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London , London Travel Tips & Inspiration , Travel · June 10, 2024

8 Best London Travel Books to Fuel Your Wanderlust in 2024

Looking for the best London travel book? Well, I couldn’t choose just one. So here’s 8!

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With 2020 bringing travel to an abrupt halt let’s just say the wanderlust has been real.

If you’ve been daydreaming of trading your four walls for cobblestoned roads, sleepy villages, and a bit of London charm, you’re in good company. Here are 8 books to fuel your London wanderlust as you await your next adventure across the pond.

P.S. – Coming to London? Have the perfect trip planned for you with our 3,5, or 7-Day London Tourist Itineraries 🇬🇧

The Rough Guide to England

A comprehensive travel guide on everything England, this Rough Guide is unmatched for detail. Spanning from the capital to sleepy Cotswold villages you’ll find the best seasons to go, destination highlights, and insider tips only a true England expert could get their hands on.

Rick Steves London 2020

Stuffed with the best of London eats, sleeps and sights Rick Steves London 2020 is a tourist saver. Filled with self-guided tours and day trips to match this guide book is a one-stop-shop to your London vacation.

Quiet London

As someone who prefers the nooks and crannies of London, this book has been an absolute gem. Quiet London: Quiet Corners shares all the serene spots of the city to take a break from the hustle and bustle and appreciate the tranquil side of London.

Not For Tourists Guide to London

True to its name Not For Tourists Guide is your ultimate guide to London finds -– unflocked by tourists. Though there is an ironic Starbucks recommendation or two it’s a lovely pocketbook to have for a day of local wanderings.

Secret London: An Unusual Guide

To discover the secret London you’ll want to get your hands on this unusual guide . Written lovingly by two locals they’ve complied bounds of places and spaces in London easy to miss, but worth exploring none the less.

The 500 Hidden Secrets of London

Apt to the theme (and my apparent love for the lesser-known London ) 500 Hidden Secrets of London doesn’t disappoint. Packed with the cultural nooks, weekend activities, and amusing London facts and tidbits it’s a great add to your London travel reads.

Pretty City London

The perfect coffee table book Pretty City London by Siobhan Ferguson is a must-read. With words strung together like beads and pictures to match Siobhan transports you to the pretty streets, mews, cafes, and hidden corners of London. And is, (in my very subjective opinion) the best London travel book.

Well, there you have it. The best London travel books on offer. Let me know which book you’ll be using to fuel your London wanderlust on Instagram @candaceabroad . Or of course, pop around the blog for more London inspiration.

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Best travel and guide books about London (Top 20)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: October 26, 2021

Are you planning to visit London soon? As well as many articles which you can find on this website (and its sister site UK Travel Planning ) to help you plan your UK trip I have put together this guide to the best books about London.

This focuses primarily on non-fiction books all about London. If you are looking for travel inspiration for London or simply want to learn more about the UK capital you will find a book in this list to help you.

I have a general travel guide book post for England too if you are travelling further afield in the country and an article which focuses on the best kids books about London.

In this article, you will find the best travel and guide books about London covering a number of topics including history, shopping, less well-known places to visit in London (hidden gems) and much more.

This post may contain compensated links meaning if you buy through them we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please read our disclosure for additional information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Best books about London

A selection of fantastic books all with one thing in common - LONDON.

Whether you are planning to visit London or just want to learn more about this fabulous city this selection of best books about the capital will give you loads to choose from.

Great gift ideas for the travel lover too!

Rick Steves London 2020 (Rick Steves Travel Guide)

I love Rick Steves and enjoy listening to his podcasts. If you are a fan of his check out his latest guide book for London. It includes comprehensive information to help any visitor make the most of every day and every dollar!

Rick Steves Pocket London

Want a smaller version of Rick Steves London? This pocket sized compact version includes a fold out map and lots of great info to help you make the most of your time in London.

Secret London - An Unusual Guide (Local guides by local people)

This guide opens up the secret side to London if you want to discover the less well known side of London this is the book for you!

The 500 Hidden Secrets of London Revised and Updated

Another great book for visitors who want to avoid the usual tourist spots and for residents who are keen to track down the city's best-kept secrets.

prettycitylondon: Discovering London's Beautiful Places

From secluded mews to undiscovered cafes, flower markets, and tree-lined streets, prettycitylondon champions the quiet, gentle moments that allow you to escape in a huge capital city like London.

London: The Biography

Follow two thousand years of London’s history. The city comes alive in Ackroyd's biography of the great city.

Fodor's London 25 Best 2020 (Full-color Travel Guide)

This fully updated and redesigned best of London 2020 by Fodor includes beautiful photographs, useful tips and information to make the most of your trip.

Clued In London: The Concise and Opinionated Guide to the City 2020

An interactive e-book with lots of great tips and information to keep you clued up when visiting London.

Streetwise London Map - Laminated City Center Street Map of London

Useful map of London - laminated too which I highly recommend. Great to keep in your pocket when exploring the capital.

Knopf MapGuides: London: The City in Section-by-Section Maps

This opening fold-out contains a general map of London to help you visualize the 8 large districts discussed in this guide, and 4 pages of valuable information, handy tips and useful addresses.

City Walks London: 50 Adventures on Foot

A selection of 50 cards detailing walks to take in London. If you want to explore London on foot (really the best way!) these cards will give you some great ideas.

DK Eyewitness Family Guide London (Travel Guide)

The perfect guide for families this child-oriented guide is organized around "hubs"--major sights around which to plan your day. It gives child-friendly eating options, age-range suitability info, places for letting off steam, detailed maps, and activities for rainy days, all approached from a family-friendly angle.

Insider London: A Curated Guide to the Most Stylish Shops, Restaurants, and Cultural Experiences

This selection of 200 not-to-be-missed destinations includes major retailers, specialty boutiques, hotels, cultural venues, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

111 Places in London That You Shouldn't Missed

Find out about some of the more unusual places (or unusual aspects of popular sights) to visit in London in this guide to 111 places you really shouldn't miss!

London Precincts: A Curated Guide to the City's Best Shops, Eateries, Bars and Other Hangouts

This book features the best eating, drinking and shopping across 19 London precincts, including Covent Garden, King's Cross, Soho and Piccadilly.

National Geographic London Book of Lists: The City's Best, Worst, Oldest, Greatest, and Quirkiest

The 140 lists in this eclectic and hugely entertaining illustrated compendium of London cover the city’s best, worst, highest, smallest, first, last, and everything in-between.

Everything You Know About London Is Wrong

Packed with details on real London history, this highly entertaining read explodes a range of misconceptions about London.

Covering the city’s arts, entertainment, food, drink, landmarks, royalty, traditions, and politics, it gives you a fascinating insight into the true capital.

Literary London: A Street By Street Exploration Of The Capitals Literary Heritage

An absolute must for book lovers this guide to London explores its literary heritage.

London Theatres

A must for fans of the stage! Take a tour of London's 45 theatres in this beautifully illustrated guide.

London Pocket Precincts: A Pocket Guide To The City'S Best Cultural Hangouts, Shops, Bars And Eateries

London Pocket Precincts is your curated guide to the city's best cultural, shopping, eating and drinking experiences.

Slip this guide into your pocket and head off on an adventure, experiencing the hippest places in London and surrounds like a local.

Plan your trip to London

If you are planning a trip to London check out my London Planning Guide on my UK and Travel Planning dedicated website which has lots of tips, resources and inspiration to help you make the most of your visit.

This includes the best places to visit in my ultimate London bucket list!

UK AND LONDON TRAVEL PLANNING GROUP

Are you planning a trip to London? Why not join my free London and UK travel planning group on Facebook ? Join other travellers from the UK and abroad and find out helpful hints, tips, inspiration and practical advice to help you plan your visit!

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11 best London guide books

From bustling bars in brixton to sight-seeing on south bank, make the most of your trip to the uk capital, article bookmarked.

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London is huge. Covering more than 600 square miles, it’s colloquially defined as being inside the M25 motorway. But looking a little closer, it’s made up of 32 boroughs – a word most outside of Britain struggle with, when it comes to both pronouncing and understanding as a concept that differs to neighbourhoods – but each has its own identity, from the hipster East in Hackney, to the touristy West End in the City of Westminster.

London is home to a fascinatingly diverse population of around eight million people, and has something for everyone – whether it’s losing yourself in its world-class galleries, luxuriating in your favourite hotel for high tea, or roaming its many beautiful Victorian parks. Whatever you’re after, London undoubtedly has it, and we’ve selected our favourite guidebooks to help you find it.

1. Insight Guides: Experience London: £9.99, APA Publications

This book from Insight Guides offers people what they really want: experiences, and over 100 of them at that. At the front of the guide, there are 12 pages offering quick ideas for what you might be in the mood for, from something romantic to a night on the town – perfect for when you need a quick decision. The rest of the book is laid out in coloured-coded neighbourhoods and lists experiences with a detailed map in each section, including breakfast at The Wolseley in Mayfair to finding upcoming art at the Whitechapel gallery in the east. You also get a London destination app called Walking Eye , which is essentially the book on your phone.

2. London: Monocle Travel Guides: £12.99, Die Gestalten Verlag

You may be forgiven for thinking this hardback edition with a striking front cover looks like a coffee table book, but it’s pretty much the Bible of “hidden gem” guidebooks. Aimed at travellers who are spending a few days in the city – either for work or pleasure – it offers up specific itineraries and cool ideas, from the best areas for independent shops to where to take clients for superb cocktails. And there’s one thing the book specifically leaves out – sorry Madame Tussauds, you won’t be mentioned in here. It has a code system of letters to identify each type of sightseeing such as C for culture and W for walks, a monochrome map at the front and loads of colour photography throughout. Also included is a section of 12 essays, written by the author and Monocle staff on urban exploration.

3. Wallpaper* City Guide London: £6.95, Phaidon

Design magazine Wallpaper* has a reputation for being edgy, but this pocket-sized guide, at just 101 pages, doesn’t sacrifice substance for style. Aimed at the design-conscious traveller, it has sections on urban life and “architours”, where you go on the hunt for great buildings, including the Saw Swee Hock Student Centre on Sheffield Street to the National Theatre on the South Bank. Aside from London’s core attractions, it gives you an insider’s knowledge to the city. It suggests the coolest restaurants with fabulous interiors, new design-led hotels, lively nightlife spots and influential galleries – all with colour photography. There’s a section to write notes towards the back, and a fold-out map. And best of all, it has a little price tag to match its size.

4. Not For Tourists Guide to London 2017: £12.99, Not For Tourists

Screaming out to those who prefer to refer to themselves as “travellers” rather than the much-maligned “tourist”, the 2017 edition of this chunky book is crammed full of tips on where to eat, drink, dance and more, describing its selection as the “most delicious, intoxicating, awe-inspiring, groovy destinations” in the city (which may be a little over the top). Split into neighbourhoods which are more like areas, from Covent Garden to Hampstead Village, it gives details on what to do in each of the 60 or so areas in the form of an alphabetical list of attractions and amenities, all on one condensed page, with a full-page, detailed road map – it makes for a great directory. But what it lacks is actual photography.

