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London
is a world class shopping venue. For many, shopping is the sole
reason to visit.
In terms of numbers shopping, the mainstream shopping street is
Oxford Street. The main shopping strip on Oxford Street is between
Oxford Circus and Marble Arch Underground Stations where most of
the the flagship stores of the UK multiples are found.
Selfridges is arguably the major department store.
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Oxford Street |
Regent
Street follows on from Oxford Street, going south from Oxford Street
to Piccadilly Circus. Regent Street is slightly more upmarket than
Oxford Street, you will find the flagship stores of Burberry, Wedgewood
and of course Hamleys Toy Shop. Libertys focusing on clothes and fabrics,
some of which it makes is housed in a very interseting building..
Off the eastern side of Regent Street, close to Libertys you will
find Carnaby Street, one of the icons of the 'swinging sixties'. After
a barren decade or two, Carnaby Street is thriving again and is particularly
attractive to the young (I am told).
West of Regent Street and south of Oxford Street is one of the most
exclusive retail areas of London. Just off Regent Street at its southern
end is Saville Row, famous for its tailor shops where amongst others
Prince Charles frequents for his suits.
Bond Street connects Oxford Street with Piccadilly, west of Regent
Street too. The northern part is called New Bond Street, the southern
half Old Bond Street.
All along are the most exclusive world famous luxury brands and fine
art shops.
Among others in New Bond Street are Fenwick Department Store (63),
Sotheby's Auctioneers (34/35), Cartier (175), Asprey's jewelers (169).
In Old Bond Street, shops include De Beers Jewelery (46), Gucci (37),
Chanel (26) and Prada (17).
Going west from Piccadilly Circus at the southern end of Regent Street
is Piccadilly another exclusive area. Running parallel with Piccadilly
on its southern side is Jermyn Street, the place to go for 'gentlemen's
outfitters'.
Off Piccadilly there are several quaint old fashioned arcades, now
full of small collectors and other upmarket speciality shops. Burlington
Arcade was Britain's first arcade opened in 1819. It now contains
a string of luxury gift outlets from jewellery and shoes through to
antiques and silver.
Also along Piccadilly you will find Fortnum & Mason. Fortnum &
Mason is London's most prestigious food store, founded in 1707. Suffice
to say the store doesn't stock normal supermarket food and is full
of delicacies, hampers etc. The store is a supplier to the Royal Family.
At the eastern end of Piccadilly you will find Piccadilly Circus,
on which you will find Lilywhites. Lilywhites specialises in sporting
goods of all kinds, even the most minority of minority sports is catered
for.The shop has attracted the best sportspeople, celebrities and
royalty for over 100 years.
Perhaps the most famous store in London is Harrods. London's most
famous and unique large store is not in the central area but a mile
or so away in Kensington at Knightsbridge, next to the Underground
Station of the same name. Knightsbridge is a very exclusive area where
some of London's most expensive hotels are situated. Besides Harrod's,
Harvey Nichols is another store in Knightsbridge that is a major draw.
Other districts apart from the above tend to have a speciality which
they are known for.
On the other east side of Piccadilly Circus from Piccadilly is China
Town which leads through to the Charing Cross Road, the heart of the
book shops, both new and second hand. Just off Charing Cross Road
towards Covent Garden is the flagship store of Stanfords, the best
travel and map shop in London.
At the northern end of the Charing Cross Road just before you get
to Tottenham Court Road Underground is the short Denmark Street, heart
of London's music industry. As well as musical shops and publishers
you will find some recording studios.
Charing Cross Road becomes Tottenham Court Road as it goes north from
Tottenham Court Road Underground. Tottenham Court Road is the district
for electronics.
We have a separate page looking at London's
main markets. |
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| Self
Guided London Shopping Walk |
Join
us on our step by step self guided walking tour of London's shopping
districts.
Besides the department stores of Oxford Street we visit the specialist
shopping districts, Saville Row, China Town, Bond Street, Charing
Cross Road .. before ending in Knightsbridge for Harrods and Harvey
Nichols Department Stores.
Simple to follow instructions and street map and best of all its FREE!
London
Shopping Walk Details |
Oxford
Street Department Store |
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