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
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
8th August 2025
10am
24 Trinity Street, Colchester, CO1 1JN
Double Author event
Siblings Holly & Ben Pester
Discuss their respective novels
Monday, 1st September, 6.30pm
At Patch
How to be radical
A writer in residence talk
Jane- no longer tame
Saturday, September 6th 2025
11am
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!
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.
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 Hurst19/02/2018
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 Mitchell21/07/2024
Great bookshop and friendly staff. Happy to order in books for you and lovely for a browse.
Trish O03/07/2023
Lovely independent bookshop, really inclusive and with a fantastic selection. Their displays are beautiful and staff are friendly. I could happily spend a mint in here!
Myra Smith27/04/2023
Excellent service, order arrived quickly. Would defintely recommend.
Kelly Hughes10/11/2020
One of the best independent bookstores in essex! Has a great online store as well.
Eleanor Wilson08/01/2021
Accreditation & memberships
Experienced & Certified
