Red Lion Books

More than just a bookshop. From the bustling shelves of our Colchester shop to the infinite collection on our online affiliated bookshop, we bring the very best of the book world to you. Use the red button at the bottom right of any page to chat with one of our passionate booksellers for a personalised recommendation tailored just for you.

Indie shop, infinite shelves. We take pride in stocking the newest titles and signed editions here in-store as well as offering book clubs, events, subscriptions and book vouchers. Books can be posted or collected. You can access the UK’s most extensive library of books via our affiliated shop at Bookshop.org, ensuring you never miss out on a great story.

125 High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1SZ Tel: 01206 578584

Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm
Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays

CONNECT WITH ONE OF OUR BOOKSELLERS

For book advice, local delivery or collection in store. Click the little red button in the corner.

BROWSE ALL BOOKS

A wide selection of books

to browse or have posted

CURATED BOOKSHELVES

Pre-orders, Signed, Vouchers

Subscriptions, Local authors

EVENTS & WORKSHOPS

Author Events, Workshops

Regular events, Soirees

BOOK CLUBS – All Ages

Various clubs

Silent Book Club

What’s Coming Up….

  • February 5, 2026

    Linocut Workshop

    Start time: 10:00:00

    Location: Red Lion Books, 125 High St, Colchester, C01 1SZ

  • Cosy Crochet Club

    Last Friday of the month, 10am

    Location: Red Lion Books, 125 High St, Colchester, C01 1SZ

  • January 9, 2026

    Crochet Workshop

    2nd Friday of the month

    Start time: 10:00:00

    Location: Red Lion Books, 125 High St, Colchester, C01 1SZ

  • January 29, 2026

    Talk with Crime Writer Mike Ripley

    Mike Ripley

    Start time: 18:00:00

    Location: Red Lion Books, 125 High St, Colchester, C01 1SZ

  • February 11, 2026

    Bookshop Soiree February 2026

    Start time: 18:00:00

    Location: Red Lion Books, 125 High St, Colchester, C01 1SZ

Featured..

  • Bibliotherapy

    The Power of the Page

    At Red Lion Books, we believe that every story has the potential to soothe, inspire, and transform. Discover the practice of bibliotherapy—the art of using literature to support your mental and emotional well-being. More than just a quiet pastime, reading serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing.

    This is your chance to get a personalised prescription to fit your needs, or to send to a friend. Let us know how you would like to feel and we’ll do the rest! Use the contact form to provide us with information about what you like to read, which genres excite you, what you’d prefer to avoid, and we’ll put together a prescription of 3, 5 or 10 books that we think you should read next.

    Whether you are navigating a life transition or seeking relief from daily stress the right book can offer a unique form of companionship and clarity.

    Why Bibliotherapy Works:

    Emotional Resonance: Finding your own feelings mirrored in a character can validate your experiences and reduce feelings of isolation.

    Stress Reduction: Immersing yourself in a narrative lowers cortisol levels, offering a “mental reset” from the pressures of modern life.

    Expanded Perspective: Literature provides a safe space to explore complex issues, fostering empathy and helping you see your own challenges through a new lens.

    Cognitive Resilience: Engaging with stories keeps the mind sharp and encourages reflective thinking rather than reactive emotions.

Click the red button if you need any help!

What people are saying…