Touring London Bookshops / A Letter From London

Hello! In today's video 'letter,' I'm sharing a bookshop guide to London and some of the fun I got up to when visiting the city earlier in October. See below for links to shops mentioned.
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BOOKSHOPS MENTIONED & FEATURED:
John Sandoe Books: johnsandoe.com/
Marchpane Books: www.marchpanebooks.com/
Any Amount of Books: www.anyamountofbooks.com/
Foyles: www.foyles.co.uk/
Heywood Hill: www.heywoodhill.com/
Hatchards: www.hatchards.co.uk/
Waterstones (Piccadilly): www.waterstones.com/bookshops...
Daunt Books: dauntbooks.co.uk/
Foster Books: www.fosterbooks.co.uk/
OTHER LINKS:
Choosing Keeping: choosingkeeping.com/
Fortnum & Mason: www.fortnumandmason.com/
The Wolseley: www.thewolseley.com/
The Wallace Collection: www.wallacecollection.org/
Maison Choux: www.maitrechoux.com/
MUSIC: all music in this video is from Epidemic service, a provider of royalty-free music to which I subscribe.

[@Potenza7Svargeeya]

Thank you for producing such a serene and healing moving pictures. At this point of my life, I truly need it the most.

[@andraste6746]

This was stunning. London, cats, books and stationery. Absolute perfection.

[@clairehill6044]

Thank you Miranda and Donna for the wonderful vlogs . They are cosy and inspiring and have been helping me so much through a difficult period in my life . Books have comforted and calmed me . Thank you xx

[@MirandaMills]

You're very welcome, and I'm so glad the videos are helping! xx

[@pomme800]

Lovely, lovely London visit with all my favorite kind of shops and bookstores. Beautiful editing and music....What a pleasure!

[@GinaStanyerBooks]

This was such a delight Miranda. You continue to up the bar with your videos. Just when I think they couldn't get any better, you create this magic. Thank you.

[@MirandaMills]

That’s so kind of you to say, Gina! Thank you so much ☺️ 💕

[@nancyfritz1827]

Everything about this was enchanting! I believe you could publish a beautiful book with your letters and photography. Loved the Virginia Woolf quote.

[@suespiers9943]

Absolutely delightful

[@nicoladunn3384]

So much of a treat I watched it twice! Thank you Miranda

[@eileennielsen5165]

This was GREAT! Really enjoyed. 84 Charring Cross Rd.!!!!! WOO-HOO!! One of my oldest and favorite books. Unfortunately, bookshops in this part of America (Mi.) are/ have disappeared. Just 2/3 big chains, but no little or big independently owned. Don't know why that is. I used to live in Massachusetts, Lexington where the Revolutionary War started. A 20 min. drive from Boston. There was The Brattle St. Bookshop. I think built in the late 1600's. When I got older, I could take the bus in by myself. Oh! I was in Heaven! History and books! I would love to open a little bookshop with a Tea room and also sell stationery. I love to use my fountain pen when I write letters. Can't always because that type paper is getting too expensive for me. I collect pens and have billions of writing paper I can use. Thank you for this delightful video!🤗

[@kayjones2533]

This was just beautiful Miranda. Wonderful sentiment, words and cinematography. You are so very talented. Thank you so much for sharing. Hope you and your dear mum are having a lovely week x

[@DianeC1975]

Be still my heart. The Book shops!!! My anglophile soul is full. Thank you Miranda. Lovely. 📚🤗💕

[@MirandaMills]

Glad you enjoyed it, Diane!!

[@faithwentworth7906]

I'm a bit late to the party but wanted to save this second video letter for when I could sit down with a cup of hot chocolate, relax and savor the moment. Thank you for taking us on your London literary excursions! I love armchair traveling. All the delight with none of the hassle. It is strange to be a visitor in a city in which you formerly lived, isn't it. Somewhat bittersweet. I love the perfect Viginia Wolfe quote! Thank you for all the time and effort you put into these videos. The end result is quite special!

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed it, and perfect to have a hot chocolate to hand!

[@rachelstage5861]

This was a balm for my soul this morning. Thank you.

[@tritemiowallace4936]

Beautiful video! I lived in London while doing my postgrad studies, back in the late 1970's. One of the things I loved most was the bookshops ... afterwards I came back to England on so many occasions, to find piece of mind and enjoy bookshops, Indian meals, and seeing once again my land lady, a most vibrant, joyful and smart woman! ... It's a shame she died some 8 years ago. Since then I have not come back to London again ... and I miss a lot those bookshops, The Elgin in Ladbroke Grove, The Purcell Room In the South Bank and listening to Emma Kirkby's angelic voice ... by the way: I have a daughter and her name is Miranda ... just like you. Thanks for bringing up all those memories of one of my finest periods in life.

