covent garden travel bookshop

Visitor info in your language

• English (United Kingdom)
• Française

Experience.

Monday: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Tuesday: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Wednesday: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Thursday: 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Friday: 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Sunday: 12:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Stanfords are the UK's leading specialist retailer of maps, travel books, and other travel accessories, having been established in 1853 by Edward Stanford. After 118 years at their Long Acre address the flagship store has relocated to a new London home on  Mercer Walk in Covent Garden.

Stanfords books has have been an essential first port of call for adventure and armchair travellers alike for more than a century. Their roll-call of customers past and present includes such famous names as Amy Johnson, David Livingstone, Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Ernest Shackleton, Florence Nightingale, Ranulph Fiennes, Bill Bryson, Michael Palin, and even Sherlock Holmes.

Looking for your next home or office in Covent Garden? Look no further.

• News & Offers

Luxurious Lunch Breaks at The Yards

New things to try in 2023.

Stanfords is the world’s largest map and travel bookshop and has inspired travellers to discover the world since 1853. The Stanfords Coffee House also has a large outdoor seating area situated on Mercer Walk.

Head in-store where you’ll find brilliant gifts, from globes to board games, plus an unrivalled selection of travel literature and other travel items, all expertly curated.

An Urban Oasis

The Yards is a shopping and dining destination in the heart of Covent Garden. An urban oasis offering an array of unique fashion, beauty and lifestyle shops, and a selection of restaurants.

Discover a unique mix of fashion, beauty, home and lifestyle shops, in the heart of Covent Garden.

Unwind after a day's shopping at one of the restaurants at The Yards. From modern kebabs to Italian classics, you'll find something to tantalise your tastebuds.

The Yards is much more than just a shopping and dining destination.

Sign up to our Newsletter

Join our mailing list now to keep up to date with all news, offers and competitions from The Yards Covent Garden.

Stanfords: the london traveller’s bookshop

A bit of history, the victorian era, the beginning of stanfords, the prestige of stanfords.

the interior of the Stanfords library

the globe with some books for sale from Stanfords

THE EDWARDIAN ERA

The first world war and the first postwar period.

postcards for sale from Stanfords

balloons inside of Stanfords

THE SECOND WORLD WAR

The second part of the twentieth century.

books for sale from Stanfords

maps for sale from Stanfords

STANDFORDS TODAY

ADDRESS : 7 Mercer Walk, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9FA

HOW TO GET THERE: the library is easily accessible, walking a few minutes, from the Covent Garden subway station, the blue line of the Piccadilly line.

OPENING HOURS : Mon-Sat 9-18 Sunday 10-18 (coronavirus cause at the moment the library is closed but you can buy in the online shop)

I reccomand also: London: on foot from romantic Little Venice to the rock Camden Town

previous post

post a comment cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Stanfords - London

“This is hands down the best travel-related bookstore I have found anywhere in the world.”

Stanfords is a specialist bookshop located in Covent Garden, London, specializing in maps and travel books. For over 160 years, the store has supplied explorers (including Captain Robert Scott, Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, Florence Nightingale, Michael Palin and Bill Bryson), with the equipment they have needed for their expeditions, such as maps, guides and gadgets. Stanfords is considered the biggest travel bookshop in the world!

They hold multiple events in-store, from book authors talking about their travel books, to evenings held relating to adventures you can take around Britain – whether that be by car, foot or bike. They also have many destination guides, for those who wish to travel further than Britain (the full list of this guide can be found on the website). Other items they sell include road maps and atlases, cycling guides and maps, wall maps, and globes (as photographed)! Also, be sure not to miss out on the book of the month!

Any adventurous explorer, keen traveler, or those who love books on the topic of travel will love Stanfords. However, there really is no place else on earth with more maps, books, travel accessories and globes under one roof – therefore this huge London bookshop is definitely worth checking out for anybody!

Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 8:00pm, Saturday 10:00am to 8:00pm, Sunday 11:30am to 6:00pm

Telephone: 020 7836 1321

Website: http://www.stanfords.co.uk/

~~ More Bookshops ~~

© 2024 For Reading Addicts.

• Our Contributors
• Authors A – D
• Authors E – H
• Authors I – L
• Authors M – P
• Authors Q – T
• Authors U – Z
• Action and Adventure
• Comics and Graphic Novels
• Contemporary
• Humour and Satire
• Romance and Chick-Lit
• Science Fiction
• Non-Fiction
• Children/Young Adult
• Recommended Reading
• Submit A Book Review
• Author Spotlight
• Featured Bookshops – Australia
• Featured Bookshops – Canada
• Featured Bookshops Portugal
• Featured Bookshops UK
• Featured Bookshops USA
• Literary Art
• Literary Insult of the Week
• Thought of the Day
• Submit a Bookshop/Library
• Literary Shop
• Merchandise
• Submit a Book Review
• Submit a Bookshop
• Submit a Picture
• Advertise With Us

Add to Collection

Public collection title

Private collection title

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.

The Best Independent Bookshops in Covent Garden

There are many reasons to visit Covent Garden, London . The breath-taking opera house, bustling old market and charming cobbled streets draw many visitors, but it’s also a booklover’s dream. Read on for more literary inspiration from the bookshops in the heart of Covent Garden .

Perched on the borders of Covent Garden and Soho, Foyles’ flagship branch is beloved by Londoners and visitors alike. The world-famous bookshop carries the widest range of titles of any bookstore in the UK, as well as a busy calendar of literary and musical events year-round. Whatever you’re interested in – whether it’s science, sports, photography or fiction – you can be sure Foyles will stock it. A huge children’s section is also available for the youngest of bookworms.

Soho Original Books

For lovers of all things Japanese, JP Books should be your first port of call. There you’ll find the largest range of Japanese books and materials available in Europe – and they can order anything you can’t already find there. It offers Japanese language learning books, plus magazines, novels, travel guides and much, much more. You can also find unique Japanese stationary, origami paper and sake cups – perfect as little gifts.

