Best travel book shop ever! And for Stanfords, travel doesn’t only include the usual guide book and possibly travel writing sections, it means literally everything around getting around the world. The have the most impressive collection of maps I have ever come across, world maps, walking maps, hiking and biking maps, sailing charts (and all sorts of other gems in the water-based section), antique maps, children’s maps, star charts…you name it! They also sell travel gear for the independent traveller, plus map wrapping paper (rather pricey but oh so pretty!) and other accessoires with a map-ish design. I love spending a whole afternoon in that place, letting my thoughts wander to all those places gathered in this one spot… it’s a real gem. And they also have a cafe. What more could one want?

When I need a guidebook for an upcoming trip, I am apt to make a b-line for Stanford’s, when I’ve yet to be disappointed by their selection. Great maps too. When I’m in the area and have a little free-time, I love popping in for a look-see. Brilliant shop!

THE book store to go to for all things travel related. One small tip though - if you're looking to make a fortune in publishing write a guide to Puglia in Italy. The staff moaned when I asked - apparently its a popular request and they have no publications to offer.

Stanfords have been going for years - since 1853, in fact, and this shop has been the same location since 1901. They claim to have the world's largest selection of maps and guides under one roof, and have an impressive roll-call of Victorian explorers as former customers.

But the store has fortunately entered the modern age too, with a digital mapping service in the basement (for planning applications and the like) and a branch of the trendy organic 'Natural Cafe' chain. I didn't have time to try it on my last visit, but its coffee is supposed to be very impressive. (And, if I'm honest, I'm not a real fan of cafes within shops).

More practical is the online shop, which is seriously impressive - you enter a country, region or city, what type of guide or map you want, and then search. The range really is huge, although the search engine is not infallible - it helps to try different levels of city, area, region, etc. There's a structured search option (eg drilling down from continent, country etc) feature if you're not exactly sure of the spelling of your destination, or what guides may include it. I'm not sure about the design though (which is a bit fussy), but that is a minor quibble.

Two other small quibbles are their opening times - no two days seem alike - and that not all the staff seem properly trained in their stock (telling me a product did not exist when it did - fortunately a colleague did know about it). But it's still an impressive store.

This is a gem! Fabulous store for maps and travel guides. If they have not got a map, no one else has it... Staff is very helpful but not pushy.