London is one of the greatest literary cities in the world, so it’s no surprise that the city is home to some of the best book shops in the world. I’ve rounded up the best bookshops in London that I’ve visited, which range from charming, poky Notting Hill bookshops to grand, multi-level book shops fit for a King (literally – they have a Royal Warrant).
Read on for my take on the best bookshops in London, and let me know which are your favourites in the comments!
Hatchards
If you’ve only got time for one bookshop in London, make it this one. Hatchards is heaven for booklovers, spread across five floors. This London book shop is perhaps the most impressive in the entire city, with incredibly specific displays showcasing niche genres and themes, like shelves dedicated to Agatha Christie, or Georgian history.
Established in 1797, Hatchards is the oldest bookshop in London, and has the Royal Warrant, which means it is King Charles’ book shop of choice. Literally, a book shop fit for a King & Queen.
Hatchards is located in Piccadilly, right next door to the legendary Fortnum & Mason, a luxury department store specialising in gourmet food products.
Daunt Books Marylebone
Daunt Books is one of the most beloved bookshops in London, famous for being organised by the book’s geographical setting or origins, rather than by author surname. Arranging by geographic location absolutely tickles my brain, and makes it perfect for indulging in some wanderlust. It’s original, Edwardian bookshop in Marylebone, has a stunning oak gallery and stained glass windows, making it one of the most beautiful book shops in London.
Marylebone is a very charming neighbourhood, well worth a detour for Daunt Books as well as the shopping, cafes and restaurants in the area.
Daunt Books Notting Hill
Originally established as Lutyens & Rubinstein, this book shop was bought by Daunt Books in late 2023, and while its name has changed, its unique charm has stayed the same, including the signature black & white facade. Much smaller than the original Daunt Books, the Notting Hill outpost has a cosy charm all of its own.
Heywood Hill
Heywood Hill is a historic London bookshop in the heart of Mayfair, which has held a Royal Warrant since 2011. Literary legend Nancy Mitford worked at Heywood Hill in the early 1940s, and wrote part of The Pursuit of Love while working there!
Heywood Hill’s expert team of booksellers take pride in guiding customers to their perfect next read, whether in store or via one of their tailored book subscriptions. In addition to tailored subscriptions, they also offer some fabulous themed subscriptions, such as “London Calling”, and “Tradecraft” which celebrates the best of espionage fiction.
The Notting Hill Bookshop
Notting Hill Bookshop is famous for inspiring the book store filming location in 1999 romantic comedy, Notting Hill. The previous owner of the bookshop didn’t allow filming inside the shop, so the film crew recreated the bookshop as a set. Today, the Notting Hill Bookshop offers a range of beautiful gift editions, clothbound classics and even golden gilt leatherbounds, as well as a beautiful children’s section.
Waterstones
Waterstones is one of the largest booksellers in the UK, and its flagship destinations in Piccadilly and Chelsea are both worth a visit. Waterstones Piccadilly is the biggest book store in Europe, with more than 8 miles of bookshelves!
Waterstones King’s Road, in Chelsea, is also a destination for booklovers. It’s a large bookshop, in the heart of the trendy Kings Road precinct, with an incredible range and beautiful setting.
Brick Lane Bookshop
Established in 1978, Brick Lane Bookshop is a vibrant independent bookshop in the heart of London’s famous Brick Lane, in Shoreditch. While you’re in the area, discover some of London’s best Indian and South Asian food, along Brick Lane.
Further Reading
- 5 Days in London: The Perfect Itinerary for First Time Visitors
- Visiting the Tower of London: The Crown Jewels, Super Bloom & 900 Years of British History
Hello! I’m an Australian travel blogger, living in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Brisbane, studied in Paris, lived in New York City and now live back in Australia, in Melbourne.
I love sharing specific and useful recommendations, itineraries and guides for the most beautiful things to see, do, experience & eat wherever I go.
My favourite travel destinations are Australia, New York City & surrounds, France, Greece & Japan, but I’m always excited to explore somewhere new!
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