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.

19.04.2025
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Red Lion Books
125 High Street
Colchester
CO1 1SZ

A free craft session
Contributing to the Coat of Hopes
April 19th 2025, 1pm
downstairs at Red Lion Books

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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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

An Author event for children
May 11th 2025, 11am
for children
an event so exciting, that we are opening the shop on a Sunday
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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.

Red lion is such a wonderful little bookshop! All the staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. There's plenty of sections to choose from, and there's a basement floor with everything more goodies! You can order in and reserve books too, so you don't have to buy online. Cannot recommend enough ☺️

Loui Mitchell Avatar Loui Mitchell
21/07/2024

I called in search of local author, Ronald Blyth (who died today, aged 100) and immediately found two of his books by the door. As I ventured further, I found an armful of books I would happily buy if I could carry them all home. I had to decide.

Gera Weva Avatar Gera Weva
16/01/2023

Had been meaning to buy two books online for ages, but thought I'd check with Red Lion on the off chance they may have them as I always try to support my local high street. Was very shocked when they came back to say that they had both, as neither were new/popular books, and one pretty obscure translated fiction! They kindly put them aside and I was incredibly happy to pick them up the next day 🙂

Hannah Avatar Hannah
01/09/2023

Recommended by a relative. Super friendly and helpful staff! Bought The Queens Wardrobe.

Laura Beesley Avatar Laura Beesley
25/05/2022

Love this bookshop, always manage to get what i want, and even sometimes what I didn't know I wanted. Lovely shop. Helpful staff, would definitely recommend you pop in for a few minutes and then stay a lot longer.

Penny Christmas Avatar Penny Christmas
21/12/2020

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
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Accreditation & memberships

Experienced & Certified

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