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.

11.07.2025
/
Red Lion Books
125 High Street
CO1 12Z

Crochet Workshop
Make your own Bookmark
With Loui Mitchell
11th July 2025
10am

16.07.2025
/
Red Lion Books

Linocut Workshop with Holly:
Wednesday, July 16th 2025
10am-Noon

17.07.2025
/
Red Lion Books
125 High Street
CO1 1SZ

Author Event
Kate Sawyer
Talking about novel Getting Away
17th July, 2025
6pm

25.07.2025
/
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!

wide-divider

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

wide-divider

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

Very helpful staff. Every time I have requested a book, they have got it for me and really quickly. Reasonably priced too

Andrew Poole Avatar Andrew Poole
28/07/2023

My favourite shop in Colchester, what's not to love, it's filled with books! Lovely helpful staff, and if they haven't got a book they will order it in for you and it's quite often available the next day! A million times better than 'the website that will not be named'!

Alan R Avatar Alan R
26/02/2022

Really lovely staff, so friendly, chatty and kind. A huge range of beautiful books, new, old and collectible!

Jess March Avatar Jess March
27/07/2022

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

Eleanor Wilson Avatar Eleanor Wilson
08/01/2021

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 Hurst Avatar Phil Hurst
19/02/2018
wide-divider

Accreditation & memberships

Experienced & Certified

Instagram