Wales


<p>Thanks to BookTok and the celebrity book club boom, reading is firmly back in the spotlight. It’s sociable, escapist and — whisper it — just a little bit sexy again. Across Wales, book clubs are thriving, offering the perfect excuse to chip away at those ever-growing TBR piles. From cosy coastal cafés to <em>very</em> popular city clubs, these are the places to settle in, sip something delicious and swap thoughts on your latest page turner (yes, even&nbsp;<em>that</em>&nbsp;smutty one you “accidentally” devoured in a weekend).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chapter25-book-club-across-wales"><a href="https://www.chapter25bookclub.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chapter25 Book Club</a>, across Wales<a href="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-admin/edit.php?post_type=post"></a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Book-Club-Happy-Place.png" alt="Chapter25 Book Club, across Wales" class="wp-image-5687" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Book-Club-Happy-Place.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Book-Club-Happy-Place-200x300.png 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Book-Club-Happy-Place-683x1024.png 683w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Book-Club-Happy-Place-768x1152.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Chapter25 Book Club brings a fresh, feel-good twist to the traditional book club &#8211; think relaxed, sociable meet-ups dotted throughout the week, so you can slip a little literary chat into your schedule without breaking a sweat. Every quarter, members vote from a thoughtfully curated reading list of titles (courtesy of the club’s dedicated Writing &amp; Research Committee), ensuring every gathering delivers a deliciously varied mix of genres, voices and styles &#8211; no reading ruts here. What started as founder Sian’s cosy village get-together of just 13 readers has quietly grown into something of a phenomenon &#8211; a joyful celebration of shared stories, and proof that a really good book is still one of life’s simplest (and most popular) pleasures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-north-books-hay-on-wye"><a href="https://www.northbooks.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Books</a>, Hay-on-Wye</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/North-Books.png" alt="North Books, Hay-on-Wye" class="wp-image-5685" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/North-Books.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/North-Books-200x300.png 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/North-Books-683x1024.png 683w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/North-Books-768x1152.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The bookshop is home to three busy reading groups, each with its own niche. Hay Reads, the longest running, swaps single titles for thoughtful deep dives into authors such as James Baldwin, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Kae Tempest &#8211; perfect for those who like to linger a little longer on the page. Newer addition, Found in Translation, takes members on a globe-trotting reading journey through international fiction, with plenty more literary destinations still to come. Then there’s Stitches &amp; Stories, a cosy, creative club where crafters chat about textile-inspired books while stitching side by side &#8211; easily the most wholesome kind of multitasking. The Stitchers even headed to Hay Festival last year for a special event with Tracy Chevalier (an author they’ve read twice) before she returned to the shop later that day for a lively, private book chat with the group.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moth-book-club-llanelli"><a href="https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/105034" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moth Book Club</a>, Llanelli</h2>



<p>Meeting at Moth Coffi, this welcoming book club comes with a rather irresistible perk &#8211; its very own bespoke menu of literature-themed coffee flights and desserts (honestly, you had us at coffee&nbsp;<em>and</em>&nbsp;cake). A relatively new group, its aim is to keep things relaxed, with a WhatsApp community for sharing recommendations, voting on reads and continuing the conversation. Expect honest scores out of 10 (no holding back here), plus a rotating mix of members each month &#8211; making it a low-pressure, come-as-you-are kind of club that’s always ready to welcome a new face.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-girls-bookclub-cardiff"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.girlsbookclub/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Girls Bookclub</a>, Cardiff</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/The-Girls-Book-Club.png" alt="The Girls Bookclub, Cardiff" class="wp-image-5684" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/The-Girls-Book-Club.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/The-Girls-Book-Club-200x300.png 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/The-Girls-Book-Club-683x1024.png 683w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/The-Girls-Book-Club-768x1152.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This Cardiff-based book club reads a mix of genres, although mostly fiction, with each pick chosen by the group for variety. Meetings hop between coffee shops around Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay &#8211; currently Full Fat Social &#8211; supporting local businesses while indulging in excellent coffee and something sweet on the side. Book choices are a true group effort –&nbsp; everyone suggests a title, four are picked at random, and the final choice is put to a vote &#8211; may the best book win. And it’s not just about the reading. Girly trips are already on the horizon, with members particularly excited for a meet-and-greet with a Welsh author coming up in May. Watch this space!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cardiff-girl-book-club-cardiff"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/cardiffgirlnetwork/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cardiff Girl Book Club</a>, Cardiff</h2>