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to 500$ on our unique trips..

See privacy policy .

Quinto Bookshop

Find your latest literary obsession in the Covent Garden treasure trove that is the Quinto Bookshop . Specialising in second hand books, the bookshop stands out amongst the crowds on Charing Cross Road with its distinctive green façade. The ground floor is dedicated to their partners Francis Edwards booksellers, who are devoted to rare and antiquarian books. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something slightly more ordinary, then in the basement Quinto Books have a wide selection of second hand books on all subjects. It’s the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon.

Stanfords is one of London’s oldest and most famous travel bookshops. They specialize in maps, travel guides, and books related to exploration, adventure, and geography. You can find a wide selection of travel literature and maps from around the world.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

See & Do

The 41 best things to do in london.

How the Metaverse can help you plan your next trip

Bars & Cafes

The best bars in london for stylish nights out.

Food & Drink

The best international afternoon teas in london.

Places to Stay

Five london hotels to familiarise yourself with.

The Coolest Hotels in London

Guides & Tips

Must-visit attractions in london.

Pillow Talk: Between the Sheets of the Beaumont, Mayfair

Top European Cities for a Plant-Based Foodie Fix

A High-Rollers Guide to a London Staycation

A West End Performer’s Guide to London With Sam Harrison

Winter sale offers on our trips, incredible savings.

• Post ID: 1553952
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best of London for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy London without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Attractions
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best bookshops in London

Beat a retreat from the digital world at London's best and most beautiful independent bookshops

London is a bookworm’s paradise. Whether you’re after novels, comics, antiquarian tomes, or just somewhere beautiful to curl up with a good book, you’ll find it here in one of the many shops dedicated to the printed word. Hearteningly, the rise of online retailers hasn’t put a dent in the city’s characterful, welcoming book monger scene. Instead, bookshops have upped their game, offering personalised recommendations, readings, bookgroups and cosy cafés where you can enjoy your purchases over a steaming cuppa . Ready to turn over a new leaf? Here’s our guide to the best bookshops in London, whether you’re in central, north, east, south or west London. More of a borrower? Head to these lovely London libraries . 

RECOMMENDED: Literary destinations and activities in London . Also: Our pick of the 100 best children’s books ever .    

An email you’ll actually love

30 brilliant London bookshops

1.  Arthur Probsthain

• Restaurants

This family-run bookshop has been going strong for more than 100 years, stocking titles on Asian and African culture, art, literature, religion, performing arts and theatre.  Once you’ve browsed the titles upstairs, The Tea and Tattle – the downstairs café – is a handy stop for refreshments, whether a pot of leaf tea, cup of Monmouth coffee or the full Afternoon Tea for Two.

2.  Bookmongers

This Brixton institution is everything you could want from a secondhand bookshop. Run by American-born Patrick Kelly, who opened the shop’s doors more than 30 years ago, it’s developed a devoted following. Its stock is inspiring and  well-organised,  if slightly overflowing, and resident cat Popeye adds to the charm.

3.  Books for Cooks

• Contemporary European
• Notting Hill

Books for Cooks runs on a simple but very successful formula. From the small open kitchen, co-owner Eric Treuillé cooks recipes from the cookbooks that are for sale in the shop. There’s no choice – until it comes to pudding, when there’s an array of must-try cakes (lemon victoria sponge, raspberry and pear cake, or chocolate and orange cake, say) – but the standard of cooking is high. So popular is the bargain lunch in the tiny café at the back of this specialist cookbook shop that regulars start lurking from 11.45am to secure a table (no bookings are taken).  

4.  Bookshop on the Heath

• Things to do
• Literary events

Don’t let the violent mint-choc-chip paint throw you off. Bookshop on the Heath is just as functional as it is quirky. Take a quick trip here if you’re looking for more unusual items. It specialises in rare and secondhand books, maps and ephemera. If you’re more into film or enjoy artistic crossover, Bookshop on the Heath also stocks film and TV posters, which are guaranteed to look ace framed in your hallway.

5.  Daunt Books, Marylebone

This may be London’s most beautiful bookshop. Occupying an Edwardian building on Marylebone High Street, it boasts an incredible galleried main room and stained-glass windows that feel like they’re from a lost golden age. All the books are arranged by country – regardless of content – which makes for a fun and unique browsing experience.

6.  Foster Books

Foster Books is a must-visit for any self-respecting bookworm. The tiny h istoric bookshop has been operating for 50 years in the heart of Chiswick, and specialises in hard-to-find, out-of-print, used and rare books. While you can buy from its website, a lot of stock goes uncatalogued on the shelves, so it’s best to pop in and have a browse. 

7.  Foyles, Charing Cross Road

• Charing Cross Road

Foyles’ flagship store is a vast temple to the printed word. Standing proud on Charing Cross Road, it covers a whopping five floors, with a staggering 4 miles’ worth of shelves holding more than 200,000 titles. You can easily lose yourself for a few hours in here. On the top floor there’s a café and exhibition space – look out for some high-profile authors doing readings and talks.

8.  Gay’s the Word

When this haven opened in 1979, gay books could only be found in a handful of radical shops. These days, LGBTQ+ literature has hit the mainstream, but Gay’s the Word is still essential, with a breadth far beyond ‘Call Me by Your Name’. Its rainbow array takes in kids’ stories, graphic novels, poetry, history and more, while it has played host to a who’s who of big names, including Ali Smith and Ocean Vuong.  

9.  Gosh! Comics

If you haven’t read a comic since a childhood brush with the  Beano , wise up at Soho’s Gosh!. Its wow-worthy selection proves that there’s a graphic novel for every possible taste, from manga to funnies to art books to memoirs. Venture downstairs to buy single issues of vintage comics, or browse its excellent collection of prints and posters for colourful art to make your home look more intelligent.

