I thought I caught a remark of yours confessing that you're not into used books. I like them because besides the original content, each book has a story, a history, a karma. I like the marginal notes, the dedications, sometimes I find odd pieces between the pages, a slip of paper with a note, a little greeting card or postcard or photo. Old books have a personal vibe, energy, life. I wish books could speak to tell me their life stories.
That Waterstones' bookshop is in front of my former university (UCL) and it is indeed amazing. They also have secondhand books for £1 and £2 outside. Also, if there is somebody around here who likes to buy secondhand books, there is this old library near Wimbledon Station (District line) that is called Copperfield Books. There is not one spot without a book in that place. It may seem hard to find what you are looking for, but the guy there knows exactly where the book you want is. And they are open on Sundays too!
Yes, the Waterstones at Gower street is awesome. I love how they put loads of old Penguin books in carts out front. It is vastly different from any other bookstore I've been to in the UK. There is a vinyl record store downstairs, as well as a stationary store.
I adore this video! Your enthusiasm is so infectious. I was lucky enough to visit London last year, and while I didn't have a ton of time, I was still able to stop by Hatchard's and Waterstones at Picadilly. I fell in love! Even with the major retailers in the states (like Barnes & Noble, etc), I don't think I've been in a multi-story bookshop. Also, I absolutely loved how the bookshops in London are organized! The flow feels so natural, and everything is cozy. I really like the way the displays seemed to have unique topics, in addition to the more structured "Fiction/Non-Fiction/etc" sections. Also, I completely understand the fear of used books/things. When I was really young, I felt the same way. It was like an overwhelming sense of dread, even though I understood the historical value and importance. I don't know what changed (hence the irrational part of fears), but it doesn't bother me anymore. Still, I totally get where you're coming from and I appreciate that you still promote used books as better for the environment, etc.
Waterstones Gower Street is my favorite bookshop in London! I lived on that same road when I studied abroad there last year, so watching this video felt a lot like going home. Also I realized I have visited Hatchards, but I never knew the name of it! Such a quirky and wonderful building too.
Did you go to Waterstones in Piccadilly the huge one? It's amazing!!! You'll never want to leave. Selfridges basment floor has a book section with some really nice editions. Enjoy London!
I am going to London in March and I knew that I needed to find some good bookstores before going. When I searched it here on RUclips, your video popped up and I knew that whatever you showed me would be great and that I would love. I am so excited to go and check out your suggestions in person. They all look so beautiful on camera but I know they will love even better in person.
I can't believe you went to Gower street Waterstones, it's not even a minute walk for my uni and I go there all the time, 100% my favourite place in London. I'm so glad you love it as much as I do💜
I haven't been to any of these bookshops, but I've been to the Waterstones in Piccadilly multiple times. I'm in love with that bookshop - probably because it's the biggest one I've ever been in. Also, thanks for making this! Adding more bookshops to my bookshop-bucketlist. Next time I go to London, I'm gonna dedicate a whole day to visiting bookshops around the city!
Ariel, what delightful content! Of course I have an old great love of the printed word, and so I was destined to enjoy your story. Please keep visiting bookstores and reading. Best regards, John, Kenly, NC
I have been to the original Foyles, holding my 7 months old Marina, 47years ago. I'd checked everywhere and couldn't find a book devoted to Mary Cassatt. How thrilled when the clerk confidently said Yes, we have! hustling me holding baby to a Sales table- even better!- of Marquis de Sade. Yes, lost in American accent. Hatchards is beautiful, but all these decades, I remembered it as a small one-floor shop like Charlotte Newbeggin's in San Francisco. Time crunch, again. And of course, a Waterstones in Kensington High St, probably.
Two years later and here I am! We're based in South Africa and looking to move to London. Thanks for reviewing these places and adding some colour to the names. Now I know where to send my CV's....
I've been in London a week ago, and I fell in love with Foyles at the Tottenham Court road. Where I live, we only have small 1 floor bookshops and when I stepped into Foyles I was very amazed because it's so huge! And it has a café? THERE ARE BOOKSHOPS THAT HAVE CAFÉS? I just wanna live in that bookstore forever.