[@Veganmylocsarereal17]

OMG!!!! This video Made me so Happy… I was eating a late lunch and almost forgot where I was.. What a Beautiful letter and Amazing Video 🥰

[@MirandaMills]

I’m so pleased you enjoyed this, Kiki, and that you found it transportive on your lunch break! Hope you get to tour London bookshops yourself some day 😊💕📚

[@muhlenstedt]

Thank you for this fantastic gift for us !!!

[@melissaholton5161]

This was simply the most comforting thing ever to watch. THANK YOU, Miranda.

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@quietlife7186]

You've spoiled us once again with your marvelous writing, your whit, your talent and such lovely scenery and music! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@MirandaMills]

That's so kind - thank you very much! Really glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@suzy8109]

Your videos are so soothing, gentle, well produced and enjoyable. Your channel is just what I needed to relieve the Monday blues. So glad I discovered you, Miranda.💕

[@deannab9511]

Such a beautiful love letter to London bookshops, I wish I could visit them all! Thank you so very much 📚❤

[@GMJ7]

The Mozart and Bach selections pair perfectly with your narration. This letter format is perfect for your style. I look forward to "receiving" the next piece of correspondence! I showed this to a friend, and his first reaction was, "Why can't that be my life?!" 😄

[@marinaanais]

I was so delighted when you posted this vlog, I've watched it three times already and will watch it many more times. I love everything about it - the letter writing format reminds me so of Jane Austen, the lovely description of your London visit, the gorgeous kitties (they obviously adored you!), and the stunning tour of London's amazing bookshops, ChoosingKeeping (!!!), and the museums and tea shops. I live in British Columbia, Canada, and the magic just isn't the same here, although nature here is very, very beautiful. But the architecture is non-existent. I lived in Europe for a few years as a child, and I will always, always miss the architecture and culture there. Thank you for taking me/us along on your London trip. Btw, this vlog and your Christmas decorating video are my absolute favorites and ones I will re-watch many times again. Cheers! Marina

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much for the very kind words, Marina!

[@margaretmitchell614]

Thank you Miranda and Mum . What a lovely peaceful video . Loved the piano playing too.

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@bookprincess612]

Dear Miranda, thank you for your lovely letter - it really was a great pleasure. I enjoyed it so much to hear from your little visit and to follow you around. Wished I could have had a nice cup of tea with you at Fortnum's. Hope to see you soon, a lot of greetings to you and your charming mum Donna. A greatful book soul from Germany 📚📚📚

[@stacey__withanE]

This series is superb, Miranda! What a treat to tour bookish London from my home in Canada; so gorgeously shot and narrated. I look forward to getting your next letter!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much! So glad you’re enjoying the ‘letters’ 😊💕

[@dmurphy42]

I enjoy these videos very much. This one was just perfect following on the 84 Charring Cross book club discussion. Please don’t ever stop - you keep me sane and grateful ❤️

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much! I definitely felt the spirit of Helene Hanff in the air!! xxx

[@fionahart2806]

I love the letter format, compact yet expansive, cogent yet intimate. Cats always steal the show. Visitors always prompt visits to places on my doorstep as a Londoner, yet so far ignored for over two decades! Now, I will finally go to Forster's!! I am gradually pivoting away from London, so I noticed how you love to visit, but are so glad to go home.

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoy this format! I definitely recommend paying Foster Books a visit!! Angie’s nearby is a lovely cafe too 💚

[@kimcogo]

Well done, all the way 'round! From the narration and videography to editing and music selection, it's all so engaging and inspiring. Thank you for sharing the beauty and charm of England and your shared love of reading.

[@MirandaMills]

So happy you enjoyed it! Thank you 😊

[@gwen9620]

This video really tugged at my heartstrings. Simply beautiful! xo

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you ❤️

[@AutumnalSunests]

I have just discovered your channel, I am housebound and thoroughly enjoyed a stroll around the charming bookshops, thank you so much ! xx

[@midgeh]

This was so lovely! I'll be back for a second and more looks at it, as I could not take it all in with just one! Thank you so much!

