Lighthouse Bookshop Edinburgh
Revolutionary reads
Edinburgh has a rich literary tradition. It was named the world’s first UNESCO city of literature in 2004, it is the birthplace of many authors such as Robert Louis Stevenson and hosts the Edinburgh International book festival every summer. Keeping this tradition alive are the wonderful independent booksellers of the city and Lighthouse Bookshop is one of the best.
Tucked away on a side street in between the Edinburgh University central campus and bustling Nicholson Street, Lighthouse Bookshop is a welcome refuge for literary lovers with a conscience.
Lighthouse Bookshop specialises in left-wing politics and championing marginalised voices. It offers the usual categories from fiction to cookery as well as more unusual offerings such as zines and works from local independent presses. Lighthouse is a great place to discover different voices and little known subjects with writers from across the world.
As with any great bookshop, this is not just a place to buy books: Lighthouse plays an active role in the local community. There are book clubs, regular literary talks as well as a “pay it forward” initiative where you can pay towards a book for someone else who may not be able to afford it otherwise. During the summer, they co-host the “Book Fringe” a programme of free literary events with another independent bookseller called Golden Hare Books. Check out Fiona’s article on them here: Golden Hare – Book shop or art gallery?
About this spot
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Edinburgh
J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints
Hidden finds!
"J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints" is one of the tons of Harry Potter-related sights in Edinburgh that most fans miss. Tourists wander right past it!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Nott Wine Bar
Charcuterie boards & artisan coffee
Edinburgh's Leith Walk is filling up fast with trendy new coffee shops, bakeries, and local maker stores - "Nott Wine Bar" is one of my favourites!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Lochend Park
Birdwatching bounty
"Lochend Park" in Edinburgh is for you if you want a peaceful stroll around a loch (small lake), a gander at a doocot, a dander under mature trees...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Newhaven Harbour
Fish and chips by the sea
Cute, quaint "Newhaven Harbour" is a hidden gem in Edinburg. Try walking around the area - it will take you about an hour...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Water of Leith
River through the city
The "Water of Leith" is a river that runs from one side of Edinburgh to the other, and it runs through some of the city's most scenic & interesting sites...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Wardie Bay
Wild swimming in the city
"Wardie Bay" in Edinburgh is a bijou beach on the Firth of Forth and my favourite spot for wild swimming in the city...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Dance Base
Dance your heart out
"Dance Base" is an award-winning building in Edinburgh established to provide classes, workshops & performances. Please do join me in dancing!
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Starbank Park
Gardens with a view
"Starbank Park" in Edinburgh offers cracking views over the Firth of Forth - it's such a peaceful, beautiful place to sit and sun yourself in the sea air!
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Dovecot Studios
Watch the weavers at work
The "Dovecot Studios" in Edinburgh were once public swimming baths where I'd swim every morning - now I can have a bird's eye view of weavers & looms...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop
Art and good coffee
The "Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop" is a bit of an institution. Going regularly means I can keep up with the artist’s work and enjoy a scone & jasmine tea.
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Granton Hub
Community arts
"Granton Hub" (aka Madelvic House) in North Edinburgh is a community centre in a prosaic, truly historic building with a rich industrial heritage...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Inverleith Park
Green space and games
"Inverleith Park" is kind of a mirror-image of the Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens: one is lauded for its unusual trees, the other for its wide-open spaces
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Heading to Edinburgh?
138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 138 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Edinburgh
Our team loves Edinburgh
Get to know our other Spotters from Edinburgh
As featured on:
