Do you love to support your local community? Spending time exploring independent businesses from bakeries to florists is crucial when it comes to keeping our cities, towns and villages alive.

With that in mind, Wave of Nostalgia in Haworth has been named one of the best independent bookshops in the UK, according to readers of The Times.

The publisher explained: “We published our pick of the best browsable independent bookshops across the country last week — highlighting those places that combined books with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

“We asked for your favourites, and dozens of readers got in touch to suggest their own local independent bookshops. Here we’ve picked out the best responses.”

Why is Wave of Nostalgia in Haworth one of the UK’s best independent bookshops?

One of The Times readers commented: “This place is a skip away from the Brontë parsonage.

“Aesthetically, it’s beautiful, on a cobbled downhill street — and it’s hardly changed since the 1800s.

“Wave of Nostalgia openly celebrates women and the LGBTQ community. Downstairs is the cellar, an intimate and welcoming space where many top authors come and read several times a month.

“It’s a real community event and people travel miles (including myself) to listen to authors and poets read their work. It’s a lovely bookshop where reading and community are celebrated.”

@bethsbooktok This bookshop is a must visit for booklovers 💓 #bookshop #bookshopping #booktok #booksoftiktok #bookshoptok #bookstore #independantbookstore #bookrecs #bookrecommendations #fyp #haworth #ukbooktok ♬ Fictional by Khloe Rose - Khloe Rose

12 of the UK’s best independent bookshops

If you fancy travelling outside of West Yorkshire, there are plenty of other best-rated independent bookshops to visit, as recommended by The Times readers, including:

  • The Poetry Pharmacy, Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire
  • Kemptown Bookshop, Brighton, East Sussex
  • Script Haven, Worcester, Worcestershire
  • Voce Books, Birmingham, West Midlands
  • Heron Books, Bristol
  • David’s Bookshop, Letchworth, Hertfordshire
  • Storytellers, Inc, St Anne’s on the Sea, Lancashire
  • Wimbledon Books, London
  • Wave of Nostalgia, Haworth, West Yorkshire
  • Blue Bear Bookshop, Farnham, Surrey
  • 20 Storey, Kelso, Scottish Borders
  • High Peak Bookstore, Buxton, Derbyshire

You can read all about the UK’s best independent bookshops on The Times website to discover more hidden treasures.

Wave of Nostalgia is located at 74 Main Street, Haworth, Keighley, BD22 8DP.