London Bookshops I Want to Visit
So, if you don’t really know me (which most of you probably don’t, I’ve only been blogging for, like, two months now), I adore London.
I’ve had the absolute privilege to travel there twice, both times in college and both times for an extended period of time (the first time for 2.5 weeks, the second for a week!). I love the vibe, the culture, the gray London skies, the tube. I just really enjoy this city and could definitely see myself trying to make it over there to live for a few years!
The past two times I was there, I didn’t have too much free time to wander around and explore some cozy and classic London bookshops, which means that I just have to go back!! Honestly, I could spend my whole life in a bookshop and never be sad or lonely.
In this post, I’m ranking the top bookshops that I just have to get back to!
*Obviously I have not taken all of these photos, but I’ve linked the source/photographer in each photo!*
1. Lutyens & Rubinstein Bookshop: This adorable little storefront is located in Notting Hill and carries art, poetry, children’s books and other “necessities”, meaning art prints! First of all, not only is the outside the most insta-worthy location ever, but I think browsing books AND art prints would be super fun! I’d probably spend way too much money here, but when in London!
2. Persephone Books: A freaking Women’s Lit bookshop!! Ahhh!! I want to read more Women’s Lit (it will probably be one of my goals for 2021, stay tuned!) and this shop looks like the perfect place to find some amazing titles. Not only that, but they have custom covers for each book that they carry and publish so that they all match. They’re stunning. I want them all.
3. Word on the Water: I mean, c’mon, a floating bookshop? SO cool! This is an old barge docked in Kings Crossed turned into a bookshop, which is just super neat. They look super cozy and unique and ugh I just want to curl up in a boat and read all day!! They’ll also order you any book that they don’t have, which is just super awesome.
4. Gay’s the Word: As the only LGBTQIA+ specialty bookstore in all of England, this one is a real gem and somewhere I’d love to spend my money. Not only is it a bookstore that features thousands of LGBTQ stories, but it also has a ton of history and background in regards to LGBTQ movements.
5. Foyles on Charing Cross Road: Okay full disclosure, I actually stumbled upon this shop during a solo-trip to Waterstones during my first trip to London. BUT I had no idea what it was! It’s the biggest bookstore in the country, and so obviously I have to go back. Also, I really like the modern, clean look and think it would be nice to shake things up from the smaller, cozier bookstores in between!!
6. Hatchards: This bookstore looks so old and cozy, with the dark wood bookshelves and checker-patterned floor. It seems like the kind of place that someone would call you “sir” or “ma’am” or something the second you stepped through the door! They sell a variety of different genres, but they also look like they sell pretty literary-themed tote bags, so here I come!!
7. Libreria: And last but certainly not least is Libreria, a gorgeousl-y aesthetic bookstore nestled a bit to the east of central London. This old-school bookstore looks super modern, but actually aims to bring back the charm and serenity of traditonal bookstores by implementing a
“no phone” policy while in the store (Not sure how this picture came to be then, but I won’t complain!) I think this would be a great last stop on my London-bookstore-tour.
Obviously there are so many places and shops around the world that I would absolutely love the chance to visit, but I’d ideally start with one of my favorite places on earth: London! So much to see, so much to do, so much to read!
What bookstores around the world would you guys like to visit? Any of the ones I listed here sound intriguing? Better yet, have you actually been to any?
Thanks for reading, loves! xx
24 Comments
Jawahir
London is my favorite city! I live writing about my experiences visiting these indie bookstores and reviewing them! I actually wrote a review about Libreria that you could check out here: https://jawahirthebookworm.com/2020/07/08/libreria-bookstore-secret-london/
Persephone books prioritizes neglected women authors of the 20th century so it’s so cool to see a space devoted to female authors who’ve been sidelined.
Haven’t been to Lutyens and Rubinstein’s, so thanks for the rec!
