our local guides.