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.

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

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
/
Red Lion Books
125 High Street
CO1 12Z

Crochet Workshop
Make your own Bookmark
With Loui Mitchell
12th September 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.

Excellent shop with so many books. I've never seen so many Childre 's books. There is a downstairs too! A chess board is set up so i expect you can play. Great service !

darron welch Avatar darron welch
27/10/2023

I placed an order online for Kate Morton’s Homecoming signed indie bookshop edition on Friday. I quickly received personal and friendly acknowledgement of my order and it was with me by Monday! Very fast, very well packaged and the book is stunning 😍 thank you so much! If I’m ever in the area, I will definitely pop in for a browse and some new additions to my bookshelf!

Rameez Sa'id Avatar Rameez Sa'id
17/04/2023

A fabulous book shop. Their events are the best, from meet the author to their monthly book club for children.

Nicole S Avatar Nicole S
14/12/2022

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 Faithfull Avatar Andrew Faithfull
04/03/2023

Very helpful staff. Every time I have requested a book, they have got it for me and really quickly. Reasonably priced too

Andrew Poole Avatar Andrew Poole
28/07/2023

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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