Books
Our current favourites
New books to get excited about
What's Been Happening?
Latest News
The latest news and views from between the shelves at Red Lion Books
BLOG POST: Hopeful Artwork coming to Red Lion Books
Written by customer and friend of the shop, Eve Paterson who can be found on Instagram @e.f.patersonSome of the best stories are the ones
BLOG POST: The Final Curtain, on ‘Wise Children’ by Angela Carter
https://www.theliteraryunderdog.com/_files/ugd/a0b156_c4e0aed82fc84c9483a6ca540dd9695f.pdfThis article was written by Louise Prior, Red Lion Books and published in Underdog Lit Mag. Published in UNDERDOG, Literary Magazine, Issue 3, 2025 Louise's article
The small print
Our opening times are generally Monday-Friday 9am-5pmWe close on Sundays and Bank HolidaysWe are an independent, family owned business and we choose to open
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.
125 High Street, CO1 1SZ
Book Launch
Stephen May talking about Green Ink
19th March, 2025, 6pm
125 High Street
CO1 1SZ
SPRING SOIREE 2025
Bookshop Party
3 Fabulous Author Hosts
20th March 2025, 6pm
Red Lion Books
125 High Street
CO1 12Z
Author Talk
James Canton talking about Renaturing
22nd March, 2025, 2pm
125 High Street
CO1 1SZ
Death Club
…because it’s good to find time to talk
Sunday 23rd March, 2025, 9.30am
Red Lion Books
Contact Us
Need Advice? We're Experts At Pointing You In The Right Direction To Continue Reading Books You Love!
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
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.
Nice independent book shop on Colchester High St. Worth finding. Good selection. Enthusiastic staff. Go there
A King11/11/2022
Called up about a book to enquire if they had it in stock - wasn’t there at the time but was ordered in and received a few weeks later. I also went in store today to enquire about a book and they intend to get that for me ASAP. Staff both times were very helpful and receptive.
Luke17/07/2024
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 Weva16/01/2023
Very helpful staff. Every time I have requested a book, they have got it for me and really quickly. Reasonably priced too
Andrew Poole28/07/2023
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 Buck21/03/2023
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 Faithfull04/03/2023
Accreditation & memberships
Experienced & Certified