10.  Hatchards

On Piccadilly, in a prestigious spot next to posh grocer’s Fortnum & Mason, is the UK’s oldest bookshop. First opening its doors in 1797, Hatchards covers four floors and is home to 100,000 books. Today it’s owned by Waterstones but it doesn’t feel like a chain store; three royal warrants means a visit here is still a refined experience. For a more modern shopping experience, check out its second store on St Pancras station, which opened in 2014.

11.  Heywood Hill

Heywood Hill is a store fit for the most regal of bookworms. It was awarded a royal warrant in 2011. Based in Mayfair in a beautiful Georgian townhouse, it’s clear that this literary icon is a classy operation. The shop’s exterior is traditional and simple, complete with a blue plaque marking the fact that novelist Nancy Mitford worked here as an assistant during World War II. The books on sale range from brand new to antiquarian, with a great children’s section. 

12.  Housmans

• Caledonian Road

Founded by a gaggle of pacifists in 1945, Housmans  stays true to its radical roots. There are special events like Feminist Book Fortnight, a progressive programme of online talks, and niche book groups that meet here. Plus, there’s a collection of books, periodicals and zines that are ready to educate you on views you won’t find in the mainstream. Make for the basement to score some serious bargains on books on everything from pacifism to psychogeography.

13.  John Sandoe

• King’s Road

Stumbling across this beautiful bookshop in a Chelsea backstreet, you might feel like you’ve entered a Dickens novel. The shop, founded in 1957, occupies three floors of three connecting eighteenth-century shops with gorgeous window boxes outside displaying floral blooms. Inside, rows of books fill every surface with what it calls a ‘bias for the humanities’.

14.  Kirkdale Bookshop

Kirkdale Bookshop has been a Sydenham fixture for 57 years. It doubles as a local cultural hub, with a tiny gallery, regular music events and a bimonthly book group. It encompasses two floors, includes new and secondhand books and also sells gifts and cards.

15.  Libreria

• Spitalfields

There’s a strict no-mobiles policy at this design-led temple to the printed word in: but the lure of the little flashing screen is weak compared to the appeal of its glorious shelves. Books are arranged according to theme, rather than alphabetically, so you can browse by ‘Wanderlust’ or ‘Enchantment for the Disenchanted’. Cosy nooks among the shelves invite you to sit and read for a while.  

16.  Lloyds of Kew

This blooming beautiful bookshop is just around the corner from Kew Gardens, so it’s little surprise that its wares often take their inspiration from horticulture. There’s even a driftwood ‘book tree’ decked with ivy and particularly pretty volumes. Pick up a book that’ll finally tell you how to stop murdering your houseplants, or browse its collection of rare and antiquarian books.

17.  London Review Bookshop

Rub shoulders with London’s literary elite at this chic bookshop, named after the magazine that owns it. It has an enticing collection of all that’s best, newest and most radical in the worlds of fiction and poetry. Meet writers at twice-weekly author talks, listen to bookish in-house podcasts or make for the excellent café, which hosts an ever-changing collection of baroque cakes.

18.  Lutyens & Rubinstein

• Ladbroke Grove

It’s hard to walk past Lutyens & Rubinstein’s  elegant striped awning, and not be intrigued to find out what’s past the smart exterior. Set up by the literary agency of the same name, this beautifully designed bookshop aims to provide an idiosyncratic browsing experience. The stock was assembled after canvassing hundreds of readers, meaning each book has found its way here following a personal recommendation. Alongside fiction, there are also strong poetry and art selections.

19.  New Beacon Books

• Finsbury Park

Recently, a crowdfunder raised more than £80,000 to save this shop. London’s first Black bookshop has played a crucial role in Black literary life since it was founded in 1966. It stocks Caribbean, Black British, African and African-American authors, and it runs its own publishing house to nurture new talent.

20.  Newham Bookshop

Originally founded to provide educational materials as part of Newham Parents’ Centre, this community-focused bookshop has grown into an important neighbourhood resource. The stock is geared to local residents – half of it is dedicated to children and there are strong politics, social science and self-help sections, plus a significant number of bilingual dictionaries reflecting the diversity of the area.

21.  Nomad Books

Bright and airy, with wooden floors and comfy sofas, Nomad is a lively and popular shop and café on Fulham Road. We love the sound of its ‘reading clinics’, in which an advisor will sit down with you, ask you some questions and devise six books for you to receive over the coming year. There’s also a strong children’s section, gifts, stationery and a regular book club.

22.  Owl Bookshop

• Kentish Town

As its playful name suggests, this bookshop on Kentish Town Road does a great line in children’s books. It also hosts a range of kids’ events, from storytime sessions at the weekends to one-offs like a midnight opening for big franchise releases. Unsurprisingly, it’s popular with families. There’s lots for adults, too: it’s strong on classic fiction, food and drink, gardening, and sport and boasts a programme of popular author events. Iconic totes too.

23.  Primrose Hill Books

• Primrose Hill

On what might be the prettiest (and poshest) high street in London, is this small family-run bookshop. Owners Jessica and Marek, who’ve been here for nearly 30 years, sell both new and  secondhand  books (the latter of which are also available through their website). They also host intimate literary events with names like Jeanette Winterson and Martin Amis.

24.  Review Bookshop

Review is the brainchild of Roz Simpson, founder of the Peckham Literary Festival and author Evie Wyld. It’s a tiny shop that’s intelligently curated and famously dog-friendly (its website even has a dog-themed reading list). The events programme is particularly strong and the shop is also the home of the aforementioned Peckham Literary Festival, which takes place each November.

25.  Stanfords

• Covent Garden

So iconic is this travel bookshop it even gets a mention in Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘Hound of the Baskervilles’. Set up by Edward Stanford in 1853, the Stanfords flagship store was situated in a grand old building on Long Acre. After more than 100 years in its former home, the bookshop relocated to its current site just around the corner at 7 Mercer Walk, where customers can find its same unparalleled selection of travel stock.

There are shelves stacked high with travel writing, guides, maps and gifts and also regular events from the great and good of exploration and travel writing.