5. Lonely Planet London: £14.99, Lonely Planet

One of the best go-to travel publishers is Lonely Planet. Husband and wife Tony and Maureen wrote their first guide 40 years ago, back when the world wasn’t quite as accessible as today. But still, the name stands, as does its reliable reputation. The London city guide is the most comprehensive guide in its range and is rather chunky, owing to its detail and breadth of coverage. Its oft-copied, simplistic layout means it’s easy to dive in and find what you want and how to get thee. But what makes these guides so useful is its way of splitting up areas, and numbering sights on the maps of each section. Although you won’t find much off the beaten track in the top 16 attractions, its detail goes as far as offering notes on key transport phrases so you won’t get your contactless and Oyster cards mixed up, while the best sections include suggested places to visit based on your interests, doing it like a local and doing things for free.

6. Secret London – An Unusual Guide by Rachel Howard and Bill Nash: £12.99, Jonglez

An unusual guide is exactly how this should be described. It’s most suited for second or third time travellers, unless you're not too bothered about ticking off Buckingham Palace et al the first time round, as this one avoids all the clichés. It shows you the often forgotten or dismissed parts of London, like the quirky architecture of Rudolf Steiner’s house, or the tropical garden of the Barbican conservatory, hidden within London’s brutalist landmark. It’s laid out in a very simple way: a full picture on the left with text on the right. The compact guide only has one map at the front, and only six areas which are grouped together, covering rather large areas starting with Westminster to Camden and finishing with South Bank to Brixton. It’s a great open-and-point option for exploring.

7. CITIx60: London: £9.99, Victionary

With the most gorgeous covers and tonal, hand-drawn, cartoonish maps to draw you in, you really can judge this book by its cover. It’s short, concise and big on beautiful pictures. The guide was put together by 60 local creatives, including illustrator Marta Długołęcka and architect Richard Scott. Each take a page to show and tell you the best parts of their city, and with a picture of their face and short quote, you almost feel like it’s a friend giving you suggestions. It could be used whether you’re visiting for a day, week, month or a year, as it’s easy to dip in and refer to. In its 12 sections, architecture and mementos (a more appealing word for “souvenirs”) feature prominently and are followed by street markets, locally crafted beer and even tattoos, with quaint cartoons depicting each section. But don’t rely on it for accommodation as there are only two pages of high-end hotels.

8. Frommer’s London Day by Day: £9.99, FrommerMedia

This day-by-day guide covers the best things to see and do, and how to do them in the most time-efficient way. Each of the tours – ranging from a full, all-encompassing day to a literary interest tour – uses a map that takes you from stop to stop. It begins with 16 of the best suggestions, which include the heading to the top of The Shard, afternoon tea at The Goring hotel and Shakespeare's Globe. The front map breaks down the neighbourhoods, postcodes and boundaries and boroughs, making it easy for people to grasp London’s geography. At the back, there is a tear-proof map, which is great for kids.

9. LOST iN London: A City Guide: £9.77, Lost in the City

LOST iN guides started just over two years ago and are all about “getting lost” in the sights, sounds and smells of a city. They’re written by locals, and all the better for it, described as being for people with open minds and creative souls. Revealing the uniqueness of each city, creative locals are asked for recommendations on everything from music and fashion to art and architecture. Looks-wise, it comes across as a mix between a guidebook and an Instagram account, with lots cool photos – some taking up the whole page. And accompanying the print edition is a mobile app, which allows you to plan your trip on the go.

10. 36 Hours: London and Beyond, by the New York Times: £7.99, Taschen

Ok, so it’s actually London “and beyond”, with sections on nearby locations such as Brighton and Cambridge, as well as the far-flung Isle of Skye, but as part of its 36 Hours series, which mainly features continents, the New York Times deemed London to be important enough for its second city-only guide. With a cloth-bound, racer-green cover, it’s certainly worth keeping to adorn your coffee table afterwards. The book is split into sections by area, with delightful added extras including “literary London” and “London with children 2, and gives excellent suggestions on where to eat cake or see an exhibition – two of London’s essential activities – with full-page coloured photography. But maps are small, so you might need to take another with you.

11. DK Eyewitness Travel Guide London: £14.99, Dorling Kindersley

With 440 pages, the Eyewitness guide is an extremely detailed edition aimed at first-timers – or for families with young children who might ask “what, where and why” about everything. And with this book, you’ll actually have all the answers, with 140 illustrations and cutaways revealing what’s inside the major attractions. The main bulk is dedicated to colour-coded areas – mostly north of the river – but most of the other sights are in the “further afield” section, from Kew Gardens to Queen Elizabeth Park. The guided walks give street-by-street directions and times. The food and drink section is small and sticks to the classics, with no mention of pop-ups and street food markets. There’s a pull-out map at the back, 22 pages of other detailed maps, and a trusty tube map, all of which will help you navigate with ease.

The Verdict: London guide books

The Insight Guide’s “new experience” format is great for people who want the best, well, experience, where you can almost tick off the list as you go, and are great for people who live in the city too. Lonely Planet never fails, and the London guide is no different, but for something different for creatives seeking a local’s view of a city that’s full of design and architecture, the Wallpaper* or Citix60 are both insightful.

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20 Travel Books About London to Read Before You Go

These captivating books about London are a must-read before your trip. Non-fiction London travel books include the classic Rick Steeves travel guide alongside books about British history, the Royal family, and classic British cuisine you’ll encounter during your adventure.

The photo collage shows 4 book covers about london.

Planning a trip to London? Or perhaps you just want to explore England from homea s part of a homeschool geography, history, or cultural study.

These non-fiction books about London cover a broad range of fascinating topics that will bring the hustle and bustle of England’s capital right to your front door.

When I’m reading up before a big trip, I always start with a few classic travel guides to get a better sense of the area I’ll be visiting and the landmarks I want to add to my itinerary .

But then I like to dig a little deeper with books about the history, food, and culture so that I’m better prepared for the people I’ll meet and the experiences I’ll encounter.

Thankfully if this is your first International trip , language barrier shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but be sure to brush up on your British colloquialisms before you go!

If you plan to visit Buckingham Palace, you may also enjoy reading one of these books about the Royal Family or pack a royal romance for your plane trip over.

Books to Read About London

Rick Steves London

Now more than ever, you can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling through London. From the sacred stones of Westminster Abbey to the top of the London Eye, the city is yours to discover! Inside Rick Steves London you'll find:

Fully updated, comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more exploring London
Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites
Top sights and hidden gems, from Trafalgar Square and the Tower of London to where to find the best tikka masala or fish and chips
How to connect with local culture: Catch a show in Soho, take afternoon tea, or have a pint of English ale with Londoners in a pub
Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight
The best places to eat, sleep, and relax with a Pimm's Cup
Self-guided walking tours of lively neighborhoods and world-class museums like the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert
Day trips to Windsor, Cambridge, and Stonehenge
Detailed neighborhood maps and a fold-out city map for exploring on the go
Covid-related travel info and resources for a smooth trip

DK Eyewitness London

Whether you want to tread the footsteps of kings and queens in the royal palaces, take a break from sightseeing in one of the city’s many parks, or sample a tantalizing array of street food from around the world, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that London has to offer.

Every corner of this cosmopolitan capital is brimming with personality. Dripping in pomp and tradition, Whitehalland Westminster are best known for their iconic sights and regal architecture. The rolling fields and peaceful woodlands of Hampstead Heath feel a world apart from the futuristic skyscrapers of the financial district of the City. And when the sun sets, Soho bursts into life – the perfect spot for an evening out.

Our updated guide brings London to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights, trusted travel advice, detailed breakdowns of all the must-see sights, photographs on practically every page, and our hand-drawn illustrations which place you inside the city's iconic buildings and neighbourhoods.

DK Eyewitness Top 10 London (Pocket Travel Guide)

One of the world's most captivating metropolises, London is a cultural colossus-renowned for its pulsating theater district, museums, monuments, and fabulous array of restaurants and bars. Your DK Eyewitness Top 10 travel guide ensures you'll find your way around London with absolute ease.

Our annually updated Top 10 travel guide breaks down the best of London into helpful lists of ten-from our own selected highlights to the best museums and art galleries, places to eat, parks and gardens, and riverfront sights.

Walking London

Walking London is the essential companion for any urban explorer—visitor or native—committed to discovering the true heart of one of the world's greatest capital cities!

In 30 carefully planned walks ranging from 2 to 6 miles, distinguished historian Andrew Duncan reveals miles of London's endlessly surprising landscape. From wild heathland to formal gardens, cobbled mews to elegant squares and arcades, bustling markets to tranquil villages, Duncan reveals the pick of the famous sights, but also steers walkers off the tourist track and into the city's hidden corners, taking you through the most interesting and attractive parts of London.

Fancy A Cuppa? British Slang 101

The Complete Guide to Everything That's Quintessentially British:

Are you a fan of British TV but you get lost in translation?

Maybe you plan to visit the UK one day?

Or maybe you are just looking for the BEST Christmas gift for a fellow anglophile!

Well, you're in the right place... best-selling author Jeff Watson brings you the ULTIMATE guide to British Slang.

An all-encompassing hilarious dictionary of everything that's quintessentially British.

A deep-dive into the most up to date & current slang spoken by Brits today, brilliantly illustrated, and hilariously explained.

PRETTYCITYLONDON

Go beyond London's famous landmarks and discover the hidden gems. From secluded mews and undiscovered cafes to flower markets and tree-lined streets, prettycitylondon champions the quiet, gentle moments that allow you to escape in a huge capital city like London.If you know where to look, you will find that traditional shopfronts, vintage transport, artisan bakeries, whimsical florists and timeless bookstores are but a hop, skip and a jump from the centre, and some right in the middle.Full of the unexplored and less-appreciated areas of London, this stunning guide also includes tips on how to plan and photograph your own prettycitylondon experience, whether on foot or dreaming from afar.

Notes from a Small Island

New York Times bestseller Bill Bryson's irreverent and hilarious journey through the beloved island nation he called home for two decades. From Downing Street to Loch Ness, this is a delightful look at the United Kingdom.

Before New York Times bestselling author Bill Bryson wrote The Road to Little Dribbling, he took this delightfully irreverent jaunt around the unparalleled floating nation of Great Britain, which has produced zebra crossings, Shakespeare, Twiggie Winkie’s Farm, and places with names like Farleigh Wallop and Titsey.

The Big Book of the UK

Uncover national secrets and unearth local legends from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in The Big Book of the UK. Filled with over 500 facts on wildlife, food, sports, language and some very silly place names, readers will become experts on the UK in no time.

Timeline of the British Monarchy

Trace the origins and lineages of the British royal family, from the fifth century to the present day.

Over the course of 1,500 years, the British monarchy has undergone numerous transformations—from early warrior kings ruling a fragmented land to today’s mostly ceremonial head of state, King Charles III. Timeline of the British Monarchy is a detailed work of visual reference from the founders of the Useful Charts website that traces the lineages of the kings and queens of Great Britain from the Anglo-Saxons of the fifth century to today’s House of Windsor.

A giant wall chart shows the lineages of each ruling family, and four additional foldout charts provide further details on the main royal houses. Packed with full-color photos and illustrations, as well as insightful commentary on the most famous monarchs, this interactive book is a wonderful resource for anyone with an interest in the history of Great Britain.

