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.
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
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!
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.
Some of the friendliest staff in Colchester, always a pleasant experience when I go in, and their enormous selection of books never fails to make me leave with something I didn't need, but desperately wanted
Jed Tyler08/03/2023
One of the best independent bookstores in essex! Has a great online store as well.
Eleanor Wilson08/01/2021
Had been meaning to buy two books online for ages, but thought I'd check with Red Lion on the off chance they may have them as I always try to support my local high street. Was very shocked when they came back to say that they had both, as neither were new/popular books, and one pretty obscure translated fiction! They kindly put them aside and I was incredibly happy to pick them up the next day 🙂
Hannah01/09/2023
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 Faith04/03/2023
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 Faithfull04/03/2023
I recently had the opportunity to pop into Red Lion books for belated Christmas presents and the whole experience was immaculate. The staff were friendly, helpful and efficient. I went in after two specific books, which I later found out weren’t stocked in store, but a kind staff member assured me that they could order them in and they would be delivered in the next 24 hours. Lo and behold, 24 hours goes by and I get a text… the books had arrived! Upon collection the staff member was polite and endearing which just makes supporting a small business so rewarding! I’ve now got a stack of reads ready for January and will forever more be recommending Red Lion Books for all literary needs! Ruby from City Girl Colchester xox
Ruby Legall28/12/2023
Accreditation & memberships
Experienced & Certified
