10 best adult colouring books for relaxation & creativity in 2025

Adult colouring books have become increasingly popular for their therapeutic benefits and creative outlet. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the top adult colouring books available in the UK, perfect for relaxation and artistic expression.

Top adult colouring books for mental wellness

1. Deborah Muller’s The Big, Mega Coloring Book

This massive collection features 507 single-sided pages with 250 unique illustrations spanning various themes like Christmas, Halloween, and Fantasy. Its diverse content makes it perfect for year-round colouring enjoyment and stress relief. The high-quality paper prevents bleeding, making it suitable for various colouring mediums.

2. Creative Haven Whimsical Houses

Dr. Angela Porter’s collection of fanciful storybook cottages and magical tree houses offers a perfect escape into imagination. With 64 detailed pages, this book is particularly effective for mindfulness practice and anxiety reduction, as supported by mental health experts at Beaumont Health.

3. Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt

Johanna Basford’s bestseller has sold over 11 million copies worldwide, featuring intricate garden scenes, mazes, and hidden objects. The detailed illustrations are particularly effective for stress relief and promoting focus, making it ideal for meditation through art.

4. Mandalas to Color Book I by ColorIt

This premium colouring book features 50 hand-drawn mandala designs on artist-quality paper. The hardback covers and spiral binding make it perfect for extended colouring sessions, while the lay-flat design ensures comfort during use. According to ColorIt’s research, mandalas are particularly effective for reducing anxiety and promoting mindfulness.

5. Millie Marotta’s Secrets of the Sea

This pocket-sized collection features 96 pages of marine wildlife illustrations, perfect for on-the-go relaxation. The compact format makes it ideal for travel while maintaining the therapeutic benefits of colouring.

6. Spooky Coloring Book by Sara Szewczyk

With 96 pages of whimsical supernatural themes, this book offers a unique combination of cute and spooky designs. The engaging illustrations of potions, botanicals, and witch cats provide an excellent outlet for creative expression.

7. Disney: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

This innovative colouring book features 76 pages with special glow-in-the-dark ink and panoramic foldouts. The unique features make it particularly engaging for those seeking something beyond traditional colouring experiences.

8. Color Me Sea Life

Featuring 50 one-sided pages of underwater scenes, this book is designed for all skill levels. The marine theme promotes relaxation through its flowing, natural designs.

9. Millie Marotta’s Woodland Wild

This portable collection showcases detailed woodland creatures and scenes across 96 pages. The intricate natural patterns are particularly effective for stress reduction and mindfulness practice.

10. Notebook Doodles Adventure Awaits

With 72 perforated pages of travel-themed designs, this book includes helpful colour palettes and tips. The combination of inspirational messages and artistic guidance makes it perfect for beginners while remaining engaging for experienced colorists.

Each of these books has been selected based on paper quality, design complexity, and therapeutic potential, as verified by mental health experts. They represent the best options available for anyone looking to explore the calming benefits of adult colouring.

[Continued in next sections…]

Best adult colouring books by theme & style

Adult colouring books come in a diverse range of themes and styles to suit different preferences and artistic inclinations. Here’s a comprehensive look at the top choices available in 2025.

Nature and wildlife themes

Nature-inspired colouring books remain consistently popular, offering intricate designs of flora and fauna. Millie Marotta’s ”Secrets of the Sea” and ”Woodland Wild” pocket colouring books stand out with their detailed illustrations of marine life and woodland creatures. These books provide a perfect blend of artistic challenge and connection to the natural world.

Fantasy and whimsical designs

For those seeking magical escapes, books like Dr. Angela Porter’s ”Creative Haven Whimsical Houses” offer enchanting illustrations of storybook cottages, fairy houses, and magical tree houses. The Disney ”Nightmare Before Christmas Glow-in-the-Dark” colouring book adds an extra element of wonder with its special ink features and panoramic foldouts.

Mandala and geometric patterns

Mandala-themed books, such as ColorIt’s ”Mandalas to Color Book I,” feature intricate circular designs that promote meditation and mindfulness. These books typically include:

Hand-drawn designs on high-quality paper
Hardback covers for durability
Spiral binding for convenient flat-laying
Artist-quality paper suitable for various mediums

Seasonal and holiday themes

Seasonal colouring books like Deborah Muller’s ”The Big, Mega Coloring Book” offer varied themes including Christmas, Halloween, and seasonal collections. With over 500 single-sided pages, these books provide year-round colouring enjoyment and themed artwork for every occasion.

Modern and contemporary designs

Contemporary colouring books often feature trending themes and innovative designs, incorporating elements like:

Urban landscapes and cityscapes
Pop culture references
Modern art interpretations
Abstract and minimalist patterns

Artistic and detailed illustrations

For experienced colorists, books like Johanna Basford’s ”Secret Garden” offer highly detailed illustrations perfect for fine-tip colouring tools. These books have gained worldwide recognition for their intricate designs and superior quality, making them ideal for those seeking artistic challenges.

Travel and adventure themes

Travel-themed colouring books like the ”Notebook Doodles Adventure Awaits” series combine wanderlust with creativity. These books typically include travel-sized formats, perforated pages, and helpful colouring tips, perfect for both at-home and on-the-go colouring sessions.

How to choose the perfect adult colouring book

Selecting the ideal adult colouring book requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure it matches your skill level, interests, and creative goals. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice.

Design complexity and skill level

The complexity of designs should align with your experience and comfort level. Beginners should look for books with:

Larger spaces to colour
Less intricate patterns
Simple, clear lines
Basic geometric shapes

More experienced colourers might prefer advanced designs featuring intricate details, such as detailed botanical illustrations, complex mandalas, or elaborate fantasy scenes.