[@MirandaMills]

So happy you enjoyed it! Thank you 😊📚🍂

[@lorellbevis9758]

Thank you Miranda. An absolute delight

[@gillwoolley6515]

Perfect timing.I'm off to London for a day out at book shops in a couple of weeks. So helpful, thank you xxx

[@Bearcub599]

What a beautiful heart warming letter 🧡❤🩷London (Chelsea) always has a special place in our hearts too! Thank you for sharing xxx

[@MirandaMills]

So happy you enjoyed this video! Thank you so much for your support! I appreciate your kindness so much ❤️📚💐

[@sarahmack3148]

Love your letters, a wonderful way to spend 15minuets and a cup of tea. I Am 16 years in the US after my first 30 in greater London, Surrey. I too could not imagine ever living there again, the hustle and bustle and sheer amount of people and traffic would be too over whelming now, but I do miss the special visits and the historical side to London. I especially miss the Christmas visit to Hamleys, Harrods and Fortnum & Masons. Your video brought back some great memories.

[@MirandaMills]

Wonderful!

[@lomazowr1]

Miranda what a wonderful video.My husband and I have visited London several times.Each time I rush to your gorgeous bookstores smell in the aroma of books shop and browse.I can see some of my treasured purchases in my bookcase as I write.Your videos are so delightful such a pleasant treat.I have a feeling your mom Donna is your camera person tell her she has a very good eye.

[@suzannegagne8692]

Omg I adored this one! Narrated perfectly just like a walk with a celebrated author…you choose.

[@kayescottage505]

As a 70 year old California USA girl who was born and raised my children and watched my grandchildren grow right here, love listening to you and your Mom. Your channel is always an escape into a dreamy world for me.

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much for those kind words, Kaye!

[@fernandamurari8577]

Hello!!! Thank you for the wonderful video! It was really special! All the best, Miranda and Donna!

[@emmhaeigen2424]

Wie schön dass es in Form eines Briefes dargestellt ist. Ich habe es sehr genossen. Vielen Dank!

[@lindenreads]

oh, i love these letter videos! 💛

[@ScullyPopASMR]

Excellent content on the London bookshops 📚😇

[@SmurfyKimberly]

I loved how the narration was in letter writing form! Absolutely gorgeous cinematography! I believe this is my favorite KZbin video ever! Perfect content, just the right length, fabulous narration! I just had to subscribe!

[@ginat.8064]

This was delightful. I'm so glad I've stumbled across your channel.

[@MirandaMills]

I'm so glad too! Thank you!

[@prairierose1115]

Just lovely. Thank you!

[@pamelapoet9]

I just adore your letter-writing series. Thank you for the love and effort you put into creating these gems. Can one ache with nostalgia for a place one hasn't yet been? The London architecture, alone, sets my heart fluttering. And the books. And that magical stationery store. I hope I will have the chance to visit London and the English countryside more than once so as to sample each season. And what a bonus, those two gorgeous creatures! It's such a treat when a cat deigns to tuck in beside you. For a while I had two, Sappho and Athena (because a house can never have too many goddesses and poets). Then three, when Philo showed up on our patio one winter night and stole everybody's heart. Well, everyone but Sappho. As befits a poet, she is quite vocal. As Philo soon learned, however, sounds are not her only weapons... xx Much love to you and Donna.

[@MirandaMills]

I think Helene Hanff would definitely answer 'yes!' to your question, Pamela! I very much you get to England someday; I am sure you would love visiting. Your cats sound adorable too! xxx

[@karenburns5332]

Wonderful video! I too could spend days browsing bookshops ❤️

[@MirandaMills]

My favourite activity 😄📚💕

[@susanhetler4704]

Delightful 💜 Thank you for sharing you trip!

[@therealjetlag]

I used to work in Baker Street and loved going to Daunt books in my lunch break.

[@madeirateresa1624]

Dear Miranda Thank you for such a beautiful and charming letter. London, books and cats: this are a few of my favorite things 😊 I hope that in the summer of 2022 I will be able to return to London, I miss the bookshops and museums so much. The Wallace Collection is one of my favorites and Hatchards is amazing! And I will have some new bookshop to visite thanks to you! You are so creative, really beautiful work 😍 Have a nice weekend 🌸😘

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much Teresa! I’m glad you enjoyed the video & it took you on a little virtual trip to London 😊❤️

[@ildikoromanoczki9012]

I absolutely adored this video Miranda! I loved the narrative so much and oh my word those beautiful bookshops 😍❤

[@MirandaMills]

Yay! So glad you liked it - thank you 😊📚🍂

[@christysmith1058]

Thank you for this lovely video - I enjoyed it so much, I never wanted it to end! Cats and books, my two favorite things.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank very much, Christy! So glad you enjoyed it 😊📚🐈

