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South Bank Book Fair
Rating Details »
- Nearest Transit:
-
Waterloo (Bakerloo, Northern, Waterloo & City)
Embankment (Bakerloo, Circle, District, Northern)
Temple (Circle, District)
- Price Range:
-
£
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Good for Children:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
7 reviews for South Bank Book Fair
The South bank book fair takes place outside the BFI bar and operates across several large independently run trestle tables. There are an eclectic range of books, maps and LPs, most of which are pretty cheap.
I don't know that it would be of interest to avid book hunters as the selection seems to vary between classics and fairly trashy literature; a Goethe anthology will be between a biography of Stirling Moss, and a hard back children's book about submarines. Still there can be more interesting and personal finds as Claire L described in her review. More generally, the selection is large and diverse enough that if you are in the area and need to pick up the book there will be something of interest.
The whole idea of a book fair on the South Bank is terribly romantic. The walk along the South Bank is definitely in my top 5 walks to do in London, and the fact that you can peruse through books makes it even better.
I think it is the idea of it that I like more than the book fair itself. The only reason I say this, is because I haven't found too many books of interest there. I'm not saying that the selection should be tailored to my taste in literature, I just think that a book selection that boasts more classics would be far more suited to the vibe of the place.
For example, a trip along the South Bank, complete with picking up some Charles Dickens or William Blake, would be a perfect outing.
I think I may sound a little too fussy. The South Bank Book Fair, overall, is one of the best places you can browse through books in London.
I love this little book fair on the Southbank. It's so inspiring to see so many great books - old and new, big and small - on sale for mostly under a fiver, although you can buy more expensive books too.
I bought "Journey to Ixtlan" here, it was a random purchase. I was so intrigued by what had been written inside the book - a note to a friend and a quote "Do what thou whilst *is* the law..." and then some astrological symbols. This intrigued me so much, I bought the book and found out it mixed sci-fi and philosophy - perfect. It was like buying a little piece of history, this book was loved once, that's what I liked. All for £3!
Do come and visit this book fair and support orphaned books. There's something for everything, you may even find a little hidden gem as I did!
This is one of those really wonderful things that you can never quite believe hasn't become one huge tourist trap but, despite it's proximity to the hellish stretch of riverbank outside City Hall, this is still somewhere that just slips into your daily life without your noticing. If I'm ever early for a film or play somewhere on South Bank (although this is very rare) I'll always potter here and look at the books. In truth, I don't think I've ever actually bought anything here but for around £2 or £3 you can pick up a decent paperback. They also have lots of plays for sale, appropriately for the location. Also, since it's so large, nobody ever approaches you to make you feel like you should buy something so you can browse to your heart's content.
While taking a strole on a sunny day in London along the South Bank, you will happen upon (hopefully if you are walking long enough, or in the vicinity of the BFI) the South Bank Book Fair. The tables are filled with second-hand books from every genre, for prices between £2-£6 for a paperback, potentially more for hardbacks. They have the old classics as well as the new best sellers, and all kinds of little gems in-between. Each bookseller has their own mark inside of the books to distinguish which book belongs to who. While they may operate together each table is a separate business. I purchased the complete works of Christopher Marlow, and A Year In The Merde. Think of it this way, the more 'used' the book appears, the better the story may be.
The view, the books, the river, the, erm, tourists, the South Bank Book Fair is like a recipe by numbers for a Richard Curtis film.
With a range of sellers selling an astonishing array of titles you can forget Charing Cross Road, this has got to be the most picturesque place for a spot of book buying in the capital.
In addition there are some fascinating antique prints on offer, some maps, some fashion some beautiful old illustration. Unusual and rare items can be pricey but your average paperback book will only set you back a couple of pounds.
Stop by the South Bank Book Fair for a browse if you find yourself by the river, it's a perfectly lovely way to spend an afternoon Richard Curtis stylie.
I used to walk along the Southbank each day after work; it reminds me why I love London - the river, the lights, the bustle of people - you can feel the city's pulse. It's clearly a tourist destination but for me it never feels it, I think you can create your own space on the bank and make of it what you will. And if you're looking for charm as you walk then the book fair is key. The rows of second hand books on wooden tables manned by a variety of different sellers create an almost Dickensian feel - far far away from the age of Waterstones and Borders. You won't be hassled so you can browse to your heart's content and will pick up, on average, a book for two or three pounds. There is a huge variety from trash to philosophy to a rare out-of-print classic - it's up to you to search. Even if you don't want to buy or even browse, you will enjoy the book fair simply for its presence - a reminder of London's charm, individuality and history.