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.

25.06.2025
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On Zoom

2025 Neurodivergent Author Event on Zoom
Lucy Rose, Elspeth Wilson, Callie Kazumi

26.06.2025
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Offsite. Colchester Arts Centre.
Wheelchair accessible

Daytime Book Club
Monthly event
Collaboration with
Appetite Book Club & Essex Book Festival
At The Colchester Arts Centre
Thursday 26th June, 2025 11am
Author Talk with Keiran Goddard

27.06.2025
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Red Lion Books
125 High Street
CO1 12Z

Cosy Crochet Club
All abilities
With Loui Mitchell
10am

11.07.2025
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Red Lion Books
125 High Street
CO1 12Z

Crochet Workshop
Make your own Bookmark
With Loui Mitchell
11th July 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.

Recommended by a relative. Super friendly and helpful staff! Bought The Queens Wardrobe.

Laura Beesley Avatar Laura Beesley
25/05/2022

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 Legall Avatar Ruby Legall
28/12/2023

What a lovely little book shop! Crams in far more than you'd expect, gives you a personal experience as opposed to chain bookstores and there's an amazing children's section. Accessibility to a basement level will be difficult for those with physical disabilities (it's a little old building) so staff are very happy to browse and collect for you.

Matthew N Avatar Matthew N
13/02/2023

One of the best independent bookstores in essex! Has a great online store as well.

Eleanor Wilson Avatar Eleanor Wilson
08/01/2021

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

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
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Accreditation & memberships

Experienced & Certified

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