The Pavilion Bookshop at Leeds Castle was recently shortlisted for Team of the Year at the Association for Cultural Enterprises Awards – a significant national recognition of the transformation achieved over the past year.
While the award ultimately went to Amgueddfa Cymru, the nomination reflects the impact of the Pre-Loved Bookshop and the dedication of staff and volunteers behind its success.
From Disused Space to Community Hub
The Pavilion Bookshop opened in March 2025, transforming a previously unused building on the Pavilion Lawn into a volunteer-run bookshop and welcoming space for visitors.
Today, the shop offers a wide range of pre-loved books across all genres, from fiction and history to children’s titles and travel writing. Whether visitors are searching for something specific or simply browsing, it provides a relaxed environment to explore.
Since opening, the bookshop has:
- Sold thousands of donated books
- Raised funds supporting the Castle’s charitable work
- Created a welcoming environment for visitors and groups
- Promoted sustainability through the reuse and recycling of books
The opening of the bookshop would not have been possible without the expertise of PAYE Stonework and Restoration Ltd. They played a key role in bringing the space to life, transforming the building into a bright, functional and community-focused space.
Powered by Volunteers
The bookshop is run by volunteers, led by David Yates and supported by a team of 27. Their enthusiasm and commitment are at the heart of its success.
David has guided the project from the start, shaping how the shop operates today. Thanks also go to Debbie Matthews and Lucy Hutchings for their support throughout the project and during the awards process.
Feedback from volunteers formed an important part of the award submission, highlighting not only the positive experience of being involved, but also the strong sense of shared purpose within the team. As one volunteer put it, “It’s more than a bookshop – it’s a place where people connect.”
A Recognition to Build On
While the team did not take home the award, the nomination is a significant achievement. It reflects the impact the Pavilion Bookshop has made in a short time and celebrates the volunteers who have helped turn an unusedbuilding into a thriving and well-used part of the Castle’s offer.
Opening Times
Friday to Sunday and during school holidays:
- 10:00am to 4:30pm – April to September
- 10:00am to 3:00pm – October to March
To learn more about the Pavilion Bookshop, please visit here.
To learn more about our partnership with PAYE in the creation of the bookshop, please visit here.
