Every reader’s favourite day is just around the corner. 5 March 2026 is World Book Day, and to celebrate London’s incredible independent bookshops, we’ve rounded up the best across the city. From a hidden gem on a canal boat to a shop that smells good enough to eat, there’s a shop for every reader.
For the devoted collector and culinary explorer
Books For Cooks
4 Blenheim Crescent, London, W11 1NN
Often called “the best smelling shop in the world,” Books For Cooks is a haven for recipe lovers and is a must-visit. The real magic happens out the back in the test kitchen, where the team cooks up recipes straight from the books sold on their shelves for hungry customers. allows the readers to sample the recipes before buying the book. They also host workshops on different cuisines, taught by prominent chefs and cookbook authors.
Gay’s The Word
66 Marchmont Street, London, WC1N 1AB
The UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop opened in 1979 and has since served as a vital community hub. It offers a wide range of books on subjects including poetry, history, politics, and queer studies. As Welsh novelist Sarah Waters noted, “It’s not just a bookshop, but the hub and affirmation of a whole community.” Gay’s The Word holds in-person and online events throughout the year, including talks and book launches designed for every type of reader.
Cosy corners and hidden gems
Alice Through the Looking Glass
14 Cecil Court, London, WC2N 4HE
True to its whimsical name, this bookstore is a specialist in all things Alice. Nestled in the heart of central London, it has a generous selection of first editions, rare illustrated copies, and unique heritage pieces crafted by British artisans, making it a treasure trove for any fan of Wonderland.
Primrose Hill Books
134 Regent’s Park Road, London, NW1 8XL
Established as a family business over 30 years ago, this charming shop offers a carefully curated mix of both new and second-hand books. It hosts regular readings from well-known authors and is perfectly located for you to grab your new purchase and enjoy it under the sun on nearby Primrose Hill.
Brick Lane Bookshop
166 Brick Lane, London, E1 6RU
This small but mighty independent bookstore in the heart of the East End packs a huge collection within its walls. A true community hub, it frequently hosts book launches, has launched its own short story prize, and even occasionally produces a podcast, making it a vital part of London’s literary scene.
Unique settings you must visit
Word on the Water
York Way, Granary Square, London, N1C 4AA
Located on a 1920s Dutch barge, this unique spot sells a mix of second-hand and brand-new books, from world-famous classics and cult fiction to art, photography, and children’s books. Just a short walk from bustling King’s Cross Station, you might also find acoustic live music, poetry slams, and readings taking place on deck.
The Notting Hill Bookshop
13 Blenheim Crescent, London, W11 2EE
Just minutes from the famous Portobello Road Market, this bookshop became a global destination after its starring role in the beloved film Notting Hill. First opened in 1979, it has since expanded beyond its original specialism in travel books to include a children’s section, educational products, and a wide variety of genres, still drawing fans from worldwide every day.
London Review Bookshop
14 Bury Place, London, WC1A 2JL
Located beside the British Museum, this spacious bookshop is an ideal space for lovers of literature to talk and discover. With a calm café for discussion and a constantly updated events programme, you can always find something new here.
Easily accessed from our properties
Daunt Books
83-84 Marylebone High Street, London, W1U 4QW
A five-minute walk from Holmes Hotel London will take you to this beautifully furnished bookstore, the first Daunt Books shop. Originally specialising in travel literature, it famously organises its books by country rather than genre, allowing you to get lost on its different floors and browse the shelves.
South Bank Book Market
Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
After a short walk from Park Plaza Westminster Bridge and Park Plaza County Hall to Waterloo Bridge, South Bank Book Market buzzes underneath it every day. It first opened in 1983 and attracts a great number of regular visitors. It’s a timeless spot for a treasure hunt against the iconic backdrop of the Thames.
