The best independent bookshops in London

There’s no better feeling than curling up with a good book, whether you’re enjoying a picnic in the sun or staying in on a cold winter’s day. London is one of the UK’s literary hotspots, captivating writers and readers alike, so it’s no surprise that it’s full of small independent bookshops.

The best independent bookshops

From new releases to much-loved best-sellers, antique books and first-editions, you’re sure to find what you want among these remarkable independent bookshops that we’ve picked out as some of the best in the capital.

Daunt Books

Credit: Alexandra Kirr on Unsplash

Address: 84 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4QW
How to get there: Hop on the northbound Bakerloo or Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Baker Street, then walk 11 minutes to Daunt Books.

Word on the Water

Looking for cool bookshops in London? Word on the Water is not your average bookshop – it’s located on a barge on Regent’s Canal! Although the space is small, the shelves are brimming with books, including fiction and non-fiction. They also have a stage on the barge’s roof hosting live jazz musicians – the perfect accompaniment for your book browsing.

Address: Regent's Canal Towpath, London N1C 4LW
How to get there: Take the northbound Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Green Park, then change for the Victoria or Piccadilly line, heading northbound to King’s Cross St. Pancras. From there, it’s a 9-minute walk to Word on the Water.

Gay’s The Word

The UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ book shop, Gay’s The Word, is a touchstone for the broader LGBTQ+ community. Established in 1979 as a gay socialist community space, it has shelves bursting with books and a wide range of literary and community events.

The hallmark of Gay’s The Word is its ever-expanding yet carefully curated selection of books. You’ll find everything from history and politics to travel and poetry, all selected by the hardworking and dedicated trio of Jim, Uli and Erica, who keep the space running.

Address: 66 Marchmont Street, London WC1N 1AB
How to get there: Take the northbound Northern line from London Waterloo to Euston, then walk 13 minutes to Gay’s the Word.

Housmans

While certainly not London’s oldest bookshop, Housmans has an important story. Opened shortly after the Second World War by writer Laurence Housman, a sponsor of the Peace Pledge Union, this radical not-for-profit bookshop was established to promote peace and human rights. It remains true to its roots as one of the UK’s few alternative bookshops, stocking books, magazines, and periodicals of radical interest and progressive politics.

Address: 5 Caledonian Road, London N1 9DX
How to get there: Hop on the northbound Bakerloo line at London Waterloo and change for the Victoria line at Oxford Circus, heading northbound to King’s Cross St. Pancras. From there, it’s a 3-minute walk to Housmans.

The best secondhand bookshops in London

Secondhand books are an excellent choice for many reasons – they’re more sustainable, often cost less than buying new, and you can find old and rare out-of-print editions. If you fancy a browse through the archives, these are the best secondhand bookshops in London to check out.

Hurlingham Books

When it comes to London’s secondhand book shops, Hurlingham Books is up there with the best, so be sure to add it to your list. Packed to the rafters with books from every genre and era, including fiction, poetry and reference books, it’s a real treasure trove.

Address: Ranelagh Gardens, 91 Fulham High Street, London SW6 3JS
How to get there: It’s a 13-minute walk from Putney to Hurlingham Books.

Bookmongers

Known for its eclectic mix of secondhand books, Bookmongers is another excellent independent spot if you find yourself south of the river. As secondhand bookshops go, it’s well-organised and cosy, and you could easily lose yourself browsing here for hours.

Address: 439 Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8LN
How to get there: Hop on the southbound Northern line at London Waterloo to Stockwell, then change for the Victoria line to Brixton. From there, Bookmongers is a 6-minute walk away.

Credit: Leiada Krozjhen on Unsplash

Skoob Books

Skoob Books prides itself on having the largest selection of any secondhand bookshop London has to offer. Their focus is academic books, making it a great place for students and teachers to find reference books on their specialist subject. It’s conveniently located next to Gay’s the Word, so be sure to set aside some time to explore this thriving bookshop street in London.

Address: 66 The Brunswick off Marchmont Street, London WC1N 1AE
How to get there: Get the northbound Northern line from London Waterloo to Euston, then walk 13 minutes to Skoob Books.

Henry Pordes Books

Henry Pordes Books is one of the best antique bookshops London has to offer. Selling rare first editions and signed copies, reference books, foreign language books and more, it’s a long-standing member of London’s secondhand bookselling scene.

Address: 72 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0BB
How to get there: Take the northbound Northern line from London Waterloo to Leicester Square, then walk 5 minutes to the bookshop.

Book train tickets to London with SWR

Whether you’re heading to the capital for a day of book shopping or exploring the locations of classic books set in the South West, travelling on our network makes life easy. Find cheap train tickets when you book in advance, including our Sunday Out and Semi-Flex Return tickets. If you’re travelling with friends or family, make the most of our Group Save offers, and don’t forget to check your eligibility for any Railcards and discounts.

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