10 Unmissable Bookstores in London

10 Unmissable Bookstores in London

On paper, and in real life, London is a literary dream world. If you don’t believe me then you’ve probably never picked up a Charlotte Brontë book in your life, or even dabbled in Harry Potter (which is unforgivable in these parts).

There’s nothing quite like a cosy London bookshop on a chilly autumn morning; and then walking your purchases over to the nearest cafe for a hot cup of something as you begin to work through them. Sound like bliss? Let’s go.

1. Word On The Water in London

A bookshop on a boat! You saw it here first.

Right across the Thames where the water meets King’s Cross is where you’ll find the Word On The Water. It’s the most charming space, often featuring some sort of live music happening on the top deck.

The literary works are vast and once can find everything from the classics to children’s books here.

Word On The Water is oftentimes pointed out as a London attraction when guided walking tours come walking by. It’s one of a kind.

Word On The Water in London – by Word On The Water – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 7pm

ADDRESS: Regent’s Canal Towpath, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BZ, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: King’s Cross

2. Gay’s The Word in London

Another one of a kind bookstore in London is situated on the opposite side of King’s Cross, more inland.

Gay’s The Word is a community driven bookstore that focuses on literary works either made by people from the LGBTQ+ community or written about gay subject matter. It’s a space where the works of these minority groups are promoted and sold, and a lot of people like to support purely on these grounds.

I’ve purchased some fantastic books here; I particularly love their African authors section that imports works from LGBTQ+ writers from around that part of the world.

Gay’s The Word in London – by Gay’s The Word – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10am to 6:30pm

ADDRESS: 66 Marchmont St, Saint Pancras, London WC1N 1AB, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Russell Square

3. John Sandoe in London

John Sandoe Books has been a part of the London scene since 1957. If you could dream up a London bookshop in your head, having not visited the city before, it would likely look like this.

Everything creaks, there are mountains of books all over the show, the smell is phenomenal — a true reader’s haven.

The shop occupies three floors. Safe to say you should find something worth taking home.

John Sandoe in London – by John Sandoe – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 9:30am to 6pm

ADDRESS: 10 Blacklands Terrace, Chelsea, London SW3 2SR, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Sloane Square

4. Daunt Books in London

Daunt are known for being the go-to for travelers in need of travel books. They have recently opened a few more branches around the city that have a wider collection of fiction books as well.

Their staff recommendations sections are also great when you need someone else to tell you what to read.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 8am to 7:30pm

ADDRESS: 61 Cheapside, London EC2V 6AX, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Bank

5. Libreria Bookshop in London

Shoreditch always comes through with the best little bookshops, and this one just off Brick Lane is undoubtably one of the best.

You’ll find it tempting to photograph the inside upon encountering it’s charm; phones are banned here, so snap one of the exterior and put it away. The intention behind this is to create a space where book can be found, read and bought in a space free of cellular interference.

Libreria Bookshop in London – by Libreria Bookshop – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday — 10am to 6pm

ADDRESS: 65 Hanbury St, Spitalfields, London E1 5JP, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Whitechapel

6. Hurlingham Books in London

If you’re into British television I do hope you’ve seen Black Books. This bookshop in Fullham reminds me so much of the bookstore in that series; absolute organized chaos.

If you love a good book digging, and don’t mind browsing your way through rows and piles then this is a dream. They also have a ton of stock in storage, so if you don’t find what you’re looking for you should still ask!

Hurlingham Books in London – by Hurlingham Books – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 9am to 6pm

ADDRESS: 91 Fulham High St, Fulham, London SW6 3JS, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Putney Bridge

7. The Broadway Bookshop in London

The Broadway Bookshop is a far more ordered and proper affair. Here you’ll explore all the literary works of the great philosophers as well as a selection of indie publications.

This is a great bookstore to visit with children, their kid’s section is really well curated.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10am to 6pm

ADDRESS: 6 Broadway Market, London E8 4QJ, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Camebridge Heath

8. Foster Books in London

This bookshop looks like it fell right out of a Harry Potter book from it’s home on Diagon Alley. Another creaky old space that has been in business for over 50 years now.

It’s dark, it’s dusty and it’s holding all kinds of gems just waiting to be found. This is where you go when you’re looking for first editions.

Foster Books in London – by Foster Books – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10:30am to 5:30pm

ADDRESS: 183 Chiswick High Rd, Chiswick, London W4 2DR, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Turnham Green

9. Foyles in London

If you take a guided walking tour past Waterloo then Foyles will be at your convenience.

It’s your typical, modern, run of the mill bookshop with all of the latest and greatest released in the writing world. Don’t have what you’re looking for? They’ll order it and get it to you within a day or so.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 7am to 9:30pm

ADDRESS: Unit 22 Waterloo Rd, Waterloo Station, Lambeth, London SE1 8SW, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Waterloo

10. Any Amount of Books in London

A fantastic spot for second hand books right in the heart of London’s West End. They are continuously updating their collection, so even once you’ve seen everything you never really see it all.

A great place for playmakers looking for plays and manuscripts. Don’t forget to explore the basement as well!

Any Amount of Books in London – by Any Amount of Books – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10:30am to 9:30pm

ADDRESS: 56 Charing Cross Rd, Covent Garden, London WC2H 0QA, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Charing Cross