Hatchards is London’s oldest bookshop, having been established in 1797 by John Hatchard, a young bookseller who had been plying his trade in the ‘literary coffee houses’ of London since his adolescence.
Foyles is a renowned, even legendary award-winning independent bookstore with a long history.
Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, just a Rosetta Stone’s throw from the British Museum, the London Review Bookshop has established itself as an essential part of the capital’s cultural life.
The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the world’s greatest libraries.
The Harry Potter film series made Leavesden its home for more than ten years. As the books were still being released while the films were being made, the production crew saved many of the iconic sets, props and costumes that were created especially for the films - just in case they were ever needed later on in the series.
As Winters arriving, its time stock up on good books for all those cosy nights in by the fire so why not hop down to the South Bank and do a spot of book shopping at the South Bank Book Fair.
The Atlantis Bookshop in Museum Street is an esoteric bookshop in London. Established by Michael Houghton in 1922, it celebrated its 90th birthday on 21 March 2012.
Looking for a little peace in the middle of London, then visit the London Library on St. James Square.
Hatchards is London’s oldest bookshop, having been established in 1797 by John Hatchard, a young bookseller who had been plying his trade in the ‘literary coffee houses’ of London since his adolescence.
Foyles is a renowned, even legendary award-winning independent bookstore with a long history.
Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, just a Rosetta Stone’s throw from the British Museum, the London Review Bookshop has established itself as an essential part of the capital’s cultural life.
Opened in 2003 by the London Review of Books, it’s a place for people who love books to meet, talk, drink excellent tea and coffee, consume delicious cake, and of course, browse.
Their selection of more than 20,000 titles ranges from the classics of world literature to the cutting edge of contemporary fiction and poetry, not forgetting a copious display of history, politics, philosophy, cookery, essays and children’s books. And their lovely shop, designed by Amanda Culpin of utility, provides the perfect setting in which to explore them all.
Their aim has always been to represent on their shelves the distinctive ethos of the Review – intelligent without being pompous; engaged without being partisan. If you aren’t able to visit them in person, their website will give you a flavour of what makes the shop unique.
Join them in Bury Place, and look forward to finding all the books you know you need, and more importantly, the ones you didn’t know you needed.
The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the world’s greatest libraries. Their collections include more than 150 million items, in over 400 languages, to which three million new items are added every year. They house books, magazines, manuscripts, maps, music scores, newspapers, patents, databases, philatelic items, prints and drawings and sound recordings.
Much of the information within their Collections is reasonably accessible to users and it is Library policy that staff will allocate up to 30 minutes research time to information enquiries relating to their Collections. This may be followed, if necessary, by referral either to an internally priced research service, or to an external research agency.
The purpose of such research is to discover whether or not the Library holds the information being sought and to provide the information whenever possible. The Library will continue to provide advice and assistance to users undertaking their own research on the collections they hold.
The Library offers a long list of things to do on your visit with multiple exhibitions showing daily. They are currently celebrating 150 years publication of the Adventures of Alice in Wonderland.
Although the story has been adapted, appropriated, re-imagined and re-illustrated since its conception, people are still enchanted by Carroll’s original, much loved story, which continues to inspire new generations of writers and illustrators.
Go and see Lewis Carroll’s original manuscript with hand-drawn illustrations, alongside stunning editions by Mervyn Peake, Ralph Steadman, Leonard Weisgard, Arthur Rackham, Salvador Dali and others.
The Harry Potter film series made Leavesden its home for more than ten years. As the books were still being released while the films were being made, the production crew saved many of the iconic sets, props and costumes that were created especially for the films - just in case they were ever needed later on in the series.
Once filming wrapped on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 in 2010, the production crew were left with a treasure trove of thousands of intricate and beautifully-made artefacts, many of which wouldn't have been saved on a typical production.
The team behind Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter wanted to preserve and showcase these iconic props, costumes and sets so that Harry Potter fans could experience the magic of filmmaking first-hand. Many of the original cast and crew returned to reassemble the sets and record their memories from filming, and on 31st March 2012, the Studio Tour opened its doors.
Set adjacent to the working film studios where all eight Harry Potter films were made, the Studio Tour offers visitors the unique opportunity to explore two soundstages and a backlot filled with original sets, animatronic creatures and breathtaking special effects.
As Winters arriving, its time stock up on good books for all those cosy nights in by the fire so why not hop down to the South Bank and do a spot of book shopping at the South Bank Book Fair.
Situated on the South Bank opposite the Riverfront Cafe under the bridge, this London institution is open all year round, so even if it’s raining it’ll still be open!
