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.

07.06.2025
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Upstairs at Red Lion Books
125 High Street
Colchester
CO1 1SZ

Author event
The Cuckoo’s Lea with author Michael J. Warren
Saturday 7th June, 2pm

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

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.

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

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) Avatar Aphrodite Kagia (Aphrodiety)
21/02/2024

Amazing staff - who go the extra mile. Brilliant customer care. Always willing to help and very knowledgeable. If you need a book go to an independent book seller such as red lion bookshop.

Amanda Armstrong Avatar Amanda Armstrong
02/01/2023

Excellent service, order arrived quickly. Would defintely recommend.

Kelly Hughes Avatar Kelly Hughes
10/11/2020

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 Farlie Avatar Charlie Farlie
09/10/2022

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 Faith Avatar Adam Faith
04/03/2023
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Accreditation & memberships

Experienced & Certified

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