London’s Best Bookstores for Literature Lovers
City Break | Pub Accommodation | Staycation | Uk Pubs | Posted 2024.09.25
London is a city that’s steeped in literary history, home to iconic authors, classic novels and a thriving contemporary literary scene. Whether you’re hunting for rare editions, getting lost in sprawling bookshelves or seeking out unique author events, London offers a rich landscape for book lovers. From charming independent shops to vast emporiums of knowledge, here is a guide London’s best bookstores that every literature lover should visit.
Daunt Books – A Book Lover’s Paradise
Location: 83 Marylebone High Street, W1U 4QW
Specialty: Travel literature and fiction
Daunt Books is one of London’s most iconic bookstores, and for good reason. Housed in a stunning Edwardian building with oak bookshelves and a skylight that floods the space with natural light, Daunt Books feels more like a sanctuary than a store. Although it is known for its travel books, which are meticulously arranged by country, the store also offers a wide selection of fiction, history and non-fiction.
For literature lovers, Daunt Books’ carefully curated fiction section is a joy to explore. Whether you’re looking for classic novels, contemporary fiction or beautifully designed editions, you are bound to find something that catches your eye. The store also regularly hosts author events, making it a hub for London’s literary community.
Book yourself a stay in The Orange Tree which sits within Richmond’s glorious landscape, conveniently located next to the town’s train and tube stations. The pub sits just south of the river and has a stylish interior, a sunny terrace and an outstanding drinks selection.Located 10 miles away from Daunt Books and is easily accessible via tube. Book a stay in one of 13 beautiful bedrooms and enjoy delicious, seasonal food.
Book a stay here: The Orange Tree
Hatchards – The Oldest of London’s Best Bookstores
Location: 187 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE
Specialty: Rare books and first editions
Established in 1797, Hatchards is London’s oldest bookstore and stepping inside feels like stepping back in time. Located on the elegant Piccadilly, Hatchards has served generations of readers, including famous authors and royalty. The store’s history is palpable, with creaky wooden floors and the kind of old-world charm that bibliophiles adore.
Hatchards is renowned for its collection of rare and first-edition books, as well as an impressive selection of classic literature, biography and non-fiction. If you are in search of a literary treasure, Hatchards is the place to find it. The bookstore also offers a range of signed copies, making it the perfect stop for collectors.
Stay in The Windmill, an iconic, dog and family friendly pub situated in Clapham Common, a short stroll away from two tube stations. The pub serves epic breakfasts, frothy coffees, long lunches, slap-up suppers and social-sharing dishes. Choose from 42 eclectic boutique bedrooms, some of which have roll-top baths and four-poster beds. Hatchards is located only 4.8 miles away from Clapham and is easily accessible to travel via the tube.
Book a stay here: The Windmill
Foyles – A Vast Wonderland for All Readers
Location: 107 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0DT
Specialty: General books, events and literary diversity
Foyles’ flagship store on Charing Criss Road is a must-visit for any book lover in London. Spread across four floors, Foyles houses over 200,000 titles, making it one of the largest bookstores in the city. Whether you are searching for contemporary fiction, classics, poetry or niche genres like graphic novels, Foyles has something for everyone.
What sets Foyles apart is its commitment to diversity and inclusivity in literature. The store’s events calendar is packed with book launches, signings, readings and panels featuring both emerging and established authors. For those who love exploring new genres and discovering fresh voices, Foyles is a literary wonderland.
Word on the Water – A Floating Version of London’s Best Bookstores
Location: Regent’s Canal Towpath, near Granary Square, King’s Cross
Specialty: Second-hand books and indie fiction
For a truly unique bookstore experience, head to Word on the Water, a charming floating bookshop housed on a 100-year-old barge. Moored on the Regent’s Canal near King’s Cross, this quirky store offers a carefully curated selection of second-hand books, ranging from classic literature to contemporary fiction, poetry and even children’s books.
