There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good book. Actually, there is one thing better and that’s getting lost in a good bookshop. Fortunately there are some excellent children’s bookshops in London where you can easily while away an afternoon or two.
Many of these are independent children’s bookshops with carefully curated collections of children’s literature designed to inspire, engage, entertain, inform and occasionally challenge young minds.
Some of the best places even have reading nooks where kids can curl up with a new book while others host weekly events including author visits and storytelling sessions.
If you have a book lover in the family then this list of the best children’s bookshops in London is for you!
Updated for 2027
Quick Picks
Best for babies and toddlers: Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End. Weekly storytime with crafts for little ones, plus puppet shows in the theatre at the back.
Best for a full day out: Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford. Two floors of immersive story play and a story garden, with a good children’s bookshop on the ground floor.
Best for storytime on a Saturday: Dulwich Books, West Dulwich. Free-flowing browsing in the book nook, then Saturday morning storytime.
Best for book clubs: The Alligator’s Mouth, Richmond. Clubs run from storytime for toddlers right up to teens, plus a monthly comic club.
Best for expert recommendations: The Children’s Bookshop, Muswell Hill. Family-run since 1974, with booksellers who know their stock inside out.
Best for diverse and inclusive reads: Round Table Books, Brixton, and Moon Lane Books, Catford. Both are dedicated to making sure every child sees themselves on the shelves.
Best for manga and anime fans: Waterstones Gower Street. The largest manga selection of any Waterstones branch in the UK.
Best for teens: Foyles, Charing Cross Road. The top pick for my teens with a good YA section and benches for browsing, with a café on the top floor.
Best for second hand books: Kirkdale Bookshop, Sydenham. New and used books, including vintage children’s classics.
Most unusual bookshop: Word on the Water, King’s Cross. A bookshop on a 1920s Dutch canal boat.
Most beautiful bookshop: Daunt Books, Marylebone. An Edwardian galleried room with a stained-glass window, and a good children’s section.
Biggest choice: Waterstones Piccadilly. Europe’s largest bookshop, with a whole floor for children.
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Where to find children’s bookshops in London
London’s best children’s bookshops
Most of the bookshops listed below are specialist children’s bookshops but there are a handful of regular bookshops that have been included because they have a very good children’s or teens section. Foyles, for example, on Charing Cross Road, has long been a favourite with my three kids who will happily spend hours here.
North London
The Children’s Bookshop, Muswell Hill
The independent Children’s Bookshop is family-owned and easily one of the best children’s bookshop London. The award-winning store has been going since 1974 so they’re obviously doing something right!
Although not terribly big, the store’s shelves are jam packed with a huge range of fiction for all ages by a host of brilliant authors. As well as a wide range for young children – everything from picture books with beautiful illustrations to books for early readers – there’s also a good selection for teens. The staff are very friendly and incredibly knowledgeable, and always on hand to suggest new books.
They also host regular author signings. We’ve previously met Cressida Cowell, author of How to Train Your Dragon (among many other titles) and author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers at events here.
The Children’s Bookshop offer a subscription service for kids whereby an annual fee ensures that children receive a book through the post every month.
Address: 10 Middle Lane, London N8 8PL
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9.15am-5.45pm, Sun 11am-4pm.
Getting there: Nearest tube station is East Finchley, from here the 102 or 234 run to Mussel Hill.
Ages: Babies to teens.
Events: Free storytime (ages 0–6, about 20 minutes, no booking) Thu and Fri at 11am, Sat at 10am. Graphic novel club, YA club (13+) and a monthly 10–12s club with a long waiting list. Ticketed author events.
Queen’s Park Books, Queen’s Park
Queen’s Park Books was founded by the Fergiani family more than 20 years ago and the remains a firm favourite with Londoners and visitors alike. In 2025 it was named the London regional winner for the Independent Bookshop of the Year at the British Book Awards. The hugely knowledgeable staff are on hand to help you find just the right book, in partially the store manager, Jess, who is an expert in children’s literature. Check out their website and Instagram for details on author appearances.
They are also partnered with the Queen’s Park Book Festival that takes place every year.