The British Baking Book

A meticulously researched, beautifully written, and richly photographed cookbook celebrating the recipes, ingenuity, history, and heritage of British baking.

With over 100 iconic recipes, The British Baking Book tells the wonderfully evocative story of baking in Britain—and how this internationally cherished tradition has evolved from its rich heritage to today’s immense popularity of The Great British Bake Off.With lavish imagery and evocative narrative, the expert-baker author details the landscape, history, ingenuity, and legends—and show-stopping recipes—that have made British baking a worldwide phenomenon. From cakes, biscuits, and buns to custards, tarts, and pies, authentic recipes for Britain’s spectacular sweet and savory baked goods are included here—like pink-frosted Tottenham cake, jam-layered Victoria sandwich cake, quintessential tea loaf, sweet lamb pie, Yorksire curd tart, and more. Illustrating the story of how British baking evolved throughout the country, many of the recipes have a sense-of-place heritage like Dorset apple cake, Whitby lemon buns, Cornish cake, Grasmere gingerbread, and Scottish oatcakes. Evocative and fascinating, this cookbook offers a guided tour of Britain’s best baking.

London in Bloom

London in Bloom showcases the floral abundance of the city’s extraordinary parks, gardens, florists, and flower markets. In this companion to her popular books Paris in Bloom and New York in Bloom, Georgianna Lane takes us on a romantic floral tour of London, juxtaposing luscious blooms with intricate floral details found in iconic architecture. The book also includes:

A detailed list of recommended parks, gardens, markets, and floral designers
A spring tour of blossoms and blooms
A field guide of common spring-blooming trees and shrubs
Step-by-step instructions for creating a London-style bouquet

Lane offers a practical travel guide for anyone planning to see London in bloom in real life. She plans out a tour of spring blossoms, with a field guide for identifying flowering trees and shrubs. She even includes a list of addresses for her favorite parks, gardens, floral boutiques, and flower markets.

London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers

See London in a completely new light in this guide to the city's hidden secrets, untold stories and special places laden with history which you can discover for yourself!London is famous for its museums, each one full of treasures and relics – but the biggest museum in the capital is the city itself. From the stories behind unusual street names, to the trees in our parks; railings made from recycled WWII stretchers, to shrapnel damage on walls; the hidden symbols on post boxes, to prehistoric tree trunks – there is a rich history hidden in the oft-overlooked details of the city's streets, gardens, parks and buildings.

This richly detailed and beautifully illustrated book provides a miscellany of historic features and curiosities to spot as you wander around the capital. Whether you’ve always wondered why there are cattle troughs on your route to work, why bollards often look like upside down cannons or wanted to know what a Victorian stink pipe is – this book will provide the tools to decipher London’s secret code, and introduce you to a treasure trove of hidden spots to explore.

London's Underground: The Story of the Tube

It is impossible to imagine London without the Tube: the beating heart of the city, the Underground shuttles over a billion passengers each year below its busy streets and across its leafy suburbs. The distinctive roundel, colour-coded maps and Johnston typeface have become design classics, recognised and imitated worldwide.

Opening in 1863, the first sections were operated by steam engines, yet throughout its long history the Tube has been at the forefront of contemporary design, pioneering building techniques, electrical trains and escalators, and business planning. Architects such as Leslie W. Green and Charles Holden developed a distinctively English version of Modernism, and the latest stations for the Jubilee line extension, Overground and Elizabeth line carry this aesthetic forward into the twenty-first century.

In this major work published in association with Transport for London and now updated, Tube expert Oliver Green traces the history of the Underground, following its troubles and triumphs, its wartime and peacetime work, and the essential part it has played in shaping London’s economy, geography, tourism and identity. Specially commissioned photography by Benjamin Graham (UK Landscape Photographer of the Year 2017) brings the story to life in vivid portraits of London Underground’s stations, tunnels and trains.

Churchill: Walking with Destiny

In this landmark biography of Winston Churchill based on extensive new material, the true genius of the man, statesman and leader can finally be fully seen and understood--by the bestselling, award-winning author of Napoleon and The Last King of America.

When we seek an example of great leaders with unalloyed courage, the person who comes to mind is Winston Churchill: the iconic, visionary war leader immune from the consensus of the day, who stood firmly for his beliefs when everyone doubted him. But how did young Winston become Churchill? What gave him the strength to take on the superior force of Nazi Germany when bombs rained on London and so many others had caved? In Churchill, Andrew Roberts gives readers the full and definitive Winston Churchill, from birth to lasting legacy, as personally revealing as it is compulsively readable.

Shakespeare: The World as Stage

William Shakespeare, the most celebrated poet in the English language, left behind nearly a million words of text, but his biography has long been a thicket of wild supposition arranged around scant facts. With a steady hand and his trademark wit, Bill Bryson sorts through this colorful muddle to reveal the man himself. His Shakespeare is like no one else's—the beneficiary of Bryson's genial nature, his engaging skepticism, and a gift for storytelling unrivaled in our time.

Unruly: The Ridiculous History of England's Kings and Queens

Think you know the kings and queens of England? Think again.

In Unruly, David Mitchell explores how early England’s monarchs, while acting as feared rulers firmly guiding their subjects’ destinies, were in reality a bunch of lucky bastards who were mostly as silly and weird in real life as they appear today in their portraits.

Taking us back to King Arthur (spoiler: he didn’t exist), Mitchell tells the founding story of post-Roman England up to the reign of Elizabeth I (spoiler: she dies). It’s a tale of narcissists, inadequate self-control, middle-management insurrection, uncivil wars, and a few Cnuts, as the English evolved from having their crops stolen by the thug with the largest armed gang to bowing and paying taxes to a divinely anointed king.

How this happened, who it happened to, and why the hell it matters are all questions that Mitchell answers with brilliance, wit, and the full erudition of a man who once studied history—and won’t let it off the hook for the mess it’s made.

A funny book that takes history seriously, Unruly is for anyone who has ever wondered how the British monarchy came to be—and who is to blame.

The Six Wives of Henry VIII

A Visitor's Guide to Jane Austen's England

Immerse yourself in the vanished world inhabited by Austen’s contemporaries. Packed with detail and anecdotes, this is an intimate exploration of how the middle and upper classes lived from 1775, the year of Austen’s birth, to the coronation of George IV in 1820. Sue Wilkes skillfully conjures up all aspects of daily life within the period, drawing on contemporary diaries, illustrations, letters, novels, travel literature, and archives.

Were all unmarried affluent men really “in want of a wife”?
Where would a young lady seek adventure?
Would “taking the waters” at Bath and other spas kill or cure you?
Was Lizzy Bennet bitten by bed-bugs while traveling?
What would you wear to a country ball or a dance at Almack’s?
Would Mr. Darcy have worn a corset?
What hidden horrors lurked in elegant Regency houses?

The Time Traveler's Guide to Regency Britain: A Handbook for Visitors to 1789–1830

A vivid and immersive history of Georgian England that gives its reader a firsthand experience of life as it was truly lived during the era of Jane Austen, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and the Duke of Wellington.

This is the age of Jane Austen and the Romantic poets; the paintings of John Constable and the gardens of Humphry Repton; the sartorial elegance of Beau Brummell and the poetic license of Lord Byron; Britain's military triumphs at Trafalgar and Waterloo; the threat of revolution and the Peterloo massacre. In the latest volume of his celebrated series of Time Traveler's Guides, Ian Mortimer turns to what is arguably the most-loved period in British history: the Regency, or Georgian England.

A time of exuberance, thrills, frills and unchecked bad behavior, it was perhaps the last age of true freedom before the arrival of the stifling world of Victorian morality. At the same time, it was a period of transition that reflected unprecedented social, economic, and political change. And like all periods in history, it was an age of many contradictions—where Beethoven's thundering Fifth Symphony could premier in the same year that saw Jane Austen craft the delicate sensitivities of Persuasion.

Tune In: The Beatles

Tune In is the New York Times bestseller by the world’s leading Beatles authority – the first volume in a groundbreaking trilogy about the band that revolutionized music. The Beatles have been in our lives for half a century and surely always will be. Still, somehow, their music excites, their influence resonates, their fame sustains. New generations find and love them, and while many other great artists come and go, the Beatles are beyond eclipse. So . . . who really were these people, and just how did it all happen?

More London Travel Tips

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Royal Family 101: Quick Videos to Watch Before London

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What to Eat in London: 20 Foods You Can’t Miss

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6 Days in London: Our Itinerary

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Best Places to Shop in London if You’re Not Royal

12 Books About London You Must Read + Where To Buy

As a massive book lover, I always try to read at least one book about the destination I’m heading to before my trip. And no… a guidebook doesn’t count.

The chances are high that you’re reading this blog post because you’re a little like me. In other words, you want to read a book or several books about London ahead of your own trip. Am I right?

Either way, in this post, I’m going to share 12 books about London, plus a bunch more set in London that I believe (in my humble opinion) that you must read.

And once you’ve finished with those, I’m also going to suggest 5 charming bookshops in London that you should visit to indulge your literary obsession during your trip.

12 Books About London You Must Read

1. pretty city london: discovering london’s beautiful places.

For a beautiful and fresh take on London, you should definitely read Pretty City London: Discovering London’s Beautiful Places .

It’s written by Siobhan Ferguson who is also the curator of the hugely popular Instagram accounts: @prettycitylondon and @theprettycities , and is basically an all-around Instagram superstar .

It showcases lots of off-the-beaten-path places to visit in London, as well as stunning Insta-worthy locations that you’ll likely want to check out during your visit. It even has some tips inside for shooting your own beautiful photos in London and makes for a perfect coffee table book .

Buy Pretty City London: Discovering London’s Beautiful Places >>>

2. The London Encyclopedia

Now in its third edition, The London Encyclopedia promises to be the most comprehensive book about London… EVER !

From history and culture to sightseeing, maps and more, if you’re only going to have one London book on your shelf, then this should probably be it.

Buy The London Encyclopedia >>>

3. Do Not Pass Go: From the Old Kent Road to Mayfair

Named after the hugely successful Monopoly franchise, Do Not Pass Go: From the Old Kent Road to Mayfair creatively discusses the history of London (since the 1930s – aka when Monopoly was invented), as well as the history of the franchise itself in one fun-packed book.

Alongside reading about the history of the UK’s most famous game and London, you can also have a few giggles along the way as you follow the author, Tim Moore, on his hilarious escapades around London.

A must-read for London-lovers and Monopoly-lovers.

Buy Do Not Pass Go: From the Old Kent Road to Mayfair >>>

4. London’s Hidden Walks: Volumes 1-3

In case you’ve visited London before, or if you prefer exploring off the beaten path places, London’s Hidden Walks will be perfect for you.

It’s a pocket-sized three-volume series that contains maps and photographs of 12 walks in each book. The books also contain interesting facts and information about the points of interest you’ll see along the way.

If you fancy seeing a different side of London, these books are well worth a read.

Buy London’s Hidden Walks: Volume 1 >>> Buy London’s Hidden Walks: Volume 2 >>> Buy London’s Hidden Walks: Volume 3 >>>

Buy ALL 3 volumes of London’s Hidden Walks here >>>

5. I Never Knew That About London

Did you know the original London Bridge was built by the Romans in AD 52? Or did you know that the British drive on the left due to archaic jousting rules?