The barge itself is an atmospheric haven for book lovers, with bookshelves lining the interior and a small rooftop area where live music or poetry readings occasionally take place. Word on the Water also champions independent authors and presses, making it a treasure trove for discovering hidden literary gems. It’s clear to see why this is one of London’s best bookstores as it’s perfect for those who love combining a stroll along the canal with an impromptu book hunt.
Book a stay in The Fox & Goose Hotel, which sits in bustling Ealing. The pub 80 air-conditioned double twin, family and deluxe en-suite bedrooms, some of which are dog-friendly on request. Originally an 18th-century coaching house, this pub serves pub classics and elegant modern creations in its restaurant area or al fresco in the beer garden.
Book a stay here: The Fox & Goose Hotel
London Review Bookshop – For the Thoughtful Reader
Location: 14 Bury Place WC1A 2JL
Speciality: Non-fiction, essays and highbrow fiction
For readers who enjoy delving into more cerebral or academic literature, the London Review Bookshop is an intellectual paradise. Affiliated with the London Review of Books, this Bloomsbury-based store specialises in carefully selected non-fiction titles, including essays, philosophy and politics alongside a thoughtful range of fiction and poetry.
One of London’s best bookstores, it is small but beautifully curated, offering a more intimate experience than the larger chains. The adjoining café is perfect for grabbing a coffee and reading a newly purchased book and the shop frequently hosts events featuring notable authors and thinkers. It is a literary hotspot for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking reads in an equally inspiring environment.
Persephone Books – A Celebration of Forgotten Classics
Location: 53 Lamb’s Conduit Street, WC1N 3NB
Specialty: Rediscovered 20th-century female authors
Another of London’s best bookstores is Persephone Books – a unique published bookstore specialising in reprinting forgotten classics by women writers, particularly from the early to mid-20th century. Each book they publish is beautifully designed with distinctive grey covers and endpapers based on prints from the period in which the book was written.
The bookstore itself is an intimate space, filled with these elegant volumes that offer a window into lesser-known literary works. Persephone is ideal for readers who enjoy uncovering hidden gems and rediscovering authors who have been overlooked by mainstream publishing. The personal curation and dedication to women’s voices make this bookstore a must-visit for any literature lover.
Book a stay in The Bridge. Step inside and you will find a friendly local with an open fire, a historic Boathouse dining room, local ales, craft beers and a delicious menu full of homemade classics. They have eight boutique en-suite bedrooms and are located close to fantastic transport links so guests can explore the city with ease.
Book a stay here: The Bridge
Goldsboro Books – The Home of Signed First Editions
Location: 23-25 Cecil Court, WC2N 4EZ
Specialty: First editions and signed copies
Tucked away in the historic Cecil Court, a narrow pedestrian street lined with rare and antiquarian bookshops, Goldsboro Books is a gem for collectors and connoisseurs of first editions. The store specialises in modern fiction and is particularly famous for its selection of signed first editions.
For readers who love owning unique pieces of literary history, Goldsboro offers exclusive editions of many bestselling novels. The store’s beautifully bound books and author-signed copies make it a perfect destination for anyone looking to add something special to their collection or find a memorable literary gift.
Book a stay in The Admiral Hardy, which is perfectly situated in Greenwich, just moments away from Greenwich Park, The Royal Museums and the River Thames. The pub has seven air-conditioned bedrooms split over two floors, each of which has been sympathetically refurbished. Located adjacent to Greenwich Market, this brilliant city bolthole is the perfect weekend escape, business retreat, or family getaway.
Book a stay here: The Admiral Hardy
London’s literary scene is as vibrant and varied as the city itself. Whether you are looking for a hidden treasure, seeking inspiration from new voices, or simply enjoying the ambience of a well-loved bookshop, these stores offer something for every literature lover. From the historic charm of Hatchards to the floating shelves of Word on the Water, London’s best bookstores are more than just places to buy books – they are destinations offering a unique window into the city’s rich literary culture.
No matter which stores you visit, you are sure to leave with a new favourite read and the desire to come back for more. Happy reading!
Written by Lucille Skinner