Foyles Bookshop at 107 Charing Cross Road, London

Explore six floors of literary treasures and cultural events at Foyles, London’s iconic bookshop on Charing Cross Road.

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Foyles is a legendary London bookshop located at 107 Charing Cross Road in Soho, offering over 200,000 titles across six floors. Founded in 1906 by the Foyle brothers, it is renowned for its vast selection, literary events, and a welcoming café. Housed in a historic building once home to the College for the Distributive Trades and St Martin’s School of Art, Foyles blends rich heritage with modern retail design, making it a must-visit destination for book lovers and culture seekers alike.

A brief summary to Foyles

107 Charing Cross Rd, London, WC2H 0EB, GB
+442074375660
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 4 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 9 am-9 pm
Tuesday 9 am-9 pm
Wednesday 9 am-9 pm
Thursday 9 am-9 pm
Friday 9 am-9 pm
Saturday 9 am-9 pm
Sunday 11:30 am-6 pm

Local tips

Visit the café on the top floor for a relaxing break with locally sourced food and drinks amid a literary atmosphere.
Check the schedule for author events and talks to enrich your visit with live literary experiences.
Allow several hours to explore the extensive six-floor collection, including rare and specialist sections.
Use the knowledgeable staff to help locate niche titles or discover new authors tailored to your interests.

Getting There

Underground

Take the London Underground to Tottenham Court Road station, approximately a 5-minute walk from Foyles. The Central and Northern lines serve this station with frequent trains. Tickets cost around £2.50–£5.00 depending on the ticket type and time.
Bus

Several London bus routes stop near Charing Cross Road, including routes 14, 19, and 38. Bus travel times vary but typically take 15–30 minutes from central London locations. A contactless payment card or Oyster card is accepted, with fares around £1.75 per journey.
Walking

If you are in Soho or nearby areas like Leicester Square, walking to Foyles is easy and takes 5–15 minutes on flat, paved streets. The route is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Foyles location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Foyles

A Storied Legacy on Charing Cross Road

Foyles has been a cornerstone of London’s literary scene since its founding by William and Gilbert Foyle in 1906. Originally located nearby at 135 Charing Cross Road, the shop grew to become one of the world’s largest and most famous bookshops. In 2014, Foyles moved to its current premises at 107 Charing Cross Road, a building with its own rich history as the former College for the Distributive Trades and St Martin’s School of Art. This move allowed Foyles to modernize while preserving its deep roots in London’s cultural fabric.

A Vast and Diverse Collection

Spread over six floors, Foyles offers an extraordinary range of more than 200,000 titles covering fiction, non-fiction, specialist subjects, and rare finds. Beyond books, the store features extensive music sections with sheet music and CDs, a stationery and pen department, and a curated selection of designer gifts. The layout is designed to be inviting and accessible, encouraging exploration and discovery among readers of all interests.

Architectural and Cultural Significance

The current Foyles building is a repurposed educational institution, blending historic architectural elements with contemporary retail design. The structure retains features such as original signage and facades from its academic past, juxtaposed with modern interiors that enhance the browsing experience. This fusion of old and new reflects Foyles’ identity as a guardian of literary tradition and a vibrant, forward-looking cultural hub.

Community Hub and Literary Events

Foyles is more than a bookstore; it is a lively cultural venue hosting author talks, book signings, and public lectures in its dedicated auditorium and gallery spaces. These events foster a sense of community among readers, writers, and creatives. The in-store café, offering locally sourced food and drinks, provides a relaxing retreat for visitors to linger over books and conversation.

Survival and Resilience Through History

Foyles has endured significant historical challenges, including narrowly surviving a nearby bomb during the Blitz in World War II, which left a crater outside the original store. The shop famously protected itself with sandbags filled with old books and even stacked copies of Hitler’s Mein Kampf on the roof as air raid defense. Its resilience is emblematic of London’s enduring spirit and the timeless appeal of books.

Accessibility and Visitor Experience

The shop is fully accessible, with flat routes, wheelchair access, and accessible restrooms, making it welcoming to all visitors. Located in the vibrant Soho district near Tottenham Court Road and Leicester Square, Foyles is easily reachable and surrounded by a rich urban atmosphere. Its knowledgeable staff and extensive resources ensure a rewarding visit for casual browsers and serious bibliophiles alike.