Fourbears Books
ENTRY
from £12.99
WHERE
Reading
What it’s like
An independent bookshop with read-aloud sessions for babies and toddlers and book groups for older children.
This is a proper bookshop rather than a soft play with books bolted on, and that's exactly the point if you want a slower sort of visit. Babies and toddlers get read-aloud sessions with sensory objects to handle while they listen, which beats trying to keep a one-year-old quiet during story time somewhere louder. Older children can join book groups split by age, one for 5 to 8 year olds and another for 9 to 11 year olds, so the conversation actually matches what they're reading.
Outside of sessions it's just browsing, which is no bad thing. Children's and adult titles sit together, so you can hunt down something for yourself while your child works through the picture books. A copy like Gozzle comes in at £12.99, which gives you a rough steer on prices across the shelves.
Parking is sorted for a quick visit: 30 minutes free via the back door from Chester Street Car Park, which is enough time for a browse but not a lingering one if you've also got a session to sit through. Opening hours run Tuesday to Saturday 9:30 to 4:30, and Sunday 11 to 2:30.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Babies through to 11 year olds, with sessions split by age
- Parking
- Free parking for 30 mins via back door from Chester Street Car Park
- The 30-minute free parking is via the back door from Chester Street Car Park, so plan your browsing around it
- Children's and adult books are shelved together, handy if you want to pick something up for yourself too
- Sensory objects are part of the baby and toddler sessions, not just a straight read-aloud
Plan your visit
Do we need to book the read-aloud sessions?
There's no booking link listed, so it's likely a turn-up-and-join affair, though it's worth asking in shop if you want a specific slot held.
What age are the book groups for?
One group runs for 5 to 8 year olds and another for 9 to 11 year olds, so children get discussions that suit their reading level.
Is there parking nearby?
Free parking for 30 minutes via the back door from Chester Street Car Park.
What are the opening hours?
Tuesday to Saturday 9:30 to 4:30, and Sunday 11 to 2:30.
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