Address: 87 Salusbury Road, London NW6 6NH
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat 9am–6.30pm, Sun 10am–5pm
Getting there: Queen’s Park station
Ages: All ages; store manager Jess specialises in children’s books
Events: Author events (check Instagram); partner of the Queen’s Park Book Festival each summer
Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End
Another one of our favourite independent bookstores for kids is specialist children’s bookshop Pickled Pepper Books. Located in Crouch End this lovely bookshop has a carefully curated selection of books for kids of all ages but particularly younger children.
What is particularly special about this place, however, is their theatre space. Hidden away at the back of the bookshop, this cosy space is delightful and the setting for weekly story time sessions as well as weekend shows. Enjoy puppetry, poetry, storytelling and much more. It’s also a great place for hosting birthday parties and we celebrate my youngest’s birthday here when they were younger.
The weekly storytime is followed by a craft inspired by the book, and it’s aimed at children from 18 months to seven. Older kids aren’t left out: there’s a monthly graphic novel club for 6- to 10-year-olds, plus author and illustrator events and half-term activities. There is also a small cafe on site.
Address: 10 Middle Lane, London N8 8PL
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9.30am–5.30pm, Sun [11am or 10am]–4pm
Getting there: The W7 bus from Finsbury Park
Ages: 0–teens, with events mostly for under-10s
Events: Storytime and craft (book ahead), theatre, author visits, clubs
The Owl Bookshop, Kentish Town
The Owl Bookshop is a much-loved independent on Kentish Town Road, only a few minutes’ walk from Kentish Town station and a firm favourite with locals. The children’s section sits right at the front of the shop, with a considered collection of picture books and books aimed at younger children. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always happy to suggest the next great read, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for they’ll order it in for you to collect.
Address: 207–209 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2JU
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9am–6pm, Sun and bank holidays 11am–6pm
Getting there: Kentish Town is the nearest tube, the Owl Bookshop is a 5 minute walk away.
Ages: All ages; children’s section at the front
Events: Mainly adult author events
Word on the Water, King’s Cross
You’ll find London’s most original bookstore moored on the Regent’s Canal at Kings Cross. Located on a 1920s Dutch canal boat, the London “book barge” has been recommending and selling books to book lovers of all ages since 2011. Although not the largest of spaces, Word on the Water stocks a huge collection of books, both new and second-hand, and across a large range of subjects. These include poetry, art, fiction, classics, cult favourites and, of course, children’s books.
Address: Regent’s Canal towpath by Granary Square, King’s Cross
Opening hours: Daily 12pm–7pm, closed Christmas Day
Getting there: King’s Cross St Pancras.
Ages: All ages; children’s selection on board
Events: They often have live music and poetry events on the roof but they don’t have dedicated children’s events.
South London
Round Table Books, Brixton
Award-winning local bookstore Round Table Books started as a children’s pop-up bookshop but was so successful that it quickly transformed into a permanent space. Determined the children see everyone represented in literature, the bookshop expanded and now also celebrates LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, disabled and Global South voices. Inclusive, independent and Black-owned, the bookshop has a huge ranged of great books to suit all ages.
Round Tale Books are currently crowdfunding for a bigger space where they can host in-house literary events for kids and adults, as well as a coffee shop, bar and community-run workshops.
Address: Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8PS
Opening hours: Sun–Fri 11am–5.30pm, Sat 9.30am–5.30pm
Getting there: Brixton
Ages: All ages; started as a children’s shop and now stocks adult books too
Events: Book launches and community events
Moon Lane Books, Catford
Ever since Moon Lane Books was established, its aim has been to address the lack of representation in books. Their collection aims to be reflective of London’s diverse population and so that every child has access to books that “enable them to feel seen, reflected, respected and valued.” As well as making sure that their shelves are stocked with a diverse collection of books, the bookshop works closely with authors and publishers to hold community events.
If you can’t make it down to Catford, you can buy books via their website. Staff are available – in person, over the phone or via email – if you would like recommendations or are searching for a specific book.
