If you search “biggest book stores London” on Google Maps, you will likely locate many of the bookstores that are mentioned in this article.
In all honesty, it is not difficult to find some of the largest bookshops in London, which is great news for book lovers.
In contrast to other places, London is completely focused on culture, and visiting a Central London bookstore is an unparalleled pleasure for bibliophiles.
Moreover, in London’s bookstores, you may also find second-hand books, and can also attend many book fairs where you can get any book you desire.
For enthusiastic readers, we have enlisted the top seven biggest book shops in London offering hardcovers, paperbacks, signed books, second-hand books, academic books, and in short, books of all genres at affordable rates.
List of the biggest bookstores in London:
- Foyles
- Goldsboro Books
- Waterstones
- Clapham Books
- Peter Harrington Rare Books
- New Beacon
- Skoob Books
Contents
1. Foyles
Foyles is undoubtedly London’s most renowned bookstore.
This multilevel bookstore, located on Charing Cross Road in the heart of London, is a treasure chest for bibliophiles, browsers, and the inquisitive.
With a children’s section large enough that you’ll be lost in for hours, hundreds of volumes throughout the store, and numerous London-themed artifacts and souvenirs, you will have to peel yourself away from the shop lest you spend the entire day here.
Additionally, the Foyles café has enough seats where you can drink a beverage and read your favorite novel.
Browse their section of sci-fi, young adult, history, mystery, or any genre you like.
Contact info:
Tel: +44(0)20 3206 2641
Email: support@foyles.zendesk.com
Website: https://www.foyles.co.uk/
Address: 107 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT, United Kingdom.
2. Goldsboro Books
At Goldsboro Books, their objective is to supply signed hardcover first edition books both in the bookshop and online.
They make sure that expert, knowledgeable personnel and carefully curated selection are at the core of their business, providing the greatest book-buying experience to each customer.
They are tucked away on a side street in London’s West End meant to provide all their customers with an extensive collection of rare first editions, particularly those that are signed.
You may also find signed copies of The Cuckoo’s Calling, and it’s undoubtedly great news for J.K.Rowling’s fans.
Contact info:
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7497 9230
Website: https://www.goldsborobooks.com/
Address: 23 – 27 Cecil Court, London, WC2N 4EZ, United Kingdom.
3. Waterstones
The founder of Waterstone established the company in 1982.
Over the next decades, he successfully expanded his bookshop to become a symbol of British social heritage, employing over 3k exceptional booksellers in over a hundred different establishments.
At this bookshop, you will come across author talks, signed copies of your favorite books, autographs, and second-hand books.
They also host various book fairs and events throughout the year to entertain their bibliophile customers.
Furthermore, Waterstones in Piccadilly is ideally situated as a shopping stop before or after sightseeing trips. Here, in the center of the city, you are certain to discover your next great read.
Contact info:
Website: https://www.waterstones.com/
Address: 203-206 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London, W1J 9HD, United Kingdom.
4. Clapham Books
Clapham Books is an independent bookstore located opposite the Common in the center of Clapham.
They can assist you in finding your new favorite book, from sci-fi to mystery, thanks to their extensive collection of literature.
They also offer a wide range of classic novels, children’s books, history or spy novels, art publications, and much more.
You may have also heard about Herne Hill Books, which is basically a smaller branch of this establishment.
Contact info:
Tel: 020 7627 2797
Email: shop@claphambooks.com
Website: https://www.claphambooks.com/
Address: 26 The Pavement, Clapham Common, London, United Kingdom
5. Peter Harrington Rare Books
It is one of the biggest and most liked bookshops in the city.
After repeatedly passing the Peter Harrington Rare Books shop on Dover Street, you will be unable to resist paying it a visit one day.
This pleasant and welcoming bookshop is a paradise for bibliophiles, as it offers rare, first-edition publications signed by your favorite authors.
The store also carries cheap items and second-hand books. The sleek and attractive arrangement of the store is a place of tranquility in London.
Additionally, at Peter Harrington, they have over thirty professionals in rare books who source and market only the greatest books.
Contact info:
Tel: +44 (0)20 3763 3220
Email: mail@peterharrington.co.uk
Website: https://www.peterharrington.co.uk/
Address: 43 Dover Street, London, W1S 4FF, United Kingdom.
6. New Beacon
New Beacon Bookshop explores a fresh economic model to ensure its survival and boost its profile among a fresh generation of students, readers, social media activists, teachers, parents, and children.
They have a large assortment of rare books, used books, children’s books, academic books, cooking books, and much more at affordable prices.
They sell great works of literature and highly exclusive books too. It’s certain that you will find the book you require if you visit their bookstore.
Contact info:
Tel: +44 207 272 4889
Website: https://www.newbeaconbooks.com/
Address: 76 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 3EN, United Kingdom.
7. Skoob Books
Skoob Books will now be your savior if you are searching for a large collection of used bookstores in London.
They have a vast collection of books, from academic books to spy novels, literature, and much more at really low costs.
Used bookshops in London can be dirty and difficult to navigate. Skoob Books is a very clean secondhand bookstore that will definitely spark your passion for old books.
Moreover, the shelves are arranged, with the exception of the occasional new book that has not yet been registered. Definitely, a spot to find inexpensive books in London.
It is positioned next to an outdoor commercial center where you can buy cosmetics, kitchenware, clothing, and other household goods if you want to.
Not before visiting the most affordable bookstore in London, of course.
Contact info:
Tel: 020 7278 8760
Website: https://skoob.com/
Address: 66 The Brunswick, Off Marchmont St, London, WC1N 1AE, United Kingdom.