Shopping & Markets
London has both, and lots of them. If you can think of something that you want to buy and a shop somewhere in London doesn't sell it - then please do write and let us know - we couldn't think of anything.
Shopping - Covent GardenThe centrepiece is the former fruit and vegetable market which houses hundreds of small shops, wine bars and stalls. It was from here that Eliza Doolittle started her journey to be come a lady! Many stalls are arts and craft based, and there are also interesting clothing boutiques and other outlets...
Shopping - Bond StreetPerhaps the most chic shopping street in the world, Bond Street is packed with the very finest and smartest shops. It is said to have more royal 'By Appointment' awards than any other thoroughfare. Fashion...
Shopping - Charing Cross RoadFor all those who love second hand or antiquarian books, the charming collection of old bookshops on and near Charing Cross Road is a must. Many can be found in Cecil Court near Leicester Square Station and have only survived as they are charged a miniscule (peppercorn) rent...
Shopping - Jermyn StreetJermyn Street, Westminster, London, SW1Y 6LT [Map]
Jermyn Street is for shirts what Savile Row is for suits and jackets. An array of shirt makers is based here including Turnbull and Asser, Thomas Pink, Coles of Jermyn Street and T.M. Lewin. Thomas Pink is actually the establishment which gave us the phrase 'in the pink'...
Shopping - Oxford StreetOxford Street is incredibly busy, especially on Saturdays, and boasts mostly high street fashion shops, sports shops and well-known brands. Oxford Street also has huge branches of HMV and Virgin Records, supplying virtually any type of music...
London MarketsAn addition to the Farmers' Markets now setting up all over the country, including London, there are the more traditional markets, some of them long-established. The famous Greenwich Market which was established...
Tottenham Court RoadNot exactly the smartest street in the West End, but if it's computers, cameras or hi-fis you're looking for, this is the place. There are a large number of discount shops selling electrical goods, but the street is also home to Heal's Furniture Store and the Dominion Theatre...
Kensington High StreetA very popular thoroughfare and 'shopping heaven' with many restaurants and 'high street' stores. There is a large department store, Barkers, which is particularly useful and also Kensington Palace, home...
Kings RoadKing's road is the most leisurely shopping street in London with hundreds of fashionable boutiques and a huge number of restaurants and bars. In the 1960s, King's Road was the epicentre of new wave fashion...
PiccadillyThe name Piccadilly derives from a game played in the 17th century or from the ruffs that courtiers wore and were manufactured near here. Now it is home to most famous and select food shop in the world, Fortnum & Mason, originally founded by a grocer to King George III...