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
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BLOG: Giving Children the Freedom to Choose Their Next Story
Guest writer Brogan Tuxford, Primary School Teacher at St Mary's School for Girls I was an avid reader as a child. I went to Narnia
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Christmas in Colchester: “Surprising Mrs B” – the story continues
This is the conclusion to a story published in Christmas in Colchester 2025 magazine. If you would like to read the story from the
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BLOG: How Did I Get Here
Hello, I’m Lucy. This is the story of how I got to be holding a copy of my book, in Red Lion Bookshop It’s been
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
Craft Workshop
With Lucy MacBrayne
Christmas Card Workshop using collage
£20 to include
materials and homemade cake
Author Talk with Ken Rickwood
Saturday, 22nd November, 2025
2pm
Talking about his new book
A morning of poetry with Robin Ince
Ticketing options with and without book
Linocut Workshop with Holly:
Thursday, November 27 2025
10am-Noon
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.
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
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 Norman13/02/2023
Really lovely staff, so friendly, chatty and kind. A huge range of beautiful books, new, old and collectible!
Jess March27/07/2022
A fabulous book shop. Their events are the best, from meet the author to their monthly book club for children.
Nicole S14/12/2022
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
Excellent service, order arrived quickly. Would defintely recommend.
Kelly Hughes10/11/2020
Accreditation & memberships
Experienced & Certified
