World Book Day 2025: 12 stories set in London to read on World Book Day, from thrillers to fantasy
From Harry Potter and Paddington Bear to Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, London has been the backdrop to many notable novels
- World Book Day is a global celebration of reading, authors, and books, designed to encourage people of all ages, especially children, to develop a love for literature.
- It takes place annually on the first Thursday of March, which means World Book Day 2025 falls on March 6th.
- London has been the backdrop to some of Britain’s most memorable stories from Harry Potter to Sherlock Holmes.
London has inspired countless stories, from fog-drenched mysteries to dazzling modern dramas. This World Book Day, take a literary tour of the city with these must-read books set in the capital.
Whether you love classic novels, contemporary fiction, or children’s adventures, we’ve got something for you!
Timeless classics
London’s literary history is as rich as its skyline is varied.
1. Oliver Twist
Charles Dickens is the ultimate guide to Victorian London, and Oliver Twist remains a must-read, bringing the grimy streets of the 19th-century city vividly to life.
2. The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Prefer a Gothic edge? The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson will transport you to the shadowy alleys of Soho, where secrets lurk around every corner.
3. Mrs Dalloway
And, of course, no list is complete without Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, a beautifully poetic journey through London’s bustling streets, all set in a single day.
4. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
If you’re in the mood for a mystery, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle is the perfect way to experience London’s foggy streets and intricate criminal plots, led by the world’s most famous detective.
Modern reads
Fast-forward to the 21st century, and London remains a writer’s dream setting.
5. Queenie
For a gripping contemporary read, try Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams – a sharp, funny, and moving novel about a young woman navigating life, love, and identity in the capital.
6. London Rules
For something a little more mysterious, London Rules by Mick Herron is part of the celebrated Slough House series, a witty, gripping spy novel set against the backdrop of modern London’s political intrigue.
7. NW
Meanwhile, Zadie Smith’s NW paints an evocative picture of North West London, delving into the lives of four friends as they navigate their changing city and personal ambitions.
Thrills, chills, and page-turners
8. Rivers
If you like your London reads with a dose of suspense, Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch is a magical crime novel that blends police procedural with the supernatural, following a young detective who discovers London’s hidden magical world.
9. Girl A
Looking for something more psychological? Try Girl A by Abigail Dean, a chilling yet powerful novel about a woman confronting her dark past while walking the streets of London once more.
Children’s books set in London
For younger bookworms, London is a city of adventure and imagination.
10. Paddington Bear
Paddington Bear by Michael Bond remains a timeless delight – follow the lovable bear from Darkest Peru as he arrives at Paddington Station and embarks on all sorts of mishaps around London.
11. Harry Potter
Fans of fantasy should dive into Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling. From Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross to the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley, London plays a magical role in this beloved series.
12. The London Eye Mystery
For an enchanting modern tale, The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd is a gripping adventure following two siblings as they try to unravel the disappearance of their cousin from the famous landmark.