Eight stunning bookshops in London
London is home to some of the most charming and unique bookshops you’ll ever visit. From cosy independent stores to grand literary landmarks, there’s a bookshop for every type of book lover in this city.
Here are eight of my all-time favourites, which I try to visit whenever I can. Bookshops I recommend you visit in the run-up to Christmas.
Persephone Books
Nestled near Russell Square, Persephone Books is a must for anyone who loves books by women. This quaint shop is filled with their signature grey-covered titles, many of which have long been out of print. Persephone is also a publisher, reprinting and reviving forgotten works by female authors. Christmas bonus: they also sell charming bookish items like wrapping paper and bookmarks.
Hatchards
Located in Piccadilly, Hatchards is one of the UK’s oldest bookshops and still retains its classic, old-world charm. With its plush red carpets and lovely staircase leading to quiet alcoves, it's an ideal place to get lost among books. Their classics section is especially impressive, and the booksellers always have great recommendations.
Daunt Books
Daunt Books in Marylebone is a bookshop designed for travellers, but it's a must-visit for any book lover in London. With its stunning wood-panelled interiors, stained glass windows, and cosy downstairs area, this shop has a magical vibe that makes it hard to leave. While it’s great for travel books, you'll find an array of genres to explore and, as ever, the booksellers are brilliant at offering a recommendation.
Foyles
Foyles, located between Tottenham Court and Leicester Square, is a sprawling five-story haven for book lovers. Whether you're into classics, children's books, or art, Foyles has it all. There’s even a café and an art gallery tucked inside, plus plenty of events for the publishing crowd on the top floor. I’ve done a lot of work with Foyles as they were very supportive of a book I marketed called Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, so I’m very fond of Foyles.
Waterstones Piccadilly
One of the largest bookstores in Europe, Waterstones Piccadilly is a true favourite of any bibliophile. This multi-floor bookshop boasts multiple cafés, a mezzanine, and ample event space upstairs and downstairs. It's the perfect place to spend hours browsing or attending a literary event. I often come to the cafe to work or to find a new book bargain after work.
Word on the Water
For a more unique experience, head to Word on the Water—an actual bookshop on a barge floating along the Kings Cross Canal. It's as picturesque and Instagrammable as it sounds, plus there’s often a dog or a cat around to welcome you.
Gays the Word
A historic bookshop in Marchmont Street, Gays the Word has been an LGBT+ hub since 1979. Featured in the film Pride - one of my all-time favourites - this shop has a rich history and continues to support the community with an excellent selection of fiction, non-fiction, and LGBT+ merchandise. They also host some fantastic events throughout the year.
Any Amount of Books
And last but definitely not least, my personal favourite: Any Amount of Books. This delightful second-hand bookshop near Leicester Square is small but packed with treasures. With both upstairs and downstairs levels, it’s a labyrinth of vintage first editions and well-loved books just waiting to be discovered. It’s an absolute gem for bargain hunters and book collectors alike.
These are just a few of the many stunning bookshops that make London a book lover’s paradise. Have you visited any of these? Or do you have your own hidden gems to share? Let me know in the comments below!