Independent Bookshop Crawl – Our Favourite Spots in London
Having spent seven years in South East London before moving to our Kent village, I developed a deep appreciation for the capital’s independent bookshops. Now, as a family, Steve, our two-year-old daughter, and I make regular pilgrimages back to these literary havens. There’s something magical about introducing our little one to the joy of discovering books in these characterful spaces, each with its own unique personality.
Planning Your Bookshop Adventure
Before we dive into our favourite spots, here are some essentials for a successful bookshop crawl:
- Compact folding tote bags – Essential for carrying your literary treasures
- Reusable water bottle – Staying hydrated is key for urban adventures
- Comfortable walking shoes – You’ll be covering quite a bit of ground
- Child-friendly backpack – Perfect for snacks and entertainment
All bookshops mentioned in this article were open and operating at the time of writing. Opening hours and services may vary – please check individual bookshop websites for current information.
South East London Gems
Review Bookshop, Peckham
This intimate bookshop holds a special place in our hearts – it’s where Steve and I spent many Saturday mornings before our daughter was born. Now, we love bringing her to their weekly storytelling sessions. Their carefully curated children’s section has been instrumental in building our daughter’s growing library.
Must-visit features:
- Excellent selection of diverse children’s books
- Knowledgeable staff who remember regular customers
- Cosy reading nook perfect for little ones
Kirkdale Bookshop, Sydenham
This historic bookshop has been serving the community since 1966. Our daughter particularly loves their window displays, which change seasonally and always feature local artists’ work. They offer an excellent loyalty card scheme that’s worth joining if you’re a regular visitor.
East London Literary Treasures
Pages of Hackney
This shop has become our go-to spot for sustainable living books and eco-friendly children’s literature. They stock an impressive range of plastic-free children’s books and environmentally conscious titles that align perfectly with our family’s values.
Brick Lane Bookshop
A compact but mighty bookshop that’s conveniently located near some of London’s best vegan cafes – perfect for refuelling during our book-hunting expeditions. Their collection of contemporary fiction is particularly strong.
Central London Must-Visits
Daunt Books, Marylebone
The architectural beauty of this Edwardian bookshop never fails to impress. Our daughter loves exploring the children’s section downstairs, while Steve typically gets lost in their travel literature. Don’t miss their beautiful branded bookmarks – they make perfect gifts!
Family-Friendly Reading Spots
When bookshop crawling with a toddler, it’s essential to know where you can take breaks. Here are our tried-and-tested spots:
- St. James’s Park – Perfect for outdoor story time
- South Bank Centre – Regular children’s events and comfortable seating
- Greenwich Park – Ideal for combining book shopping with outdoor adventure
Essential Tips for Bookshop Crawling with Children
After numerous adventures with our daughter, we’ve learned a few tricks:
- Start early when shops are quieter
- Pack plenty of snacks and water
- Plan routes around nap times
- Bring a portable reading light for impromptu story sessions
Our Favourite Book-Related Accessories
To make the most of your bookshop adventure, consider these items:
- Book sleeve protectors – Perfect for protecting your purchases
- Compact reading journal – For noting recommendations
- Children’s book bag – Sized perfectly for little hands
Making Memories
We’ve started a tradition of taking photos of our daughter in each bookshop we visit, creating a visual diary of our literary adventures. It’s amazing to see how her interaction with books has evolved from simply touching covers to now pointing out letters and favourite characters.
Supporting Independent Bookshops
Remember that most independent bookshops now offer online ordering and delivery services. We regularly use these services from our Kent home when we can’t make it to London. Many shops offer loyalty programmes that are worth joining for regular customers.
Final Thoughts
These bookshop crawls have become cherished family outings for us. There’s something special about watching our daughter develop her own relationship with these magical spaces, just as Steve and I did years ago. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit to London, I hope this guide helps you discover some new literary treasures.