I Never Knew That About London contains lots more useful… (or is it useless?) facts about London. One quick read and you’ll definitely be exclaiming over and over again “I didn’t know that!”

Buy I Never Knew That About London >>>

6. Georgian London: Into the Streets

Since the UK has been in existence for many hundreds of years, it should come as no surprise that there is so much historical wonder associated with it… and with especially the UK’s capital.

One period of history that has had a lot of influence over the UK and very much how it looks today is the Georgian era.

Georgian London: Into the Streets is a charming read all about this period of history and how Londoners during this time behaved. Worth a read if you’re interested in this particular era!

Buy Georgian London: Into the Streets >>>

7. Walk the Lines: The London Underground, Overground

Many people say that the only true way to discover a city is on foot.

The fact that there are several books about London in this list, which are related to walking tours and guides suggests that statement is probably true.

Walk the Lines: The London Underground, Overground tells the tale of Mark Mason, who decided to follow the entire length of the London Underground – above ground – before sharing what he found along the way, as well as what gossip he overheard.

Promising a deep look into London’s top sights, as well as local London life, this is a charming read.

Buy Walk the Lines: The London Underground, Overground >>>

8. London: A Travel Guide Through Time

In it, you’ll find interesting facts, stories and anecdotes related to London and Londoners throughout the time of the Middle Ages, Shakespeare, the Great Plague of London, the reign of Queen Victoria, the Blitz and London life during Joseph Merrick’s (aka The Elephant Man’s) life.

Buy London: A Travel Guide Through Time >>>

9. Londoners: The Days and Nights of London Now – as Told by Those Who Love it, Hate it, Live it, Left it and Long for it

Ignoring the impossibly long title, Londoners (for short) is a fun read.

The author, Craig Taylor, shares anecdotes, stories and private conversations from a full spectrum of London life including young and old, rich and poor, men and women.

It promises to provide plenty of insight into exactly what makes Londoners tick and what they really think about living in London.

Buy Londoners >>>

10. 84 Charing Cross Road

Spanning two decades of an endearing friendship and passionate love affair, 84 Charing Cross Road is based on the true story of when a woman from New York wrote to the owners of a shop (found at 84 Charing Cross Road in London), which specialised in rare and secondhand books at the time.

The story is told via a series of letters originally sent between the pair (starting in the 1940s), which also give a clue into what London was like back then and how Londoners behaved.

Today, there is a McDonald’s at 84 Charing Cross Road (a little less poetic perhaps) , but there is a nod to the original shop, thanks to a plaque on the front of the building, which reads:

84 Charing Cross Road. The booksellers Marks & Co. were on this site which became world renowned through the book by Helene Hanff.

Buy 84 Charing Cross Road >>>

11. Tired of London, Tired of Life: One Thing A Day To Do in London

Packed full of interesting, unique and fun things to do in London throughout each day of the year, Tired of London, Tired of Life is the perfect read for locals and first time visitors alike.

A couple of my favourites include finding Aphrodite in the British Museum on Valentine’s Day and drinking in a bar made entirely of Swedish ice… basically, with this book on your coffee table, you’ll never be short of finding new things to do in the UK’s capital.

Buy Tired of London, Tired of Life >>>

12. Literary London

What could possibly be better to end this books about London round-up than with a book all about the literary side of London?

Literary London allows you to follow in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde, Shakespeare, Lord Byron and many more literary greats as you learn how they spent their days in London, where they got their inspiration from, and where you can visit today to get another step closer to each of them.

I think you’ll agree that this is an absolute must for book lovers living in or visiting London!

Buy Literary London >>>

RELATED: 20+ Very British Souvenirs From London

5 Books Set in London Also Worth a Read

1. the cormoran strike series.

Written by J.K. Rowling (under the pseudonym of Robert Galbraith), the Cormoran Strike novels follow the trials and tribulations of London-based Private Investigator, Cormoran Strike.

Throughout the books, he solves multiple crimes in London… but don’t let this put you off from visiting! The books are cleverly written and will keep you guessing as well as turning the page.

Buy The Cuckoo’s Calling (Book 1) >>> Buy The Silkworm (Book 2) >>> Buy Career of Evil (Book 3) >>> Buy Lethal White (Book 4) >>>

Buy ALL 4 books in the series here >>>

2. Wolf Hall

Steeped in intrigue, secrecy, treachery and politics, Wolf Hall, is a great read for those interested in Tudor history and Tudor court life in London.

Buy Wolf Hall >>>

3. The Bridget Jones Series

Aside from Harry Potter, Bridget Jones’s Diary is possibly one of the UK’s most iconic novels of the 21st Century.

There are four books in the set in total, which follow the trials and tribulations of ditzy Bridget Jones who gets herself into all sorts of trouble… much like Scott and I do when we go travelling!

But given Bridget owns a flat in London and is incredibly British, the books are a fun little read for London book lovers!

Buy Bridget Jones’s Diary (Book 1) >>> Buy Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (Book 2) >>> Buy Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (Book 3) >>> Buy Bridget Jones’s Baby: The Diaries (Book 4) >>>

4. The Adventures and Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

Possibly one of the most famous fictional detectives of all time, Sherlock Holmes, has inspired many a visit to London.

The Adventures and Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes are a collection of short stories that follow Holmes and his sidekick, Doctor Watson, as they solve murder mysteries throughout London and beyond.

While we’re on the subject of Sherlock, you should also make it your mission to find the Sherlock Holmes Statue on Marylebone Road, as well as the Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street during your next trip to London.

Buy The Adventures and Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes now >>>

5. The Shopaholic Series

Despite the movie edition (Confessions of a Shopaholic) being set in New York, the original ‘Shopaholic’ books actually follow the financial disasters of a London local (who also used to live in my hometown of Bristol!)

The books are fun and quick reads, and will definitely make you feel miles better about your own financial situation… with or without the London price tag.

Buy The Secret Dreamworld Of A Shopaholic (Book 1) >>> Buy Shopaholic Abroad (Book 2) >>> Buy Shopaholic Ties The Knot (Book 3) >>> Buy Shopaholic & Sister (Book 4) >>> Buy Shopaholic & Baby (Book 5) >>> Buy Mini Shopaholic (Book 6) >>> Buy Shopaholic to the Stars (Book 7) >>> Buy Shopaholic to the Rescue (Book 8) >>>

Finished Reading Those? Here Are 5 Charming Bookshops in London You Must Visit

1. daunt books, 83 marylebone high street.

Often touted as one of the most beautiful bookshops in London, the Daunt Books flagship store on Marylebone High Street is housed in what used to be an Edwardian bookshop, complete with skylights, oak wood panelling and huge windows. Their speciality is travel, so this is where you should come in London if you need guidebooks, language books, travel memoirs, maps and more.

2. Heywood Hill, 10 Curzon Street

Specialising in rare books and collectors items, the independent book store, Heywood Hill is a real treat for bibliophiles. If you have some extra cash to flash, they even offer a bespoke service of building your own unique library of books… one day dear friends, one day…

3. Persephone Books, 59 Lamb’s Conduit Street

View this post on Instagram A rare snowy day in Bloomsbury. #londonsnow A post shared by Persephone Books (@persephonebooks) on Feb 28, 2018 at 4:33am PST

Based in Bloomsbury, Persephone Books is an independent publisher and bookshop, which was founded in 1999 by Nicola Beauman. The store’s unique selling point is that it reprints forgotten fiction and non-fiction works by female writers, and redresses each of them in their (now iconic) grey cover.

4. Goldsboro Books, 23-27 Cecil Court

View this post on Instagram What a crowd we had here last night for Crime in the Court. Thanks everyone for coming – such fun! A post shared by Goldsboro Books (@goldsborobooks) on Sep 23, 2016 at 12:58am PDT

Specialising in first edition books, collectors items and signed editions, Goldsboro Books has been operating out of their London-based shop for nearly twenty years. One of their largest claims to fame is that they were once the only bookshop in the world to have signed copies of The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (pseudonym of the infamous J.K. Rowling herself).

5. Hatchards, 187 Piccadilly

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Claiming to be the oldest bookshop in the whole of the UK, Hatchards was founded in 1797 by John Hatchard and is now a branch of Waterstones. The shop is still trading today – there’s even a portrait of John Hatchard himself hanging above the stairs!

Well, there you have it: 12 books about London you must read, 5 books set in London also worth a read, and 5 bookshops in London you must visit… don’t say I don’t give you anything! ;-)

Did you like this? Share it around now!

Justine Jenkins

Justine is one half of the married couple behind the Wanderers of the World travel blog. She lives in Bristol, UK and has travelled extensively within Europe and beyond since 2013. After her trips, she shares detailed travel itineraries, helpful travel guides and inspiring blog posts about the places she's been to. When she's not travelling overseas, you'll find her joining her husband, Scott on various day trips, weekend getaways and walks within the UK, which she also writes about on Wanderers of the World. Aside from travelling and writing, she also loves reading, crafting and learning about nature.

Experience London

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Lonely Planet's Experience London travel guide reveals exciting new ways to explore this iconic city with insider tips from our local experts and handy planning tools so you can create your own unique trip.

Discover amazing local experiences from eating your way around Brick Lane's Sunday food market, to strolling through the magnificent Hampstead Heath, and experiencing what life was once like on the city's famous docks at the Museum of London Docklands.

Build a one-of-a-kind trip with Lonely Planet's Experience London travel guide:

Our Experience guidebook format reveals exciting new ways to explore epic destinations and plan the ultimate 1-2 week adventure
Local experts share their love for the real London , offering fresh perspectives into the city's traditions, values, and modern trends
Trip planning tools help you create your own itineraries for exploring each neighbourhood so you can navigate London and connect experiences together with ease
Experience the perfect day with our local writers who share their ideal itinerary from morning to afternoon and night
In the know tips help you discover even more local experiences when visiting well-known sights and landmarks
Fun insights will pique your curiosity and take you to the heart of the place - learn the best time to haggle at the capital's vibrant street markets; make way for London's evolving chinatown food scene; explore a number of abandoned and disused tube stations scattered around the city
Insider scoop on the best festivals, secret hangouts, hidden locations, tantalising local food scene, and photo-worthy views
Handy seasonal planning calendar guides you on where to go , when to travel , and what to pack
QR codes unlock extra digital content, know-how, and travel secrets
Practical information on money, getting around, unique and local ways to stay, and responsible travel
Inspiring full-colour photography and maps including a pull out map of London
Covers: The West End, City of London, South Bank, Kensington & Hyde Park, Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields, East London, Hampstead & North London, Notting Hill & West London, Brixton, Peckham & South London

Create your own dream travel itinerary and get away from the everyday with Lonely Planet's Experience London.

Covers The West End, City of London, South Bank, Kensington & Hyde Park, Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields, East London, Hampstead & North London, Notting Hill & West London, Brixton, Peckham & South London

eBook is available in ePub, MOBI and PDF.

