Growing up, I was obsessed with literature. While the West Midlands has plenty of literary tourist sites to explore, there were very few places that truly satiated my desire to be surrounded by books. When my family discovered Astley Book Farm, it was exactly what we had been searching for.
Located just outside Bedworth, Warwickshire, this place is unlike any other. A converted farmhouse and adjoining barns fashioned into a rustic second-hand bookshop. The easiest way to get there is by car, though I personally have attempted and succeeded at wandering down the country roads (definitely would not recommend this method). Surrounded by miles and miles of beautiful greenery and farmland, the Book Farm is one of the most quaint and peaceful places on earth.
Walking into the store is like entering paradise; first, you need to wander past the “Ten Bob Barn”, which is full to the brim of books discounted to only 50p. Past there is the main entrance, adorned with a wonderful sign to warn off unwanted guests.
The farm has much more to offer; stocked with over 100,000 books, there is something for everyone. Beautiful vintage editions encased and preserved, rows and rows of fiction-specific shelves, and even collections of academic and leisure volumes. All of the books are fairly and affordably priced, and there are thousands of options for whatever reading taste comes browsing the collection. I have found some beautiful editions, both to help me throughout my degree, and for my personal collection.
Similarly, there is a creatively allocated kid’s book section called the “Children’s Hayloft” on the first floor of the Book Farm. With the wonderfully painted stairs and the artsy decorations, as well as the Hayloft’s elevated separation from the rest of the store, the children’s section gives the illusion of a fun, little treehouse to explore.
During one of my first visits, my sister was searching for some very specific books for her university course. There was one volume in particular that we couldn’t find, so we went to the service desk for help. The lady working there let us know that, while the farm unfortunately didn’t have a copy, she herself had a copy – used, beautifully annotated, and her own possession – from her time as a university Professor. She told us to visit again at the weekend, at which point she gave my sister the book, free of charge. As you can see, those who work there are friendly, and make the atmosphere of the Book Farm that much more welcoming.
And for the truly romantic readers, there is an adorable nook at the far end of the shelves called “The Snug”. A small room with comfortable sofas and a warm fire to curl up in front of, surrounded by high shelves and endless books to flick through. Every book-lover’s dream. The real beauty is in the details; the side tables painted to look like a stack of books, the vintage typewriters littered on the windowsills, and so many more quirky statement pieces.
And those less inclined towards literature, but seeking the rustic, scenic atmosphere of such a place, will be happy to find the cafe and outdoor space at the other end of the Book Farm. With the most heartwarming coffee, the most delicious custom milkshakes, and home-made cakes that are to-die-for, the cafe is a welcome resting place after hours of wandering the aisles. The outdoor space of benches and greenery offers a welcome breath of fresh, country air, as well as a venue for musical performances and regular events. It is a wonderful hub for the local book-loving community, but often goes overlooked and unrecognised by those outside of the area.
Astley Book Farm is one of my favourite places on earth. It is truly a hidden gem of the West Midlands, and a wonderful place for any locals, and anyone nearby who fancies a visit. Anytime a friend has visited me in Coventry, it has been first on the list of excursions. Recently, having moved just five minutes away, I have been making more solo trips; I can spend hours at a time just wandering the shelves, chatting to the staff, and sipping a coffee in the loveliest place. For a moment, as I enter through the barn doors, I feel as if I am stepping into another world entirely, a mystical place where all is happy and beautiful, and time ceases to exist. It holds a special place in my heart, and is my dream location whenever I am feeling creative, lost, homesick, or in need of some bookish magic.
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