News 17 October 2023

Books and literature in Derwent Valley

Derwent Valley is a book-lover's paradise! It's home to plenty of independent bookshops and literary connections, so hop on the train and start exploring.

Bookshops to visit by train

Peak Dragon Books and Punnydukes, Matlock
– Just a two minute walk from Matlock station, Peak Dragon Books is the perfect place to find a wide range of pre-loved books: Peak Dragon Books
– For Harry Potter fans, a visit to Punnydukes, a magical gift shop, is a must: Punnydukes
Scarthin Books and Cromford Collector’s Corner, Cromford
– Scarthin Books is famous locally for its huge range of new and second hand books, charming building and cosy cafe: Scarthin Books Cromford
– If comic books, nostalgic board games and collectables are your thing, don’t miss Cromford Collector’s Corner in the Market Place: Facebook
Dormouse Books and Oxfam Books and Music, Belper
– Less than ten minutes from Belper station, Dormouse Books is a charming independent bookshop for adults and children: Dormouse Books
– There’s something for every budget in Oxfam’s dedicated Books and Music shop on the high street. Help a good cause while finding pre-loved gems: Oxfam Books & Music Belper | Oxfam GB
Five Leaves Bookshop and Bookwise, Nottingham
– There are a number of independent bookshops in Nottingham, including Five Leaves Bookshop, an excellent place to find materials from independent presses as well as mainstream publishers: Five Leaves Bookshop
– Bookwise is a second hand bookshop selling a range of affordable books, including vintage and antiquarian, in aid of a local charity: Bookwise

Literary connections in Derwent Valley

Did you know…
– Children’s author Alison Uttley, who wrote classic tales such as Little Grey Rabbit, Sam Pig and The Country Child, was born and raised in Cromford
– Richmal Crompton, author of the “Just William” children’s stories, was educated and became a teacher in Darley Dale, near Matlock
– George Eliot (a pseudonym of Mary Ann Evans) stayed with family in Wirksworth, near Cromford, and it’s believed that Wirksworth is the inspiration for “Snowfield” in her novel Adam Bede
– John Ruskin often visited Matlock and Matlock Bath, and helped to make the Peak District a fashionable place to visit for wealthy Victorians
What are your favourite bookshops and literary facts about Derwent Valley? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram and X.
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