Are you someone who loves books? If you find yourself nodding in agreement to this question, then there is something you must do- visit London! Though this answer might surprise you, it is true- this city has some of the most beautiful, mesmerizing bookshops where you can invest in purchasing some really old editions of books (sometimes even first editions), or just simply gaze at them, and rekindle your love for books! Though, do be warned, that they come at a heavy cost ( literally!), simply gazing at them is free and encouraged. Here are some streets, devoted to old bookstores in London that you must visit if you get the chance!
This is probably one of the most famous streets of second-hand bookstores in London. One bookstore in particular has three rooms full of old books, at very reasonable prices. Moreover, you can even negotiate and bargain, and settle on a cheaper price, if you feel that the price is too steep. Books ranging in all kinds of subjects are available. However, don’t get stuck here- venture a few stores down, on the same road, are two or three more bookstores which you also must enter. In them, you will find old first editions of books, carefully kept, and immensely exciting, they are leatherbound, neatly lined up on shelves. Their colours, golden embossing on the cover and in some cases, old-world illustrations are mesmerizing!
This road is a few steps down from Charring Cross. Don’t miss it as it is a treat! Though a narrow tiny lane, it has the most amazing children’s bookstores, which have stored every edition of all the books that one grew up reading- since they first began getting published. One small store in particular here is filled with wonders. You can find signed copies of many books here! From Alice in Wonderlands to A.A.Milne’s When We Were Very Young, to Harry Potter, Enid Blyton classics, and illustrated versions of Aladdin, this bookstore has it all! Other major bookstores in this lane include one exclusively devoted to detective stories, one devoted to Alice in Wonderland and various others and is worth a visit!
Around the British Museum, there are many second-hand bookstores, that have such quaint decors, that you can’t help but peer into the windows. Old editions of many classic novelists can be found in these stores. However, do also go inside the British Museum. Though you have to wait to enter, owing to a huge queue, the store inside is worth exploring. It has many books, designed for all ages, which are extremely engaging in terms of content. There are books about the history of the world, as well as the history of London. Lastly, if you are in the locality, do not miss going to the Waterstones, on Gower Street. It has three floors! Though a modern-day bookstore, the collections are immense, and you will find yourself easily spending more than an hour inside. You can also sit and read books there, when you get tired of exploring, and can help yourself to the café next door!
Another place you must visit is the South Bank Riverside. Though this is more of an open-air bookshop, you can find hordes of second-hand books, which you might want to get your hands on!
So which one are you interested in exploring first?
