Since it opened three years ago, Shoreham-on-Sea’s indie hero Chapter 34 has been championing the power of reading. In a world of tattered attention spans and compulsive doom-scrolling, losing yourself in a book is a wonder balm that can reduce stress, improve sleep and sharpen the mind. It’s easy to fall out of the habit though, which is where founder and owner Kelly Wickson comes in.

Books in this welcoming shop are arranged in a way that encourages browsers to roam beyond their typical picks. With categories like ‘Nostalgic Narratives’, ‘Bonds that Bind’ and ‘Dark Matter’, there’s a tempting mix of fiction and non-fiction books. There are also staff recommendation shelves and advice is always on hand to match you with your new favourite read. Kids in tow? They’ll be happy in ‘Mini Minds’, the carefully curated children’s section. It’s also a great place to shop for gifts for all ages.

Of course, books create community and they lean into that at Chapter 32 through their event space just upstairs. It’s home to a children’s reading group, regular poetry and art classes, an Italian class, pilates, yoga and even vagal toning sessions. Need another reason to stop by? A relaxing space at the back serves tea and Small Batch coffee’s Throwback blend, roasted just down the road. Sit, sip and leaf through your latest purchase. If the sun’s shining, there’s a dinky courtyard, too.

Not one rest on her laurels, Kelly recently launched a new offshoot: Chapter 34 Retreats. The first will take place in Finland this October. Its five-day itinerary includes book club sessions, guided forest walks, shared meals, and unstructured time for full immersion in the restorative landscape. Readers will get to stay in cabins with private saunas, wood burners, and lake views from peaceful terraces. Keen to find out more? As of writing, just four places remain but more are planned, with a second scheduled to take place in the UK in April 2027.