ISBN: 9781838694777

Edition: 1st

Publication Date: June 2022

Writers: Tharik Hussain, Hannah Ajala, Linda Konde, Travis Levius, Demi Perera, Qin Xie

226 pages, 226pp color | Dimensions: 140mm × 180mm

Next edition due: May 2025

Which guidebook is right for me?

Country, city & regional guides.

Top experience collections
Regional itineraries recommended by experts (from a couple of days to multi-week)
3D illustrations and guided tours of key sights
Extensive coverage of history and culture
Detailed maps throughout - includes walking maps and a pull-out planning map

EXPERIENCE guides

(country, city & regional).

Led by local experts that reveal their favorite experiences and hidden gems
Personal itinerary building tools
Seasonal planning calendars
QR codes unlock additional online content

POCKET guides

(city & regional).

Special features cover most popular sights
Content organized by neighborhhod
Recommended 1, 2, 3 and 4-day itineraries
Guided walking tours

A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 11 Incredible London Books You Have to Read

It’s book time! I’ve written about my top picks for books to read while traveling , books to read about England , and Scottish fiction . I got great feedback from you, so today I want to share my list of the best London books. I hope you enjoy them.

Best London Books

The following is a list of some of my favorite London books. Whether they’re set here, reveal secrets of the city’s past or present, or just relate to London in some way, they’ve contributed to my love of this inspiring metropolis. I hope they do the same for you.

1. Wolf Hall

Wolf Hall is not only my top pick for London novels, but also one of my favorite books of all time. Set during the reign of Henry VIII, it covers a fascinating period of British history.

On top of that, Hilary Mantel’s signature style provides a refreshing break from the usual novel narrative. You can get it here .

2. Mrs Dalloway

Mrs Dalloway is another classic London novel. Virginia Woolf’s story of a day in the London life of Clarissa Dalloway dips and dives through many a London neighborhood, making it as fun to follow in the footsteps as it is to share in the story. You can get a copy here .

3. Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes is one of London’s most famous literary heroes, so it’s fitting to have Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s collection on my list of the best London books.

I’ve read through all 1,000+ pages of Sherlock Holmes: Vol 1: The Complete Novels and Stories and loved every bit. From Holmes’ wit to Watson’s devotion, it was impossible not to get attached. You can get it here .

4. A Tale of Two Cities

Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities is set between London and Paris around the time of the French Revolution.

Short but powerful, it tells a story of love and redemption that captivated my emotions even a century and a half after its publication. You can get it here .

5. Nineteen Eighty-Four

Nineteen Eighty-Four , George Orwell’s dystopian classic, is as relevant today as it was when it was written. Big Brother’s London is a frightening place, and the novel is a powerful reminder of the danger of totalitarianism. You can get a copy here .

6. Her Fearful Symmetry

Another of my picks for the best London books is Audrey Niffenegger’s Her Fearful Symmetry . Taking place in Highgate , it tells the story of American twins who inherit a flat in London from an aunt they never knew they had.

When they arrive, they start to unravel a mystery that takes them into the iconic Highgate Cemetery and other beloved locations across the city. You can get it here .

7. Lonely Planet London

My list of London books wouldn’t be complete without some travel guidebooks.

When I first moved to the city I relied on Lonely Planet London to get me around, show me the ropes, and teach me about everything from London’s big attractions to its history and culture. You can get it here .

8. London’s Hidden Walks

On a more local level, London’s Hidden Walks is a set of three London books that’s great for discovering the city on foot. Given my love of walking and under-the-radar London neighborhoods , this series is right up my alley. You can get the set here .

9. London: A Social History

Whenever I need recommendations for books on London’s past, I turn to a friend who has a PhD in medieval London history from Oxford .

He recommends London: A Social History , a book about the city’s past, its rise and fall, and above all, its people. You can get a copy here .

10. A Bear Called Paddington

I’m a sucker for children’s books, and if there’s one I’ve loved since childhood it’s A Bear Called Paddington .

The original in what’s now a global franchise, this sweetest of London books tells the story of a Peruvian bear who travels to London and meets the Brown family by chance in Paddington Station. And so the adventures begin. You can get it here .

11. Ruby Red Shoes Goes to London

The last book on my list is one that’s personally special. It was written by my friend’s Australian cousin, Kate Knapp, who’s an amazing artist and children’s book author.

The third in a series about Ruby Red Shoes , an adorable aware hare, I love Ruby Red Shoes Goes to London for its setting, its beautiful illustrations of London, and the fact that my friend makes an appearance as Ruby’s cousin (in hare form, of course).

It’s currently only available in Australia, so if you’ve been looking for an excuse to travel Down Under, this is it.

Best Books about London

I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of books about London and that it helped you find the most appealing titles for your taste.

From novels to non-fiction, guidebooks to children’s books, there are a lot of great choices when it comes to the UK capital. Happy reading!

What do you think are the best London books?

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22 Comments on Lady’s 11 Incredible London Books You Have to Read

Thanks for this list. Some old friends and some interesting new ones. I think my best London book is London Fields by Martin Amis. By the way, I can’t remember if I said but I conducted my charity walk of Notting Hill roughly based on your Blog post. It was a great success so thanks you, Barry.

Thanks for the recommendation! I’m glad you enjoyed the walk, too.

Love a Tale of Two Cities! Will definitely get a copy of London: A Social History. Thanks for sharing! x

You’re welcome!

London by Rutherford who also wrote about Paris and New York is a great read. Love your ideas and adventures

Thanks for the recommendation!

Blaine, I was just going to suggest that! London by Rutherford is my all time, all around favorite book! I’ve just love, love, love it! I’m so excited to get some new tips though! It’s a cloudy rainy day here in Connecticut and I think i’m going to order Mrs. Dalloway and start reading! Thank you LIL!!!

You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy them.

A great post, and a lovely diverse list. I have read a couple, and am part way through ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ (never seem to find the time these days to finish a novel)

I have a little favourite – ‘I never knew that about London’ by Christopher Winn. The pages of my copy, from 2007, are turning a little golden these days but I still regularly thumb through it when I head back into London. Who knew London had a lighthouse?

Anyway, a few more to add to my Kindle list for the next delay at an airport.

Happy Travels,

Thanks, Gary! I’ve seen that book in bookshops around London and have always been curious about it. Sounds like I’ll have to get a copy.

When I saw the title of your post I was hoping Sherlock Holmes would be on there! 🙂 Have a great rest of your weekend, Julie! 🙂

Thanks, Mike! Sherlock is such a great set of books and stories.

I’m pleased to say I’ve read a few of these 🙂 thanks for the other suggestions!

You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy reading them.

Great list of books with a couple of new ones to add to my list. I just finished reading The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling) and I loved tracing the footsteps through the streets of London.

Nice! Thanks for the recommendation.

The best is Samual Pepys’ diary. And if you want more detail about Pepys’ life, then Samuel Pepys: The Unequalled Life. But start with the diaries.

Thanks for sharing, Max!

I’d recommend one more gem – ‘I never knew that about London’ by Christopher Winn’. It will take you on a journey throughout London via route you haven’t taken before.

That’s a great recommendation!

I love “Londoners” by Craig Taylor.

Best UK Travel Books for 2024 (Travel Guides & maps)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: May 6, 2024

Looking for a guide book to supplement all the great information available on this website? Look not further! Below you will find an updated selection of the best UK Travel Books available in 2024 covering the UK, London, Great Britain, England, Wales and Scotland!

The popularity of travel guide books is once again on the up and if you are looking for a resource to help plan your travels they are great place to start.

Combining a guide book or two with information provided on this website will ensure you have everything you need to start planning your trip.

In this article I have gathered together all the best guide books for UK travel including those for specific nations (England – Scotland – Wales – Ireland), as well as popular cities and regions.

Rick Steves Guidebooks

Lonely planet, rough guides, dk eyewitness.

Fodor's Essential

Which regions of the UK do you need a guidebook for?

Other things to consider, best uk maps, best guide books for london 2024 and beyond, best london maps, best travel guide books for great britain, best travel guide books for england, best travel guide books for scotland, best guide books for wales, best guide books – ireland, uk guide books – historical interest, uk trip planning, london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks).

UK map under a magnifying glass as seen in many UK Travel Books.

Tips for choosing the best UK travel guidebook for your trip

What are the characteristics of the main guide books available.

Guide books are not all the same and you can find a wide variation of styles written for travellers with different interests and budgets.

For example do you prefer a guide book with lots of photos, one that is more text heavy, one that covers the main sites or perhaps one that includes off the beaten track destinations?

Rick Steves provides an excellent introduction to the main sights (which he rates in order of importance for visitors though I don’t always agree with his choices!) plus his books offer sound practical advice.

Written for a US based audience his popularity has led to many of the places (hotels and restaurants) he recommends often becoming overbooked.

If you want more detailed information for specific areas or are looking for hidden gems or off the beaten track destinations one of the other guide books may be a better option (or used to supplement Rick’s guides)

Quick picks – Top 3 Rick Steve Guide Books for the UK

Great Britain – Rick Steves Great Britain
London – Rick Steves Pocket London
Edinburgh – Rick Steves Snapshot Edinburgh

Lonely Planet are the biggest publisher of guide books in the world. The have a good range of guide books for the UK which provide detailed information for all travel budgets.

I find their smaller pocket guide books particularly useful. The Lonely Planet Pocket Guide to London covers all the main sights with practical information and tips. As the name suggests it also fits into your pocket or bag for easy reference when out and about.

Quick picks – Top 3 Lonely Planet Guide Books for the UK

London – Pocket Guide to London
Main sights – Lonely Planet Best of Great Britain
Road Trips – 36 road trips around Great Britain

Rough Guides offer practical advice supplemented with beautiful photographs and useful maps.

They have produced some excellent guides to specific regions and areas of the UK written by those with a detailed local knowledge.

Quick picks – Top 3 Rough Guide Books for the UK

Rough Guide to the Lake District
Rough Guide to Yorkshire
Rough Guide to Dorset

With beautiful photographs, maps and hand drawn illustrations the DK Eyewitness travel guides are my personal favourite. They are easy to use providing detailed and practical information about destinations.

The DK ‘Top 10″ series of guide books are excellent offering information in a concise, visual and user friendly way (and are small, light ad easy to carry around)

Quick picks – Top 3 DK Guide Books for the UK

London – Top 10 London
London – Family Guide to London
Great Britain – DK Guide to Great Britain

Fodor’s Essential

Written by locals Fodor’s travel books have been around for over 80 years. They include detailed maps, itineraries and travel recommendations for all tastes and budgets.

As you will discover below there is a wide selection of guidebooks for UK travel. Some are pretty straightforward as they cover one nation, city or area of the UK such as

Guidebooks for London
Guidebooks for England
Guidebooks for Scotland
Guidebooks for Wales
Guidebooks for Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

However there are also guidebooks which cover Great Britain . This means that they will include travel information for England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland will not be included in these guidebooks as it is not geographically part of Great Britain.

Check the date of publication – Buy the most up to date version to ensure access to current information.
Check that the book covers the areas you plan to visit – especially when purchasing for the UK!
If you are planning to take a guide book with you consider the weight and size! I often purchase a larger more detailed guide book to help with planning but pack a pocket size guide book for the trip. Many of the books are also available to purchase to download onto your Kindle or other e reader device.
If you plan to take a map you may find that some guide books have a pullout map included.

