If you’re a book lover like me, today I want to share my list of the best independent bookshops in London with you. Whatever you like to read, I hope they inspire you to pick up a new title or two.
Independent Bookshops in London
There’s nothing I enjoy more than curling up with a good book. Whether I’m on the sofa at home on a winter’s night or on a bench in a park on a summer’s day, I love getting lost in the pages of a novel.
And when I need inspiration for something new to read, I head to one of my favorite places for books in the city.
From well-known establishments to under-the-radar gems, London has no shortage of unique places to look for new titles and rare first editions.
I mentioned some of the best places for books, top specialty bookstores in London, and London books in previous blog posts, so today I want to focus on the independents that cover a range of genres.
1. Daunt Books
I know, I know. I mention the Marylebone branch of Daunt Books in pretty much all my blog posts about books in London. But that’s because it’s such an amazing place.
Not only does it have one of the biggest travel book selections in London, but it also features one of the most picture-pretty rooms of any bookshop in the city.
If there’s one place that inspires me to read and travel at the same time, it’s Daunt Books. This is truly one of the best independent bookshops in London.
2. Rye Books
Down in East Dulwich, Rye Books is one of my favorite independent bookshops in London.
I love wandering in while I’m visiting the North Cross Road Market and getting lost in the titles in the pint-size shop. It has a great cafe, too.
3. Treadwell’s Books
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Treadwell’s Books in Bloomsbury specializes in one niche: the magical and mystical.
From occult books to tarot readings, pagan supplies to esoteric collectables, this bookshop is one of the most unique in London. Whenever I walk by I’m excited to see what’s new in the window.
4. Books for Cooks
Out west in Notting Hill, the adorable Books for Cooks is a haven of culinary goodness. This small shop has everything from cookbooks to a cafe and classes upstairs.
Downstairs there’s a world of books and a “squashy sofa for cookbook junkies in need of a long read”. I love wandering through the door and immersing myself in this culinary world.
5. London Review Bookshop
There are a million bookshops around the British Museum, all of them specializing in one thing or another. But one that always stands out to me is the London Review Bookshop.
The shop itself is light and bright, and I love how there’s a little courtyard out back with tables perfect for sitting with a book and a cuppa.
It’s one of the best independent bookshops in London for good reason.
6. The Notting Hill Bookshop
Remember the bookshop from the movie Notting Hill? Well it wasn’t just a set. The shop really exists in the neighborhood, and while it’s a new iteration of the original, it’s still a fun place to go.
The Notting Hill Bookshop offers everything from classic fiction to travel guides, and has a lot of gift-worthy books and accessories for sale. It’s one of the best independent bookshops in London for movie fans.
7. John Sandoe Books
John Sandoe Books is tucked away on a side street off the King’s Road in Chelsea. Walking in is like stepping back in time, with dark wooden shelves and a narrow staircase winding its way up to a labyrinth of rooms.
Stacks of books along the windows make me want to pick up each one to see what’s underneath, and every visit is like a trip to a treasure trove.
Best Independent Bookshops in London
There are a lot of other independent bookstores in London, but I hope these help get you started on your explorations.
If you want to see more, I’ve written a self-guided London literary walk that will take you to some of the city’s best places for books.
What are your favorite independent bookshops in London?
Find this post helpful? Buy me a coffee!
New here? Join thousands of others and subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email.
One of the links in this blog post is an affiliate link. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on it and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support the A Lady in London blog.
Pin it!
28 Comments on Lady’s 7 Independent Bookshops in London You Have to Visit
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Have you read 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff? It’s such a lovely tale about an old book store. The shop doesn’t exist anymore, but I like to think it’s spirit lives on in all the other tiny book shops in London.
I haven’t read it, but it sounds great! I will add it to my list. Thanks for the recommendation.
Such a lovely list! I adore all the bookshops in London, and I agree that Daunt is such a special place. It’s always a treat to pop in and choose a new book! xxx
Yeah! Such a lovely place.
There’s no such thing as too many Marylebone branch of Daunt Books posts!!! I loved that place!
xx,
E.
I’m glad you think so. It’s such an amazing bookshop!
I love the bright blue chairs in front of Belgravia books!
Me too! They’re so sweet.
on my first visit to London I took a photo in front of the Notting Hill bookstore:)
That’s great! Good idea.
Oh you have found my weakness. I love bookstores and I love London. Now we have to visit again .
Yeah! You’ll love exploring them.
This is exactly the kind of thing I wanted to know about London! Technically I study there and I am supposed to be amazed by all the amazing things it has to offer, but in reality I can never do much more than recommend to visit Camden and Covent Garden #fail.
I’m glad you found it inspirational! I can relate to the tendency to get stuck in my usual corners of London.
That looks so lovely! I’ll remember these spots when I go visit London again!!! Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy them!
These are all lovely places to visit, of course, but my favorite is Persephone Books in Lamb’s Conduit Street. It’s tiny, and all the books have the same cover, but different linings sold with matching bookmarks. You literally can’t judge a book by its cover! Last time I went it was full of people reading, trying to sort out which books they were taking home with them. They also have subscriptions and box sets. And lest I forget, most of their books are written by women.
Thanks, Jess! I included Persephone Books in my blog post about the best specialty bookstores in London. It’s a great place!
Love this post. I have to get back to London and visit more bookstores – I loved Daunt Books!
I’m glad you liked it! Daunt is such a magical place.
Cute! I want to go to this bookshops!
xoxo
I hope you can sometime!
Fantastic post – I love these places so much. I’d also add Watkins Books in Cecil Court – another niche bookshop, and the only place I’ve seen a shaman, a clergyman and a pagan priest deep in friendly discussion!
Nice! That sounds great. I love the bookshops in Cecil Court.
I always visit Stamfords near Covent Garden….travel books and a cute independent cafe!
Yeah, I love that one. I included it in my blog post about the best specialty bookstores in London.
Wow. I never knew about these bookshops. I guess I have to wander around London a bit more. I love reading books.
Yeah! They’re great to explore.