If you’re interested in every indie bookstore in London there is, then I recommend this article: https://londonist.com/london/books-and-poetry/mapped-london-s-independent-bookshops
I don’t mean to be a meany but it’s Hatchards 🙈 (That’s my go to bookstore when I’m in London btw)
erin
Ahh yeah it’s super cool that the city has diverse bookstores like that! I’ll def check out your review! (:
Jessica
I have been in love with London since my freshman year of high school but I’ve never had a chance to visit (yet). I definitely want to spend a few months or years of my life there! Hopefully we’ll both be able to one day—and maybe at the same time ahahaha! These all look so incredible and I definitely want to visit them all 🤩
erin
Yes totally! That’d be super cool, we can explore all the ~best~ bookstores! (: Fingers crossed we both get there one day! ♥
Kaya
all of these bookstores look amazing!! although I totally didn’t realize there’s an entire women’s lit bookshop?! that sounds so cool! great post!
erin
Right like so neat!! I’d probably spend way too much money on those matching covers. Thank you!! ♥
Tasya @ The Literary Huntress
This is such a cozy post, all the bookstores sounds heavenly! I’ve only heard of Persephone books, but this post make me want to visit the others too 🙂
erin
Aw yay, I’m achieving my goal of peak cozy!! (: Gotta love London! ♥
Dini @ dinipandareads
All of these look and sound amazing! I’m kinda gutted that I didn’t think to go to any bookstores in London when I lived in the UK before. I’ll definitely be making these a priority whenever I can head to London next time 😍
erin
Hopefully you’re able to get back there and see alll the bookstores! ♥
Amber
London looks like this have some amazing bookstores! I’ve heard about the one of the boat. I think that would be so cool to visit! All these bookstores look so cozy. All the ones by me are big name bookstores so they don’t have that same cozy feel. 🙁
Amber @ Escape Life in the Pages
erin
Ugh I get that, like can we make it mandatory to have at least one small, cozy indy bookstore in every town please?? ♥
Lyra @ Defiantly Yours
These are such gorgeous bookstores! One day when it’s safe to travel again I hope to visit some of these.
Great post, Erin – I’m a new follower. 🙂
erin
Thank you so much! ♥ Hopefully we’ll both be able to experience the magic of a cozy bookstore sometime soon (:
Ali
I want to go to London so badly, I know I’ll fall in love and want to move there too! Whenever I do go, I’ll have to try to check these bookstores out. I love the idea of specific genre/topic bookstores like Persephone Books and Gay’s the Word. One of my favorites I’ve been to is Powell’s Books in Portland. It’s MASSIVE. I also just love dropping by little independent bookstores on roadtrips, those are always the best.
erin
I hope you get there one day!! Such a magical and awesome place (: Ugh I want to go to Powell’s soooo bad, honestly thinking of planning a trip to Portland just for that!!
Corina
So many pretty book stores!!! I’ll be adding some to my London Bucket List ;D
erin
Yes yes yes!! Could spend a lifetime in them, honestly!!
Ruby Rae Reads
ah I want to go to ALL of these book shops now too. I was actually born in London and haven’t been back since I was 10. I was too young so I don’t think I ever went to one. Though desperately want to go to a Waterstones, Foyles and Gay’s The Word <3
Joss @maybeivereadit
All these bookshops look fantastic! There are truly beautiful places in London, I would love to travel there someday. And OMG a freaking women’s lit bookshop, that’s amazing! Also, the fact that it is called “Persephone Books”??? This bookshop has been made for me. AND a floating bookshop???? WOW just WOW.
erin
RIGHT yes I hope you get to go one day!!! I would spend, like, a full day in each bookshop and be SO happy. London has my heart!! ♥
Caitlin
I have never gotten to travel outside the United States (yet!), but London is definitely on my list of places I want to go! I’ve always loved the thought of London, and I’ve always wanted to get a real tea from the tea-lovers themselves! These bookstores all look SO cute and cozy, so I’ll definitely have to put a few on my list for my London dream trip in the future 🤩
erin
Haha yes London tea is definitely superior!! They served it every morning at breakfast and I was like “oh yum but also where’s the coffee” 😂
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