Best Shopping in London
Shopping in London can be busy and frustrating if you don’t know where to look. As a result Footprints have put together a list of the best shopping in London…
Classic Shopping in London:
Oxford Street
Top of our list of the best shopping locations in London is Oxford Street. London’s most notorious shopping street, Oxford Street boasts a whole host of international brands. Despite intense competition from online retailers and shopping malls, Oxford Street has held its ground as London’s top shopping destination. Be aware though Oxford Street is not one for small boutique stores, since only huge international brands can afford the rent. If you’re looking for independent boutiques I would suggest Covent Garden, Carnarby Street or checking out one our picks of the best markets in London.
Stores include Selfridges, Topshop, Disney, NikeTown, ZARA, River Island, perfect watches UNIQLO and John Lewis. Hamleys, on Regent Street, is toy heaven with seven floors selling every toy you could imagine. Oxford Street really comes to life at Christmas, with its beautiful festive light displays. Oxford Street gets intensely busy during the afternoon so my advice would be to get there in the morning!
Opening Hours: 9:30am-9pm
Getting Here By Tube
Oxford Circus Oxford Street (Central and Jubilee Line)
Getting Here By Bus
3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 23, 25, 53, 73, 88, 94, 98, 113, 137, 139 & 159.
Getting Here By Car
Q Park, Cavendish, Marylebone, London W1G 0PG
Shopping in West London:
Westfield White City
Undoubtedly up there with the best shopping locations in London is Westfield White City. This vast shopping mall houses 360 stores and cost £1.6 billion to build. ‘The Village’ part of the mall is where most of the luxury brands are located, including Louis Vuitton and Armani. If you’re bored of shopping you can always watch a film at the Vue Cinema or if you’re hungry after all that walking around there are plenty of Bars and Restaurants to visit too.
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm
Getting Here By Tube
Shepherd’s Bush (Central Line), White City (Central Line), Shepherd’s Bush Market (Hammersmith&City Line).
Getting Here By Bus
White City Bus Station: 31, 49, 148, 207, 237, 260, 607 and C1
Shepherd’s Bush: 72, 94, 95, 220, 272, 283, 295 and N207
Getting Here By Car
The car park is open 6am – 3am, 7 days a week. £3 for 1 hour, £6 for 2 hours, £8 for 2-24hours. If using a satnav then use postcode W12 7SL to be directed to Car Park.
Shopping in East London:
Westfield Stratford
Same as Westfield White City but a little more crowded these days! The best place to shop in East London. 1,905,000 sq ft of retail space with all the major fashion brands, restaurants&bars and a cinema. If it’s a toss up between the two though I would head to Westfield White City every time.
Opening Hours: 10am-9pm
Details
East London
Getting Here By Tube
Stratford (Central, Jubilee, DLR Lines)
Getting Here By Bus
25, 69, 86, 97, 104, 108
Getting Here By Car
Westfield Car Park is open 24/7. £3 for 1 hour, £6 for 2 hours, £8 for 2-24hours. If using a satnav then use postcode E20 1EJ or E15 2EE to be directed to all Car Parks.
Authentic Shopping:
Carnaby Street
Next on our list of the best shopping locations in London is a true gem. You can find some of London’s best vintage clothes, accessories and retro records in Soho. In the 60s Carnaby Street became the height of independent fashion labels and the birthplace of the mini-skirt. Independent fashion labels flocked to the area but were depleted in the 90s. Nowadays Carnaby Street is home to healthy mix of chains and independent stores. It retains its independent charm and is well worth a visit. There are a whole host of secret bars and great restaurants nearby if you get bored! Stores include All Saints, Levis and The Liberty Department Store. Liberty was built in 1924, using timber from the HMS Impregnable and The HMS Hindustand to give it a mock-tudor look. It hosts some of London’s best new designers and luxury fashion items.
Opening Hours: 9am-6pm
Getting Here By Tube
Oxford Circus: (Victoria, Bakerloo & Central Line)
Piccadilly Circus: (Piccadilly & Bakerloo Line)
Getting Here By Bus
Many bus routes stop nearby at Oxford Street and Regent Street:
Regent Street: 3, 6, 12, 13, 15, 23, 88, 94, 139, 159 and 453
Oxford Street: 7, 8, 10, 25, 55, 73, 98, 176 and 390
Getting Here By Car
Q Park Soho, Poland Street, London W1F 7NQ (0113 238 4200)
Enchanting Shopping:
Covent Garden
Last on our list of the best shopping locations in London is Covent Garden. Its enchanting to watch street performers, puppet shows and buskers as you casually saunter through the cobbled streets of Covent Garden. Take a stroll around the historic Apple Market first then head to LongAcre if you want big label fashion brands. Head to Seven Dials if you’re looking for more independent boutique shops. The Royal Opera House and The British Transport Museum are also well worth a visit. If you get bored there are some wonderful bars and restaurants in the area.
Opening Hours: 10am-8pm
Getting Here By Tube
Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line)
Getting Here By Bus
The 9, 13, 15, 23, 139 and 153 all stop at Trafalgar Square and Aldwych which is a 3min walk away.
Getting Here By Car
NCP Covent Garden, Parker Mews, London WC2B 5NT
PRIVATE LONDON WALKING TOUR
You can find out more information of this site, and some of the most iconic sites in the city, on a private London walking tour!
For more information, click here