Paper quality and binding considerations

The quality of materials significantly impacts your colouring experience. Look for these essential features:

Heavy-weight paper (60-70 lb) that prevents bleed-through
Acid-free paper for longevity
Smooth or textured finish depending on your preferred medium
Spiral binding for easy page turning and flat laying
Perforated pages if you plan to display your work

Theme and artistic style

Choose themes that resonate with your interests. Popular options include:

Nature and wildlife scenes
Abstract patterns and mandalas
Fantasy and mythological illustrations
Architectural designs
Vintage and retro artwork

Current trends in adult colouring books show a growing preference for nature-inspired themes and mindfulness-focused designs.

Additional features to consider

Modern adult colouring books often come with extra features that can enhance your experience:

Colour guides and techniques
Practice pages
Tear-out sheets for framing
Portable size for on-the-go colouring
Double-sided vs single-sided pages

When evaluating these features, consider your intended use and colouring goals. For instance, if you plan to use markers, single-sided pages are essential to prevent bleed-through.

Price and value considerations

While premium colouring books may cost more, they often offer better quality materials and more detailed designs. Consider these factors when assessing value:

Number of pages
Paper quality
Design complexity
Additional features included
Brand reputation

Where to buy adult colouring books in the UK

Finding the perfect adult colouring book in the UK is easier than ever, with numerous retailers offering extensive collections both online and in physical stores. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best places to purchase your next colouring book.

Online retailers

Online shopping provides the widest selection and often the best prices for adult colouring books. Several major platforms stand out:

Amazon UK – Offers an extensive range of adult colouring books with competitive pricing and Prime delivery options
Book Depository – Features free worldwide delivery and regular discounts
Waterstones Online – Provides a curated selection of high-quality colouring books with click-and-collect options

Specialist art suppliers

Art supply stores often stock premium colouring books alongside complementary materials like quality pencils and markers. Arteza offers an impressive selection of adult colouring books, featuring high-quality paper and unique designs perfect for various skill levels.

Independent bookshops

Local independent bookshops often carry carefully curated selections of adult colouring books. These stores frequently offer personalised recommendations and the opportunity to examine books in person before purchasing. Lindehobby specialises in craft and hobby supplies, including an extensive range of adult colouring books with detailed product descriptions and competitive pricing.

Subscription services

For regular colourists, subscription services provide a steady supply of new content. Colour Your Streets offers a unique subscription model delivering themed colouring books every month, featuring local landmarks and scenes from across the UK.

High street retailers

Major high street retailers stock adult colouring books, including:

WHSmith – Offers a wide range of affordable options
The Works – Known for competitive pricing and regular promotions
Hobbycraft – Features artistic and craft-focused colouring books

Buying tips

Compare prices across multiple retailers, especially during seasonal sales
Check delivery costs and times, particularly for online purchases
Look for bundle deals that include colouring supplies
Sign up for retailer newsletters to receive exclusive discounts
Consider click-and-collect options to save on delivery fees

Adult colouring books: Tips & techniques

To get the most out of your adult colouring experience and create stunning artwork, consider these essential tips and techniques for successful colouring:

Choosing the right colouring tools

Different colouring mediums offer varying results and effects:

Coloured pencils: Ideal for precise detail work and layering colours
Gel pens: Perfect for smooth, vibrant coverage and metallic effects
Markers: Best for bold, solid colours and larger areas
Watercolour pencils: Great for creating subtle blends and watercolour effects

Basic colouring techniques

Master these fundamental techniques to enhance your colouring skills:

Consistent pressure: Maintain steady pressure while colouring for even coverage
Circular motions: Use small circular movements to avoid visible stroke lines
Layering: Build up colours gradually for depth and dimension
Shading: Create gradients by varying pressure or layering different shades
Blending: Use lighter colours to blend and soften transitions between areas

Advanced colouring methods

Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these advanced techniques to elevate your artwork:

Colour theory: Understanding complementary and analogous colours for harmonious combinations
Highlighting: Adding white or light colours for dimension and emphasis
Texture effects: Creating patterns and textures using different stroke techniques
Background blending: Working from light to dark to create atmospheric effects

Practical tips for better results

Follow these practical guidelines to improve your colouring experience:

Test colours on a separate sheet before applying them to your artwork
Place a piece of paper under your current page to prevent bleed-through
Work from light to dark colours to avoid mistakes
Take regular breaks to prevent hand fatigue
Store your colouring tools properly to maintain their quality

Creating a comfortable colouring environment

Set up an ideal colouring space with these considerations:

Good lighting: Natural light or adjustable desk lamps are best
Comfortable seating: Ensure proper posture to prevent strain
Organised supplies: Keep tools within easy reach
Clean workspace: Maintain a clutter-free area for focus

For beginners looking to develop their skills, comprehensive guides can provide additional insights into techniques and best practices. More experienced colorists might want to explore advanced colouring methods to enhance their artistic expression.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best colouring tools for beginners?

For beginners, high-quality coloured pencils are ideal as they offer good control, easy blending, and are forgiving of mistakes. They’re also affordable and widely available in art supply stores.

How can I prevent colour bleeding through pages?

To prevent bleeding, always test your tools first, use a piece of card stock behind your current page, and avoid alcohol-based markers unless specifically stated as suitable for your colouring book.

What’s the best lighting for colouring?

Natural daylight or daylight-simulating LED lamps provide the best lighting for colouring. Position the light source to avoid casting shadows on your work area and reduce eye strain.

How can I improve my colouring techniques?

Practice consistent pressure control, experiment with different shading techniques, and start with lighter colours before moving to darker shades. Regular practice and patience are key to improvement.

How do I choose the right colour combinations?

Study basic colour theory and use a colour wheel to identify complementary and analogous colours. Start with a limited palette of 3-4 colours until you feel confident working with more complex combinations.