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.

16.07.2025
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Red Lion Books

Linocut Workshop with Holly:
Wednesday, July 16th 2025
10am-Noon

17.07.2025
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Red Lion Books
125 High Street
CO1 1SZ

Author Event
Kate Sawyer
Talking about novel Getting Away
17th July, 2025
6pm

25.07.2025
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Red Lion Books
125 High Street
CO1 12Z

Cosy Crochet Club
All abilities
With Loui Mitchell
10am

08.08.2025
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Red Lion Books
125 High Street
CO1 12Z

Crochet Workshop
Make your own Bookmark
With Loui Mitchell
8th August 2025
10am

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.

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

Wonderful bookshop packed full of enticing reads, some unexpected. Super friendly well informed and well read staff. A real treat.

Tim Regan Avatar Tim Regan
18/03/2024

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 Weva Avatar Gera Weva
16/01/2023

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

Joff Hopkins Avatar Joff Hopkins
29/11/2022

Great service ordering my book and calling me when ready for collection. Lovely helpful staff. Highly recommended book store.

Clive Marchant Avatar Clive Marchant
12/03/2022

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

Robert Jago Avatar Robert Jago
27/11/2021
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Accreditation & memberships

Experienced & Certified

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