Address: 300 Stanstead Road, London SE23 1DE
Opening hours: Tue–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 11am–4pm, closed Mondays
Getting there: Catford rail station
Ages: 0–teens, plus adult fiction and non-fiction
Events: Preschool sessions, workshops and festivals
Dulwich Books, West Dulwich
This award-winning independent bookstore in West Dulwich stock a huge range of books with access to over 650,000 titles including fiction, non-fiction, young adult and children’s books. There’s a lovely book nook where kids can flop and flip through the latest titles. Dulwich Books is a real community bookshop and they work closely with local schools and colleges, and host weekly Saturday Storytime sessions in the children’s corner.
If they don’t have a book in stock they can order titles for next-day delivery (providing it’s in stock at their suppliers). If you can’t get to Dulwich, then you can also buy their titles via bookshop.org, an online sales platform which allows to buy books online while supporting local independent booksellers.
Address: 6 Croxted Road, London SE21 8SW
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 10am–5.30pm, Fri–Sat 9.30am–5.30pm, Sun 11am–4pm
Getting there: West Dulwich or West Norwood stations; the number 3 bus stops just outside
Ages: All ages, with a dedicated children’s corner
Events: Free storytime every Saturday at 11am, no booking needed.
Kirkdale Bookshop, Sydenham
In business since 1966, Kirdkale Bookshop is south east London’s longest-running independent bookstore and a major part of of the creative community in Sydenham and nearby Forest Hill. Although not a dedicated children’s bookstore, they have a large children’s section at the back of the shop where regular events including author talks and book signings take place.
The bookshop also has a large second-hand section with pre-loved children’s books including first editions of The Famous Five by Enid Blyton and a Rupert Annual from 1946. And while the kids are picking their next read, you can browse the selection of books, all picked to “reflect the world around us”, including an ever-expanding range of books by queer authors.
Address: 272 Kirkdale, London SE26 4RS
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9.30am–5.30pm, Sun noon–4pm
Getting there: Sydenham rail station
Ages: All ages; children’s section at the back
Events: Saturday storytime and a Queer Families storytime on the second Sunday of each month, book groups, author talks
East London
Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford
The Discover Children’s Story Centre is not a bookshop but I’ve included it here because it’s such a wonderful world of children’s stories and they do have a good on-site bookshop too. Located in Stratford, the Discover Children’s Story Centre is an interactive story centre and hands-on museum designed for children aged 0-11. It’s the first of its kind in the UK and aims to inspire kids to fall in love with stories and storytelling.
Spread across two floors, the centre has multiple multi-sensory play spaces and staff on hand to help children create their own stories. Regular exhibits take place featuring immersive worlds from popular children’s books and illustrators. We visited an exhibit dedicated to the works of Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson where interactive exhibitions included the magical broom to sit on from Room on the Broom and the house from A Squash and A Squeeze. More recently, the exhibition has celebrated the book Luna Loves London by Fiona Lumbers.
At the end of your visit you can explore the titles in the centre’s bookshop.
Address: 383–387 High Street, Stratford, London E15 4QZ
Opening hours: Daily 10am–5pm. In term time, some floors may close for school visits or open only on certain days.
Getting there: Stratford High Street (DLR) and Stratford
Ages: 0–11
Tickets: Paid entry to the Story Worlds and Story Garden; under-1s free; family tickets available; Newham residents get concession prices. Day entry is £10 per person but you can also buy annual entry for just £19. It’s worth booking in advance, especially during school holidays.
Events: Storytelling sessions and immersive exhibitions are an additional cost, between £3-£5.50.
West London
The Alligator’s Mouth, Richmond
Families love the Alligator’s Mouth, an independent children’s bookshop located in Richmond. Here, the shelves are packed with kids’ books for children of all ages from babies to young adult. The shop itself is inspired by a Lemony Snicket quote: ‘A book is like an alligator’s mouth: if you see one open, you will probably disappear inside.’
The bookshop hosts regular authors and illustrator visits, as well as story time and craft workshops, and Wednesday morning Story & Rhyme Time for 0-4 year olds. They also host a monthly Comics Club.