Click links for prices – Marco Polo Map | Lonely Planet Planning Map | UK Scratch Map

A map of London is essential and I always carry one with me (and I have lived in the capital and visited many times!)

Note that these guide books cover England, Scotland and Wales only.

There is a good range of guide books for England including those which are more area or city specific which may be useful if you are planning to spend some time in a specific area e.g the Cotswolds , the Lake District etc

Click links for prices – Rough Guide to Wales | Lonely Planet Wales | Wild Guide to Wales | Wales Coast Path Walks – Isle of Anglesey

Click links for prices – Fodor’s Essential Ireland | Everything travel guide to Ireland | Back Roads Ireland

Click links for prices – Jane Austen’s England | The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England | Wales Castles and Historic Places | Castles, Palaces and Stately Homes of Great Britain

This guide to the best UK guidebooks will have provided you with the best options for your trip. As you have seen there are a lot of UK guidebooks to choose from but we are confident you will find the right ones for you and your itinerary.

If you enjoy reading about a destination before you go or simply want some reading inspiration my best books to read about England or best books to read about Scotland are a great place to start.

You can find more information to help you to plan your UK trip in these articles:

London Travel Guide
England Travel Guide
UK Accommodation Guide (England, Scotland, Wales & N Ireland)
How to plan your UK travel budget
How to get around the UK (Complete Guide to Transportation in the UK)
Best Gifts for Anglophiles

London Travel Guide and itinerary planner.

15 Must-Read Books Set in London to Read Before you Visit

This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a commission at no additional cost to you.

London has always been an inspiration for all kinds of art, including literature. Many writers have used the attractions and streets of the city as a setting for the lives of their protagonists.

If you are one of the many who dream of traveling or moving to London and want to learn more about London before you go why not read some of these great books to prepare for your trip?

There are thousands of books that have London as their setting, and I would say that it is almost impossible not to have never read one of them.

This list includes both fiction and non-fiction titles for adults as well as some popular novels that should appeal to everyone. Here are the best books set in London that will transport you there!

Grab these fantastic books set in London here:

Sign up for a free trial of Audible: Get 30 days of free access to thousands of audiobooks, and one free premium title of your choice. Perfect for listening on the go!
Sign up for a free trial of Kindle Unlimited: Get 30 days of free access to unlimited ebook reading on any device. You will unlock access to over two million titles instantly!
Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime: Get 30 days of a free trial offering free two-day shipping on all purchases, plus access to hundreds of new ebooks each month.

Novels and Fiction Set in London

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

If you want to read a great novel set in London, this is a good option. It is the fourth novel by the English writer, published in 1925.

The story tells in parallel the lives of Miss Dalloway, a fictional high-society woman, and Warren, a First World War veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress. Everything happens during a single day in 1923.

On one hand, you attend the preparations for the protagonist’s meeting at her house in Westminster, and on the other, you witness Warren’s psychological discomfort.

Buy on Amazon | View in Goodreads

Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

This is one of the best books set in London and its iconic Baker Street. Through these pages, Holmes and his friend, Dr. Watson, will walk the streets of a Victorian London turned into a labyrinth of false leads.

He faces all kinds of mysteries and crimes, leaving the reader immersed in an explosive mix of crime, suspense, and revenge.

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Dickens recreates the beginnings of the social and political revolt of the French Revolution. The story takes place between London and Paris. Want more books set in Paris ?

The first city symbolizes in some way peace and tranquility, simple and orderly life; while the second represents turmoil, challenge, and chaos. And the conflict between two worlds in a time when drastic social changes are announced.

The acts of violence carried out by the French people at the beginning of and during the revolution are among the most memorable scenes in the book. Dickens rejects revolutionary violence in its two forms, both in its popular form, by the masses, and in its institutionalized form, such as terror.

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

This novel is a classic of English literature, an extremely emotional story that allows you to feel the characters and makes you discover life in England through the eyes of an innocent child who will be corrupted by society.

Oliver Twist is an orphan boy who must start earning a living on his own from a very young age, he is employed and mistreated at a funeral home, from where he decides to escape to London.

In the big city, he joins a gang of child thieves who are forced to steal for Fagin, until Oliver is injured in a robbery, and his life changes forever.

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

In this book, you will feel as confused as if you were Richard Mayhew himself, a normal man who lives in London, who has plans, a girlfriend, a job, and who considers himself happy.

One day, overnight, he will find himself trapped underground in London where he will have to embark on a journey to be able to recover his life and where he will discover that world full of magical beings and unknown dangers. This urban fantasy novel was published in 1996 and republished in 2015.

the guernsey literary and potato peel pie society

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer

This novel was translated into more than 20 languages, it is a classic that teaches us about the power of the word and the value of literature as a refuge and consolation in difficult times.

It is set in a past London that was devastated by the terrible wounds of the Second World War, both the streets are littered with rubble and its inhabitants trying to continue their pre-war routines.

While touring Britain to launch her new book, writer Juliet Ashton receives a letter from a stranger living on the island of Guernsey who is reading a book by Charles Lamb that had previously belonged to Juliet.

From the exchange of correspondence, Juliet learns about the literary society, which was created in difficult circumstances of the war and she is invited to participate in it, this meeting will give life to her new novel.

1984 by George Orwell

One of the most shocking dystopias of this century is this work by George Orwell.

London, the year is 1984, in a world in a constant war between the 3 superpowers that dominate the map: Eurasia, Oceania, and East Asia.

Winston Smith, an official who works in one of the Ministries in which the government of London is divided and, who serve to obey the will of the Party, decides to rebel against this totalitarian government that controls each of the movements of its citizens and punishes even those who commit crimes with their thoughts.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Since its publication year, 1813, this work by Austen has not ceased to captivate readers of different generations.

It is a portrait and a social critique of the world in which Jane Austen lived, some of the issues it deals with are the class difference in Victorian England, the exaggerated dependence of women on men, the pressure of marriage, and the economic and social difficulties that love has to face.

The novel depicts about a year in the life of a group of young people living in the country near London at the turn of the century (from the 18th to the 19th), and with the arrival of the rich and handsome Mr. Darcy in their region, the lives of the Bennets and their five daughters are turned upside down.

London by Edward Rutherfurd

If history is what interests you most, this novel is like taking a walk through two thousand years of London history with the help of an archaeologist who uncovers the history of this city layer by layer.

The main protagonist is the city of London itself, and within this novel, there is everything: the history of the Celts, Romans, Normans, the construction of emblematic buildings, the passage of figures such as Shakespeare or the different kings, the fire of 1666, plagues, wars, invasions…

Non-Fiction Books About London

Londoners by Craig Taylor

If you want to know London told by Londoners themselves, I recommend you read this book. The book portrays the city through 80 stories containing stories, complaints, memories, and dreams of London men and women. It is a celebration of one of the most wonderful cities in the world.

A People’s History of London by Lindsey German and John Rees

This chronicle tells the story of London’s rebellions and riots, the forgotten story of the world’s capital of the revolution.

For nearly 2,000 years, the city has been home to radical ideas, thinkers, heretics, and rebels, from John Wycliffe to Karl Marx. It has been the site of clashes that changed the course of history, such as the Levellers’ freedom fight after the Civil War or the Battle of Cable Street.

London: The Biography by Peter Ackroyd

Peter Ackroyd has masterfully succeeds in transmitting to readers a genuine and intense passion for London.

Through a surprising tour of its history, which does not shy away from the darkest episodes, the most dangerous neighborhoods, or the darkest and least known aspects.

Ackroyd uses his brilliant prose to shed light on a city characterized by mist and to show us even its most peculiar details.

Children’s Books Set in London

Mice in the City: London by Ami Shin

If what you are looking for is a fun book for children, this is a good option. Play and learn with the London mice: those dressed in elegant clothes on their way to work, those who are baking cakes or fishing, or the artistic ones who perform magic tricks.

Each page is full of surprises and the illustrations are a wonderful way to discover the most famous monuments of London.

Young Adult Books Set in London

A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria E. Schwab

This is the first book in a trilogy. Set in a different London depending on the universe…

There is a Gray London, without magic. A Red London, where life and magic are honored and where Kell comes from, and a White London, where the fight to control magic left the city in ruins. And long ago, there was also a Black London, but nobody mentions it anymore.

The main character is Kell and he has the ability to travel from one world to another. Officially he is responsible for carrying correspondence between the nobles of each London, but unofficially he is a smuggler in the service of those willing to pay for items from worlds they will never see.

Between these trips, a thief and a mysterious character will intervene who will bring out a dangerous magic that will endanger all the universes.

Although it is aimed at young people, do not rule it out if you are passionate about fantasy.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (The Infernal Devices Series)

It tells the story of Tessa Gray, who travels to London to live with her brother but is captured by a secret organization until the Shadowhunters rescue her.

The rest of the book is based around her discovering the Shadow world and making a life with the new people she encounters.

Fantastic beings, modern London, a love triangle, and mysteries to solve in a story that you won’t be able to stop reading.

More In The Infernal Devices Series:

Clockwork Prince (Book 2) by Cassandra Clare Clockwork Princess (Book 3) by Cassandra Clare

Have you read any of these books set in London? Do you have any favorite books set in London that I should add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!

Plan Your Visit To London

Once you’ve read some of the books on this list, you’ll be excited to visit London. If so, you’ll want to check out the following.

Best Travel And Guide Books About London
The Best Things To Do In London

Know someone else who wants to read books set in London? Then please pin this post.

A Perfect 6-Day London Itinerary for Book Lovers

By: Author Jess Esa

Posted on Last updated: 8th April 2024

London is one of the most bookish cities in the world, there’s no shortage of things you can get up to if you’re a fan of quaint bookshops, book cafes, literary museums and theatre! And that’s only scratching the surface. Home to Dickens, Orwell, Wiliam Blake and countless other literary greats, the historical sites alone could fill any London itinerary.

A London Itinerary for Bookworms

It’s safe to say that bookish London is our speciality so here are our best-loved literary places and bookish themed spaces in and around London, our favourite city and home. Get ready to be enchanted by this literary London four day itinerary plus bookish day trips.

Day One: Leicester Square, Covent Garden

Wandering the Leicester Square and Covent Garden area is an ideal way to get maximum bookish fun within a small area. There’s seriously so much to see here along with being one of the most vibrant spots in the city. You can mix and match which order you want to do these things in but I recommend starting in Covent Garden and ending at Leicester Square as there is plenty to get up to in the evening after.

Roam Covent Garden

Check out our Bookish Guide to Covent Garden for everything you can do here, (there’s a lot) ranging from independent bookshops to Alice in Wonderland and Moomin souvenirs, and even a library members club where you can get literary cocktails and drink amongst the books! It’s also a really pretty area so it’s perfect for colourful photos!

Wander the market before heading to nearby Cecil Court. Consider lunch at Rules , the oldest restaurant in London where many notable authors have dined and tea or cocktails in gorgeous bookish surroundings at Teatulia .

Discover Cecil Court

One of the most charming things you can get up to in the Covent Garden area is Cecil Court, London’s tucked away book street ! It’s full of specialist bookshops, bookish souvenirs, secondhand bookshops and the loveliest shop owners you’ll ever meet.

