Moored in the heart of Leeds Dock, Hold Fast is a bookshop with an unexpected twist: it’s on a boat. Housed aboard the historic 1946 coal barge Marjorie R, this unique independent bookstore invites visitors to literally step aboard to browse books on the water.
Inside the cosy hull, shelves are packed with a wide range of titles spanning genres from contemporary fiction and timeless classics to young adult fiction and children’s books. Whether you’re hunting for a new favourite read or simply browsing, the atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and distinctly nautical.
The boat itself, Marjorie R, has earned recognition as Flagship of the Year 2023 from National Historic Ships UK, celebrating its preservation and continued life as a cultural space.
Visitors can enjoy different moods depending on the weather. On sunny days, the deck offers a peaceful spot to relax above the water, while colder or rainy days invite guests to settle by the fire inside the snug hull.
Beyond books, Hold Fast also offers a carefully curated selection of greeting cards, gifts, and a distinctive collection of plants housed in the wheelhouse, including cacti and succulents. The shop can also order almost any book on request, with enquiries welcomed via email or social media. Hold Fast accepts and sells National Book Tokens, making it easy for readers to gift or redeem credit in-store.
Hold Fast Bookshop opening times:
- Thursday: 9am–5pm
- Friday: 9am–5pm
- Saturday: 9am–5pm
- Sunday: 11am–4pm
You’ll find it moored at Leeds Dock, opposite Canary Bar. Parking is available on Chadwick Street (LS10 1PJ), and visitors can also arrive via the Leeds Dock Water Taxi from the south entrance of Leeds Train Station directly into the dock.
To find out more, head over to their website here.
Read More: 18 Boozy Beer Gardens In Leeds To Enjoy This Summer
Feature Image Credit: Hold Fast
