Daunt Books - Marylebone

Shopping, Bookshops Marylebone
Recommended
5 out of 5 stars
(14user reviews)
Runner-up<br/>2016

Runner-up
2016
Runner-up<br/>2016

Runner-up
2016
1/3
2/3
3/3

Though not strictly a travel bookshop, this beautiful Edwardian store will always be seen first and foremost as a travel specialist thanks to its elegant three-level back room complete with oak balconies, viridian-green walls, conservatory ceiling and stained-glass window – home to row upon row of guide books, maps, language reference, history, politics, travelogue and related fiction organised by country. France, Britain, Italy and the United States are particularly well represented; go downstairs to find more far-flung destinations. Travel aside, Daunt is also a first-rate stop for literary fiction, biography, gardening and much more. James Daunt’s commitment to providing proper careers for his workers ensures an informed and keen team of staff.

Branches: Cheapside, Chelsea, Hampstead, Holland Park.

As featured in the 100 best shops in London

Posted:

Venue name: Daunt Books - Marylebone
Contact:
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Address: 83
Marylebone High St
London
W1U 4QW
Opening hours: 9am-7.30pm Mon-Sat; 11am-6pm Sun
Transport: Tube: Baker St
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Average User Rating

4.6 / 5

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star:11
  • 4 star:2
  • 3 star:0
  • 2 star:0
  • 1 star:1
LiveReviews|14
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Tastemaker

A lovely, well-curated bookshop with something for everyone, from travel fiends to lovers of secondhand books. There could be more space for sitting and paging through books, but the building and atmosphere are charming.

tastemaker

By now an institution among London bookshops, the Daunt store on Marleybone high street is an absolute delight, visually and intellectually. Edwardian architecture spread across three floors, lined with oak balconies. In the back, staring imposingly at readers passing by, a beautiful stained-glass window. And glancing down at you, an even more astonishing conservatory ceiling. The books covering every corner of this store add a touch of coziness to this grand building and you will soon find yourself lost browsing through the latest paperbacks on display or even better, venturing into the travel section. And travel is what this bookstore is really all about.


Daunt caters to all travel aficionados, proudly displaying a section for most countries on the globe, complete with guides, maps, current affairs books and, most importantly, fiction to get lost in. Daunt makes every fiction lover’s dream come true. Heading for a holiday to the South of France? No worries, Daunt books has F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 'Tender is the night', set on the lovely Côte d'Azur, waiting to give you a hint of romance and adventure long before you’ve embarked on your flight. Off to New York for the weekend? You may want to indulge in the pages of ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ for a classic delight or, if you fancy a more contemporary twist on the city that never sleeps, Bill Hayes’ ‘Insomniac city’ is a must. 


Last but not least, Daunt also hosts regular talks with renown authors, so make sure to check their website for the latest events.


If Daunt books were a restaurant it would have at least 10 Michelin stars. So go on, indulge your intellectual taste buds and be prepared to savour every last bite. 

tastemaker

A beautiful Aladdin's Cave of books! If, like me, you believe there is a perfect book for everyone and every occasion, this place will not disappoint. With a massive choice of books and friendly staff, it's possible to spend many an hour/day/year here! 

tastemaker

Basically, I had my face in a million books just sniffing them until I'd had my fix. Sounds odd I know, but if you go you'll see what I mean. A treat for the eyes, candy for the mind, like slipping back into a familiar pair of shoes that never go out of style. 


The book variety here is exceptional and the whole shop looks so welcoming and friendly too.


Terrific selection, especially children's literature. My grandsons love this spot!

Tastemaker

A beautiful and tranquil place, which feels a million miles away from the bustling streets of central London. Daunt books is absolutely beautiful, with dark wood shelving and bannisters that give it its historic feel. The range of books is magnificent for such a small shop, with all categories covered and an extensive children's section. Perfectly fitting for the quaint Marylebone High Street, this peaceful sanctuary is an absolute timeless marvel. 

Staff Writertastemaker

Ergh... THE BEST

It's like walking back in time, really slowly to the most peaceful place on earth. If you're fetishistic for paper this is the joint for you. It has the smell the polished wood everywhere and the extremely knowledgable staff to boot.


Go with handfuls of cash and spend it all.


the time machine bookshop - talk about travel, you'll feel like Dr Who when you tip up here - its old fashioned service and standards - business as it used to be and one day, if we are all very good indeed - might be again !! what's not to go totally gaga over - stunningly beautiful building, fantastic selection of books, perfectly curated, charming and knowledgable staff, riviting events with the best authors - I love Daunt Books, if I ever think about leaving London a visit to Daunt Marlybone sorts me out. Thank you, you lovely people !! - I'm having my ashes scattered in the Venice section


Most beautful book shop in London - and an easy place to loose a hour or two to browsing


You can lose hours here and it's worth it to fill your bookcase with books that you'll turn to and lend time again. Staff recommendations can always be relied on.


When you see this Edwardian bookshop, you'll realise it's actually a familiar site in London. Daunt tote bags seem to be left right and centre - the more you look out for them, the more noticeable they become. There are a couple of Daunt Bookshops in London, but you want to head to the Marylebone branch. This is one of those magic bookshops where you could find a gift for everyone you know - or simply walk out 3 hours later with 8 books for yourself. The whole store is hushed, with a wonderful library feel. But best of all is the travel section - head straight to the back. There you'll find books arranged not by author, but by country. For example, if you wanted to travel to Sweden, you would head over to the Swedish section. There you would find travel books on Sweden, accompanied by Swedish language books, novels based in Sweden, and maybe a few pieces of interesting non fiction based in the country. Magic!