It’s no surprise that London is able to boast some of the best shopping in the world. House to a choice of the planets most renowned style designers, such as the likes associated with Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney and Jimmy Choo, London’s shopping is really as much as part of the city’s attractions since the likes of massive Ben as well as Buckingham Palace.
A Top 5 – The Best of London Shopping
If you’re heading to the dazzling lights of the capital, there are some spots that just aren’t to be missed. Here’s our top five London shopping locations, which are sure to come up trumps whatever your passion.
1. Knightsbridge
No trip to the capital would be complete with a visit to the most famous department store in the city. Harrods has been dazzling shoppers for more than one hundred years and offers a collection of the finest designer clothing and accessories.
If you’re thinking of making the trip anytime soon, you’re sure to be impressed by the way Harrods handles the Christmas season. The store goes all out for the festive period and the decorations alone are enough to keep shoppers happily wandering around for hours. The perfect souvenir to take home with you – and a fantastic stocking filler for someone back home – is the limited edition Harrods Christmas bear.
This year’s design – officially named as Sebastian – is the perfect reminder of your trip and comes complete with his very own cosy red duffel coat!
2. Kings Road
Within the trendy Nobleman Road, you will discover stylish boutiques and also the finest developer shops; the strip is home to Vivienne Westwood’s London store, as well as the likes of interior designers India Jane and Peter Jones. This is where the cities rich and famous come out to play, so it’s important that you look the part when you’re shopping.
Jones Bootmaker have a wide selection of designer footwear for men and women, so it’s worth taking a look at their online selection to keep you ahead of the London fashion pack when you’re pounding the pavements in search of a bargain. The retailer also has a store on Kings Road, so it’s possible to pick up a pair while you’re in town!
3. Portobello Road Market
I’ve always been enthralled by the idea of Portobello Road Market, ever since watching the 1971 classic ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ as a nipper!
It’s been a market since the early 1800s, and it still retains that Victorian charm, although the shopping spot now has a reputation as being one of the best places in London to pick up a bargain antique. That said, this is also a great place to shop for vintage designer clothing, rustic street food, arts and crafts and to get a glimpse of authentic London life!
If you love the hustle and bustle of a vibrant city market, take a look at this guide to the best markets in London.
4. Savile Row
Looking for a new suit, sir? You’ve come to the right place. Savile Row is the epicentre of British tailoring and suit making, and the world-famous street is home to the likes of Henry Poole & Co (inventor of the tuxedo) and Gieves & Hawkes.
The prices tags match the service and reputation, but imagine strutting your stuff in your very own Savile Row, made-to-measure suit? For something a little more affordable, the UK’s flagship Abercrombie & Fitch store is just around the corner.
5. Boxpark, East London
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For a truly unique, contemporary shopping experience, head to Boxpark in Shoreditch. This modern shopping center is constructed from refitted shipping contains, filled with bespoke boutiques and fantastic eateries. Get in the quick though; it’s hard to believe, but the center is actually a temporary fixture of the city. Created in 2011, Boxpark will be deconstructed in 2014 to make way for further construction projects in the East End.