A Bookshop Guide to Cecil Court, London
Tucked away just beside London’s well known Leicester Square, Cecil Court is a magical little street lined with gorgeous victorian style bookshops.
This street is said to have inspired Diagon Alley from Harry Potter and you can definitely see why – it’s a location that any book lover needs to visit in London. Keep on reading to discover the eclectic range of bookshops that line the glorious
Cecil Court. You won’t be disappointed!
Goldsboro Books
If you love to collect special editions of your favourite books, then you’ll be well aware of the wonderful Goldsboro Books. This bookshop first opened in 1999 and specialises in selling signed hardback first editions of books spanning a wide range of different genres. Their books are also available online, and in their newly opened branch in Brighton.
Alice Through the Looking Glass
Here’s one for all of the Alice in Wonderland fans. Alice Through the Looking Glass is a gorgeous boutique shop, selling various Alice themed paraphernalia. Here you can find sought after signed first editions, rare illustrated editions and collaborations with talented artists. They also have a small museum of items that can be viewed in the store for free. It’s a beautiful little shop and definitely worth a visit.
Marchpane
Another shop with links to Alice in Wonderland, Marchpane is a specialist in children’s and illustrated books dating from the 18th century to the present day. They are also, of course, experts in all things Lewis Carroll and Alice in Wonderland, and their bookshop is a joy to peruse.
Bryars & Bryars
Bryars and Bryars is a friendly bookshop filled with antiquarian books and maps. Their collection is very wide ranging, and includes modern tomes along with titles that had been published during the hand pressed period (very long ago!). Pop in for a look around and see what gems you can find.
November Books
Currently open by appointment only, November Books deals in titles relating to fashion, design, photography and fine art. Ideal if you’re looking for a specialist book dealer.
Tenderbooks
A performance and gallery space as well as a bookshop, here you can find books and innovative publications relating to contemporary art, design, fashion, and photography.
Travis & Emery Music Bookshop
A must visit for any musician, Travis and Emery stock music books both new and old, as well as opera programmes, prints, photographs and other musical paraphernalia.
Watkins Books
A bookshop that was first established more than 100 years ago, Watkins is a quirky bookshop which, alongside rare and antiquarian books, also sells hand made statues, talismans, tarot decks, and jewellery. They even offer a regular tarot reading service which I am very tempted to attend myself.
Tinderly and Everett
A modestly sized bookshop stocked with first editions of 20th century literature, including both fiction and poetry.
There you have it, a complete guide to the bookshops of Cecil Court. Do make sure to pop in on your next visit into central London and pay a visit to these uniquely wonderful bookshops that you won’t find anywhere else.