Welcome to Red Lion Books. Proudly independent since 1978
Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays
Our website shows a sample of books available to order. We also have a curated selection at our shop in Colchester. For current information please email us@redlionbooks.co.uk

FREE SHIPING FOR ORDERS OVER $50

Red Lion BookS A place to find your next favourite read Welcome to Colchester's independent family bookshop Love reading? Escape with a new story Explore the shelves for our carefully curated stock and the pick of new titles arriving each week

What's Been Happening?

Latest News

The latest news and views from between the shelves at Red Lion Books

Get involved

Our Events

Our events programme moved online for the last eighteen months but once again we are now preparing to welcome you back to physical events at the shop. Events will be posted below as they are announced.

01.09.2025
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Patch
24 Trinity Street, Colchester, CO1 1JN

Double Author event
Siblings Holly & Ben Pester
Discuss their respective novels
Monday, 1st September, 6.30pm
At Patch

06.09.2025
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Red Lion Books

How to be radical
A writer in residence talk
Jane- no longer tame
Saturday, September 6th 2025
11am

12.09.2025
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Red Lion Books
125 High Street
CO1 12Z

Crochet Workshop
Make your own Bookmark
With Loui Mitchell
12th September 2025
10am

18.09.2025
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Colchester Castle, Castle Park, Colchester CO1 1TJ

CASTLES & CROWNS
Six Wild Crowns by Holly Race Hosted by RED LION BOOKS

Contact Us

Need Advice? We're Experts At Pointing You In The Right Direction To Continue Reading Books You Love!

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Book Clubs

are a place to share your enthusiasm for books and reading. We host a range of book clubs for adults and children.

Are You A Local Author?

We work with local authors in many ways and enjoy supporting the vibrant writing and author community in and around Colchester

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Reviews

What Our Customers Say

At Red Lion Books every customer counts and we will always do our very best to help you find the book that is perfect for you. Here are some reflections from our customers.

A lovely bookshop with knowledgeable staff who are only too happy to recommend titles and help.

Joff Hopkins Avatar Joff Hopkins
29/11/2022

I have been shopping at Red Lion Books for decades. It doesn't matter if I go into the shop, ring them up, or contact them online, I always get the same terrific service. The people there are knowledgeable, efficient, good humoured and helpful. I cannot count the times they have gone beyond just good service but added a little extra. During the lockdowns they were exceptionable and their attention to my requests helped keep me and my family sane. I cannot recommend them too highly.

dingdong Avatar dingdong
17/07/2023

Lovely shop, came in with my wife, it was our first time in the shop after it being recommended. My wife left happy with lots of new books.

Dan Mcnally Avatar Dan Mcnally
11/03/2023

A local book shop with a good selection of stock. The staff are very friendly and they were extremely helpful when I placed an order for a selection of books for my place of work. Thank you

Andrew Faithfull Avatar Andrew Faithfull
04/03/2023

Excellent book shop. Always has awesome stock. Very friendly staff and owners.

Robert Jago Avatar Robert Jago
27/11/2021

Red Lion Books is a great local business. Has a wide selection of new and older publications. A very good place to find, or order less easy to find books.

David Hough Avatar David Hough
29/01/2022
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Accreditation & memberships

Experienced & Certified

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