Wander Charing Cross Road

A visit to Charing Cross Road could keep you busy for hours, most famously for bookish folk is Foyles, the five-floor bookstore with impeccable taste in books. They also a cafe with hot food and delicious desserts and their carrot cake is to die for!

They hold lots of author events and book talks to check their website for more details. While you’re on Charing Cross Road, pay a visit to The House of Spells for the largest selection of Harry Potter merchandise in London! From jewellery to clothes, figures and books it’s all here. It’s also a beautiful shop and worth having a look either way! Here’s our guide for more Harry Potter Souvenirs in London .

Head to Leicester Square

Visit the hidden Second Shelf Books, one of the cutest bookshops selling rare books written by women, if you’d like to know more you can read our article all about this lovely shop . You’re also in the theatre district so if you want to finish the night with a show then go ahead, you can even explore China Town and chow down on some delicious East Asian desserts! Tip: There are also some wonderful Japanese restaurants in the area so if you’re as obsessed with ramen or katsu curry as we are then you’re in the right place.

Read More : 27 Must-Try British Snacks and Where to Find Them

Day Two: Marylebone, The British Library, and Regent’s Canal

From one of the world’s most famous libraries to a bookish barge, day two of our London itinerary completely epitomises quirky bookish London. Start at Baker Street Station and pay a visit to the Sherlock Holmes Statue right outside.

Discover the Sherlock Holmes Museum

Visit 221b Baker Street and get lost in the first museum dedicated to Sherlock Holmes related stuff in the world. It’s full of fun items from the films and tv shows as well as antiquarian copies of the books.

Also : If you’re a Sherlock fan, you might like this four-hour Sherlock Holmes London Tour , where you’ll see sights from the TV show, films, and books. Or this two-hour Sherlock walking tour .

Visit Daunt Books

Walk ten minutes to Marylebone High Street to find another one of the most photographed bookshops in London, Daunt Books with its grand staircase and gallery plus an amazing selection of books. Books are separated by country and you’ll find translated literature next to the travel guides. We love Daunt Books!

Tip : Stop off on pretty Marylebone Lane for a coffee!

Learn more about Daunt in our Independent Bookshops in London guide

Browse The British Library

Walk 30 minutes or take a 20- minute bus to The British Library ! You probably already have this on your list as a bookish person in London but make sure you stop by, browse and grab a coffee at their cafe, The wealth of literature here is just…astounding.

It’s the largest library in the world with collections from around the world. Seeing those first edition books and manuscripts in the flesh. Not just books, you’ll be able to see old newspapers, hear sound recordings, patents, prints and drawings, maps and manuscripts.

Find Word on the Water

Books on a barge on Regent’s Canal! Just six minutes walk from Kings Cross Station, you have to go book shopping on this picturesque canal boat with second-hand books both in and outside, a lovely dog, and woodburning stove.

Tip: From here, you’re in a great location to spend the evening in Camden Town, a hub for alternative lifestyle and live music. Or go to one of the great nearby restaurants, Dishoom for the most glorious Indian cuisine with a stunning interior or The Temple of Seitan for epic vegan food. If you’re not after nightlife, the Everyman cinema is also nearby!

Day Three: Holborn & South Bank

Get ready for a day of culture and head towards south London, you’ve got everything from museums to theatre, food and bookstores here.

Visit the Charles Dickens Museum

Visit the house of the man himself, if you love Dickens then this museum is a must-do on any London itinerary. There’s a store attached with books and trinkets related to Dickens and Dickensian London as well as a cafe. Inside, you’ll be able to explore the whole house and learn about Dickens and his life.

Tip : If you’re interested in learning more about Dickens, you can take this handy London Dickens Walking Tour .

Shop at Persephone Books & Gays the Word

Two of our favourite independent bookshops in London are super close to each other and near the two museums above, a perfect day in London for book lovers!

Persephone Books is a charming store and possibly one of the most photographed storefronts in London with its quaint grey facade, they sell out of print female writers who didn’t get the attention the deserved as well as a range of bookish souvenirs and paper products.

Note : Persephone Books has now moved to the city of Bath, UK.

Gay’s the Word specialises in queer fiction and the range of literature there, you just wouldn’t believe. They’re really friendly and host loads of interesting events in the store.

Have a drink and a pub dinner at The George Inn

Not far from Shakespeares Globe, The George Inn has been frequented by such esteemed patrons as Charles Dickens and Shakespeare. It’s also a great way to make sure you get a London pub experience under your belt! Grab a drink and something to eat and know you’re sitting in a galleried national trust landmark.

See a play at the Globe

Can you really say you visited Bookish London without visiting Shakespeare’s Globe ? There’s always something on and watching a play while looking up at the stars is really special. You can cheap yard tickets, if you’re okay to stand, making this one of the more budget-friendly theatre experiences in London!

Tip : You can also visit the nearby Southbank Centre as part of your London itinerary as they hold lots of evening book talks and creative evening events.

Day Four: Hampstead Heath

Ah, Hampstead! As Zadie Smith said, it’s: ’ where Keats walked and Jarman fucked, where Orwell exercised his weakened lungs and Constable never failed to find something holy .’ Hampstead Village honestly doesn’t feel like the rest of London.

Much like Richmond, there’s a sense of peace and tranquillity and you can easily get lost in the narrow streets and historical buildings. Wander along the pretty eighteenth-century promenade Church Row for literary history and Flask Walk: a tiny cobbled street with restaurants, antiques, a secondhand bookshop, and florists.

There’s a wealth of literary history to explore in Hamstead. You can pay a visit to the romantic poet Keats’ house , go plaque hunting for the many famous writers who’ve lived there, like Daphne Du Maurier who lived there for two years (her father and grandfather are buried in the local church), George Orwell, and Aldous Huxley. Not to mention, plaques for history’s other greats like Anna and Sigmund Freud can be found.

Hampstead was even featured in novels like Dracula:

“ Lucy lies in the tomb of her kin, a lordly death house in a lonely churchyard, away from teeming London, where the air is fresh, and the sun rises over Hampstead Hill, and where wild flowers grow of their own accord.”

Hampstead also has a number of bookshops, charity shops like the Oxfam Bookshop, vintage stores, handmade craft spots, cafes, and is a hub for antique shopping. Plus if you want a beautiful walk and one of the best views over London, stroll up Hampstead Heath, 790 acres of park, fields, and woodland.

*To get there, take the northern line to Hampstead Station.

Tip : If you have time, pay a visit to Highgate Cemetry where you can visit graves of famous writers like George Eliot, Christina Rosetti, and Douglas Adams. It’s also beautifully romantic in a gothic sort of way. Check this guide for other dark and unusual things to do in London .

Read More : Visit Dracula’s Castle on a Daytrip from Brasov, Romania

Days Five and Six: Take a Literary Day Trip

There are so many amazing literary day trips you can take from London , here are a few favourites to get you on your way.

Downton Abbey

If you love Downton Abbey or just gorgeous stately homes, then head over to Highclere Castle where the series was filmed! It’s a couple of hours outside London and so worth it. Here’s an easy Downton Abbey Tour to get you there (plus you see Downton Village, Church, and Yew Tree Farm) since it’s quite difficult by public transport.

Find out more books like Downton Abbey in our list of Books for Downton Abbey Lovers! Or if you’re a big fan of period homes then you can hop over to Blenheim Palace in Oxford which is another beautiful day out! Here’s our Guide to Blenheim Palace .

Stratford-upon-Avo n

Birthplace of arguably the world’s greatest poet and playwright, William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a delightfully maintained tutor town full of historic pubs and shops. It’s so wonderfully fitting that the town where Shakespeare was born is one that has remained looking so Shakespearean at its heart.

It’s also the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) , so when you visit Stratford make sure to check what’s on and go see a play. Get tickets to Shakespeare’s family home and birthplace .

Hopping on the train to Bath from London is so easy and you can learn all about Jane Austen and go book shopping! Jane Austen lived in Bath for a while so you can see her house, visit the Jane Austen Museum and find all those places mentioned in the novels.

We listed all the great Independent Bookshops in Bath to help you on your way. We also highly recommend Bath for lovely cafes and excellent vintage shopping!

Home of the world’s most famous and beloved university, Oxford is a historic town of gorgeous stone buildings and welcoming locals. Oxford also has ties to so many of our most treasured writers, most famously Philip Pullman and J.R.R. Tolkein. Exploring the university buildings and going book shopping for a day in Oxford is truly one of life’s great pleasures. We also love Cambridge if you have visited oxford before.

Tip : Short on time? See Oxford, Stratford, and the Cotswolds from London with this handy tour

Bookish Places to Stay in London

The Georgian House Hotel’s Wizarding Chambers — We loved staying here , it’s set up like Harry Potter’s room in the films and even if you’re not a fan the aesthetic is just amazing. They also offer a wizarding breakfast, wizarding cocktails, and afternoon tea. They even have a private cinema inside where, of course, you can watch Harry Potter amongst other things! It’s also one of the more reasonably priced boutique hotels in London. Book Here .

Hazlitt’s — A boutique hotel in the heart of Soho, Hazlitt’s provokes the kind of atmosphere, and provides the kind of service and experience, that the gentry of the 17th and 18th centuries would have enjoyed in London. Staying here is like acting a major role in a period drama, with all the gallant luxury you could want. Book Here .

The Bloomsbury Hotel — A gorgeous and luxury Westminster hotel in the middle of London, which is just a short walk from Covent Garden (therefore exactly where you want to be for your literary itinerary), The Bloomsbury Hotel is a neo-Georgian delicacy of intensely beautiful architecture, and it is just steps away from all of the city’s best theatres and bookshops.

London for Literary Foodies

If you want your refreshments to be bookish themes too, you’ll have no problem in London, here are some of the best places to get coffee and afternoon tea to enhance your London itinerary even further!

5 London Literary Afternoon Teas:

If you have time to squeeze in one of these gorgeous literary afternoon teas then I wouldn’t hesitate! The hardest part is choosing which one.

Peter Rabbit™ Afternoon Tea at Le Méridien Piccadilly

Mary Poppins Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard

Midsummer Night’s Dream Afternoon Tea at The Swan

Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at Sanderson

Wizarding Cocktails & Wizard Afternoon Tea

Five London Book Cafes:

Many of the bookshops in London will also have a cafe but if you want a dedicated book cafe to rest at, look no further.

Phlox Books – Books, booze, coffee, and literary events, what more do you need?

Tea House Theatre – A romantic little place with amazing cakes, a fireplace, books and tables on a stage. A real hidden gem.

Halcyon Books – A wide selection of used and new books plus coffee to drink while you browse.

The London Review Cake Shop – The London Review of Books’s very own tea, coffee and cake shop. As you might realise from the title, the cakes are really special here.

Books for Cooks – An adorable bookshop and cafe that focuses on cookbooks in Notting Hill, it’s a foodie heaven! But it’s also gorgeous inside so well worth a visit even if you don’t fancy buying a cookbook!

Five London Literary Pubs:

Marquis of Granby – A historic pub with a great selection of food. It was a favourite of poets Dylan Thomas and T.S Eliot.