[@anitaday599]

That was a treat Miranda xx

[@martablanco805]

Very beautiful Miranda! Thank you so much! 🌸🌸🤗🤗

[@marjoriebd3326]

Oh this was next level Miranda! What a cozy video! Slow walks down London streets in fall and all the bookshops! I also left my London life behind many years ago so this was especially nice to watch. Thank you for this. 😊

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much, Marjorie! I’m so glad you enjoyed this virtual trip to London 💕😊

[@janetcampbell4124]

Thank you for this lovely video, Miranda; it looks like you had a wonderful time. Those cats are adorable xx

[@elizabethsleison6079]

Such a lovely and inspiring video. You set the tone of my evening as only you can. Your stay in London caring for the most adorable cats as your charges was a very pleasant surprise. While drifting through pretty neighborhoods, amazing bookshops and delightful cafes, you sent a strong message of “All be be well.” If we can enjoy what brings us interest, and if we can place ourselves away from the usual (anywhere), then we can reset all that we love about our homes, towns or cities. Thank you for a wonderful video note.

[@marty9011]

That was lovely. How I wish I could go to those wonderful bookshops.....

[@bookish_views]

Such a beautiful video Miranda, gorgeous to see some of my favourite book shops from my London days, so needed the comfort of your videos today, it’s not been the best start to this month for me and seeing London like that it’s been really moving. I think I’ll watch it a few more times 😉 thank you for sharing this just at the right moment. Means a lot to me. X

[@VladVexler]

Very very lovely letter Miranda!

[@evansaly]

What a lovely video. Thank you for taking us on a tour with you - delightful ☺️🙏

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed it - thank you! xxx

[@NadineTouzet]

Charming! Charing Cross Road was a favourite haunt of mine during my London days some decades ago, only superseded by Waterstones in Piccadilly in more recent years. My Christmas trip is going to be too short to explore your favourite bookshops but I’m keeping this video of future reference. English bookshops have an appeal that I cannot resist. Lucky you! 😊

[@MirandaMills]

Enjoy your trip & book shopping, even if it’s a shorter one! Xx

[@crystalthechurchmousestitc1888]

What a wonderful video this is. While I love all of your videos, this is my favorite. The cats you cared for are stunning. I would love getting to cuddle and play with them and would be very sorry to leave them. Your friend is so fortunate to have you to look after them. The book shops you visited made me very envious. London in the autumn is beautiful. Thank you so much and take care.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much! xxx

[@maureenstokowski5848]

I want to fly to the UK and visit all the sights in London! Wonderful video! ❤️❤️

[@tstockto]

Loved this video! Made me want to go to London immediately!

[@sigridmlj]

Such a lovely video, thank you!

[@MaRie-ru4dz]

What a lovely video ☺️ I’m missing London much more now :) thank you for taking me back as well 🥰

[@suzannematthewsart]

Miranda. How lovely to find your videos, a friend sent it to me. I am so like you in loving the countryside more than the city. Yet I so loved your tour of the book shops. Having envisioned 84 charming cross road neighbors for years.

[@sebtamgeospa]

Thank you Miranda 🥰 I enjoyed watching it. Love the used bookstores and cannot wait to visit London and browse those amazing treasure spots. This is so useful, I will know where to go. No travel is complete without visiting a bookshop📚

[@MirandaMills]

I so agree, Tami!

[@sandyokey7728]

This is delightful, thank you so much Miranda! It will be watched many times with something new to see each time I’m sure💕

[@CAROLINAPARISLONDON]

Gorgeous video, thank you so much…🙏🏻

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@jcalderon371]

Lovely video Miranda. I love the idea that your writing us a letter. It's different from anything else on you tube.Thank you! Have a good day.❤😊

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you! So glad you're enjoying the letter format!

[@suzannebousquet2710]

Love, love, love this video! It had me drooling....The commentary and music added a nice touch. While, New England, US has it's share of new and used bookshops, I think yours are the best! At least from what I saw in your video.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much!

[@debs_SoggyBottom]

Loved this! More please xx

[@shanawilson1178]

I love this and London is so full of bookshops…must be heaven

[@Luuka11]

Thanks 🙏 a lot 🌸 for the inspiring video and your poetic description ❤ I also noticed the Kaweco 😊

[@mauraregan6182]

What a gorgeous video and yes you inspired me to go to London bookshops!! I hope I can go soon. I took notes so I will be thrilled to visit the places and bookshops you highlighted. Thanks so much.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you! Hope you get there soon! xxx

[@bookladyreads]

I just adore you. You create the most wonderful videos. This one however felt like an extra special treat. Thank you.

