3 Ways to Experience Literary London
Historical photo of The London Library
Book Talks
You could spend every evening of the week at a literary talk somewhere in the city—if only you knew where to look. Luckily, Literary Listings London does the work for you. This weekly newsletter curates upcoming author events, readings, and conversations across London’s bookish haunts.
2. Book Walks
London Literary Tours is exactly what it sounds like— walking tours for people who care about books and the ghosts of writers past. The two hosts - Cindy and Mike - are incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining. You will be whisked away to a different time and place. I loved the Bloomsbury tour so much, that I’m tempted to take another one later this year. Current options include walks inspired by Virginia Woolf and Oscar Wilde.
3. Book Paradise
There’s no place like The London Library. Founded in 1841 and still privately run, it’s where Virginia Woolf, Charles Dickens and countless other writers borrowed books and wrote prose. The red-carpeted staircases and labyrinthine stacks feel like a portal to another century. You can’t just walk in—you have to join—but if you love books, it’s the best investment in inspiration you’ll ever make.