Stanfords is the UK's leading specialist retailer of maps, travel books and other travel accessories, having been established in 1853 by Edward Stanford. Our flagship store in Covent Garden, London, first opened its doors in January 1901 and can justly claim to offer the world's largest stock of maps and travel books under one roof.
It has been an essential first port of call for adventure and armchair travellers alike for more than a century. Our roll-call of customers past and present includes such famous names as Amy Johnson, David Livingstone, Scott of the Antarctic, Ernest Shackleton, Florence Nightingale, Ranulph Fiennes, Bill Bryson, Michael Palin, and even Sherlock Holmes.
- Discover the full History of Stanfords.
- Read Stanfords' stories.
Stanfords is a member of
• International Map Trade Association, the foremost worldwide organisation of the mapping, geospatial and geographic information industry.
• British Marine Federation, the trade association for the UK marine leisure industry.
• Booksellers Association who represent over 4,400 retail outlets.
Stanfords on the web
In the 21st century we can now offer you online the unrivalled range and expertise that we have been famous for for over 150 years. We trust that you will find our web shop both easy to use and easy to buy from. Our navigation menus have been designed to help you search our catalogue by destination, as well by subject interest and type of product, and we've created many graphic indexes to make it easy for you to chose the right maps.
We're always adding useful travel information and features to our site, and summer 2008 saw the launch of our new online magazine - Packed. To receive news from us on new products, special offers, exclusive events and other features, join our email newsletter.
- Check our full Site Guide and Terms and Conditions.
Stanfords' stores
Our stores in London and Bristol offer a unique retail experience, where you can browse our fantastic range of products and ask our expert staff for guidance. We'd also love to see you at one of the many events we hold in-store and at other venues throughout the year.
- Find our Store locations.
Stanfords Business Mapping
We are the UK's leading retail suppliers of Ordnance Survey mapping for professionals and planning applications. Our expanding range of both paper mapping and map data for businesses can be supplied either by ordering online or by contacting our national service centre, who will despatch your mapping the same day either by email or post. Through Stanfords Direct service you can also register to browse and download mapping directly from your own desktop.
- Go to Stanfords Business Mapping for all of our business products and services.