Hotspots for book lovers this World Book Day

This World Book Day is the perfect opportunity to explore the rich literary history of Sussex, visit the places that inspired the stories, or find your new favourite reading spot – and you can do it all by bus! Whether you prefer modern fiction or you’re a fan of the classics, there’s something for every bibliophile on our network. Read on for our pick of the best...

The Cricketers Brighton - Multiple routes

Widely regarded as Brighton’s oldest pub, The Cricketers was immortalised in Graham Greene’s 1938 thriller, Brighton Rock. The author was a regular at the pub, and the upstairs function room is named ‘The Greene Room’ in his honour. With its quirky decor and restaurant quality menu, the pub is one of Brighton’s hidden gems. Find The Cricketers a short walk from bus stops at Old Steine. 

Shoreham Port/Big Beach Cafe – Multiple routes

Both Shoreham Port and Big Beach Cafe feature as key locations in several Peter James novels from the DCI Grace series. In ‘You Are Dead’, human remains are found under the path to the cafe during building works, leading to a major investigation. Shoreham Port is also featured as a crime scene in ‘Dead Tomorrow’. The port is a recurring setting in the novel series, and James used it as the location for a spectacular stunt to launch the book ‘Dead Man’s Grip’ in 2011, when he himself was pulled from a submerged Transit van by a crane. Shoreham Port can be found a short walk from Southwick Green (opp) and Southwick Square bus stops, served by route 46, and Big Beach Cafe is close to bus stops on Wish Road served by routes 1 and 6.

Kipling Gardens, Rottingdean – 2, 12, 12A, 12X

Named after Rottingdean resident Rudyard Kipling, most famously the author of The Jungle Book, Kipling Gardens are a great example of a traditional English garden and include a walled rose garden, herb garden and a wild garden (perfect for picnics). The gardens were originally the grounds of country house ‘The Elms’ which Kipling rented between 1897 and 1902, and where he wrote many of his Just So stories. Kipling Gardens can be reached on route 2, or on route 12 with a short walk.

The Reading Rooms - 12, 12A, 12X

The recently re-opened Reading Rooms on Brighton seafront are steeped in history and have long been a haven for book lovers. Once serving as a tranquil retreat for the residents of Lewes Crescent, the cosy refectory is still a serene place to read and reflect with beautiful sea views. The venue also has a carefully curated menu, because there’s nothing like settling down with a good book and piece of cake! Reach the Reading Rooms on our Coaster route 12 (alight at Arundel Terrace). 

Crowborough - Regency routes

Crowborough was home to Arthur Conan-Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, for the last 23 years of his life. The author resided at Windlesham Manor, and on his death in 1930 was originally buried in the garden there before being re-interred when the house was sold in 1955. A bronze statue was unveiled in the town centre in 2001, which can be found near the Crowborough Cross stop on route 29. 

Keep an eye out for our drivers today, as some of them might be in disguise as their favourite book characters!