Address: 2a Church Court, Richmond TW9 1JL
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 10am–5.30pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 11am–4pm
Getting there: Richmond station
Ages: 0–teens
Events: Storytime for 2–6s, a comics club and a teens creative writing group that meets on Wednesdays.
South Kensington Books, South Kensington
My family really likes this bookstore located not far from the Natural History Museum. It’s not a specialist children’s bookshop but the independent South Kensington Books has been sourcing great books since the 1940s. Among the hand-picked collection is a wide selection for kids from children’s classics to teen / young adult novels. It’s not a big store but we always love popping in after a museum visit and inevitably walk away with a new book or two.
Address: 22 Thurloe Street, London SW7 2LT
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 12pm-7pm
Getting there: South Kensington (District, Circle and Piccadilly lines), a couple of minutes’ walk
Ages: All ages; children’s classics, 5–8s, 8–12s and Teen/YA sections
Big bookshops with brilliant children’s sections (central London)
Foyles, Charing Cross
There are seven Foyles bookshops across the UK but the most famous – and my favourite – is its flagship store on Charing Cross Road. Set over four floors, the bookshop stocks over 200,000 different titles across all genres. The lower ground floor is where you’ll find the dedicated children’s section with handy benches for sitting and reading. All ages are catered for and there’s also a Japanese Manga and Anime section. Once you’ve found your next read, you can head up to the cafe on the top floor for tea and cake.
Address: 107 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9am–9pm, Sun 11.30am–6pm
Getting there: Tottenham Court Road
Ages: 0–teens, plus a big Teen & YA range
Waterstones Piccadilly
Europe’s largest bookshop sits a short walk away from Piccadilly Circus. Housed in a Grade I listed 1936 Art Deco building that was once a menswear store (and supplied uniforms for soldiers during World War II), Waterstones Piccadilly has six main floors packed full of books. For kids’ books head to the second floor where you’ll find everything from bestsellers and new releases to Manga, fantasy, horror, science fiction and more. If you can’t find what you’re looking for – or simply want a recommendation- then the staff are always very helpful. There’s a cafe on the mezzanine level and a bar and restaurant on the fifth floor.
Address: 203–206 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HD
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9am–9pm, Sun noon–6pm
Getting there: Piccadilly Circus or Green Park
Ages: 0–teens; the children’s floor also carries manga, graphic novels, LEGO and Pokémon
Events: Sunday storytime on the children’s floor; regular author events
Waterstones Gower Street, Bloomsbury
If you have young readers who likes Japanese Manga and Anime books then you should head for this huge Waterstones branch on Gower Street. The shop is home to the largest manga collection of any Waterstones brand in the UK. They also have a good children’s section stocking classics by authors including Lewis Carroll as well as works by the perennially popular duo, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Downstairs is a section selling vinyl and there’s also a small branch of Ryman’s, the stationery shop, on site. If you can find a free table among the many students tapping away on laptops, then the cafe is a good place to grab lunch.
Address: 82 Gower Street, London WC1E 6EQ
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8.30am–9pm, Sat 8.30am–8pm, Sun noon–6pm
Getting there: Goodge Street or Euston Square
Ages: 0–teens
Daunt Books, Marylebone
Daunt Books is one of my favourite bookshops in London. There are several branches across the city, but it’s the original shop in Marylebone that I really love. It’s housed in a building designed in 1910 for the antiquarian booksellers Francis Edwards, and at its heart is a long, galleried main room lit by an arched window partly glazed with stained glass.
The bulk of the shops collection are travel books with titles arranged by country but they also stock novels and non-travel non-fiction, and they have a good children’s section. Positioned at the back of the store, the dedicated kids’ aisle has titles for all ages, including some beautifully illustrated books. Daunt Books also run an annual subscription service for kids which is a great present idea. For an annual fee, children receive one book every month all packaged up. Kids can chat to staff in store to ensure that they receive books that they like.
Address: 83–84 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4QW
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9am–7.30pm, Sun 11am–6pm
Getting there: Baker Street, about a 10-minute walk
Ages: All ages; children’s section near the front of the shop
Events: Author talks and an annual festival that’s typically held in March.
