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 POST: Renaturing
Contributor: Author James Canton So, just for a moment, imagine your most idyllic literary festival event… a marque packed full of an intelligent, wise and
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BLOG POST: Writer In Residence (Jane- no longer tame)
A blog. Written by customer and friend of Red Lion Books, Jane Herd Jane- no longer tame Writer in Residence- Red Lion Book Shop, Colchester High
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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.paterson Some of the best stories are the ones
est. 1978 • proudly indie 
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us@redlionbooks.co.uk
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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 12Z
Crochet Workshop
Make your own Bookmark
With Loui Mitchell
11th July 2025
10am
Linocut Workshop with Holly:
Wednesday, July 16th 2025
10am-Noon
125 High Street
CO1 1SZ
Author Event
Kate Sawyer
Talking about novel Getting Away
17th July, 2025
6pm
125 High Street
CO1 12Z
Cosy Crochet Club
All abilities
With Loui Mitchell
10am
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.
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 Farlie09/10/2022
My favourite bookstore around. Shop and support local! Especially when you’re local book shop is red lion!
Caitlin Yardley29/07/2024
Love this bookshop. Helpful, friendly and knowledgeable staff and excellent books on the shelves. Ordered books are obtained in just a couple of days. Cannot fault this wonderful bookshop.
Mary McCarthy08/12/2021
One of the best independent bookstores in essex! Has a great online store as well.
Eleanor Wilson08/01/2021
Lovely shop, came in with my wife, it was our first time in the shop after it being recommended. My wife left happy with lots of new books.
Dan Mcnally11/03/2023
I recently had the opportunity to pop into Red Lion books for belated Christmas presents and the whole experience was immaculate. The staff were friendly, helpful and efficient. I went in after two specific books, which I later found out weren’t stocked in store, but a kind staff member assured me that they could order them in and they would be delivered in the next 24 hours. Lo and behold, 24 hours goes by and I get a text… the books had arrived! Upon collection the staff member was polite and endearing which just makes supporting a small business so rewarding! I’ve now got a stack of reads ready for January and will forever more be recommending Red Lion Books for all literary needs! Ruby from City Girl Colchester xox
Ruby Legall28/12/2023
Accreditation & memberships
Experienced & Certified