26.  Tales On Moon Lane

The windows of this much-loved kids’ bookshop are gorgeous: paper cutouts create scenes that look like they’re from a pop-up book. Step inside and things are lovelier still. There’s an artfully curated selection catering to kids of all ages, plus pocket-money trinkets like crayons or playing cards. And little ones and adults alike can meet their literary heroes at a programme of author and illustrator talks.

27.  The Broadway Bookshop

• London Fields

Broadway Market is a prime spot for browsing and no wander around these parts is complete without popping into this cosy bookshop. It’s larger than it looks from the outside, with steps leading down into a basement filled with new fiction, local history and children’s books. It also holds intimate events here – keep an eye on its Twitter for the latest.

28.  The Notting Hill Bookshop

If the name of this bookshop is giving you flashbacks to a certain Hugh Grant and Julia Robert film, then you’re spot on. This is the space which inspired the setting for the romcom ‘Notting Hill’. However, if you want to visit for more literary purposes, it’s good to know that, as well as an excellent selection of travel books, these days the small independent store also carries a broad range of genres, from YA to True Crime.

29.  Word on the Water

• King’s Cross

Books and water don’t usually mix, but this floating shop is an    exception. An 100-year-old dutch barge in King’s Cross is filled to the gunwales with new and secondhand books, a cosy stove and even an African grey parrot. Go to expand your literary horizons far beyond its narrow space, or for the poetry slams or live music nights that bring well-read crowds to the canalside.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Claim your listing
• Time Out Offers FAQ
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Time Out Offers
• Time Out Worldwide

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Stanfords travel bookshop launches crowdfunding project as it fights for survival

Beloved London travel and map specialist has launched an online scheme to help stave off closure

• Coronavirus – latest updates
• See all our coronavirus coverage

It’s a wet autumnal day, a second lockdown is looming, and like many in the UK I’m dreaming of faraway shores, sunny uplands and wild adventures. Anything other than the unholy pairing of pandemic plus British winter.

My bookshelves are well-equipped to assist in my fantasies, bulging with reminders of travels past: every country map for motorcycling the Pan-American Highway, a guide to trekking the Sinai peninsula, the classic Michelin 741 Sahara map from my London to Cape Town ride, a map of Tehran’s metro system, a kayaker’s guide to UK rivers, and more Ordnance Survey maps than you could shake a carbon-fibre hiking pole at.

This is not an unusual bookshelf for someone who has made a life in travel but there is something else that binds these items together: they all came from Stanfords, the map and travel bookshop in central London . Established in 1853 and trading in Covent Garden since 1901, Stanfords is an institution – and one beloved by anyone who has ever experienced the slightest whiff of wanderlust.

Judging by the outpouring of sympathy and support on social media, I was not the only one who felt pain at the news that Stanfords is facing closure – and this was before news of the second lockdown. There is something about the thought of losing Stanfords that hits hard. Like all the best shops, it offers more than just that: it’s a home-from-home, a reassuring haven in a choppy sea, and (under normal circumstances) draws travellers from all over the world.

In response to the crisis, Stanfords has launched a crowdfunding scheme with an array of rewards available for donations from £5 to £5,000, ranging from a cup of coffee to personalised maps, books and tours of its map archive. Its goal is to raise £120,000 to help it to survive until spring 2021, when it hopes London will have recovered and people are able to travel more freely. As CEO Vivien Godfrey explains, this sum will enable it to continue to pay the rent, taxes, wages and the extra costs incurred in making the store Covid-secure.

For me, London without Stanfords is unthinkable. It seemed that it would always be there – because it has been for so long. Born in 1827, Edward Stanford started out as a map-maker, becoming the official cartographer to the Queen before expanding into retail and going on to create and provide maps to the likes of Florence Nightingale, Ernest Shackleton, and Amy Johnson. Stanfords has moved with the times and, in recent years, has held events, including book launches and adventure film nights, plus establishing the Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards. In January 2019, it moved from its Long Acre site to a new home (just around the corner) at Mercer Walk.

Behind the scenes, the cartography department has gone from supplying military surveys to Neville Chamberlain to designing large-scale production maps for the James Bond films. But from a customer’s point of view, in a landscape of increasingly bland high streets, Stanfords remains an example of an independent retailer with a heart, actively supporting authors and specialist publishers, and employing staff with a love and knowledge of what’s on the shelves.

Cartographer Martin Greenaway has worked at Stanfords for 27 years and is fearful for its future. Footfall has collapsed during the pandemic, causing a 75% drop in sales, and online sales have also fallen by 15% due to restrictions on global travel. “The shop survived a bomb in the blitz,” said Greenaway. “So, I really hope we can get through this, but I am worried. Stanfords has been such a huge part of expedition history, and there’s nowhere else like it.”

Legend has it that Stanfords survived the blitz bombing thanks to its large number of Ordnance Survey maps being so tightly packed, which helped halt the path of the flames. It is going to take more than a stash of OS Landrangers to beat the current crisis, but globetrotters, armchair travellers and lovers of Stanfords can help. Most obviously, we can still plan our future travels and buy our maps and books directly from its website . We can also donate to the crowdfunder, helping to ensure that Stanfords survives as the traveller’s spiritual home and will still be there when the world opens up again.

• Shopping trips
• Adventure travel
• Literary trips
• Travel writing
• Retail industry
• Crowdfunding

Most viewed

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

26 Unique Bookstores To Visit In London

• Destinations
• United Kingdom

London is a reader’s dream — and a shopper’s dream as well. However, exactly how many bookstores are in London is a bit of a mystery. According to one map online, there are 112 independent bookshops in the British capital. But based on my own knowledge, there are oodles more, mostly little secondhand shops tucked into corners all around the city. Then there are the non-independent stores, the regional chains, and the global powerhouses. Add in the kiosks at train stations, museums, and multi-purpose stores, and the number of book-selling establishments must push close to 1,000. That’s great news if you’re a reader like me!