The Foyles at Tottenham Court is so great. I love it so much. Purely because of the ENTIRE FLOOR DEDICATED TO FOREIGN BOOKS. I spend like an hour on that floor every time I get the chance to go just breathing in all the languages.
Your enthusiasm is lovely to see shining through this video ! Hatchards seems very lovely to visit (and also to buy all the books from) - the others as well. Now craving to go to the bookshop ! thanks Ariel :)
I live in Central London and I did not know that the Gower St Waterstones was so cool! Thank you for recommending it - my personal favourite is Daunt Books in Marylebone (or Holland Park) and the Oxfam Books on Portobello Road
I much preferred the old Foyles building (although the present building is an outstanding bookshop). It stank of mold, the lifts never worked and everything was stacked on top of each other to the point were you daren't move but it had great sense sanctuary.
I had been to several Waterstones while I was studying in the UK and I loved that they were each a bit different, as you mentioned. If I get the chance to go to London again, I would definitely want to visit Foyles - it's like a book mall! Love this video, Ariel!
Your enthusiasm is infectious. This was an exquisitely done book vlog!!! I enjoyed every place you visited. I hope to see more of these videos in the future. Gracias 🇨🇺
I love Hatchards too! Plus it's close to Fortnum and Mason= books and tea, what could be better? Thank you once again. Watching this vid was a real treat.
I don't know why it took me so long to watch this video (I'm pretty sure it came up on my subscriptions list and I procrastinated on watching this) but wow! This was such a great video Ariel! I definitely think you should make more vids like this or host like your own book related tv show outside of youtube lol. I loved your energy, and your amazing personality and love for books and bookshops just leaps off the screen! ❤️
Fantastic video! Whenever I visit London bookstores are always my destination! This was done so artistically! You have expanded my list of must-visit places in London!
This makes me want to come to London SO badly. All I have around me is Barnes and Noble and Half Price Books - and while I like both of those chains, I'd love to see some new and interesting variety. London looks amazing! Thanks as always for another awesome video. Keep up the good work Ariel!
AHH this video is making me miss London so much! I did a whole bookshop crawl when I first went there and ended up coming home with way too many books.
I work in Tottenham court road and have been to that Foyles countless times but I had literally no idea it had 6 floors, including a cafe and art gallery. I'm so excited to actually look around next time I go. Also, this video was delightful
So so happy you shared this!! I'm going to London this summer and I'm definitely going to visit all of these bookshops, I'm excited just at the idea XD I'm gonna have to show some serious restraint and not buy more than a couple of books to avoid going over the luggage limit!
This is definitely going to be a video I come back every once in a while. You should do more of these exploring / traveling type of videos Ariel. Both in the UK and in Canada. Your energy is so bright and you make it fun.
When I was in London I wanted to go to Hatchards, but it was already closed when I got there on my last day. I didn't get see the beautiful store until now, thank you!!
this!! video!! was!! wonderful!! i am from london but have been living in philadelphia for the last year so feel like i have just spent a day out in all my favourite book shops - so thank yOU!! can't wait to return to london and get myself down to that foyles on TCR!!!
LOVED this! I wish I could get down there to visit Hatchards, before we move. Darn! I've been to Waterstones tons, and Foyles a few times when in London. I am so gonna miss them when we leave!
That is my favourite waterstones as well!!!!! And I just found out about it completely by accident haha! The one in Cambridge (where I live) it's also quite nice! I also love the second hand book shops on Charing Cross are also amazing!!!
I really like Waterstones Picadilly. Floors and floors of books. 😍 I am not as excited about Foyles as you, but it's pretty good. My favourite book shops in London are Daunt Books and Skoob Books. Oh, and Forbidden Planet. 😊
Fun video! I like all of these but haven't been to the first Waterstones. My favourite one in London is the London Review Bookshop, it's beautiful, well curated and has a whole wall of essays and letters so I live it for that - you should give it a look next time you're there if you haven't yet.
