Description: The British Library is the UK's national library. Its collection, numbering over 170 million items, is the largest in the world, held in shelves which extend underground. The British Library was originally based in the British Museum, but moved to its current premises in the 1970s. The modernist architecture has courted controversy and one of its key artistic features is the statue of Sir Isaac Newton making measurements with a pair of compasses. The library collection is accessible to the public upon registration. Visitors are advised to check out the 'Treasures of the British Library' exhibition. It includes many extraordinary items in the collection including Shakespeare's First Folio and a copy of Magna Carta. The British Library also hosts special exhibitions. More details can be found on the website.

Sunday: 11:00 - 17:00
Monday: 09:30 - 20:00
Tuesday: 09:30 - 20:00
Wednesday: 09:30 - 20:00
Thursday: 09:30 - 20:00
Friday: 09:30 - 18:00
Saturday: 09:30 - 17:00

Description: Occupying two floors, Judd Books is an academic bookshop which has an impressive collection of second hand books on most subjects, but its art and literature sections are especially strong. It is also possible to find new books at bargain prices. Regular visitors to the shop can take advantage of the store's loyalty stamp scheme. Every £10 spent receives a stamp and 8 stamps can be redeemed for a £10 discount.

Sunday: 12:00 - 18:00
Monday: 11:00 - 19:00
Tuesday: 11:00 - 19:00
Wednesday: 11:00 - 19:00
Thursday: 11:00 - 19:00
Friday: 11:00 - 19:00
Saturday: 11:00 - 19:00

Description: Gay's the Word is an unique book store which stocks books by lesbian and gay authors. It enjoys a reputation as one of the most interesting bookshops in the city.

Sunday: 14:00 - 18:00
Monday: 10:00 - 18:30
Tuesday: 10:00 - 18:30
Wednesday: 10:00 - 18:30
Thursday: 10:00 - 18:30
Friday: 10:00 - 18:30
Saturday: 10:00 - 18:30

Description: Skoob Books is an extraordinary second hand bookstore which enjoys the reputation of being one of the best discount bookstores in the city. The shop is accessed through the Brunswick Centre, though the shop floor is underground. Here you will encounter an Aladdin's Cave full of books. The books are usually very good value although a lot of books are worse for wear. A book lover can spend hours exploring the shelves and visitors are advised to spend at least 20 minutes hunting for rare and bargain books. Students receive a 10% discount.

Sunday: 10:30 - 18:00
Monday: 10:30 - 20:00
Tuesday: 10:30 - 20:00
Wednesday: 10:30 - 20:00
Thursday: 10:30 - 20:00
Friday: 10:30 - 20:00
Saturday: 10:30 - 20:00

Description: After browsing through endless shelves, stop by the Starbucks in the Brunswick Centre for a coffee break, admiring the architecture in the process. The Brunswick Centre incorporates both residential areas (560 flats), as well as spaces for commercial and retail use. Its modernist architecture has been criticised but it is now a Grade II listed building. The complex also includes a Waitrose supermarket and a Curzon cinema.

Description: You have reached your final stop, Senate House. The building is home to a number of academic institutions and departments affiliated with the University of London. The iconic tower is now home to the Senate House Library (open to students of the University of London), and served as the premises of the Ministry of Information during the Second World War. The building features in many films, but is best known for inspiring the Ministry of Truth in George Orwell's dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four.