SOUTHPORT’S newest bookshop is now open! 

The Magpie’s Tale opened at 76 Botanic Road in Churchtown Village on:- Saturday, 1 August 2026, with iconic literary character Alice from Alice In Wonderland greeting delighted families. 

Owners Emma Legan and Mark Dickens said:- “Thank you to everyone who popped in to see us on Saturday on our opening day. It was so lovely to meet you all! Whether you just came to say hello, have a browse or purchase a book we're super grateful you stopped by and look forward to welcoming you again soon.”

The new Magpie’s Tale has enjoyed some positive reviews from its 1st customers. 

Posting on their Facebook page, Cliff Gillies said:- “Popped in on Saturday. Congratulations and what a wonderful shop.” 

Paula Squires said:- “My son and I popped in for a browse, what a fab book shop. My son bought a book for me, it’s absolutely beautiful.” 

Fiona Yorgenson said:- “I love your beautiful selection of books. Some fabulous editions. Will be back for more .”

Louise Heys said:- “Such a lovely new shop . An independent bookshop fits so beautifully into our lovely village. Congratulations! Can’t wait to read my purchase.” 

It was a busy day for Churchtown too, with the Summer Mini Music Festival and Family Fun Day and Stalls taking place a short walk away at The Hesketh Arms pub, raising money for Bebe’s Hive. 

Emma and Mark said:- “After searching for years we finally found the right premises on Botanic Road in May this year. We are an independent book shop selling new books. We will also be selling and accepting National Book Tokens. We will be offering a free book ordering service and loyalty card. We will be open Wednesday – Sunday 10am-4pm. The shop is furnished with reclaimed and repurposed furniture and decorated with hand painted touches as bookseller Mark is also an artist / illustrator. We have had a lifelong passion for books and reading and spent most of our working lives among them in and around Southport. We are really excited to finally be launching and also feeling nostalgic as my parents, who are no longer with us, had a book shop on Botanic Road in the 1990s so it feels like it’s meant to be. As 2026 is the National Year Of Reading it feels like perfect timing.”

Keep up with updates about The Magpie’s Tale on their Instagram page and on Facebook.