London’s Best Bookshops and Reading Spots for International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day is just around the corner on 8th September. Bertrand Russell was an avid reader. He had a lifelong passion for literature, poetry and history. Bertie mused “There are two motives for reading a book; one, that you enjoy it; the other, that you can boast about it“. We have whittled together the best of bookshops in London and reading spots so you can follow his wise words.
Bookshops in London
The capital is home to over 200 bookshops. Ambling in the area around Bertrand’s Townhouse, you’re guaranteed to find some. Let us guide you to some that are absolutely worth your while.
Hatchards
Location: 187 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LE (20 mins)
Selling books since before the days of Bertie, Hatchards has been running since 1797. You can find signed booked and some exclusive editions of famous titles inside the bookshop. Take the time to browse the vast collection of books on offer, both hardback and paperback, whichever you prefer.
Tindley & Everett
Location: 4 Cecil Court, London, WC2N 4HE (17 mins)
This shop dates back to 1924 and its Edwardian design carries a nostalgic charm. It’s a popular destination for book collectors and people who simply enjoy a good book. There are rare and antique editions of books that catch the eye when you visit.
Daunt Books
Location: 84 Marylebone High Street, London, W1U 4QW (30 mins)
The inside of this bookshop is worth your time. It’s another beautiful Edwardian era design with oak galleries and skylights. There is an expansive range of books to explore, from hardback to paperback and fiction to non-fiction.
The Notting Hill Bookshop
Location: 13 Blenheim Crescent, London, W11 2EE (40 mins)
For a taste of something different, consider the journey to Notting Hill Bookshop. It’s well-known thanks to the film Notting Hill with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. As well as a wide selection of books, there are gift ideas to browse including bags, notebooks and stationery.
Reading Spots with Charm
You’ve got a good book in hand but the right setting to settle down and read will take your experience further.
The Reading Room at the Wellcome Collection
Location: 183 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BE (20 mins)
Venture 20 minutes on foot towards Euston Square to the Wellcome Collection. The Reading Room on level 2 blends history and literature together in a hybrid library space and museum. Comfortable sofas and beanbags provide places to read and relax. It’s free to enter the Wellcome Collection and well worth a visit.
Russell Square
Location: Russell Square, London, WC1B 5EH (2 mins)
Some of the best places to have a good read are thanks to nature. Russell Square is just moments from Bertrand’s Townhouse, barely 2 minutes. There are benches where you can sit down and enjoy your latest literary obsession in the peaceful environment where the birds provide the soundtrack to your story.
St. JOHN at the Bookshop
Location: 14 Bury Place, London, WC1A 2JL (3 mins)
Settled right next door to another good bookshop, London Review Bookshop, sometimes reading should taste as good as it looks. To get there takes little over 3 minutes from Bertrand’s Townhouse on foot. The bakery gives you the chance to enjoy a fresh bake and a coffee in an intimate setting with a hidden terrace for good weather.
Your Base of Comfort at Bertrand’s Townhouse
Location: Home
Unwind with your book in the comfort of Bertrand’s Townhouse. Slip away from the hush of bloomsbury and embrace some quiet time to lose yourself in your book. Cosy slippers wait by the bed and the warm embrace of tea and coffee is never far away.
Celebrate International Literacy Day with Bertie, book direct for instant privileges including a discount.
Natural History Museum: Visions of Nature and Jurassic Oceans
Location: 30 mins from Bertrand’s Townhouse via Piccadilly Line (Russell Square to South Kensington)
Experience a mix of reality as the Natural History Museum invites you to see the future using a headset. Learn how the actions of today can affect the animals of tomorrow in Visions of Nature. Or, look far back into the past and discover Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep. Get a view into the planet’s prehistoric oceans and learn about the creatures that lived in them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You can get to Hatchards in 20 minutes from Bertrand’s Townhouse. Head to Piccadilly Circus. You can step on a bus from Bloomsbury Square (Stop B) to Piccadilly Circus (Stop S). Alternatively take the Piccadilly Line from Holborn to Piccadilly Circus. If you prefer a walk through the Central London streets, it takes approximately 25 minutes.
We’d definitely recommend the walk for this, as public transport isn’t much faster and is certainly more hassle than a gentle stroll. You can reach Covent Garden in 17 minutes on foot from Bertrand’s Townhouse.
Once you step outside Bertrand’s Townhouse, you’ll be at Russell Square within just a couple of minutes. A lovely local and natural reading spot.
There are many options available to avid book readers. Within 3 minutes of Bertrand’s Townhouse is London Review Bookshop. Next door is St JOHN’s Bakery, making for a lovely reading spot. For a more natural setting, Russell Square is just 2 minutes from the hotel.
All of our recommendations for bookshops and reading spots are within 40 minutes travel time, and there are many options outside of these too. There’s over 200 bookshops to be explored in London. Tell us which one you recommend.