<p>For fiction and non-fiction to themed reads for International Women’s Day and Pride Month, this club keeps everything fresh &#8211; with every pick voted on by its community. Now hosted at Full Fat Social (with drinks included &#8211; always a win), it&#8217;s easy to see why this popular group has built such a loyal following. Approaching its third year, it’s become known locally for its welcoming vibe, thoughtful discussion and genuine sense of community &#8211; the kind that keeps people coming back for more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-silent-book-club-monmouth"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/silent_book_club_monmouth?igsh=MWc0MjEwdnlrMmkwNQ%3D%3D&amp;utm_source=qr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Silent Book Club</a>, Monmouth</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Book-club-poster.png" alt="Silent Book Club, Monmouth" class="wp-image-5688" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Book-club-poster.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Book-club-poster-200x300.png 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Book-club-poster-683x1024.png 683w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Book-club-poster-768x1152.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Silent Book Club Monmouth is a relaxed, bring-your-own-book meet-up where anything goes &#8211; whether that&#8217;s reading, colouring, or even a spot of crafting. Members can settle in with a good book, a slice of something delicious and a well-earned drink, easing into a peaceful hour of uninterrupted reading (bliss). There&#8217;s no pressure to chat, but plenty of opportunity to mingle if the mood strikes &#8211; making it the perfect gentle introduction for anyone dipping their toes into the world of book clubs. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-booked-up-book-club-cardiff"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bookedupbookclub_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Booked Up Book Club</a>, Cardiff</h2>



<p>Romance, romantasy, dark romance, light thrillers &#8211; and yes, a little smut &#8211; are all firmly on the reading list at The Girls Bookclub. Members vote on reads pulled from a recommendation jar (a lucky dip with high stakes), but the creativity doesn&#8217;t stop there. From bookmark-making, bedazzled covers, handcrafted journals and even group cinema trips when beloved books make it to the big screen. A private online group on Fable keeps the conversation flowing between meet ups, and with a group trip potentially on the horizon, this is one club that knows how to keep things lively both on and off the page.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mor-book-club-swansea"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/morbooksswansea?igsh=OGRmdWxzend6MHJn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Môr Book Club</a>, Swansea</h2>



<p>Mor Book Club is designed for women in their 20s and 30s who love making new friends and believe books are best when shared. The year’s themes – spanning everything from LGBTQ+ and translated fiction to feminist novels, dystopian tales, and historical non-fiction &#8211; are planned well in advance, giving members plenty to look forward to. Better still, every title is chosen with accessibility in mind, with plenty of library copies available — so there’s no pressure to build a home library to keep up. Just turn up, borrow and get stuck in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bookshop-by-the-sea-aberystwyth"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/morbooksswansea?igsh=OGRmdWxzend6MHJn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bookshop by the Sea</a>, Aberystwyth</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/The-Bookshop-by-the-Sea.png" alt="The Bookshop by the Sea, Aberystwyth" class="wp-image-5682" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/The-Bookshop-by-the-Sea.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/The-Bookshop-by-the-Sea-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/The-Bookshop-by-the-Sea-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/The-Bookshop-by-the-Sea-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A cosy, charming seaside nook brimming with beautiful books, good tea, and even better conversation, The Bookshop by the Sea is an award-winning ge, &#8211; scooping titles at the TikTok Book Awards, and the British Book Awards Independent Bookshop of the Year &#8211; as well a much loved community hub. Each month, the shop’s book club dives into a different story and genre, with a clear soft spot for diverse, translated, and feminist reads. Past picks have included <em>Sea of Tranquility</em> by Emily St John Mandel, <em>Fourth Wing</em> by Rebecca Yarros, and <em>The Leviathan</em> by Rosie Andrews &#8211; not a bad reading list to work your way through.</p>



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Books, bants and brilliant company: The Welsh bookclubs you’ll actually want to join

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