[@MirandaMills]

You are so welcome! Thanks for the kind words!

[@emmas7045]

Oh, this was so lovely Miranda. Such a cosy video to curl up with at the end of a busy day! Thank you ❤️

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed it, Emma! ❤️

[@reznaellis6815]

This was wonderful! Thank you.

[@monicamacauley3750]

I know these videos are very labor intensive, Miranda, but what a treat. You swept me up and took me away. I can only hope to return to London again someday. Thank you. I’ve watched this three times already.

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you xxx

[@netknit7886]

Just found you in the last few weeks enjoying watching your videos but this has got to be the best so far.

[@maureenabramson4224]

This was such an enjoyable walk with you around the bookstores of London. You yourself have a gift of storytelling with such lovely and descriptive words. A most enjoyable stroll with you. Thank you for showing us your favorite places. 📖🇬🇧

[@MirandaMills]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for your lovely words xxx

[@VictoriaPichel]

Now I see why it took longer for you to finish this video... it is truly a gorgeous love letter to London! I was really looking forward to it, though with a bit of trepidation because I knew the moment I pressed play I would burst into tears. Which is exactly what happened. So many spots and bookshops I went to on my visit to London, exactly 6 years ago!!... THAT is the London I saw, autumnal and melancholic. So beautiful. How lovely that you were able to spend some time there and share the experience with your mum! I truly appreciate that you took the time and effort to film and edit this video for us. Thank you so so much. I loved it! You have a gift. ps. They were tears of joy, I swear!

[@QuietWanderer]

This video warmed my heart so much and makes me yearn for the day I will finally get to go to London and experience the way I want, which is basically, this exact itinerary! Such a lovely letter, Miranda!

[@MirandaMills]

So happy it spoke to you! I hope you make it to London soon!

[@kurjan1]

Dear Miranda, Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story. London is my favourite city in the world and oh how I miss her. Being so far away in Australia I long to return. Although, I have the great pleasure of being able to visit and purchase from so many bookshops thanks to His Majesties Internet and Royal Mail.

[@laurac56]

What a great video! Thank you for the tour.

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@cynthiahamil9801]

How charming, Miranda! I love this! Thank you so much for this inspiring bookstore tour concept! This is truly enchanting!

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed it, Cynthia!

[@purplesunflower8242]

Fabulous! I live in London 🤗

[@joannadumitrascu2683]

Just lovely!

[@abigailhortencia5901]

Delightful💕👌🏾

[@ester9484]

Hello Miranda! I've just discovered you and watched this video. What a delightful! The music, the letter format, the editing... and LONDON! I visited it for the first time when I was 17, and it's been my favourite city since then. You have a lovely channel ❤️

[@kamicastillo1451]

Oh Miranda, I am so happy you decided to post the letter video!! It is magical and I love it so much! Your writing skills are so much better than alot of books I've read. Seeing the bookstores and streets was such a treat. And to be that close to Fortnum and Mason...wow! I have never been over the pond, but really want to express how much I appreciate your travel vlogs. Hugs to you and your mom! Again, thank you for this personal letter style video...I feel as if you sent it to just me!!

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed it, Kami!

[@ttowntrekker5174]

What an amazing adventure. Thanks so much for sharing. There's nothing like these shops where I live.

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks for watching!❤️

[@booksandbabble6847]

What an absolute treat. I watch and rewatch all your videos and thank the booktube gods that inspired you to set up your own channel. 💓💓

[@MirandaMills]

Aw thanks so much ☺️📚❤️

[@Lora.Crawford]

Thank you, sweet Miranda, for the charmingly and beautifully written letter and for the delightful stroll through London and its beauties, most especially the bookshops! Vintage UK books are my favorite! And those gorgeous cats! We have several rescue cats who we adore! So happy to see you had such fun in London. You're so creative; this video is so very artfully wonderful! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿💂😻📚🥰

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for the very kind words. So happy you enjoyed the video!

[@diannewood2855]

A really beautiful film, Miranda - thank you so much for taking us on such a feel-good trip - the street scenes are very atmospheric and the shops are just a dream!

[@jobailey145]

Oh I love these letters from you, just sublime. The bookshops bring back many happy memories. I just can’t get on board with the cats - sorry. Thank you. So glad you had fun and are safely home xx

[@PearlSanborn]

What an absolute delight!❤

[@victordantas9428]

This vlog is so fascinating! 😍✨ thank you! Greetings from Brazil 📖☕