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

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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.

10.05.2025
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Red Lion Books
125 High Street
CO1 12Z

Book Launch
Ben Aitken
10th May, 2025, 2pm

10.05.2025
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The Symphony: An Exploration. Concert at St Botolph’s Church, Colchester
Saturday, 10th May 2025
7.30pm

10.05.2025
/
Red Lion Books
125 High Street
CO1 12Z

Non-Fiction Book Launch
‘Self Obsession’
Author talk with Dr Tom Davies
10th May, 2025, 11am

11.05.2025
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Red Lion Books
125 High Street
Colchester
CO1 1SZ

FULLY BOOKED
Author signing: Katie Kirby
Sunday May 11th 2025
11am
for children
signing The Majorly Awkward BFF Dramas of Lottie Brooks
an event so exciting, that we are opening the shop on a Sunday
must be pre-booked

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.

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 Norman Avatar Matthew Norman
13/02/2023

A lovely bookshop with knowledgeable staff who are only too happy to recommend titles and help.

Joff Hopkins Avatar Joff Hopkins
29/11/2022

Lovely independent bookshop, really inclusive and with a fantastic selection. Their displays are beautiful and staff are friendly. I could happily spend a mint in here!

Myra Smith Avatar Myra Smith
27/04/2023

Such a gem of a bookshop. Fantastic friendly and helpful service, will really go out of their way for you. Can't wait to go browse properly post-covid.

Mike Pertwee Avatar Mike Pertwee
14/02/2021

Called up about a book to enquire if they had it in stock - wasn’t there at the time but was ordered in and received a few weeks later. I also went in store today to enquire about a book and they intend to get that for me ASAP. Staff both times were very helpful and receptive.

Luke Avatar Luke
17/07/2024

Excellent service, order arrived quickly. Would defintely recommend.

Kelly Hughes Avatar Kelly Hughes
10/11/2020
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Accreditation & memberships

Experienced & Certified

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