With its rich literary heritage, London is home to the most beautiful bookstores, perfect for exploring during the Christmas season.
Daunt Books Marylebone
Though Daunt Books was founded in 1990, it’s housed in a beautiful Edwardian building that was originally an antiquarian bookshop from 80 years earlier. Since then, the store has grown into a London-wide chain, but its flagship location on Marylebone High Street remains celebrated for its stunning architecture and elegant interior.
The long oak gallery, skylit ceiling, and mosaic windows create a timeless atmosphere that continues to mesmerize visitors. It also happens to be ranked as the eighth most beautiful bookstore in the world, making it a true must-visit for book lovers.
Specializing in travel literature arranged by geography, the Marylebone branch offers an experience that feels like wandering the world through its shelves. With its charm, history, and thoughtful curation, it’s an ideal place to visit this holiday season — whether you’re browsing for gifts or simply soaking in London’s festive spirit.
Address: 84 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4QW, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9AM -7:30 PM
– Sunday: 9AM – 6PM
Hatchards – Piccadilly
For those interested in history, look no further than Hatchards—London’s oldest bookshop, established in 1797. It has three stores in total, but its first and oldest shop is located in Piccadilly. This is also the location that sold books to royalty, and it has an elegant and refined interior to match its reputation. Its shelves hold a distinguished history collection with a generous selection of titles about royalty and prominent historical figures like Churchill.
During the holidays, the store’s classic setting makes it a pleasant stop for picking up gifts, especially since it has so much to offer — from timeless novels to historical works and beautifully bound editions. Hatchards also hosts literary events throughout the year and is a popular spot for authors to have their first book signings.
Address: 187 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LE, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9:30AM – 8PM
– Sunday: 12PM – 6PM
Upper Street Bookshop
This cozy independent shop has a friendly atmosphere, only brought further to light by its personalized service. The staff carefully curates their collection of books, with both popular titles and hidden gems that appeal to every kind of reader.
Not only that, locals know them well for the staff’s breadth of literary knowledge and thoughtful recommendations while helping visitors find just the right book to buy — whether it’s a personal read or a meaningful gift for the season.
Address: 42 Upper St, London N1 0PN, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9:30AM – 6:30PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 6PM
Foyles
Foyles has been a London institution since 1903 and once held the Guinness World Record for having the most titles and the longest shelf length — an incredible 30 miles of books. Though it was once known for its labyrinth-like layout, the store has since been beautifully reimagined under Waterstones’ ownership in 2018, making it a bright and welcoming space.
Nowadays, it’s bright and classy, showcasing its impressive collection in clear, easy-to-find sections. It has also expanded to sell games, DVDs, and more, making it a popular shopping stop for all sorts, especially for those looking to find the best buys. And if you need to give your feet a break after walking up five flights of stairs, you can stop by the café on the top floor.
Address: 107 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0EB, United
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9AM – 9PM
– Sunday: 11:30AM – 6PM
Waterstones Piccadilly
Speaking of the bookstore chain Waterstones, it kind of has a thing for big stores. Just look at their Piccadilly location, which just so happens to be Europe’s largest bookstore. At least, that’s what they claim—but with six floors and eight miles of shelving, who’s going to argue?
With over 200,000 titles and numerous dedicated sections, including a circus-themed one for children’s literature, it’s easy to get lost in your favorite genre. It’s also an ideal spot to visit during the holidays, whether you’re hunting for gifts or simply enjoying the festive displays that fill the store.
Address: 203-206 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HD, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9AM – 9PM
– Sunday: 12PM – 6 PM
Brick Lane Bookshop
Named the top independent bookshop at the 2024 London Independent Bookshop Awards, Brick Lane Bookshop originated from a local 1970s art project, back when the Tower Hamlets neighborhood didn’t have a single bookstore to its name. Since then, Brick Lane has flourished into a community-centered hub that empowers local, emerging writers. They’re not just talk, either; they offer literary events throughout the year, including a short story prize.
Its collection contains a diverse range of literary genres for both adults and children, with a special section dedicated to local East London history.
Address: 166 Brick Ln, London E1 6RU, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 10AM – 6PM
Watkins Books
Watkins Books centers around matters of spirituality, psychology, philosophy, and the occult. Its book collection ranges from ancient Egyptian rituals to modern-day self-empowerment. Its atmosphere emphasizes its mystique, hiding esoteric knowledge and theories in every corner.
The store doesn’t discriminate and restricts its sources to one culture or way of thinking, but encourages diversity of thought and an exploration of different philosophies and ways of life. Aside from books, you can find various statuettes, tarot cards, sacred objects, jewelry, and polished stones — all of which make thoughtful and distinctive gifts for the holiday season.
