A booklover's guide to London

As one of the great literary cities of the world, London has many places that will make book lovers feel right at home. From quaint bookshops to historic literary landmarks, it's easy to feel like you're the main character when exploring the city from a bookish point of view.

Here is a booklover's guide to London.

Bookshops

Daunt Books

Daunt Books is everything you could want from a bookshop – beautiful architecture and enough books to feel like you could peruse for hours. The shop specialises in travel books, with shelves organised by region. There are several locations throughout the city; if you only have time for one, the stunning Marylebone shop is a must-see.

Marylebone, W1U | dauntbooks.co.uk

BookBar

If you’re looking for somewhere where you can pick up a new book and relax with a coffee or a glass of wine, BookBar is the place to go. This friendly Highgate bookshop offers a selection of recent releases and seats to cosy up with a new read. BookBar also frequently holds events with authors, so keep an eye out for the chance to hear from or even meet your favourite writer.

Highbury, N5 | bookbaruk.com

Cecil Court

On a short street in Covent Garden, you’ll find a quaint literary haven in the middle of the city. Cecil Court is entirely made up of independent book and art shops, dating back to the 17th century. A stroll past the shopfronts truly feels like being transported back in time, and you could easily spend all day wandering in and out of these unique shops. Whether you’re looking for vintage sheet music or astrological volumes to predict your future, you’re sure to find it here.

Covent Garden, WC2N | cecilcourt.co.uk

Southbank Book Market

You’re never short on can finding some amazing second-hand treasures passed down by London’s avid readers. One of the most picturesque places to find used books is the Southbank Book Market under Waterloo Bridge. Browse tables of books with views of Westminster in the distance.

Southbank, SE1 | southbankcentre.co.uk

Brick Lane Bookshop

Amid the bustling market, Brick Lane Bookshop is a hub of the literary community in East London. From its origins as the Tower Hamlets Arts Project in the 1970s, the bookshop has worked to uplift local writers and promote outreach events to make literature accessible. In addition to stocking new releases and classics, Brick Lane Bookshop frequently hosts workshops, tours, and book launches centred around the culture and history of East London.

Tower Hamlets, E1 | bricklanebookshop.org

Libraries

British Library

If you want to learn more about the literary history of Britain, the British Library holds the country's most extensive collection of precious written artefacts. Visitors can tour the permanent exhibition and special displays, which include the Magna Carta, Jane Austen’s notebooks, and The Beatles’ handwritten lyrics on display.

The library also offers daily tours that provide further insight into the impressive collection and the building's fascinating architecture. If you have any studying or work to do, register for a free reader pass to use the quiet reading rooms that transport you back to your university study sessions.

King's Cross, NW1 | bl.uk

The London Library

Some of the greatest works of fiction have been written in London, with many authors using The London Library to craft and research their books. Writers like Bram Stoker, Daphne du Maurier, and Ian Fleming have worked on novels here and checked out books from the collection. The library is still popular with contemporary writers, with Kazuo Ishiguro and Sarah Waters holding active memberships.

With such a rich literary history, this beautiful library is the perfect place for aspiring writers to write their next story. Memberships are available to purchase on a yearly, weekly, or daily basis to gain access to the study spaces, physical collection, and digital archives. If you're simply interested in seeing the historic building, the library also holds public tours once a month.

St. James's, SW1Y | londonlibrary.co.uk

Bookish points of interest

The Spaniard's Inn

Frequented by the likes of Charles Dickens and John Keats, The Spaniard’s Inn is a literary landmark in Hampstead. This centuries-old pub retains the charm and elegance that inspired its inclusion in Victorian novels and Romantic poetry. With rustic interiors and a lovely outdoor garden, it's a great place to enjoy your book with a pint or get inspiration for your own literary masterpiece.

Hampstead, NW3 | thespaniardshampstead.co.uk

London Literary Tours

Many beloved writers have called London home, and walking in their footsteps is an immersive way to make your favourite books come to life. London Literary Tours offers walking tours highlighting locations where authors lived or set their stories throughout the city. Experience Virginia Woolf's Bloomsbury or explore Mayfair and St. James through the eyes of Oscar Wilde. The tours are run by academics eager to share their vast knowledge of London's role in literary history.

Various locations | londonliterarytours.co.uk

The Library Lounge at The Standard

If your idea of the perfect bar is less club and more book club, you'll love The Library Lounge at The Standard Hotel. Choose from their signature drinks like an elderflower martini or an alcohol-free jasmine cherry fizz to enjoy while you browse the shelves or read on the plush sofas. With funky midcentury interiors and warm lighting, the lounge would be an ideal spot for hosting a book club meeting or organising a writing workshop.

Southbank, SE1 | The Library Lounge at The Standard

The Library at County Hall

There's nothing more elegant than afternoon tea, except maybe afternoon tea in a pristine library with views of Big Ben. With tables tucked between shelves of antique books, tea at The Library at County Hall is a booklover's dream. Enjoy fresh scones, finger sandwiches, and artisan tea blends while taking in the views across the Thames. If you're planning a bookish celebration, add a glass of champagne, a seasonal gin and tonic, or British sparkling wine.

Southbank, SE1 | thelibraryatcountyhall.com

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