Next time you visit London, check out the Wellcome Library/Reading room! The building itself (i.e. the exhibitions, bookshop and books you can generally read there) is more geared towards the medical field, but the Reading Room is free to visit and it's just an amazing place to sit, read and chill for a while.
When I visited London, I found a really sweet bookshop in Brick Lane. I even bought a book there and I was told by the stuff of the shop that I had a good taste. Instant favourite bookshop right there :D
Waterstones is nice but foyles is BIG! Visit the library in friern Barnet the government closed it down but our residents fought back and donated 15,000 books as well as computers so now volunteers run it
this is the most beautiful thing I've seen today 😍 thank you so much for this video 💗
mahdi gasmi I'm so glad you liked it 😬 I've been so excited to share it!!!
I thought I caught a remark of yours confessing that you're not into used books. I like them because besides the original content, each book has a story, a history, a karma. I like the marginal notes, the dedications, sometimes I find odd pieces between the pages, a slip of paper with a note, a little greeting card or postcard or photo. Old books have a personal vibe, energy, life. I wish books could speak to tell me their life stories.
I also like that I don't feel too precious about bending the cover or something.
I love it too.....the smell of used books....is ,I don't know....I love it ...
I dunno were you get your used books but mine just have tea stains and bended pages
Any cash found
As long as no piss on the books
coffee shops inside book stores are my favorite thing in life
Would be better if it was a bar serving single malt whisky.
@YellowMeadow Spirituelle
Im an adult male. I don't buy coffee outside my home.
@YellowMeadow Spirituelle
"Killed any women today?"
Grow up. And stop using a childish username on You Tube.
Be an adult.
I'm British I drink tea, tea ,cakes and books! Fabulous!
That Waterstones' bookshop is in front of my former university (UCL) and it is indeed amazing. They also have secondhand books for £1 and £2 outside.
Also, if there is somebody around here who likes to buy secondhand books, there is this old library near Wimbledon Station (District line) that is called Copperfield Books. There is not one spot without a book in that place. It may seem hard to find what you are looking for, but the guy there knows exactly where the book you want is. And they are open on Sundays too!
As a Waterstones employee, this makes my nerdy bookseller heart fill to the brim with happiness 💛 Thanks for spreading the joy of bookshops, Ariel
Ahh I really wanna visit these bookshops now! Also omg you look so professional walking around with this microphone 😂 I love it. Great video!
Isadora de Paula SO LEGIT. I gave it my all for you, haha!
Hello, you are very emotional about talking about books. I can have a school
Yes, the Waterstones at Gower street is awesome. I love how they put loads of old Penguin books in carts out front. It is vastly different from any other bookstore I've been to in the UK. There is a vinyl record store downstairs, as well as a stationary store.
Didn't think there were such enormous bookshops somewhere. Love it. WANT IT!
I adore this video! Your enthusiasm is so infectious.
I was lucky enough to visit London last year, and while I didn't have a ton of time, I was still able to stop by Hatchard's and Waterstones at Picadilly. I fell in love! Even with the major retailers in the states (like Barnes & Noble, etc), I don't think I've been in a multi-story bookshop. Also, I absolutely loved how the bookshops in London are organized! The flow feels so natural, and everything is cozy. I really like the way the displays seemed to have unique topics, in addition to the more structured "Fiction/Non-Fiction/etc" sections.
Also, I completely understand the fear of used books/things. When I was really young, I felt the same way. It was like an overwhelming sense of dread, even though I understood the historical value and importance. I don't know what changed (hence the irrational part of fears), but it doesn't bother me anymore. Still, I totally get where you're coming from and I appreciate that you still promote used books as better for the environment, etc.
Those stairs in the last store.....that was my favorite store!!! What a great video!
Waterstones Gower Street is my favorite bookshop in London! I lived on that same road when I studied abroad there last year, so watching this video felt a lot like going home. Also I realized I have visited Hatchards, but I never knew the name of it! Such a quirky and wonderful building too.
