Experiences
The 6 Best Bookshops in London
Oak galleries, a canal barge and the best-smelling shop in the world: London's loveliest bookshops.
In short: our top picks are Daunt Books, Foyles and Hatchards. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
London’s bookshops are among its best browsing, from the travel-led oak galleries of Daunt to Hatchards on Piccadilly, trading since 1797. The independents give the city its character: Word on the Water floats on a canal barge, Gay’s the Word has anchored Bloomsbury for decades, and Books for Cooks cooks from its own shelves. These are places to lose an hour, not just buy a paperback. Most host readings and launches worth catching.
| Place | Area |
|---|---|
| Daunt Books | Marylebone |
| Foyles | Charing Cross Road |
| Hatchards | Piccadilly |
| Word on the Water | |
| Gay's the Word | Bloomsbury |
| Books for Cooks | Notting Hill |
-
Editor’s choice
Daunt Books
Why we pick itA handsome Edwardian shop on Marylebone High Street with long oak galleries and a famous travel section.
travel-led bookshop
-
Foyles
Why we pick itThe vast Charing Cross Road flagship, London's most complete general bookshop over several floors.
flagship bookshop
-
Hatchards
Why we pick itBritain's oldest bookshop, trading on Piccadilly since 1797, all wooden staircases and signed editions.
historic bookshop
-
Word on the Water
Why we pick itA 1920s Dutch barge selling new and second-hand books by Regent's Canal, with live music on deck.
canal-boat bookshop
-
Gay's the Word
Why we pick itThe UK's oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop, a Bloomsbury institution hosting readings and launches.
LGBTQ+ bookshop
-
Books for Cooks
Why we pick itCalled the best-smelling shop in the world, a Notting Hill cookery bookshop with a working test kitchen.
cookery bookshop
Before you book
Marylebone, Bloomsbury, Piccadilly and the South Bank hold the densest run of good shops. Many of the independents run events, so check their listings before a visit. Word on the Water keeps barge hours by Regent’s Canal near King’s Cross, so check it is moored and open.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Daunt Books is our editor's choice: A handsome Edwardian shop on Marylebone High Street with long oak galleries and a famous travel section. Daunt Books, Foyles and Hatchards lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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