Stanfords: travel around the world in London
A future trip in mind? Want a bit of adventure in your life? Take refuge @ Stanfords, THE ideal travel bookshop.
Classical and original guidebooks, funny social studies (try the ones on the French for a good laugh. Trust me, I am French), detailed maps for any country you might think of… You will fill your bag a lot more than you expected!
In 1852, Edward Stanfords thought hard about the British colonies expansion: travels were the future, he was convinced. To be successful, you need to be the best and to prove different. He got huge maps of various continents printed - gentlemen loved to show off those in their reading room – even better, he ordered the first precise map of London (though it is only in 1966 that the first A to Z, with its complete listing of streets, was published. Did you know a woman was behind it all? Read Mrs P’s journey to learn more!). He was applauded by the Royal Geographical Society for it.
From 1947 on, the company focuses on foreign mapping. They act as pionneers at the type. You name it, they have it: topographic, thermic, geological, hiostorical, nautical… Their reputation is a success in no time. Even Sherlock Holmes in The Hounds of Baskerville buys a map from them! The public is more and more eager to travel - a huge market opens., whether for generic or out-of-the-way travel books.
Since 2001, you can also find a great range of travel fiction, travel novels, travel stories of all kind. Keep an eye on their website for travel conferences too.
The third floor are a real treasure chest, the decoration surfs on the travel theme too. Oh, and this is the perfect place to find a travel or camping gadget, and gifts for junior or experienced travelers!
Stanfords
12-14 Long Acre
Covent Garden
London WC2E 9LP
What’s around?
- Cocktails!
- Yummy frozen yogurts!
- A cute retro looking sweets shop…
- My favourite cupcakes in all of London…
- A little haven of peace…
3 Responses to “Stanfords: travel around the world in London ”
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Oh! Je ne l’avais pas vue cette boutique… Pourtant j’y suis passée et repassée à Covent Garden!
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Chocoralie says:
Eva: comme tu vois, pas traumatisee par le volcan et toujours la meme envie de voyages… Surtout que je dois rajouter Copenhagen a ma liste maintenant! Excellent coin pour les stocking fillers quand Noel est en vue.
Nath: quand je te dis qu’il te faut revenir dans le coin…
Grand retour !
Tres sympa cette idee de boutique. Je passe souvent dans le quartier mais je n’avais jamais fait attention. La prochaine fois, j’ouvrirai l’oeil !