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.

28.03.2024
/
Offsite. Please confirm location

Monthly event – Daytime Book Club:
APPETITE BOOK CLUB (Age 18+)
11.30am at various venues

08.04.2024
/
Red Lion Books

Monthly Silent Book Club
…because we all need to schedule in reading time
Monthly
Bring your own book & a blanket!
8th April 2024, 5pm

11.04.2024
/
Red Lion Books
125 High Street
CO1 1SZ

Spring Soiree 2024
Bookshop Shop Party
3 Author Hosts
11th April, 6pm
Red Lion Books

20.04.2024
/
Red Lion Books
125 High Street

Authors in Conversation
A trio of Thriller Writers
20th April 2024, 11am

Contact Us

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

wide-divider

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

wide-divider

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.

An excellent independent book shop with knowledgeable about friendly staff. There are specialist reading sections over 2 floors in the shop and a lovely selection of greetings cards in a dedicated area by the entrance of the shop.

Wendy Buck Avatar Wendy Buck
21/03/2023

Had been meaning to buy two books online for ages, but thought I'd check with Red Lion on the off chance they may have them as I always try to support my local high street. Was very shocked when they came back to say that they had both, as neither were new/popular books, and one pretty obscure translated fiction! They kindly put them aside and I was incredibly happy to pick them up the next day 🙂

Hannah Avatar Hannah
01/09/2023

Heart and soul of the town. My whole family loves Red Lion Books and the staff. They've been such an important part of our whole households love of literature. I can get my kids to go to any boring town based task if I promise a quick trip to Red Lion!! Thank you Red Lion Books for everything that you do!

Charlie Farlie Avatar Charlie Farlie
09/10/2022

Lovely independent bookshop, really inclusive and with a fantastic selection. Their displays are beautiful and staff are friendly. I could happily spend a mint in here!

Myra Smith Avatar Myra Smith
27/04/2023

What a lovely little book shop! Crams in far more than you'd expect, gives you a personal experience as opposed to chain bookstores and there's an amazing children's section. Accessibility to a basement level will be difficult for those with physical disabilities (it's a little old building) so staff are very happy to browse and collect for you.

Matthew N Avatar Matthew N
13/02/2023

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
wide-divider

Accreditation & memberships

Experienced & Certified

Instagram