Scarthin Books
A legendary, multi-floor bookshop in Cromford, housing 100,000 books in a charming, maze-like old home. Features a cafe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing time
Scarthin Books
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary, multi-floor bookshop in Cromford, housing 100,000 books in a charming, maze-like old home. Features a cafe.
"This maize of a bookshop is absolutely fascinating, you will not be disappointed."
🎯 Allow ample time
You could easily spend hours exploring this bookish maze!
☕ Grab a coffee break
The cafe at the top is a perfect spot to refuel.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 1,307 reviews
Type
Book Store
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Bookish Maze
Throughout the building
Lose yourself in a labyrinth of over 100,000 new and second-hand books spread across multiple rooms and floors.
The Rooftop Cafe
Top floor
Enjoy a coffee and cake with a view in the cozy cafe, a perfect respite from your book exploration.
Genre-Specific Rooms
Various rooms
Discover dedicated spaces for art, children's literature, music, and more, making browsing a delight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Labyrinth
Beyond the Books
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Allow ample time
You could easily spend hours exploring this bookish maze!
☕ Grab a coffee break
The cafe at the top is a perfect spot to refuel.
👟 Wear comfy shoes
You'll be doing a lot of exploring across multiple floors!
🐶 Dogs not allowed inside
Leave your furry friends at home or enjoy the outdoor seating.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Allow ample time
You could easily spend hours exploring this bookish maze!
☕ Grab a coffee break
The cafe at the top is a perfect spot to refuel.
👟 Wear comfy shoes
You'll be doing a lot of exploring across multiple floors!
🐶 Dogs not allowed inside
Leave your furry friends at home or enjoy the outdoor seating.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Scarthin Books is a beloved independent bookshop praised for its immense collection and unique, labyrinthine atmosphere. Visitors adore the sheer volume of books, the charming cafe, and the dedicated genre rooms. However, some find the multi-story layout with steep stairs a bit overwhelming or inaccessible.
"Also it's a tearoom. What a fantastic place for books (yet I don't read) and for food and a drink (I do drink coffee).I've not read book in over 50 years yet I found this maize of a bookshop absolutely fascinating. We were here for latte, but I know the cakes and food are also highly recommended. If you're going past, stop and simply go in, you will not be disappointed. Lovely staff."
glyn moore (ytgvmtv)
"Lovely quaint bookshop in Cromford, multiple floors with a cafe at the top. Really beautiful. It’s set up in an old house - different rooms for different genres, with nice decor like it’s someone’s home library. It has a calming vibe and you can easily while away multiple hours browsing & having a coffee. Great stop before or after a walk at Cromford Mill!"
Emily M
"If you like reading it's a must visit! We easily spent just under an hour here only look at a handful of shelves - there really is something for everyone and a huge variety of authors, topics and styles.
I found it a little overwhelming due to the sheer quantity of books from ceiling to floor, but I enjoyed looking around the rooms nonetheless. Added bonus of a great view from one of the rooms upstairs.
Very reasonable pricing - I bought Jane Eyre which only cost £2.50, the book itself is of perfect quality and has no marks/annotations (which I wouldn't have minded anyway for only £2.50!)"
Kelly
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Scarthin Books is located in Cromford, Derbyshire, on a serene cobbled side street near Richard Arkwright's 18th Century Mill Pond.
Yes, it's adjacent to Cromford Mill and a great stop before or after exploring the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Scarthin Books is free. It's a bookshop where you can browse to your heart's content.
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
There is no admission fee to enter Scarthin Books. You pay for any books or items you wish to purchase.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Scarthin Books houses an estimated 100,000 books spread across its multiple floors and rooms.
You'll find a vast selection of both new and second-hand books, covering every genre imaginable, including horror, poetry, art, children's books, and more.
Yes, there's a dedicated children's room, making it a great place for families to explore.
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed inside the bookshop itself, but you can enjoy the outdoor seating at the cafe with your pet.
The bookshop is spread over multiple floors with steep, narrow stairs, which may pose a challenge for those with mobility issues.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a lovely cafe located at the top of the bookshop offering drinks and cakes.
The cafe offers a selection of drinks and cakes. One reviewer mentioned a vegan gluten-free soup option.
Yes, the cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating options.
📸 📸 Photography
While not explicitly stated, many visitors share photos, suggesting it's generally permitted. Be mindful of other visitors and staff.
The quirky interiors, the art-covered walls, and the views from the upstairs rooms offer great photographic opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit