A good journey deserves a good book, and along the Great Northern network you’ll find plenty of places to pick one up. From long-awaited new releases and signed first editions to welcoming spaces that host author talks and community events, these independent bookshops offer far more than shelves of paperbacks. Whether you’re travelling into London King’s Cross or exploring towns along the route, each stop brings its own character and carefully chosen reads.
Hatchards, London King’s Cross
Located just across the road from our London King's Cross terminus, inside London St Pancras International, is Hatchards. It’s London’s oldest bookseller brought into the heart of one of the city’s most iconic stations. This bright, welcoming outpost offers a wide range of fiction, non-fiction, children’s titles and gifts, all perfect for readers on the go. Knowledgeable booksellers are on hand to help you choose your next read, making it a brilliant stop for World Book Day and beyond.
Distance from railway station: 2-minute walk
Address: Unit 7, Euston Road, London, N1C 4QP
Phone: 020 7278 1238
Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30am-9pm, Sun 9am-7pm
Official website: hatchards.co.uk
Bow Books, Royston
Owner Paul has spent six decades in books and publishing, but bringing a bookshop to Royston for the first time in 30 years might be his proudest chapter. Bow Books is a two-floor haven of new releases, classic works, and a super-speedy ordering service if there’s a particular title you want to get your hands on.
Paul is passionate about collaborating within the community, too. Bow Books hosts special events with other local businesses, like independent local cheese shop The Honest Fig, which provided artisan cheese for an evening with author and cheesemonger Ned Palmer. If you’ve always wanted to find a space where time doesn’t matter and you can get lost in your favourite story (or discover a new one), then Bow Books is exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Distance from railway station: 10-minute walk
Address: 6 Angel Pavement, Royston, SG8 9AS
Phone: 01763 793279
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm, closed Sundays
Official website: bow-books.co.uk
Next Page Books, Hitchin
Next Page Books in Hitchin is a warm, independent bookshop with a focus on discovering stories that spark curiosity and conversation. Its shelves feature a diverse mix of fiction, non-fiction, children’s titles and gifts, while the staff’s passion makes every visit a personal experience. From author events to book recommendations and seasonal highlights, Next Page Books celebrates reading in all its forms. It’s an inclusive space and specialises in books that support and celebrate diversity, particularly neurodiversity. They work with individuals, families, schools and libraries to make sure you can find a book that speaks to you.
Distance from railway station: 13-minute walk
Address: 120 Queen Street, Hitchin, SG4 9TH
Phone: 07907 471505
Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30am-5pm, Closed Sundays and Mondays
Official website: nextpagebooks.co.uk
Topping & Company, Ely
Topping & Company in Ely is a literary gem loved by locals and visitors alike. Spread across three floors, it offers a carefully curated mix of fiction, non-fiction, children’s books and signed editions, all set in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. Readers praise the knowledgeable, friendly staff, complimentary tea or coffee while browsing, and regular author events and book clubs. It’s the perfect place to explore, discover hidden gems, and celebrate the joy of reading.
Distance from railway station: 17-minute walk
Address: 9 High Street, Ely, CB7 4LJ
Phone: 01353 645005
Hours: Daily 8:30am-6:30pm
Official website: www.toppingbooks.co.uk
