Watkins Books

Watkins Books stands on Cecil Court in Covent Garden and describes itself as one of the world's oldest and leading independent bookshops specialising in esoterica. Established over 130 years ago, it carries one of the world's largest selections of spiritual and esoteric literature, and it has become a landmark for readers of the subject.

The stock spans Eastern philosophy and Western esoterica alongside contemporary spiritual titles, with rare, antiquarian and secondhand sections adding depth. Beyond books, the shop sells complementary items including statues, crystals, tarot decks, jewellery and talismans, giving it a wider remit than a purely literary bookseller and drawing in browsers as well as readers.

Esoteric bookshop in London

As an esoteric bookshop in London with well over a century of trading, the premises run across two floors plus a basement, allowing for browsing across new, rare and antiquarian material in the same visit, from recent releases on Jung, folklore and alchemy upstairs to older stock below. Staff are described as friendly and knowledgeable, and the shop offers tarot reading services both online and in store.

What to expect on a visit

Set within Cecil Court's period frontages near Leicester Square, with Charing Cross, Tottenham Court Road, Covent Garden and Holborn stations all within walking distance, Watkins opens daily from 11am to 6.30pm. It suits anyone with an interest in mind, body and spirit subjects, from casual readers to committed collectors of rare and antiquarian esoteric books. For secondhand general stock, Any Amount of Books on Charing Cross Road is a minute away, and our full list of bookshops in Covent Garden covers the rest of the lane.