The Lamb – Found in Bloomsbury, one of the literary hotspots of London thanks to the infamous Bloomsbury Set who frequented the pub along with Dickens and Virginia Woolf.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – One of the most famous pubs in the city with previous guests such as Arthur Conan Doyle, Mark Twain, Samuel Johnson and Charles Dickens (yes, he frequented a lot of London pubs). This quirky pub in a listed building has hosted so many famous writers it’d be impossible to list them all. Plus there’s an open fire which is always great.

The Grapes – This pub ( owned by Sir Ian McKellen!) features in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray and Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock books which is pretty amazing. Read Ian McKellen’s history of the pub .

Mr Fogg’s Tavern – A Covent Garden tavern with Mr Fogg’s Gin Bar next door named after the character in the Jules Verne novel Around the World in 80 Days. The interior is themed, the drinks are great, and there’s food!

For More Bookish London : you can also check out this fun literary tube map which replaces favourite stations with famous novels based on the area they are set in. Or if you’re travelling around the UK, discover these strange and unique places to stay .

I’m so glad! I think sometimes it helps to have a theme with London, there’s so much to do!

Yay, I’m so glad! I love how bookish London is, it makes me never want to leave even though I want to travel…

What a fun way to travel a city! This gives me some great ideas for when I next travel to London.

Great post! I love London and books, so this was the perfect post for me. I love the British Library and think it is such an underrated sight in London. I’m def going to save this post for next time I’m in London!

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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, book clubs and cosy cafés where you can enjoy your purchases over a steaming cuppa . Ready to get turning pages? 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 .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

28 brilliant London bookshops

1. arthur probsthain.

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, take your new purchases downstairs to The Tea and Tattle, a lovely café where you can enjoy a pot of leaf tea, a 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, but be warned: you might get distracted from your book hunt by resident cat Popeye.

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. You don’t get a 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, the store also stocks film and TV posters, perfect for framing and hanging 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. A fun and easy way to travel around the world.

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 make sure you pop in and browse around for the full selection.

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, where high-profile authors often stop by for special 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

Comics aren’t just for kids, as you’ll find out when you step foot in 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. And while it’s now owned by Waterstones, you won’t get a whiff of a chain store here; 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 was awarded a royal warrant in 2011, making it a bookshop fit for the most regal of bookworms. 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 talks about social issues from the patriarchy to the rental crisis, programmes with progressive authors, 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 the shop calls a ‘bias for the humanities’.

14. Kirkdale Bookshop

Kirkdale Bookshop has been a Sydenham fixture for 57 years and it has become something of a cultural hub for the local community in that time. Inside, beyond the expected shelves of books, you’ll find 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, 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. There are twice-weekly author talks where you can meet writers, and space to listen to bookish in-house podcasts.

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.

19. New Beacon Books

Finsbury Park

London’s first Black bookshop has played a crucial role in Black literary life since it was founded in 1966. You can see proof of that in just how much the community rallied around the store in 2022 when, under the threat of closure, admirers raised more than £80,000 save to it. Not only does New Beacon stock works by Caribbean, Black British, African and African-American authors, it also runs its own publishing house, through which it nurtures 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. There’s something for all ages here, but if you’re looking to entertain the little ones, stop by one of their regular story time events. There’s also a strong children’s section, gifts, stationery and a regular book club.

22. Owl Bookshop

Kentish Town

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, but 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

This small family-run bookshop can be found on what might be the prettiest (and poshest) high street in London. 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, from guides and maps, to travel writing and gifts.

26. 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 to find out what’s coming up.

27. 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’. K-pop fans should keep an eye out when visiting – the exterior is a favourite photo spot of idol groups when they’re in town. 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.

28. 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.

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3 Days in London

The Michelin Inspectors' top tips on where to eat, drink, stay and have fun in one of the world's busiest and most exciting cities

Things To Do in London Travel Michelin Stars Editor's Pick 2 Days In

London by The MICHELIN Guide

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With a history spanning nearly two millennia, London is a city of constant reinvention. A bustling, multicultural hub, it contrasts the old and the new, the stately and the subversive, the ceremonial and the spontaneous. The city comprises many neighbourhoods – a series of villages with their own distinct character – while dotted between them are a host of parks and open spaces. The River Thames, once key to its trading success, has now become a place for leisure, while its old docks are home to chic apartment blocks. Art, music, theatre, architecture, exhibitions, festivals, markets, restaurants, bars, clubs, parks and sport – the list of what to do and what to see is endless. Three days can only scratch the surface of a city many consider to be one of the capitals of the world, but it’s worth giving it a try!

Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster (© Vladislav Zolotov/iStock)

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And there you have it – three amazing days in London. A city whose cosmopolitan nature extends into its diverse culinary and hospitality scene, where traditional British pubs rub shoulders with restaurants offering every type of global cuisine, and quirkily themed hotels sit alongside those offering elegant luxury. Be sure to check The MICHELIN Guide website or app regularly for more new adventures. Until then, happy travels.

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The 15 Best London Guidebooks for Any Type of Traveler
The Rough Guide to London. Most Recent Edition: 2023. Price: ~$20. Link: Click here. A final alternative choice for comprehensive London Guidebooks, The Rough Guide to London is great for London travelers who are a bit more open to adventure. Rough Guides generally caters their brand to more adventurous travelers and their guidebook includes ...
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Pretty City London . The perfect coffee table book Pretty City London by Siobhan Ferguson is a must-read. With words strung together like beads and pictures to match Siobhan transports you to the pretty streets, mews, cafes, and hidden corners of London. And is, (in my very subjective opinion) the best London travel book. Well, there you have it.
Best Guide books For Traveling in London
So, we trolled through our own library and put together a list of the 10 London guidebooks you should own. 1. Rick Steves' London. Rick Steves is the MUST-own book for any first-time travelers to London. Rick writes in a plain and simple style, and his book features lots of real world advice on London.
Best travel and guide books about London (Top 20)
London Precincts: A Curated Guide to the City's Best Shops, Eateries, Bars and Other Hangouts. Photo Credit: www.amazon.com. This book features the best eating, drinking and shopping across 19 London precincts, including Covent Garden, King's Cross, Soho and Piccadilly.
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5. Lonely Planet London: £14.99, Lonely Planet. One of the best go-to travel publishers is Lonely Planet. Husband and wife Tony and Maureen wrote their first guide 40 years ago, back when the ...
20 Travel Books About London to Read Before You Go
Non-fiction London travel books include the classic Rick Steeves travel guide and more. Captivating books about London are a must-read before your trip. ... Our annually updated Top 10 travel guide breaks down the best of London into helpful lists of ten-from our own selected highlights to the best museums and art galleries, places to eat ...
London Travel Guide by Rick Steves
London is the L.A., D.C., and N.Y.C. of Britain — a living, breathing, thriving organism…a coral reef of humanity. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. Ogle the crown jewels at the Tower of London, gaze up at mighty Big Ben, and see the Houses of Parliament in action. Cruise the River Thames, and take a spin on the ...
15 Best Travel And Guide Books About London
DK Eyewitness Top 10 London. This is an updated top 10 book by one of the most common and well-used travel book brands, DK Eyewitness. It breaks down the best of what London has to offer into helpful lists of ten. You will have the best museums, art galleries, and book highlights as well to give you a few examples.
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Fodor's London 25 Best 2021 (Full-color Travel Guide)
For a limited time, receive a free Fodor's Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel e-book with the purchase of this guidebook! Go to fodors.com for details.. Compact and affordable, Fodor's 25 Best London 2021 is a great travel guide for those who want an easy-to-pack guidebook and map to one of the most exciting cities in England and Europe. Fodor's 25 Best Guides offer highlights of major city ...
Rick Steves London (Travel Guide)
Rick Steves London (Travel Guide) [Steves, Rick, Openshaw, Gene] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Rick Steves London (Travel Guide) ... 5.0 out of 5 stars Best London travel book. Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2024. Verified Purchase. Rick Steve's' books are the best. We were only at the British Museum for ...
Fodor's London 2023 (Full-color Travel Guide) Paperback
Fodor's London 2023 (Full-color Travel Guide) [Fodor's Travel Guides] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Fodor's London 2023 (Full-color Travel Guide) ... We hire local writers who know their destinations better than anyone else, allowing us to provide the best travel recommendations for all tastes and budgets in over 7,500 ...
12 Books About London You Must Read + Where To Buy
Buy Georgian London: Into the Streets >>>. 7. Walk the Lines: The London Underground, Overground. Many people say that the only true way to discover a city is on foot. The fact that there are several books about London in this list, which are related to walking tours and guides suggests that statement is probably true.
Experience London Travel Book and Ebook
Lonely Planet's Experience London travel guide reveals exciting new ways to explore this iconic destination with one-of-a-kind adventures at every turn. Find a floral jungle at Columbia Road Flower Market, visit Sky Garden's park in the clouds, see Shakespeare at the Globe - using our local experts and planning tools t
11 Best London Books
5. Nineteen Eighty-Four. Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell's dystopian classic, is as relevant today as it was when it was written. Big Brother's London is a frightening place, and the novel is a powerful reminder of the danger of totalitarianism. You can get a copy here. 6.
London Guidebook for 2024
London Guidebook. Share. $22.99. Rick's picks for sights, eating, sleeping. Stuffed with self-guided walks and tours. Full coverage of three day-trip destinations. Extra tips on kids, shopping, and entertainment. Includes handy full-color foldout map. Shipping & Returns.
Best UK Travel Books for 2024 (Travel Guides & maps)
Below you will find an updated selection of the best UK Travel Books available in 2024 covering the UK, London, Great Britain, England, Wales and Scotland! The popularity of travel guide books is once again on the up and if you are looking for a resource to help plan your travels they are great place to start.
15 Must-Read Books Set in London to Read Before you Visit
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. If you want to read a great novel set in London, this is a good option. It is the fourth novel by the English writer, published in 1925. The story tells in parallel the lives of Miss Dalloway, a fictional high-society woman, and Warren, a First World War veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress.
Fodor's London 2024 (Full-color Travel Guide)
Whether you want to pose in front of Big Ben's Elizabeth Tower, explore the Tower of London, or visit the royal family at Buckingham Palace, the local Fodor's travel experts in London are here to help! Fodor's London guidebook is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time.
London Travel Guide & Tips
London, Charles Dickens' novels come to life inside this elegant Georgian townhouse where the author lived for a handful of years. Spend an hour or two seeing more than 100,000 objects that give ...
A Perfect 6-Day London Itinerary for Book Lovers
Day Two: Marylebone, The British Library, and Regent's Canal. From one of the world's most famous libraries to a bookish barge, day two of our London itinerary completely epitomises quirky bookish London. Start at Baker Street Station and pay a visit to the Sherlock Holmes Statue right outside.
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Best Sellers in London England Travel Books. #1. Rick Steves London (Travel Guide) Rick Steves. 536. Paperback. 62 offers from $10.00. #2. Rick Steves Pocket London.
3 Days in London
Buckingham Palace, London, SW1A 1AA Camden Market, 54-56 Camden Lock Pl, London, NW1 8AF Columbia Road Flower Market, Columbia Rd, London, E2 7RG Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Rd, London, SW1X 7XL Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RJ Liberty London, Regent St., Carnaby, London, W1B 5AH