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.

01.09.2025
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Patch
24 Trinity Street, Colchester, CO1 1JN

Double Author event
Siblings Holly & Ben Pester
Discuss their respective novels
Monday, 1st September, 6.30pm
At Patch

06.09.2025
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Red Lion Books

How to be radical
A writer in residence talk
Jane- no longer tame
Saturday, September 6th 2025
11am

12.09.2025
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Red Lion Books
125 High Street
CO1 12Z

Crochet Workshop
Make your own Bookmark
With Loui Mitchell
12th September 2025
10am

18.09.2025
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Colchester Castle, Castle Park, Colchester CO1 1TJ

CASTLES & CROWNS
Six Wild Crowns by Holly Race Hosted by RED LION BOOKS

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.

Went in for the first time and bought a beautiful hardback that I hadn’t seen before. lovely staff & very reasonably priced!

Elouise Goodchild Avatar Elouise Goodchild
10/04/2022

Recommended by a relative. Super friendly and helpful staff! Bought The Queens Wardrobe.

Laura Beesley Avatar Laura Beesley
25/05/2022

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

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

Adam Faith Avatar Adam Faith
04/03/2023

Red lion is such a wonderful little bookshop! All the staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. There's plenty of sections to choose from, and there's a basement floor with everything more goodies! You can order in and reserve books too, so you don't have to buy online. Cannot recommend enough ☺️

Loui Mitchell Avatar Loui Mitchell
21/07/2024

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
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Accreditation & memberships

Experienced & Certified

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