London remains one of the most popular destinations for people to visit when they are in the UK, and shopping continues to be the main reason for visiting. The atmosphere throughout the city is vibrant and exciting, offering a vast array of different shopping experiences. Whether you want to barter with one of the street vender’s, or gaze at the top designer boutiques, there is something for everyone.
Shopping throughout the capital is incredible, and there will be very few things that you cannot find in the huge amount of shops, malls, and boutiques on offer. Alongside the typical clothing stores, you will find furniture, books, artwork and even markets that will offer you a different side of London.
Oxford Street
Oxford Street remains the top location for shoppers and is where a huge majority of the stores are situated. This area of London can become incredibly busy; therefore, you need to be prepared for some hustle and bustle. People who are visiting the capital for the first time can find this area of London to be over whelming.
Oxford Circus
Hamleys is located in Oxford Circus and remains the world’s largest toy store, offering gifts for all ages, and a unique experience. You must pop into this magical toy store, and browse thousands of different gifts on offer. Knightsbridge remains the jewel in the crown of shopping, with Harrods dominating the street.
Alongside Harrods, you will find Gucci, Armani, Prada and Harvey Nichols, all of which offer designer clothing in high end boutiques. However, there are also many high street shops, and for bargain hunters, the markets are ideal. You will be able to find everything from tourist keepsakes to flowers and gifts.
A Less Traditional Experience
If you want an experience alongside the shopping, you will need to visit Portobello Road Market, which dates back centuries, and offers a huge array of different items. There are music stalls, antiques, retro clothing and local handicrafts on offer. Many celebrities pop along to the market when they are in the city; therefore, you never know who you might see browsing.
Soho has built up a darker reputation, however, the shopping remains interesting and offers a range of unique and fascinating shops. Whether you want the Janet Fitch designer jewellery, Ann Summers kinky lingerie, or Metalmorphis for the body piercings, there is something for everyone. There are also vintage magazine shops to explore and fascinating record and music shops.
Finally
With so much on offer it can be daunting to decide what shops to visit, however, if you are short on time, there are several that provide a unique experience, and a fantastic bag. Harrods, Convent Garden, Hamleys and Carnaby Street are all must see shopping places whilst visiting the city. With all of this great information about London, don’t think just because you are in London for a short time that you should limit yourself to London – there is so much more to the UK and within easy access. Day tours to Stonehenge run daily and being only an hour’s drive from London its within easy access to make an afternoon of it, alternatively you can head to Bicester Village for some additional shopping needs and there are coach tours that run there as well!