London Book Fair

About

London Book Fair is a major international publishing event that brings together authors, publishers, and literary professionals from around the world. While primarily a trade show for industry professionals, it offers special programming and opportunities for families to discover new children's books, meet authors, and celebrate the world of storytelling. It's an exciting chance for young readers to explore global publishing trends and experience the magic behind their favorite books.

What to Expect

Expect a professional trade environment with expansive exhibition halls featuring international publishers, book displays, and industry seminars. Family-friendly elements typically include dedicated children's book sections, author appearances, storytelling sessions, and interactive workshops when available. The atmosphere is bustling and business-focused, but areas featuring children's literature bring color and creativity. Note that this is primarily a trade event, so general public access may be limited to specific days or sessions—check ahead for family-friendly programming or public day availability.

Highlights for Kids

• Meeting favorite children's book authors and illustrators during signing sessions
• Discovering new books from international publishers before they hit stores
• Collecting free promotional materials, posters, and advance reader copies
• Watching live illustration demonstrations and creative workshops
• Exploring books in multiple languages from publishers worldwide

Pro Tips for Families

1. Check the official website well in advance as the London Book Fair is primarily a trade event—public access may require special tickets or be limited to certain days, with some years offering no general public admission at all.
2. If attending, arrive early to beat crowds and make the most of any author meet-and-greets or children's programming, which can book up quickly.
3. Bring a sturdy bag or wheeled cart as your kids may want to collect catalogs, promotional materials, and book samples from various publishers.
4. The ExCeL center is enormous—download the floor plan in advance and plan which children's publishers and author events you want to prioritize to avoid exhaustion.

Best Time to Visit

If public or family days are offered, morning sessions (9-11am) are quieter and less crowded, making it easier to navigate with children. Weekday attendance typically has fewer crowds than weekend public days. Visit during the first two days if possible, when exhibitors have full stock of promotional materials and giveaways.

Food & Drinks

ExCeL London has multiple on-site cafes, restaurants, and food courts offering sandwiches, hot meals, snacks, and beverages suitable for families. Expect typical exhibition center pricing (£8-15 per meal). Kid-friendly options include pizza, burgers, and grab-and-go snacks. You can bring water bottles and small snacks, which is recommended given the size of the venue. The nearby Royal Victoria Dock area also has additional dining options within walking distance.

Parking & Access

ExCeL London is easily accessible via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) at either Prince Regent or Custom House stations, both within 5-10 minutes' walk. For international visitors, it's about 35 minutes from central London or 45 minutes from Heathrow via public transport. On-site parking is available but expensive (£15-25 per day). The venue is fully stroller-accessible with lifts, wide corridors, and accessible facilities throughout. Consider using public transport as parking fills quickly during major events.