Some of these shops are more than just a place to buy a book or two. They’re legends in their own right, acting as community hubs and welcoming tourists as if they’re locals. Here are some to put on your travel list, starting with general interest establishments and concluding with specialty shops.

1. Book Mongers (Brixton)

One of London’s best bookstores was founded by an American, Patrick Kelly. Dedicated fans of Book Mongers love the used bookstore’s cramped but well-organized shelves. Keep an eye out for Popeye, the scrappy resident shop cat, and be sure to ask for “Popeye’s Picks” when browsing the books.

2. Broadway Bookshop (London Fields)

You’ll likely spend a lot more time in Broadway Bookshop than you imagine, as there’s an entire basement you can’t see from the street, filled with fiction, local history, and kid’s books. They also have a small exhibition space where the art changes every 3 months or so.

3. Daunt Books (Marylebone)

Though Daunt Books has several locations, the Marylebone address is the clear place to be. This gorgeous shop is in an Edwardian building and boasts stained glass windows. Books are organized by country, rather than genre, which makes for a fun (and occasionally bamboozling) browsing experience.

4. Foyles (Charing Cross)

The world’s first purpose-built bookstore, Foyles covers every subject imaginable and also offers gifts, stationery, music, and magazines. This multi-level space in the heart of London boasts more than four miles of shelves across four floors, as well as a cafe, an auditorium, and a gallery. 

5. Hatchards (Picadilly) 

The United Kingdom’s oldest surviving bookshop, shopping at Hatchards is an elegant and refined experience, with just a hint of whimsy — head up to the second-floor children’s section to see for yourself. During the annual Christmas Customer Evening, authors are on hand to mix and mingle with shoppers.

6. Heywood Hill (Mayfair)

Sophisticated and understated, Heywood Hill is located in a Georgian townhouse. Well known for antiquarian and children’s books, the store has held a royal warrant since 2011. Literary fans will be keen to know that novelist Nancy Mitford worked in the store during World War II.

7. Hurlingham Books (Fulham)

If you treat book shopping like a quest, Hurlingham Books is your kind of place. It is positively stacked from floor to ceiling, left to right, and what you’re seeing is just the tip of the iceberg. Over a million books are in their nearby warehouse. 

8. John Sandoe Books (King’s Road)

Fans of John Sandoe’s often describe it as entering a Dickens novel. From the original tiny shop first established in 1957, the store has taken over two adjacent stores and is now stocked with more than 30,000 titles covering every surface — including the chairs! 

9. Kirkdale Bookshop (Sydenham) 

Part neighborhood bookshop and part cultural hub, Kirkdale hosts artwork and musical events. It offers a mix of new and secondhand books, prioritizing authors of color and LGBTQIA+ authors. 

10. Liberia (Spitalfields)

In this bookshop founded by a tech entrepreneur, the vibe is decidedly analog. Mobile phones are banned! Yet Liberia’s design is very futuristic, with bright yellow shelves organized by theme to “maximize serendipity.” 

11. London Review Bookshop (Bloomsbury) 

The London Review of Books is a literary periodical, but it also runs a cozy bookstore with a focus on classic fiction as well as new. They also operate a cake shop, which is absolutely delightful (and perhaps the reason this bookstore is so popular with writers).

12. Lutyens & Rubinstein (Notting Hill)

Chic, sleek, and well organized, Lutyens & Rubinstein is both bookshop and literary agency. They assembled their initial stock after surveying hundreds of readers (adults and kids), and, as such, every book here is essentially a personal recommendation.

13. Nomad Books (Fulham)

This casual, comfy space with squishy sofas is a favorite of writers and celebrities and has a strong community vibe with an excellent children’s section. Nomad Books has a good selection of French-language titles too.

14. Primrose Hill Books (Primrose Hill)

Hugely cozy, Primrose Hill Books is a family-run bookshop selling new and used titles and they occasionally host small literary events with big names. This is a good place to go to find works by local writers — some from right in their own neighborhood — and signed copies. 

15. Review Bookshop (Peckham) 

Review may just have bragging rights as London’s most dog-friendly bookstore. Pups are welcome to browse, the bookstore curates a list of dog-themed reads, and you can even submit a photo of your pooch to be featured on their website .

16. Waterstones Piccadilly (Piccadilly)

Admittedly, Waterstones Piccadilly is about as far from a cozy independent bookstore as you’ll find. Waterstones is a major chain, and its Piccadilly location is reputed to be Europe’s largest bookstore. But what it lacks in homey charm, it makes up for in amenities and titles. Located in central London, this is the perfect spot to hide away for a few hours when the rain hits.

17. Word On The Water (King’s Cross)

If you’re going to make time for just one London bookstore, Word On The Water should be it. This new and used bookstore is actually a “book barge,” a 100+-year-old Dutch barge moored on Regent’s Canal. It’s quirky and fun and has bonafide literary chops, hosting musical performances and poetry slams.

18. Alice Through The Looking Glass (Covent Garden)

Alice Through The Looking Glass may just be the most special of all of London’s special interest booksellers. As the name suggests, it’s home to all things Alice , from pricey first editions to modern novelties. Browsers will also find a mini-museum and first editions of other childhood classics like the Harry Potter series. Located on Cecil Court, this store is part of “Bookseller’s Row,” the ideal place to browse for rare titles. 

19. Arthur Probsthain (Bloomsbury)

This family-run bookstore has been in operation for over 100 years and specializes in titles related to global culture, specifically Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Their onsite tea room, Tea and Tattle , serves afternoon tea complete with scones and cakes and is also an excellent stop for an affordable lunch.

20. Books For Cooks (Notting Hill) 

As the name suggests, Books for Cooks sells thousands of titles related to the culinary arts, from classic cookbooks to biographies. More than just booksellers, they have a tiny test kitchen where they put their inventory to the test. Nicknamed “the best smelling shop in the world,” you can even have lunch here.

