Calling all bookworms, check out the best bookstores in London.
Yes, we can agree, a kindle may be way more convenient. But there is something so timeless, nostalgic and satisfying about turning tanglible pages in a book- wouldn't you agree? And don't get us started on the smell of paper... whilst technology may be surpassing the need to carrying around a thousand pages in your purse, these London bookshops have stood the test of time and continue to sell cliff-hanging, laughter inducing and tear-encouraging reads that will have you laughing, loving and learning. So read on and discover the best book shops London has to offer....
Daunt Books
Mutliple Locations
One of our more accessible bookstores, with five enchanting book stores across London, Daunt Books is considered a star on the independant book store scene. Its speciality is travel literature, though it doesn't always stick to the confines of topics such as gardening, literary fiction and biography. Nestle in amongst the stained glass windows, oak galleries, skylights and trademark veridian green walls whilst you indulge in row upon row of guide books, maps, learn languages, discover the history, explore related fiction, and much more.
Books are organised by country, rather than genre or alphabet, giving your browse a further sensation of discovery and wanderlust. Check out some of the books they have available here... sorry, you'll have to dig for the rest...
Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 9am–7:30pm. Sundays, 11am–6pm.
Hatchards
187 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9LE
Situated in the heart of Picadilly, is the oldest bookshop in London, surpassing its competitors with both longevity and prestige, Hatchards first opened its doors in 1797. With over four floors and 100,000 books, it was taken over by Waterstones, but thankfully they have kept its aesthetic, making it look less like a chain store by maintaining its old charm, memorabilia and green walls. With three royal warrants, it means visiting this store is a spectacular experience. It's particularly good for travel and biography, with new hardback fiction and signed editions available too. The store welcomes celebrated authors for book signings and caters to all readers. Their staff are plenty knowledgable and helpful, with a professional attitude to meet your demands and needs.
It's not the place where you'll find books for cheap, but they're known for their rare stock and first editions.
Word On The Water
Regent's Canal Towpath, London N1C 4LW
Transformed from a 1920's Dutch barge into a charming floating bookshop, Word On The Water is filled to the brim with new and second hand books, a stove and even an African Grey Parrot. There's a little more happening here, making the experience altogether more interesting than some of our other contendors. From poetry slams to live music, these events attract a plethora of people that you can connect, share literary thoughts and read longside with.
Dubbed the friendliest book seller in London you'll feel right at home amongst the cosy decor. You can check out what's up and coming for Word On The Water on their Facebook Page.
Libreria
65 Hanbury St, London E1 5JL
Located in the busy Shoreditch area, Libreria is a safe haven from all the hustle and bustle of the city. With a strict no-mobile phone policy and a temply for the printed word, Libreria offer a similar filing structure to our previously mentioned Daunt. Books here are arranged according to theme rather than genre or alphabet, letting you browse from content such as 'Wanderlust' or Enchantment'. With cosy areas to nestle into and read, shelves designed by Slade School artists and even a whisky bar. This hideaway is the hidden gem you had no idea you needed.
Their mission is simple... to nurture creativity and innovation through discovery and literature and above all, to encourage interdisciplinary thinking. HEad on over! You never know what you might stumble across.
To stay in the loop on events and happenings, why not check out their Facebook page?
London Review Bookshop
14-16 Bury Pl, London WC1A 2JL
Books and coffee: our favourite combination! And with over 20,000 titles available you may need more than one! The London Review Bookshop may not be the oldest or the biggest on our list but it is the place where you can sit back, relax, grab a bite and dive into all their literature on offer. Whether it's contemporary fiction, history, politics, cookery, essays, poetry and much more. It's also conveniently located, 3 minutes away from the British Museum, so after a day of cultural exploration you can tuck into a rich storybook.
The cake shop is quite exquisite too, with an eclectic team of people brought together by their love of food. Better still, they also host regular events from lectures to meet and greets with authors. So good you could sit in there all day!