The Prettiest Independent Bookshops in London

London is home to some of the prettiest independent bookshops in the UK. Some have spectacular galleries, others are floating on water or have flying books.

Take virtual tours in the bookshops here.

 

Word on Water

Word on Water - Floating Bookshop

Photo: Urban Adventurer

 

Regent’s Canal Towpath, Kings Cross, N1C 4LW

 

Word on Water is definitely the winner among the most unique bookshops.  This bookshop is actually on a boat and is floating on the canal next to Granary Square.

Step on board and discover the whole boat while wandering among the shelves. Feel free to sit on one of the cozy sofas or armchairs with a good book and enjoy your time.

From second-hand books to beautiful special editions, you will find here whatever title you are looking for. You can even request literally ANY book by filling in an online form.

They often host live music events on the bookbarge just to give you another reason to visit them.

 

Daunt Books

Daunt Books

Photo: Urban Adventurer

 

84 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4QW

 

Daunt Books is the number one suggestion when it comes to the prettiest bookshops in London. With its huge stylish gallery with stained glass windows Daunt Books is one of the most Instagrammable bookshops all over in London. They have an unbelievable selection of books of all theme and genre imaginable.

They actually have nine shops in London including a children’s bookshop in Camden, called Owl Bookshop.

 

Gosh! Comics

Gosh! Comics

Photo: Urban Adventurer

 

1 Berwick St, London, W1F 0DR

 

Gosh! Comics is a must-visit for graphic novel lovers. From superhero antiques to contemporary manga and graphic fiction to children’s books, they’ve something for everyone’s taste.

They also sell rare and extremely limited signed copies and prints.

 

Stanfords

Stanfords Bookshop

Photo: Urban Adventurer

 

7 Mercer Walk, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9FA

 

Stanfords is specialised in travel books, maps, and travel accessories. They have been serving adventurers and armchair travellers since 1853.

From geology to astronomy to travel literature, there is something for everyone. They also sell globes, stationaries, gifts, first aid kits and much more.

Stanfords is not just one of the best travel bookshops in London, but super Instagrammable too.

 

Lutyens & Rubinstein

Lutyens & Rubinstein

Photo: Urban Adventurer

 

21 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2EU

 

Lutyens & Rubinstein is a charming little bookshop in Notting Hill. Books with artistically folded pages decorate the ceiling of the shop. Some look like a bird or dragon flying around the place creating a magical atmosphere.

This bookshop has a lovely tiny gallery where you can find wide range of children books and adorable greeting cards.

There is a table and chairs downstairs to sit down and enjoy your favourite books.

 

Libreria

Libreria Bookshop

Photo: Urban Adventurer

 

65 Hanbury St, London E1 5JP

 

Located on Hanbury Street off Brick Lane, Libreria is one of the prettiest bookshops in London.

The interior is designed by the famous Spanish architects, José Selgas and Lucía Cano. The butter-coloured shelves being reflected by the mirror ceiling makes the shop look like a floating timeless parallel universe in the dim light.

The design is meant to encourage discovering new books and catching new inspiring ideas.

The books are arranged in an unusual way as well. Instead of arranging books in line with the classic themes, they are labelled in broad themes, such as ‘Wanderlust’ or ‘The City’ giving visitors the opportunity to encounter titles they otherwise might not come across with.

 

Ready for your next adventure? Why not stop for lunch at London’s first vegan rainbow burger bar, Flower Burger?