Where Can I Buy Books in London?

By Anna Duncan

Are you a book lover in London and wondering where to get your hands on some interesting reads? Worry not!

London is a city with a rich literary history and has numerous bookstores for every kind of reader. Here are some options for you:

Independent Bookstores

If you’re looking for unique finds and personalized recommendations, independent bookstores are the way to go. Here are a few worth checking out:

  • Daunt Books: With its stunning Edwardian interior, Daunt Books is an absolute delight for book lovers. They have a wide range of travel books, maps, and fiction titles.
  • Persephone Books: This bookstore specializes in rediscovering forgotten women writers from the mid-20th century. They publish their own editions of these works and also sell other books by women writers.
  • Lutyens & Rubinstein: This bookstore has an impressive collection of contemporary fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. They also host regular events with authors.

Chain Bookstores

If you prefer more mainstream options, there are several chain bookstores in London that offer a wide variety of books.

  • Foyles: Foyles is one of the most popular bookstores in London with four floors dedicated to different genres. They also have an extensive selection of stationery and gifts.
  • Waterstones: Waterstones is another popular chain bookstore with over 200 branches across the UK. Their flagship store on Piccadilly is Europe’s largest bookstore.
  • Hatchards: Hatchards is London’s oldest surviving bookstore, established in 1797. It has three floors dedicated to different genres and has hosted many famous authors over the years.
  • Secondhand Bookstores

    For those on a budget, secondhand bookstores are a great option to find rare and out-of-print books at affordable prices.

    • Skoob Books: Skoob Books is one of the largest secondhand bookstores in London with over 55,000 titles. They have a wide range of genres and offer discounts on bulk purchases.
    • Oxfam Bookshop: Oxfam Bookshop has several branches across London and sells secondhand books to support their charitable initiatives. They have a good collection of classics and non-fiction titles.
    • The Book Warehouse: The Book Warehouse has several branches across London and offers heavily discounted books. They have a wide range of genres from popular fiction to academic texts.
    • In conclusion, with so many options available, book lovers in London are spoilt for choice. Whether you prefer independent bookstores or chain bookstores, or want to save money by shopping at secondhand stores, there’s something for everyone in this literary city. So go ahead and explore these wonderful options to find your next favorite read!