21. Gay’s The Word (Bloomsbury)

The UK’s oldest LGBT bookshop sells new and used titles ranging from fiction to relationships to parenting. They’re also a hub of community activity, hosting discussion groups (including one that’s been around for 40 years!) and literary events.

22. Gosh! (Soho)

This amazing shop is dedicated to comics and graphic novels. It has titles for children and adults, including everything from mainstream selections to more obscure work from small-press publishers. They also stock rare used titles, signed books, and gifts.

23. Persephone (Bloomsbury) 

Specializing in 20th-century female writers, Persephone only stocks what they themselves have printed. As such, they give a new lease of life to out-of-print writers. The books are just as nice to collect as they are to read, as they feature grey covers, bright linings, and forwards by famous authors.

24. Stanfords (Covent Garden)

One of the world’s premier travel bookstores, Stanfords is filled with travel guides, maps, literary adventures, cool gifts, and essential travel gear. Established in 1853, former customers include Florence Nightingale and Captain Robert Scott. 

25. The Notting Hill Bookshop (Notting Hill) 

Made famous by the 1999 film Notting Hill , this iconic bookstore with the bright blue sign does indeed specialize in travel books, though today The Notting Hill Bookshop has expanded to include general-interest titles (plus magnets with quotes from its namesake movie).

26. Travis & Emery (Covent Garden)

Another Cecil Court gem, Travis & Emery specializes in music, including rare, used, and collectible books, plus sheet music, playbills, photographs, and prints. Music fans will be equally enamored by the fact that Mozart once lived in this very building.

• Here’s that map of London bookstores I found — but again, it only just scratches the surface.
• Curious to hear what parents think about London’s bookshops for kids? This blog post offers an excellent roundup of London’s best bookstores for kids, perfect should you need to pick out a present for the little ones in your life.
• There’s plenty more where this came from on TravelAwaits . Check out 9 Incredible Destinations For Book Lovers , 5 Of The Most Beautiful Libraries Around The World, and out literary sites section.

Vanessa Chiasson is an award-winning freelance writer, editor, and blogger from Canada bringing warmth and depth to travel and human interest narratives. In the industry since 2012, Vanessa coaches writers from all backgrounds, areas of focus, and experience levels on developing business strategies that support their artistic endeavors. She chronicles her cozy travel adventures at TurnipseedTravel .

A Literary Guide to Covent Garden for Bookworms

By: Author Jess Esa

Posted on Last updated: 8th January 2024

Covent Garden is famous for being one of the most picturesque, photogenic, and lively areas in London. Tourists and locals alike flock there every single day for the market, the unique shopping experiences, and the great pubs, restaurants, and Covent Garden hotels .

Covent Garden is also a haven for bookworms! Here, you’ll find some of the best bookshops in London, as well as a Covent Garden bar that serves literary cocktails, a pub named after Phileas Fogg, and blue plaques immortalising authors like Austen and Dickens. You’ll find all of this and far more in our ultimate bookish guide to Covent Garden!

Visit Quinto Bookshop

Right on the edge of Covent Garden, and a short walk north of Leicester Square station, is one of the most magical and pure bookshops in London. London, of course, is chock full of incredible bookshops, and so many of them are speciality shops: queer literature, socialist political texts, feminist classics.

But there’s something so pure and historic about Quinto Books . What makes this Covent Garden bookseller unique is its focus on antiquarian – often very valuable – literature. If you’re a collector of old tomes and first editions, popping into Quinto Books is like stumbling across a goldmine.

Shop at the Moomin Shop

One of the most unique things to do in Covent Garden is to visit the Moomin Shop. In case you’re not familiar, Moomins are a Finnish national treasure: a series of now iconic books and comics featuring these strange white hippo-like characters that toe a fine line between being completely adorable and slightly eerie.

Moomins have successfully built a home at the edge of the uncanny valley. And a second home in Covent Garden! In the heart of Covent Garden market building is this two-storey Moomin Shop full of books, plushies, posters, and all collectable things Moomin. It’s a dream, in more ways than one.

Read More: Our Guide to Five the UK’s most Literary Cities .

Eat at Rules

Rules is one of the most essential Covent Garden restaurants. In short, this is because it’s the oldest restaurant in London! Established in 1798, Rules has been open for more than 220 years. It also doubles as one of the best Covent Garden pubs, serving some really excellent cocktail choices at their upstairs Winter Garden Cocktail Bar.

At Rules you can enjoy traditional English food at its absolute finest, including steaks, pies, soups, and the best game (pheasant, hare, duck) you’ll ever it. It’s a little pricey but you pay for the best. And Rules is the best of the Covent Garden restaurants.

Tip : If you have time visit The London Transport Museum !

Enjoy Bao at Buns and Buns

Yes, that is the restaurant’s real name. Buns and Buns , the most delightful of Covent Garden restaurants, is found in a glass box in the middle of Covent Garden market building. Reasonably priced and the freshest food around, Buns and Buns has something delicious for everyone.

As our site name suggests, we love bao. And at Buns and Buns you can enjoy the best bao in London. Or, if you want something European, their freshly baked pizzas are to die for. Basically, Buns and Buns is all about them quality carbs, making them one of the most fun and indulgent yet healthy of Covent Garden restaurants.

Read More : 11 Best Covent Garden Restaurants .

Have Literary Cocktails at The Library Members Bar

Take a walk down Saint Martin’s Lane, just around the corner from Cecil Court (which we’ll come to in a moment) and you’ll find a small door with a single word above it: ‘LIBRARY’. Library is a lot of things: a hotel, an events venue, a cocktail bar, and a member’s club. The reason for its name is two-fold: it used to be an old public library.

The other reason is that it has kept that literary spirit alive by being one of the most original Covent Garden bars around. How?

Well, all of the drinks on its cocktail menu are named after authors. The cocktails do a fantastic job of capturing the tone of the authors, making this one of the most fun and unique Covent Garden bars. However, being a member’s club, it does cost £500 a year to join, or you can get a day’s entry for £20.