Did you go to Waterstones in Piccadilly the huge one? It's amazing!!! You'll never want to leave.
Selfridges basment floor has a book section with some really nice editions.
Enjoy London!
I love that Waterstones on Gower!! When I studied abroad at RADA I would frequently pop in there to take a peek - such a charming store.
If you ever visit Buenos Aires you'll love "El Ateneo", it's this old theatre turned bookshop. It even has a café on the stage.
My favourite Waterstones is the one in Piccadilly. There are also three little antiquarian bookshops down Charing Cross Road that I love.
I am going to London in March and I knew that I needed to find some good bookstores before going. When I searched it here on RUclips, your video popped up and I knew that whatever you showed me would be great and that I would love. I am so excited to go and check out your suggestions in person. They all look so beautiful on camera but I know they will love even better in person.
Your enthusiasm in this video is so cute! Makes me really want to go to London and explore these shops!
I can't believe you went to Gower street Waterstones, it's not even a minute walk for my uni and I go there all the time, 100% my favourite place in London. I'm so glad you love it as much as I do💜
Looks like these would be the most fun when rain is coming down in sheets and buckets.
So envious. London is right at the top of my bucket list destinations. Those shops look so great! Love bookstores.
I haven't been to any of these bookshops, but I've been to the Waterstones in Piccadilly multiple times. I'm in love with that bookshop - probably because it's the biggest one I've ever been in.
Also, thanks for making this! Adding more bookshops to my bookshop-bucketlist. Next time I go to London, I'm gonna dedicate a whole day to visiting bookshops around the city!
Ariel, what delightful content! Of course I have an old great love of the printed word, and so I was destined to enjoy your story. Please keep visiting bookstores and reading. Best regards, John, Kenly, NC
I have been to the original Foyles, holding my 7 months old Marina, 47years ago. I'd checked everywhere and couldn't find a book devoted to Mary Cassatt. How thrilled when the clerk confidently said Yes, we have! hustling me holding baby to a Sales table- even better!- of Marquis de Sade. Yes, lost in American accent. Hatchards is beautiful, but all these decades, I remembered it as a small one-floor shop like Charlotte Newbeggin's in San Francisco. Time crunch, again. And of course, a Waterstones in Kensington High St, probably.
Two years later and here I am! We're based in South Africa and looking to move to London. Thanks for reviewing these places and adding some colour to the names. Now I know where to send my CV's....
I've been in London a week ago, and I fell in love with Foyles at the Tottenham Court road. Where I live, we only have small 1 floor bookshops and when I stepped into Foyles I was very amazed because it's so huge! And it has a café? THERE ARE BOOKSHOPS THAT HAVE CAFÉS? I just wanna live in that bookstore forever.
This video made me very unusually, which shouldn't be a shock, happy. Love this video! Who doesn't love bookstores?!
The Foyles at Tottenham Court is so great. I love it so much. Purely because of the ENTIRE FLOOR DEDICATED TO FOREIGN BOOKS. I spend like an hour on that floor every time I get the chance to go just breathing in all the languages.
Sephy Éasca Yes!!!! My boyfriend and I spent hours in the Spanish section once!
Your enthusiasm is lovely to see shining through this video ! Hatchards seems very lovely to visit (and also to buy all the books from) - the others as well. Now craving to go to the bookshop ! thanks Ariel :)
This video gave me such pleasure. And Hatcherts, wow.. i literally stumbled into it when i visited London 18 years ago.
Your videos just make me so happy and I fall in love with books again every time I see one! Btw you look beautiful with a chocker.
This is definitely my kind of day out! 😍 bookshop crawl instead of a pub crawl 😂
Love your Bookshop tour! I have to visit them all if/when I go to London!
