About
When is Read & Rabbit open? Who opened the bookshop and why - what is their mission statement? Where is it, where can I park, is parking free and what else can I visit in the vicinity - is there food? All these questions are answered on this page.
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To contact Marta, Head Rabbit write to the email you see top left or leave a voicemail any time at all and we will get back to you as soon as we can. They are not clickable and there are no forms so as to hinder bots scraping them for scams & spams.
About Marta, the founder, and how Read & Rabbit came about
Our mission
To create a bookshop that becomes a valued uplifting ‘happy place’ in the community and also draws visitors from outside the immediate local area to discover the delights of the Loftus area, whether for a day trip or a holiday.
A place that inspires children and adults to read and take care of themselves in other ways too.
For children to fall in love with books, bookshops & libraries, knowledge and develop not only a curiosity in the world but experience the self regulating mental health benefits of time spent reading.
To provide events for adults that lead to more positive mindsets, greater self esteem, better relationships, strengthened resilience and the building of social support networks, which in turn will influence future generations.
Find us - day trip with free parking?
Walks
As well as being situated ideally for the more famous touristic treasures of the North Yorkshire coast and moors like Whitby, Loftus boasts numerous walks including woods with waterfalls (behind the shop) and the stunning coastal path. We have free leaflets with details of the many wonderful walks on our doorstep.
Food
Award winning cake is found at the Willow Cake Shop and excellent bread from the Stonehouse Bakery - all a baguette or stone’s throw from Read & Rabbit and Brown Box cafe and gift shop which is next door. There are more restaurants besides too.
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Art
Loftus Arts (a CIO) is home to 10 artist studios and a gallery that opened in October 2025 too. Many artists have chosen Loftus as their home and can be visited during North Yorkshire Open Studios twice a year.
Parking & how to find us
The nearest of the three free car parks is in North Road TS13 4JL right outside by the shop in the charming market place. We are the pink shop on the brow on the hill opposite the Coop by the traffic lights.
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79 High Street
Loftus
Saltburn-by-the-Sea
TS13 4HG
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Marta's trick to remember the postcode is TeesSide, 13 not unlucky for me, four hairy giants :-)
“Books awaken the imagination and when you can imagine a different future,
you can create one.”
Molly Murray - friend, kindred spirit & owner of Seahorse bookstore in Scotland
Our opening activities were kindly supported financially by North York Moors National Park, as we work together to make it an even more wonderful location for visitors. We are very grateful for all their help, encouragement and shared enthusiasm.
