Westbourne Bookshop is a family-owned independent bookshop at 65 Poole Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH4 9BA. The business has been trading since 1903 and has used its current name since 1994. It is run by the Angel family, with Paul Angel involved in managing the shop alongside his parents and sister. Anara Peach is the shop manager, and Anna is also part of the team.
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The shop focuses on new books across a wide range of genres, but it also stocks puzzles, educational toys, cards, calendars and diaries. Its ordering service is particularly useful if you are looking for a specific title: the shop says it can usually supply any book still in print within 24–48 hours. Because it keeps only a small number of copies of each title, the shelves cover around 3,000 books rather than trying to hold large quantities of everything. There is also a children’s games section tucked away at the back, and the shop displays signed books from authors who have visited, including Dorset-based writer Rachel McLean and Samantha Shannon.
The atmosphere is that of a compact, independent bookshop with a local focus. Customers can request free review copies from publishers and receive a discount at the shop afterwards, which adds a useful connection with new releases and local reading events. Westbourne’s Victorian covered arcade, with its glazed roof and Gothic details, is nearby, and the area is easy to combine with a walk towards Alum Chine. The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 and closed on Sundays. For monthly updates about local authors and publishing news, it also has a mailing list at westbournebookshop.eo.page/tnfnx.
Published Date
12 September 2026
