Stanfords is an incredible travel bookshop located on Long Acre in London’s famous Covent Garden.
Samuel Johnson once said ‘when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford’. I couldn’t agree more. That said, it is nice to dream of visiting far flung places every now and then. Or, you may have chosen to use your precious time in London as a springboard to visit other European destinations for a weekend. Whatever your inspiration, escape the hustle and bustle of tourist-laden Covent Garden and transport yourself anywhere you desire in the world – care of this amazing travel bookshop.
You cannot move in here for maps scaling every inch of the globe, stylish city guides, an abundance of Lonely Planets and clever gadgets to satisfy the geekiest of gadget lover. It also stocks a fantastic range of modern travel fiction and non-fiction that act as your backpacking buddy. It is a global adventure in itself just to browse the shelves. You can pick up some truly unique gifts for your loved ones back home, or maybe a beautiful travel journey to capture on paper all of your own travel tales. It opened in 1901 and past customers include Florence Nightingale and even Sherlock Holmes (in The Hound of the Baskervilles) adding to the sense of history and quintessential London.
Stanfords has an in-store Sacred Café, serving typical New Zealand organic fair trade coffee roast and a range of teas. Hearty food adds to a real Antipodean experience in London.
I adore whiling away a few hours in Stanfords because, like travelling itself, entering through the doors is an adventure into the unknown and always inspirational. You may only intend to browse or buy a gift, but I guarantee you will leave with a head full of dreams and solid plans for your next trip.
Although you won’t be able to stay away from London too long of course.
NicolaG
