Books
Our current favourites
New books to get excited about
Ocean : Earth’s Last Wilderness
What's Been Happening?
Latest News
The latest news and views from between the shelves at Red Lion Books
-
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
-
BLOG POST: The Final Curtain, on ‘Wise Children’ by Angela Carter
https://www.theliteraryunderdog.com/_files/ugd/a0b156_c4e0aed82fc84c9483a6ca540dd9695f.pdf This article was written by Louise Prior, Red Lion Books and published in Underdog Lit Mag. Published in UNDERDOG, Literary Magazine, Issue 3, 2025 Louise's article
-
The small print
Our opening times are generally Monday-Friday 9am-5pm We close on Sundays and Bank Holidays We are an independent, family owned business and we choose to open
est. 1978 • proudly indie 
events • bookclubs
subscriptions • gifting
deliveries 
us@redlionbooks.co.uk
mon-sat • 9am-5pm
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.
Author talk
Upstairs at Red Lion Books
Charles Ambrose
The Grandfather Paradox
24th May 2025, 11am
24 Trinity Street
Colchester
CO1 1JN
Author event: Rebecca Watson ‘I Will Crash’
May 27th 2025, 7.30pm
At PATCH
125 High Street
Colchester
CO1 1SZ
Author event Rhiannon Garth Jones
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.
Excellent book shop. Always has awesome stock. Very friendly staff and owners.
Robert Jago27/11/2021
An amazing bookshop, a little gem in the heart of Colchester. Everyone that works there is so kind and willing to help you find a book that suits you, but they're not afraid to suggest new genres once they get to know you! 
Aphrodite Kagia (Aphrodiety)21/02/2024
A fabulous book shop. Their events are the best, from meet the author to their monthly book club for children.
Nicole S14/12/2022
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
Love this bookshop, always manage to get what i want, and even sometimes what I didn't know I wanted. Lovely shop. Helpful staff, would definitely recommend you pop in for a few minutes and then stay a lot longer.
Penny Christmas21/12/2020
Nice independent book shop on Colchester High St. Worth finding. Good selection. Enthusiastic staff. Go there
A King11/11/2022
Accreditation & memberships
Experienced & Certified
