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

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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.

25.04.2024
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Offsite. Please confirm location

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

27.04.2024
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Red Lion Books

Monthly Writing Club
Upstairs at Red Lion Books
10am

28.04.2024
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Red Lion Books
125 High Street
CO1 1SZ

Death Club
…because it’s good to find time to talk
Sunday, 28th April, 10.30am
Red Lion Books

11.05.2024
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St Botolph’s Street, Colchester CO2 7EE

St Botolph’s Music Society
Concert Schumann Brahms
11th May 7.30 pm

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.

I placed an order online for Kate Morton’s Homecoming signed indie bookshop edition on Friday. I quickly received personal and friendly acknowledgement of my order and it was with me by Monday! Very fast, very well packaged and the book is stunning 😍 thank you so much! If I’m ever in the area, I will definitely pop in for a browse and some new additions to my bookshelf!

Rameez Sa'id Avatar Rameez Sa'id
17/04/2023

I called in search of local author, Ronald Blyth (who died today, aged 100) and immediately found two of his books by the door. As I ventured further, I found an armful of books I would happily buy if I could carry them all home. I had to decide.

Gera Weva Avatar Gera Weva
16/01/2023

Visited this lovely store today and what can I say? Plethora of books and great customer service!

Mauricia Lewis Avatar Mauricia Lewis
05/10/2023

One of the friendliest independent book shops I've ever been into. The staff are knowledgeable and are able to answer almost any question that you may have (on books at least, I have never challenged them on orthopedic foot care). Beware though, you'll want to buy loads of books!

Phil Hurst Avatar Phil Hurst
19/02/2018

Every time I am in Red Lion Books the staff are always lovely and helpful, always willing to give suggestions and help me find books and sometimes just up for a chat about how much we love certain books. I have been going here since I was a young child and throughout College, they were perfect for my English Literature exam books, I even used a voucher I won at primary school to buy my College books 😂. I will forever shop here and also I love your TikTok. Such a great place!

Grace leahmae Avatar Grace leahmae
05/10/2023

It's the best book shop in Colchester by a country mile! They always have a huge selection of books in stock and this makes it a great place for discovering new titles, as well as discovering new topics. The staff have always been extremely friendly and helpful; during this year I believe they have put on numerous events online in what are difficult times. I cannot recommend this book shop enough!

Luke Rogers Avatar Luke Rogers
15/12/2020
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Accreditation & memberships

Experienced & Certified

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