Just short of a week, I spent some time in London for a networking event and the rest of the time I wandered around to the many charming bookshops the city has to offer. Coming home to Paris with eight new books to read, I thought I would share my list of favorite book stores in London!
And if you need recommendations on what to read, my friend Danielle @conversationswithdani13 has the best insights and always has something good to share. She reads about 100 books or so a year from many genres, so she has a lot to say :)
First of all London is huge! But I moved around quite a bit to find these bookshops I found out through friends, TikTok, and Instagram posts. Day 1 was book shopping exclusively and it started in Notting Hill and ended in Marylebone. The rest of the bookshops were spread out throughout the weekend. I was on the hunt for expanding my little library in my apartment because I completely ran out of books to read, so I needed to stock up fast. Here are some of my favorites from this trip, Enjoy! :
A classic stop when in London, not to be overlooked. Yes, sometimes there are a lot of tourists, but I love this little place. They have a really nice selection of the newest fiction and romance books. Plus they always have a little basket with Blind Date with a Book that is a fun surprise. There is a section with games as well and of course you can buy a souvenir tote to remember this iconic bookshop.
Purchased: Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey and a Blind Date with a Book
13 Blenheim Cres, London W11 2EE
Right around the corner from The Nottinghill Bookshop is another hidden gem. This one is great for finding something new and unique. They still have books on trend, but also offer a few titles you aren't going to find everywhere else.
Purchased: Winter People by Gráinne Murphy
21 Kensington Park Road. London W11 2EU
Known as one of the most beautiful bookshops in London - I couldn't agree more. Such a joy to shop in here. Almost the whole place is sectioned off by country and so so many books. I loved the section downstairs with stories set in Iraq, Turkey, and Australia. So many of my favorite authors in the same area!
Purchased: The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland (found in the Australia section)
84 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4QW
Located on a very busy street, but a huge store. Don't miss their special deals at the front and their "Fiction Pick of the Month."
On my list: Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors
203-206 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9HD (various locations)
Only a few doors down from Waterstones is this historic independent book shop. Love hardbacks - this is the place for you!
On my list: The Flat Share by Beth O'Leary
187 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9LE
This is a fun place to visit on the weekend. A few tables set up with books everywhere. A great spot for children's books, copies of Harry Potter, and a few UK set stories. Lots of classics and a few fiction books on trend now and then. Plus, you have the food market close by to grab a snack after.
Purchased: A Perfect Cornish Summer by Katie Fforde, Return to the Spanish Sun by Jo Thomas, and You Have to Make Your Own Fun Around Here by Frances Macken.
Tucked under Waterloo Bridge on Queen's Walk
Upper Street Bookshop
Located in Angel, this little place is known for it's beautifully wrapped Blind Date with a Book stand perched outside the front door.
Purchased: Blind Date with a Book
Devon House, 42 Upper St, London N1 0PN
Each time I visit London, I always come back with a book, they just bring me so much joy and I love the time I spend in these charming shops. Hopefully these suggestions bring you to find your next read!
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