Located literally in the heart of the thriving Lakeland village of Pooley Bridge, we opened our doors in 2021 to book-lovers from near and far. This self-assured, welcoming independent bookshop is a tonic for those looking to get back to browsing books in a physical space instead of endless online trawling and impersonal algorithms.

Here, latest best sellers sit comfortably next to Lakes’ authors and poets – both classical and contemporary; local maps and guides share shelf space with philosophy, farming and photohgraphy while Potter, Ransome, Rowling and Dahl await discovery by curious little minds.

This bookshop is the realisation of one man’s boyhood dream. In his time, owner and self-confessed bibliophile, Al Verey has trodden many paths – academic, literary guide, teacher and poet. Threaded through all his adventures – a love of words. It seems natural then, that in the end, all roads led back to books.

Gift vouchers, book orders and subscriptions are available online – but honestly, we prefer to chat in person. By all means, use the Wifi but better still, enjoy coffee, cake and conversation inspired by – well – books. Walking boots, dogs and book-curious children welcome.

 

We understand that it can take time to find your next, ‘right’ read. That’s why we’ve created an environment inspired by our Lakeland surroundings; unpretentious, comfortable yet stimulating with a thoughtfully curated selection of books – and absolutely no pressure to buy.

Our experienced team are knowledgeable, passionate, friendly and welcoming. While we won’t have every title under the sun, we like to think that a good conversation and exchange of views on a shared recent read might lead you to a new discovery; something to broaden your horizons further still; something to start new conversations and debates.

From the soft jingle of the antique shop bell heralding your arrival to the glorious ‘new book’ smell as you leaf through yet-to-be enjoyed titles; the aroma of freshly ground coffee brewing to the gentle crinkling of paper bags and quietly exchanged pleasantries as you leave – we encourage you to dwell, discover and deliberate to your heart’s content.

 

As high street and independent bookshops struggle in the face of online competition, we know we need to do more than just sell books. That’s why, as well as offering the nostalgia of a warm and welcoming local bookshop, we are also a dynamic hub of ideas. We work with schools and the local community to promote new ideas and initiatives. Through book clubs, ‘walking’ book clubs, poetry slams, storytelling events, book launches and writers’ workshops – we seek to share knowledge, cause conversation and bring people together through the spoken and written word.

 

Ultimately, we want to embed ourselves in the heart of this very special community and inspire the next generation of dreamers, writers and book-lovers. We look to the past to celebrate our Lakeland greats while keeping one eye on the future to embrace and champion emerging local talent. Like those who’ve gone before us, we are, and continue to be, inspired by this place, its people and their words which are, after all, so worth reading.

 

Elevator pitch

Verey’s Books
The Ullswater bookshop for curious minds

Est. 2021

At the heart of Pooley Bridge, on the shores of Ullswater, you’ll find an independent bookshop worth visiting.

The realisation of one man’s boyhood dream, Verey’s Books has been 40 years in the yearning.

On its shelves, a thoughtfully curated selection of books from bestsellers to Lakeland greats,

practical maps and guides to children’s classics.

Take time to explore and discuss your next read with our knowledgeable and friendly team while experiencing a warm and welcoming space for coffee, cake, conversation and events, all inspired by this place, its people and their words.