I live in Central London and I did not know that the Gower St Waterstones was so cool! Thank you for recommending it - my personal favourite is Daunt Books in Marylebone (or Holland Park) and the Oxfam Books on Portobello Road
Oh and Cooks for Books and Lutyens & Rubinstein!
the choker, the flannel, the side part. very much early 2000s vibes
Ariel try also Standfords bookshop in Covent Garden! It's a largest travel bookshop in the world and it has been here for over 150 years :-)
I much preferred the old Foyles building (although the present building is an outstanding bookshop). It stank of mold, the lifts never worked and everything was stacked on top of each other to the point were you daren't move but it had great sense sanctuary.
Beautiful bookshops!!! Your videos are always so amazing!
I had been to several Waterstones while I was studying in the UK and I loved that they were each a bit different, as you mentioned. If I get the chance to go to London again, I would definitely want to visit Foyles - it's like a book mall! Love this video, Ariel!
This was such a wondrous idea! Hopefully one day I get to discover all the magic of London bookshops.
There is nothing more amazing than watching someone walk round book shops...absolutely brilliant xx thank you
Your enthusiasm is infectious. This was an exquisitely done book vlog!!! I enjoyed every place you visited. I hope to see more of these videos in the future. Gracias 🇨🇺
Those all look like wonderful places. I'd love to see all of them. Especially Hatchard's. I'm sure if the building could talk, the things it'd say.
This video makes me so happy. Also, the last book store is what I want my house to look like
I love Hatchards too! Plus it's close to Fortnum and Mason= books and tea, what could be better? Thank you once again. Watching this vid was a real treat.
How is possible that I love all Ariel's videos????
Such a great video!! 💗 The bookstores are so cool! The filming was great 👍
You are so cute Ariel! Your enthusiasm is contagious. Everything about this video was great!
Those bookshops are amazing! I would love to visit all of them.
Thank you so much for this beautiful bookish video! If I ever make it to London again these 4 bookstores are definitely on my destination list!
I don't know why it took me so long to watch this video (I'm pretty sure it came up on my subscriptions list and I procrastinated on watching this) but wow! This was such a great video Ariel! I definitely think you should make more vids like this or host like your own book related tv show outside of youtube lol. I loved your energy, and your amazing personality and love for books and bookshops just leaps off the screen! ❤️
Fantastic video! Whenever I visit London bookstores are always my destination! This was done so artistically! You have expanded my list of must-visit places in London!
Angela Walton-Raji I'm so glad you liked it!!
This makes me want to come to London SO badly. All I have around me is Barnes and Noble and Half Price Books - and while I like both of those chains, I'd love to see some new and interesting variety. London looks amazing! Thanks as always for another awesome video. Keep up the good work Ariel!
Love this!
Estée Lalonde Thanks, lady!! 😍
@@ArielBissett I like your glasses
Thank you for this wonderful tour!!
Oh my god! I can never go to Barnes and nobles and enjoy it ever again after seeing all of these lovely places! take me to London!!
Loved this! Also, eat, sweat, play is such a great book, I'm glad you are enjoying it :)
Rhianna Lucy It's fantastic! I can't wait to finish it and share my love in a video!
Yay, I'm excited to watch it :)
I would move to London just to be near these bookstores! That Waterstones is amazing!
Foyles looks AMAZING !!!
You are so much fun to watch, you have such a great personality! Thank you for making this video :)
AHH this video is making me miss London so much! I did a whole bookshop crawl when I first went there and ended up coming home with way too many books.
Just sitting here, watching this video gives me second hand excitement about these lovely bookshops! 😊
Loved this video!! Bookshops are just such a wonderful place ❤
I work in Tottenham court road and have been to that Foyles countless times but I had literally no idea it had 6 floors, including a cafe and art gallery. I'm so excited to actually look around next time I go. Also, this video was delightful
this is beautiful. absolutely beautiful.
Emma Krueger Thank you so much!!
I loved this! I was just in Barnes and Nobles the other day taking pictures. But these places are amazing!
You are so lucky to be in an area where there are so many nice bookshops! ♥️👍🏻
I'm from London and that is the first time I've seen that Waterstones! Foyles is my favourite bookstore in London 😁. Great video!
Your laugh is amazing! Love this video so much!
