Mayfair is well-known for its high-end, boutique shopping. When most people think of the area, they probably picture the luxury fashion stores of Bond Street. However, Mayfair is also packed full of London’s most wonderful historic bookshops where you can while away the hours discovering new worlds…

Heywood Hill, Curzon Street – Heywood Hill has sold new and second-hand books in the heart of Mayfair since 1936. This beautiful shop is situated in a Georgian townhouse.

Taschen at Claridges, Brook Street – Taschen sells beautiful coffee table books on art, architecture, design and much more – and it has recently opened a new store at Claridges on Brook Street.

Peter Harrington Books, Dover Street – This is one of the world’s leading rare book emporiums. Located on Dover Street, the Mayfair store is a favourite among locals.

Sotheran’s of Sackville Street – Sotheran’s has been selling books in London for over two hundred years. The store specialises in antiquarian books.

Shapero Rare Books, Saint George Street – This shop is a collector’s paradise. Dealing in antiquarian books and works on paper, the store specialises in a range of works including travel & voyages, natural history, children’s books, and first editions.

Maggs Bros – Maggs Bros has been selling rare books and manuscripts since 1853. Their main store is in Bloomsbury, but they also have a lovely small shop on Curzon Street, which is well worth a visit.

On Piccadilly…

Hatchards – The UK’s oldest bookshop, established in 1797. Hatchards is known for it’s wide-ranging stock – 100,000 titles in-store! They also have a free gift-wrapping service (you’re welcome!)

Waterstones – The Waterstones Piccadilly isn’t your ordinary high-street bookstore; it’s Europe’s largest bookshop and has over eight miles of bookshelves!

Assouline – Maison Assouline is the place for buying a thoughtful gift for that hard-to-please person.