Booktok Approved: Ultimate London Bookstore Crawl
If your idea of the perfect day involves exploring the city, amazing bookstores, and a few well-earned coffee breaks, this London bookstore crawl is your literary dream come true.
If you’re the kind of traveler who packs more books than outfits, this one’s for you (me too btw).
London is a city that reads. Its cobbled alleyways, historic pubs, and moody skies practically beg you to duck into a bookshop and lose a few hours (or days). So, if you’re in the mood for creaky floors, hidden gems, literary legends, and maybe a cheeky pastry or pint along the way—allow me to introduce: The Ultimate London Bookstore Crawl. Grab your Oyster card, lace up those comfy shoes, and let’s hit the shelves.
We will start off this crawl at Coal Drops Yard in London, here you will find our first location, Word on The Water.
Word on the Water
A floating bookstore on a canal barge? Say less. This cozy spot is piled high with secondhand and indie titles, and there’s usually a dog lounging around or some live jazz playing on deck. Very “main character energy.”
You can also start your day with a touch of magic (literally). Take the Tube into King’s Cross (yes, home of Platform 9¾), and from here walk over to Word on the Water! Additionally, stop for some pics at one of London’s only vintage photobooths on the way from stop one to stop two!
Housmans
A five-minute walk gets you to Housmans, our second store that is radical, independent, and full of ideas. It’s a legendary spot for political literature, zines, and bold voices, as well as some other great novels. Grab a thought-provoking read, then treat yourself to a quick detour.
Optional detour: You're right near the Charles Dickens Museum (inside his actual house!) and the British Library, where you can see everything from Beatles lyrics to the Magna Carta. Nerd heaven (if you’re into that sort of thing)
London Review Bookshop
Now we head toward Bloomsbury, home of the literary elite and possibly your future dark academia alter ego. London Review is a dreamy little shop filled with any book you could ever want, staff picks, and the best bookstore merch in the city. At this point in the day, you will probably be thinking: “I could really go for a sweet treat.” Luckily, there’s a cake shop attached. Coincidence? I think not.
Optional detour: While you’re here, wander through Bloomsbury itself and take a pic outside of Bloomsbury Publishing, home of Harry Potter and A Court of Thornes and Roses.
Foyles (Charing Cross Road)
A few blocks down and you’ve arrived at THE bookstore: Foyles. It’s massive, modern, and mesmerizing. Think four floors of every genre imaginable. It’s easy to lose track of time here… and also your travel companions. Snap a pic of the iconic “welcome book lover, you are among friends” sign and then shop till you drop.
Cecil Court
Blink and you’ll miss it, but don’t. This little alley is filled with antique bookstores, rare prints, and shop windows that feel straight out of Harry Potter. Make sure to stop in at Watkins Books, one of the oldest occult bookstores in the world.
Waterstones Piccadilly
Next up: Waterstones, the largest bookstore in Europe, and my personal favorite on the list. It’s elegant, expansive, and somehow still cozy. There’s even a bar and restaurant inside if you need to regroup (or recharge with a glass of wine and your new book finds). I have been able to find special editions, signed copies, and all my favorite UK covers!
Hatchards
Right next door you’ll find Hatchards—London’s oldest bookshop, open since 1797. Royal warrants, oak shelves, and a deep history make this one a TOTAL must.
Final stop: Daunt Books (Marylebone)
The final stretch of the crawl takes you to Daunt Books. Arguably one of London’s most famous bookstores (on Pinterest at least). This travel bookstore is basically what bookish dreams are made of. Natural light, oak galleries, books organized by country and it’s gorgeous and perfect.
Optional detour: Feeling energetic? Just down the road is the Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street. Elementary, my dear traveler.
Honorable Mention: Notting Hill Bookshop
Okay, this one’s not walkable from the main crawl, but if you’ve ever watched Notting Hill (or just love charming storefronts and romantic comedies), this iconic place deserves a visit. It’s worth hopping on the Tube for.
Tips for a Successful Bookstore Crawl:
- Bring a tote bag. (Or two. You will buy books, I bought 15 on my crawl…)
- Wear comfy shoes. This is a walking-heavy day. Stop for coffee and treats often. It’s about the experience. Duh.
- Don’t feel like you have to buy something at every stop—but if you do, I support you supporting the local economy.
Whether you’re in it for the first editions, the smell of old pages, or the sheer thrill of enabling your reading addiction abroad, London’s bookstore scene has something perfect for you, because sometimes the best way to experience a city is through its pages.
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