When you have relocated to Edinburgh, it is important to discover quickly how to fill the dark winter days. There’s no denying it – Edinburgh does not get a lot of sunshine hours during the months of January and February. It’s dark during the school run and commute at the beginning and end of the day. It’s dark walking the dog first thing. It often does not get above 5 degrees, and frankly sometimes going outside is not that appealing. So, what to do. Of course there are many Galleries and Museums (perhaps the next blog), shops and cinemas. My favourite however is browsing in a bookshop and discovering new books, new worlds and if you throw in a hot chocolate, happy children.
So here you have 3 of Edinburgh’s best Independent Bookshops.
Edinburgh Bookshop
On the South side of the city, nestled between Morningside and Bruntsfield at Holy Corner, is the tiny Edinburgh Bookshop. Awarded Scottish Independent Bookshop of the year 2018 as part of the British Bookseller awards. We have been coming here for years, and every time I come out with a pile of books. The level of knowledge, particularly when trying to find books for awkwardly aged teenagers, is fantastic – and rather expensive! www.edinburghbookshop.com
And did I mention a hot chocolate? Just around the corner, try out the Chocolate Tree in Bruntsfiled Place – and the churros!!
The Golden Hare
The Golden Hare Bookshop in St Stephen Street is our local, located in the popular Stockbridge area of North Edinburgh. Voted Independent Bookshop of the Year for the whole of the UK & Ireland at the 2019 British Book awards, this is a popular store with the local residents. Look out for their wonderful ‘Post Books’, a monthly subscription box of either one or two books. Each month brings a carefully chosen title and a new theme. www.goldenharebooks.com
Toppings
Lastly, Edinburgh has a new bookshop in town. In the centre of the city, Toppings recently opened a branch at the top of Leith Walk, at 2 Blenheim Place. Run by siblings Hugh and Cornelia, whose parents opened the first Toppings shop 17 years ago, the store is housed in an A-listed, building, covering 2 floors. Every inch is dedicated to the enormous expansive collection of books. www.toppingbooks.co.uk