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
est. 1978 • proudly indie 
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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.
Linocut Workshop with Holly:
Wednesday, July 16th 2025
10am-Noon
125 High Street
CO1 1SZ
Author Event
Kate Sawyer
Talking about novel Getting Away
17th July, 2025
6pm
125 High Street
CO1 12Z
Cosy Crochet Club
All abilities
With Loui Mitchell
10am
125 High Street
CO1 12Z
Crochet Workshop
Make your own Bookmark
With Loui Mitchell
8th August 2025
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
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 Armstrong02/01/2023
One of the best independent bookstores in essex! Has a great online store as well.
Eleanor Wilson08/01/2021
Excellent shop with so many books. I've never seen so many Childre 's books. There is a downstairs too! A chess board is set up so i expect you can play. Great service !
darron welch27/10/2023
It's the best book shop in Colchester by a country mile! They always have a huge selection of books in stock and this makes it a great place for discovering new titles, as well as discovering new topics. The staff have always been extremely friendly and helpful; during this year I believe they have put on numerous events online in what are difficult times. I cannot recommend this book shop enough!
Luke Rogers15/12/2020
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
Accreditation & memberships
Experienced & Certified