Address: 19-21 Cecil Ct, London WC2N 4EZ, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 11AM – 6:30PM
Word On The Water – The London Bookbarge
You’d think that books and water don’t mix, but this bookbarge proves otherwise. Moored along the Regent’s Canal Towpath near Granary Square, this independent shop turns a simple boat into one of London’s most distinctive bookstores, hailed as the fifth most beautiful bookstore in the world by the 1000 Libraries community, a recognition that perfectly fits its character and charm.
Its unique setup with a charmingly laid-out display of books on its side makes for a literary experience like no other. Beyond books, the shop features live jazz performances, making it a lively yet relaxed place to unwind and a nice spot to visit on a Christmas night by the calm, glowing canal.
Address: Regent’s Canal Towpath, London N1C 4LW, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 12PM – 7PM
Daunt Books Notting Hill
This independent bookstore was originally founded by the Lutyens & Rubinstein literary agency and was later acquired by Daunt Books. The change in ownership hasn’t altered its charm or quality — it still offers a carefully curated selection of fiction and nonfiction titles.
The shop keeps its distinctive character through ceiling-hung art displays and also features art prints, tote bags, and stationery alongside its thoughtful book collection, making it a lovely place to find unique and beautifully made gifts.
Address: 21 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2EU, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9AM – 6PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 6PM
John Sandoe Books
Founded nearly 70 years ago and housed in a building from the 1700s, this independent bookstore is a well-known landmark among locals in Chelsea, London. In addition to an expansive collection of over 30,000 titles, the shop keeps readers coming back with its range of services — quarterly catalogs, mail orders, subscriptions, and even help with building private or public libraries.
Its charm and long-standing tradition make it a pleasant stop any time of year, but especially nice to visit during the holidays. With its shelves full of history and character, it’s the kind of place that captures the quieter, more thoughtful side of the season.
Address: 10 Blacklands Terrace, London SW3 2SR, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9:30AM – 5:30PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 5PM
Foster Books
Foster Books is best known for two main things: its stock of rare and antiquarian books, and its dedication to high-quality service. On its shelves, you can find first editions, illustrated books, and volumes long since out of print. Want personalized, in-store shopping assistance? You got it. Looking for curbside pickup? Done. Need same-day delivery within central London? They’re already knocking on your door. It’s the kind of place that makes book shopping — or finding a special gift — easy and enjoyable.
Customers can even get started on selling their collection of rare books just by emailing a photo of what they’ve got. What a beautiful modern age we live in.
Address: 183 Chiswick High Rd., Chiswick, London W4 2DR, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9:30AM – 5:30PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 5PM
The Bookshop on the Heath
This secondhand seller’s aquamarine storefront stands out against the red brick buildings surrounding it. Inside, you’ll find everything from £2 bargain steals to rare, old maps worth a small fortune.
It’s the kind of place where you can uncover all sorts of literary treasures, from classic literature and sci-fi to gripping crime thrillers — a cozy spot for anyone who loves the thrill of a good find.
Address: 74 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath, London SE3 0BW, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday, Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday: 11AM – 5:30PM
– Wednesday: Closed
– Sunday: 12PM – 4PM
Hurlingham Books
Welcome to the best maze you’ll ever get lost in. Hurlingham is packed from floor to ceiling with books, creating a cushion of soundproofing that makes the rest of the world feel far away. The smell of old paper and leather gives it a distinctive, almost nostalgic vibe, like walking into a time capsule.
It’s also a unique spot to visit during the Christmas season, the kind of place where you might stumble upon something unexpected that makes a memorable gift. Forget any plan to find a particular title and simply enjoy the chance to discover something new.
Address: Ranelagh Gardens, 91 Fulham High St, London SW6 3JS, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 10AM – 7PM
Halcyon Books
If you’re feeling parched after all that book browsing, stop off at Halcyon Books. This used bookshop is small but charming, with an outdoor café offering tea, cake, and coffee. The store carries an excellent selection of titles, from well-known works to hidden gems — and an impressive science fiction collection for those who love stories that reach beyond this world.
The owner and staff are thoughtful and friendly, always ready to help you find something new to enjoy. Located near several historic attractions like Boone’s Chapel, it’s an inviting place to slow down and browse during the holiday season.
Address: 266 Lee High Rd, London SE13 5PL, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 9AM – 5PM
– Saturday: 9:00 am- 6:00pm
– Sunday: Closed
