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.

11.07.2025
/
Red Lion Books
125 High Street
CO1 12Z

Crochet Workshop
Make your own Bookmark
With Loui Mitchell
11th July 2025
10am

16.07.2025
/
Red Lion Books

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

17.07.2025
/
Red Lion Books
125 High Street
CO1 1SZ

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

25.07.2025
/
Red Lion Books
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!

wide-divider

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

wide-divider

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.

Cute little bookstore. On the fiction wall they did have the paperback and hardback separated which meant I had to search twice as long for the specific author I was looking for (ended up not finding them as the authors became jumbled up around G-L. It looks clean and overall well taken care of. I just think this oversight can be a hindrance instead of putting all the authors books together instead of in two separate spots.

Nicole Goff Avatar Nicole Goff
31/12/2022

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

My favourite bookstore around. Shop and support local! Especially when you’re local book shop is red lion!

Caitlin Yardley Avatar Caitlin Yardley
29/07/2024

It's the best book shop in Colchester by a country mile! They always have a huge selection of books in stock and this makes it a great place for discovering new titles, as well as discovering new topics. The staff have always been extremely friendly and helpful; during this year I believe they have put on numerous events online in what are difficult times. I cannot recommend this book shop enough!

Luke Rogers Avatar Luke Rogers
15/12/2020

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
wide-divider

Accreditation & memberships

Experienced & Certified

Instagram