London: Hatchards
Wheelchair Accessibility:
Yes
Operating Hours:Monday - Saturday: 09:30 - 20:00. Sunday: 12:00 - 18:00
The Vibe:Britain's oldest bookshop, still serving royals 👑
Trading from 187 Piccadilly since 1797, Hatchards is Britain's oldest bookshop — holder of three royal warrants and favoured by authors from Byron to Kipling. Five floors of curated stock, with signed editions and author events almost weekly.
Georgian bay windows frame the Piccadilly street outside; a narrow spiral staircase threads five floors of polished wood and green carpet. Staff recommendations are handwritten and numerous.
- • Trading on the same Piccadilly site since 1797
- • Holds three royal warrants — Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh and the then Prince of Wales
- • Britain's oldest continually operating bookshop
Fit For
- 📚 Literary travellers: Heritage-rich independent at its most polished
- 🎁 Gift shoppers: Signed first editions make memorable gifts
- 👓 Serious readers: Curated selection rather than mass-market
- 💕 Couples: Quiet browsing before or after afternoon tea at The Ritz
Highlights
- Georgian bookshop frontage on Piccadilly
- Five floors of curated stock
- Signed first editions — regular author stock-ins
- Weekly author talks and signings
- Rare antiquarian books on the upper floor — Hidden Gem
London Local Expert
Sarah Riches
Table of Contents
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