*the “Word on the Water” – probably London’s most unique bookshop – London N1

This short ‘n sweet London Shoes blog article is of an unusual and unique London landmark that I always attempt to pop along to, whenever I’m in the vicinity of its location.

The “WORD ON THE WATER” is a bookshop operating from a boat that’s moored up on the Regents Canal – alongside Granary Square/Coal Drops Yard area of Kings Cross – just 5mins walk north of the mainline rail station.

The ‘Dianti’ is a 1920’s built Dutch canal boat – that found its way to Britain then London and has ended up becoming a floating library.

The idea to create a waterway bookshop began in 2011 – but the enterprise wasn’t without its challenges.

At that time, the Canal & River Trust rules, prevented the ‘Word on the Water’ from operating from one stable mooring location – so the boat had to keep moving on to different points along the Regents Canal.

Having a bookshop that was constantly ‘on the move’ – wasn’t good for business – as folk would visit the shop – then come back again for another visit, sometimes with friends – only to find that it was no longer there and had moved on to somewhere else!!!

In 2014 the owners of ‘Word on the Water’ applied again to the Canal & River Trust, for a permanent mooring licence on the Regents Canal – at a spot up near Paddington….but it was refused outright!!

This snub and knock back by the river authorities caused a bit of a stir amongst supporters of the bookshop and river folk – so much so that it created quite a bit of media interest and coverage – which helped raise awareness of the bookshop and their situation.

A petition was started-up, requesting the Canal & River Trust reconsider their decision – and pleasingly, all the campaigning paid off because in 2015 a permanent mooring was granted for the ‘Word on the Water’ bookshop – on a stretch of the Regents Canal that runs behind Kings Cross Station – alongside the newly developed Coal Drops Yard location.

From that point on, the ‘Word on the Water’ business has grown each year.

Social media coverage and visitors posts on feeds like Facebook/Instagram/Tik Tok have helped promote the existence of this unique London landmark – making it a popular attraction for Londoner’s and tourists alike.

In 2022 the ‘Dianti’ boat was refurbished and expanded – to the extent that the bookshop is now also a venue for events such as ‘live’ music in the form of jazz nights – poetry recitals and other literary events.

This floating bookshop is open daily from mid-day till 7pm and sells a full range of new and used books – from children’s books to classics to modern fiction plus loads more different genres and authors.

So – that’s the ‘Word on the Water’ for you – probably London’s most unusual bookshop, with its own unique comfortable and friendly vibe……most definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in the Kings Cross area.

Hope you enjoyed this piece and its accompanying photos.

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See below the entire gallery of photos taken to accompany this blog article

Kings Cross Station – just a 5min walk north, to the ‘Word on the Water’ floating bookshop

The ‘Word on the Water’ bookshop operates from the ‘Dianti’ – a 1920’s Dutch barge – and is permanently moored on the Regents Canal, that runs at the back of Kings Cross Station

The ‘Word on the Water’ bookshop began life in 2011 – but at that time, it wasn’t granted a permanent mooring site, and therefore was always ‘on-the-move’

In 2015 a permanent mooring was granted for the ‘Word on the Water’ bookshop – on a stretch of the Regents Canal that runs behind Kings Cross Station – alongside the newly developed Coal Drops Yard location.

Boarding the ‘Word on the Water’ floating bookshop

Inside the ‘Word on the Water’ bookshop

This floating bookshop is open daily from mid-day till 7pm and sells a full range of new and used books – from children’s books to classics to modern fiction plus loads more different genres and authors

Inside the ‘Word on the Water’ bookshop

Inside the ‘Word on the Water’ bookshop

Me & my London Shoes – looking down on the unique ‘Word on the Water’ bookshop at its permanent mooring on the Regents Canal

Inside the ‘Word on the Water’ bookshop

Looking inside the entrance to ‘Word on the Water’ floating bookshop on the Regents Canal

This floating bookshop is open daily from mid-day till 7pm and sells a full range of new and used books – from children’s books to classics to modern fiction plus loads more different genres and authors.

Me & my London Shoes – alongside the ‘Word on the Water’ bookshop on the Regents Canal

Inside the ‘Word on the Water’ bookshop

In 2022 the ‘Dianti’ boat was refurbished and expanded – to the extent that the bookshop is now also a venue for events such as ‘live’ music in the form of jazz nights – poetry recitals and other literary events.

Me & my London Shoes – nice and comfy and chillin’ out inside the ‘Word on the Water’ floating bookshop