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Scarthin Books

Cromford, United Kingdom•4.8(1.4k)•Library, Play Café

Browse 100,000 new, used and antiquarian books across 12 rooms, then relax in the vegetarian cafe with indoor and outdoor seating.

Scarthin Books is a sprawling independent bookshop housed across three floors with approximately 12 rooms dedicated to an extensive collection of around 100,000 new, used and antiquarian books. The venue offers something for every reader and age group, from a dedicated Children's Room stocked with age-appropriate selections to sections covering diverse interests and genres. Families can explore the bookshop's vast inventory while children browse their own dedicated space. The on-site vegetarian cafe provides a welcoming break, with both indoor and outdoor seating areas perfect for families with pushchairs. The cafe operates with hot food available during midday hours (12-3pm), making it ideal for families planning an extended visit. Beyond books, the venue stocks gifts, cards, stationery and sheet music, offering something for every occasion. Open seven days a week, Scarthin Books positions itself as both a serious literary destination and a homely social hub, suitable for visitors of all ages from infants onwards. The combination of extensive book selection, family-friendly facilities and on-site refreshments makes it an appealing destination for families seeking a cultural outing.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 09:00 – 18:00
Tuesday: 09:00 – 18:00
Wednesday: 09:00 – 18:00
Thursday: 09:00 – 18:00
Friday: 09:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Vegetarian Cafe

Vegetarian cafe offering drinks, cakes, and hot and cold food with both indoor and outdoor seating

Hours: 10am - 5pm (12-3pm hot food)

Visit websiteView menu
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Google Reviews

4.8(1.4k reviews)
S
Stevie Gedge

Stevie Gedge

a month ago

Amazing vast book shop with multiple floors and a hidden cafe! Thousands of books on ceiling high shelves. A mixture of new and second hand books, you could spend hours in here hunting for your next read.

C
Chelle Callaghan

Chelle Callaghan

2 months ago

Incredible little book shop, a place to get lost in! This shop covers multiple floors and has a small cafe. We had a coffee and some cake after exploring shelves upon shelves of books and old maps. Found some beautiful treasures. Staff were lovely and very helpful. Highly recommend if old shops full of character is your thing!

R
Rylee Curtis

Rylee Curtis

3 months ago

Literal heaven on earth, most beautifully curated selection of books around every corner. Didn’t try the cafe but wish I had. It was the best book shop I’ve seen in England we are lucky to have it!

D
Dave Secord

Dave Secord

4 months ago

Extraordinary bookstore. While away hours. Sustain yourself with in-house cafe with delicious coffees and vegetarian and gluten free delights.

M
Matt Pike

Matt Pike

6 months ago

It's a nice quaint little area this, but parking is very difficult. In my big Jag it was too wide for the road outside the shop, luckily I got a space just as you turned in off the main road in a small car park. If you want a nice book, this is the place to be, with a selection of new and old books. Some were amazing, but costly. It's a very old quirky building on many floors with many rooms and sloping steps. They also offer a cafe with gluten free options which is great as my partner has this allergen. There are sitting rooms in various themes. All in all a very good book shop.

Reviews last updated: 6 October 2026

Events at Scarthin Books

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 6 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about Scarthin Books

Is Scarthin Books free to visit?

Entry to Scarthin Books is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

What ages is Scarthin Books suitable for?

Scarthin Books is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Scarthin Books dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Scarthin Books.

Is there parking at Scarthin Books?

Scarthin Books doesn't have parking — public transport is recommended.

Is there food at Scarthin Books?

Yes — Vegetarian Cafe is on site at Scarthin Books. Vegetarian cafe offering drinks, cakes, and hot and cold food with both indoor and outdoor seating

Is Scarthin Books pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Scarthin Books is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Scarthin Books?

Scarthin Books is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Scarthin Books by public transport?

Scarthin Books isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.

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