Read More : 8 Must-Visit London Bookish Cafes and Bars

Drink Coffee and Go Book Shopping in Stanford’s

Stanfords is one of the most original and awesome bookshops in London. Established while Victoria was still on the throne, Stanford’s is a travel bookshop that centralises around world literature, travel writing, travel guides, maps, and globes.

We first fell for Stanford’s when visiting their second branch in Bristol , where we used to live. These shops ooze charm and inspire an irresistible urge to head out on an adventure.

Located just around the corner from Neal’s Yard, Stanford’s also has its own lovely little cafe area where you can enjoy a latte and a fresh slice of cake as you flick through your newest read. Stanford’s doubles as a fantastic Covent Garden cafe and bookshop. What in the world is better?

Visit Cecil Court for More Book Shopping

The once brief home of Mozart and birthplace of the founders of Foyles, Cecil Court today is a haven for bookworms. It’s a single pedestrian street, lined with lamps and so many unique booksellers. One shop, Goldsboro Books, sells exclusively first editions. Another, Alice Through the Looking Glass, is themed after the same book.

Our favourite bookseller in Cecil Court is Marchpane . Though we aren’t huge lovers of children’s literature, the shop itself is an absolute delight and a treasure.

The Daleks are originals from the ‘60s and ‘70s, as are the Paddington Bear toys. There’s a selection of first edition children’s books. The staff are the most enthusiastic and charming people. Visiting this shop is how you cure a bad mood.

Read More : Discover London’s Best Independent Bookshops

Buy Alice in Wonderland Themed Tea Sets at Whittards

There are a lot of Whittards shops around the UK, but this one in Covent Garden market building has the best mood of them all. It feels at home there; it belongs in Covent Garden. Here, you can sample the teas, lemonades, and hot chocolate for sale, and browse some of the highest quality teas available.

Downstairs, you’ll find cutlery and crockery. Most charming and sweet of all is the Alice in Wonderland tea set, which includes mugs and plates and a teapot, all designed with original illustrations from the book. You can even buy their Alice-themed collection online .

Read More : Take a Day Trip to Blenheim Palace

Drink Gin at Mr Fogg’s Tavern

Phileas Fogg, the protagonist of the joyous Jules Verne novel Around the World in 80 Days , has had his name proudly fixed to this most delightful of Covent Garden pubs Mr Fogg’s Tavern . The downstairs tavern area is the quintessential English pub with its aesthetics turned up to eleven: a fireplace, taxidermied crows, hanging ornaments like birdcages, and portraits adorning the walls.

Then, you can head upstairs to Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour ! There’s something far more literary about gin over beer. And this gin parlour has over two hundred gins for you to choose from. The choice of tavern and gin bar makes this one of the very special Covent Garden pubs.

Tip : Visit More Literary London Pubs on the Historical Pub Tour

Visit Dickens’ Old Curiosity Shop

You might know the name of this shop from the Dickens novel of the same name. But here’s a fun fact! Although the shop did inspire Dickens’ novel, the shop only took the name “The Old Curiosity Shop” after the book was published, giving them a sort of symbiotic relationship.

The Old Curiosity Shop can be found on the Western edge of Covent Garden, and it is still open today, making the shop almost four hundred years old! And what does it sell? Shoes! Lovely women’s and men’s shoes.

Explore Neal’s Yard

Ah, Neal’s Yard. This is a curious little area hidden down some back alleyways at the northern edge of Covent Garden. What makes it unique, as you can see from the photo, is its brightly coloured walls and how bohemian its aesthetic is.

Inside Neal’s Yard, you’ll find a sweet selection of places to drink both coffees and cocktails. At the front of Neal’s Yard is Monmouth Street. And on Monmouth Street is Monmouth Coffee, an utterly splendid Covent Garden cafe.

Go Literary Blue Plaque Hunting

The blue plaques of London are legendary. They showcase all the historical links and wonders of London. In Covent Garden alone you’ll find two Charles Dickens plagues, one of Margot Fonteyn, legendary ballerina, and Jane Austen! For a list of all the blue and green plaques of Covent Garden, see the official site right here before you go plaque hunting in Covent Garden!

Read More: Discover the Best Japanese Restaurants in Covent Garden & Soho

Watch The Woman in Black at Fortune Theatre

We all have our own first experiences with The Woman in Black . For many, it’s the Hammer Horror film starring Daniel Radcliffe and Ciaran Hinds. For others, it’s the original book by Susan Hill. For me, it was this play. Having now seen the film and read the book, I stand firm that the play is the best experience of the lot.

The Woman in Black is a truly clever, thrilling, and haunting performance. It is a play within a play that uses minimalist staging, clever lighting, a two-way cyclorama, and other savvy techniques to create the most memorable of theatre-going experiences. The Woman in Black is unmissable.

Catch a Show at the Royal Opera House

The London Royal Opera House can be found at the corner of Covent Garden, just at the edge of the market building. Pay attention to their website in order to see what performances are coming up.

If you’d rather not see a performance, the Royal Opera House is still worth a visit for its impressive interior design and architecture. And the gift shop is one of the most classy in London, with some great opera and ballet themed gifts, as well as a selection of books to pick up.

Enjoy a Cookie At Ben’s Cookies

Ben’s Cookies is a small company that has steadily spread across the world. But the Ben’s Cookies at Covent Garden was the first one we ever visited. What makes this particular Ben’s Cookies so unique is its design. The now iconic logo of Ben’s Cookies was designed by the owner’s friend, a legendary illustrator whose drawings have brought joy to millions of children for generations: Quentin Blake, illustrator of the books of Roald Dahl!

Enjoy the Calm of Teatulia

We’ve saved the best for last. Teatulia manages to be both the best Covent Garden cafe and the very best of the Covent Garden bars. How so? Teatulia serves the best teas and cocktails in the area! As well as delicious mocktails, if you prefer.