Ariel, you need to read Do Not Say We Have Nothing as soon as possible! Such an epic, beautiful read.
ooh Ariel, you enlighten my day with these beautiful bookshops and your sense of humor. Very nice video, thanks ;)
Foyles!! I plan entire trips to London just to go visit that bookstore, tbh. Definitely my own personal favourite!
So so happy you shared this!! I'm going to London this summer and I'm definitely going to visit all of these bookshops, I'm excited just at the idea XD I'm gonna have to show some serious restraint and not buy more than a couple of books to avoid going over the luggage limit!
I love this video!!! I live in Greater London and have never been to these stores. I adore books and hope to some day go there. I’m so happy!!!!
This is definitely going to be a video I come back every once in a while. You should do more of these exploring / traveling type of videos Ariel. Both in the UK and in Canada. Your energy is so bright and you make it fun.
When I was in London I wanted to go to Hatchards, but it was already closed when I got there on my last day. I didn't get see the beautiful store until now, thank you!!
this!! video!! was!! wonderful!!
i am from london but have been living in philadelphia for the last year so feel like i have just spent a day out in all my favourite book shops - so thank yOU!! can't wait to return to london and get myself down to that foyles on TCR!!!
Eeeeeee!!!! I'm so glad you got a little nugget of home!!!
Love this video! The last shop looks amazing.
Going to London with my friend in about a month and we were searching for bookshops to go to! So thank you so much for this video 😊
LOVED this! I wish I could get down there to visit Hatchards, before we move. Darn! I've been to Waterstones tons, and Foyles a few times when in London. I am so gonna miss them when we leave!
That is my favourite waterstones as well!!!!! And I just found out about it completely by accident haha! The one in Cambridge (where I live) it's also quite nice! I also love the second hand book shops on Charing Cross are also amazing!!!
All of the shops are so beautiful!
This is definitely one of my favourite booktube videos ever x
Every time I go to London, I visit foyles! But I didn't know about the giantic waterstone!! Definitely a go to next time I am there!
I really like Waterstones Picadilly. Floors and floors of books. 😍
I am not as excited about Foyles as you, but it's pretty good.
My favourite book shops in London are Daunt Books and Skoob Books. Oh, and Forbidden Planet. 😊
Hatchards and Foyles are my next destinations when I visit London
Fun video! I like all of these but haven't been to the first Waterstones. My favourite one in London is the London Review Bookshop, it's beautiful, well curated and has a whole wall of essays and letters so I live it for that - you should give it a look next time you're there if you haven't yet.
I love Waterstone's . .. and Hatchard's looks amazing. I am filled with book longing.
It's like you're high on books
I LOVE YOU!
I can't wait to move to London one day. I will visit all of these bookshops you have suggested.
Foyles looks amazing!!
I'll definitely go to these bookshops when I come back to London
Oh I went to that Foyles when I was in London too, I think. It was my absolute favourite bookshop ever!
And Hatchards. Loved the atmosphere in there, with all of the books and those dark shelves. Gosh I miss London!
One of my favourites is Daunt Books, really great bookshop
This is so cool and beautiful... thanks to you now I know where to buy books when I travel to London! ❤️🙌🏼
Love this video! Every time I go to that new Foyles, I feel like I'm in the Fox Books store from _You've Got Mail_.
Next time you visit London, check out the Wellcome Library/Reading room! The building itself (i.e. the exhibitions, bookshop and books you can generally read there) is more geared towards the medical field, but the Reading Room is free to visit and it's just an amazing place to sit, read and chill for a while.
When I visited London, I found a really sweet bookshop in Brick Lane. I even bought a book there and I was told by the stuff of the shop that I had a good taste. Instant favourite bookshop right there :D
Waterstones is nice but foyles is BIG! Visit the library in friern Barnet the government closed it down but our residents fought back and donated 15,000 books as well as computers so now volunteers run it
Really made this interesting by your enthusiastic way of presentation.
Oh this video had me tearing up! I wish we had to many nice bookshops to choose from over here.. Love your choices!!