Teatulia also features an enormous wall of bookshelves which frame a comfortable sofa. When you visit, you’re encouraged to pick your drink, select a book from the shelf, and lose yourself in the book and the atmosphere while escaping from the busy bustle of Covent Garden. What a haven!

The spending money for this post was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own.

What a lovely guide to London. I had no idea about some of these places and can’t wait to check them out on my next visit. Also, the Moomin shop? That’s so fun. I remember watching that when I was a kid and loved it.

Travel Bookshop

Top ways to experience Travel Bookshop and nearby attractions

• Ladbroke Grove • 5 min walk
• Westbourne Park • 8 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

Travel Bookshop - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.02 mi) The Distillery
• (0.03 mi) Pass the Keys | Top Floor Apartment in the heart of Portobello Market
• (0.03 mi) Portobello Road | Pro-Managed
• (0.11 mi) Beautiful & Comfy two bedroom apartment in Notting Hill
• (0.18 mi) The Main House
• (0.00 mi) Books for Cooks
• (0.01 mi) Crème
• (0.01 mi) Tonkotsu Notting Hill
• (0.01 mi) Knoops
• (0.02 mi) Mike's Cafe

Books On A Barge: London's Unique Floating Bookstore Is A Must- Visit

Moored on one of London’s canals, this distinctive bookshop is loaded with stacks of new and second-hand books.

Quick Links

Search this historic barge for a favorite book, where to stay nearby the book barge, check out more quirky shops in london.

Anglophile or not, a typical traveler to London sets aside time for exploring the city’s rich assortment of stores and unique shops. For many travelers, shopping is considered one of the top things to do . After all, who doesn’t want to return home with a few keepsakes from a bucket-list vacation to Britain’s capital city?

The city is brimming with fascinating stores that sell British products most people won’t find at home. Even the big department stores are fun to check out, like Harrod’s and Selfridge’s, with their high-end clothing and home goods, plus huge gourmet food halls where tourists can buy British goodies and even sit down for a formal afternoon tea. And then there’s Fortnum and Mason, a supplier to the royal families that’s been doing business since 1707.

But after the famous department stores have been seen, tourists should make time to check out the city’s most unique and unusual shopping places. Word on the Water - The London Bookbarge, a floating bookstore, is one of them and is a must-see for every visitor.

Related: London In Two Days: How To Spend 48 Hours In One Of The U.K.'s Greatest Cities

Word on the Water is one of the most distinctive and quirky shops in London. Located on a 100-year-old Dutch barge, it’s permanently moored on Regent’s Canal in the King’s Cross section of the city, close to King’s Cross rail station.

In business since 2010, the shop packs thousands of books, both new and second-hand, into the spaces inside and outside the barge. In fact, every nook and cranny of the barge is put to use, offering stacks upon stacks of classic literature, contemporary fiction, cult favorites, children’s books, and a lot more.

Three owners of the store, Paddy Screech, Jonathan Privett, and Stephane Chaudat, do more than just sell books. They also host lectures on art, politics, and technology, and sponsor poetry gatherings and open mic events, too.

Musicians and performers often entertain book browsers on this floating library’s roof stage, and there are places to sit inside, outside, and on benches along the Regent’s Canal towpath. In winter, a wood stove inside creates a cozy and homey atmosphere.

The shop is open daily from noon to 7 PM, rain or shine, and is a great stop for a first-time visit to London , even for visitors who have just one day in the city .

Several hotels offering budget to luxury rates are located in the vicinity of the Regent’s Canal area. Here are a few to consider:

Arriva Hotel

• Address: 55 Swinton Street, Camden
• Amenities: Modern decor, private baths, tea and coffee facilities, TV, 24-hour front desk, close to King’s Cross Station

Apollo Hotel Kings Cross

• Address: 43 Argyle Street, Camden
• Amenities: Private baths, TV, tea and coffee facilities, free WiFi, close to restaurants

Related: Visiting London: 15 Rookie Moves First-Time Travelers Often Make

Holiday Inn London Bloomsbury, an IHG Hotel

• Address: Coram Street, Camden
• Amenities: Spacious rooms, air conditioning, private baths, room service, restaurant/bar, onsite parking

Kings Cross Inn Hotel

• Address: 9 Euston Road, Camden
• Amenities: Air conditioning, refrigerator, private bath, breakfast buffet, business center, restaurant, free WiFi

As unusual as a floating bookstore might sound, London is, in fact, loaded with unique shops that focus on specific themes or have entertaining historical twists to them. This selection of out-of-the-ordinary stores will keep tourists enthralled with British curiosities, especially for visitors who consider shopping one of the top-rated things to do in the city .

• Every visitor to London ought to have an umbrella handy, and visitors to Smith and Sons will find a huge selection of them at this store, located at 53 New Oxford Street. It was founded in 1830 by James Smith and also sells canes, ceremonial sticks, and walking sticks. It’s a quaint shop that still manufactures its umbrellas using 19th-century traditions.
• Love M&M’s? Stop by the M&M Shop in Leicester Square to find three full floors of candy in every color imaginable. The sweet shop is found at 1 Swiss Court.
• Toys take center stage at Hamley’s, the oldest toy shop in London, dating back to 1760. Travelers will find more than 50,000 toys to choose from, including games, puzzles, mini-railroads, dolls, puppets, science kits, video games, and robotics. The address is 188 Regent Street.
• A store devoted to doorknobs is about as quirky as one can get, but that’s what Chloe Alberry sells at 84 Portobello Road. These aren’t just run-of-the-mill doorknobs; some are made of porcelain and jewels, while others are more traditional. Either way, shoppers who can’t find a suitable doorknob at this store might have to go without it.
• It’s all things Moomin at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden. Taken from the Finnish stories of Tove Jansson, Moomin troll characters are the focus of the goods in this store, which includes clothing, linens, stationery, and lots of memorabilia. Check it out at 43 Covent Garden.