London Shopping Guide
Although there are numerous inviting London shops scattered throughout the city, you're guaranteed to get the best London shopping experience by visiting a mix of classy department stores and vibrant markets. Herewith a brief introduction to some of the most appealing destinations that should be on your list when shopping in London.
London Shopping Centres
Westfield
The largest in-town shopping and leisure destination in Europe offers the best London shopping under one roof. At Westfield you can get your hands on designer clothes and high street fashion, as well as home wares, books, music and much more. You can also have breakfast, lunch or dinner in one of the many restaurants which are open as late as midnight. Westfield Shopping Centre is located on Arial Way in Shepherd’s Bush, W12 7SL. To get there by underground head for one of the following stations: Shepherd's Bush and White City on the Central line, or Wood Lane and Shepherd's Bush Market on the Hammersmith & City line. For more information call +44 20 3371 2300 or e-mail wlreception@westfield-uk.com.
Harrods
When shopping in London you have to visit the world’s most luxurious department store even if you are just window shopping. Harrods has exclusive gifts for every occasion as well as designer clothes and cosmetics, delectable food and wine, elegant home and leisure items and much more. Harrods is located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, SW1X 7Xl. To get there by underground head for Knightsbridge station on the Piccadilly line, South Kensington station on the Piccadilly, District and Circle lines, or Sloane Square station on the District and Circle lines. For more information call +44 20 8479 5100 or e-mail customer.services@harrods.com.
Selfridges
Some exclusive London shops have exquisite window displays that bring together art, film and fashion. Selfridges is without doubt one of these - this popular department store is a shopper's paradise that offers designer-wear, a fabulous fragrance department, a food store and hip cafés. Selfridges is located on 400 Oxford Street in central London, W1A 1AB. To get there by underground head for Marble Arch station on the Central line or Bond Street station on the Central and Jubilee lines. For more information call +44 113 369 8040 or e-mail connect@selfridges.co.uk.
London Markets
Portobello Market
In trendy Notting Hill you’ll find this popular market - offering beautiful antiques, fresh fruit and vegetables, second hand goods and much more. Shopping in London definitely has its advantages when you can go bargain hunting for unique items in charming surroundings on a beautiful Saturday morning. Portobello Market is situated in Notting Hill on Portobello Road, W11 2QB. To get there by underground, head for Notting Hill station on the Central Line. For more information call +44 20 7229 8354 or email info@portobelloroad.co.uk.
Spitalfields Market
Wander through narrow streets and discover London shops offering cutting edge fashion, funky art and much more. There are five different local markets to choose from in the Spitalfields area - including the famous Old Spitalfields Market. Located in London E1 6BG, you can get to this delightful market by underground if you head for Liverpool Street station on the Central, Hammersmith and City, District, Circle and Metropolitan lines. For more information call +44 20 7375 2963 or e-mail sstuart@ballymoregroup.com.
Camden Market
If you want to be entertained while shopping in London, head for the Camden Market - where open-air and indoor markets line a street of shops, bars and restaurants. While boasting anything from body piercings to leather boots, there’s also appetising food from all over the world on offer. The most colourful market in London has it all, so make sure you pop in here on a Sunday to take in all the sights, smells and tastes. Located on Camden High Street, NW1 7JN, you can get here by underground if you head for Camden Town station on the Northern line. For more information call +44 20 7284 2084 or e-mail info@bestofcambden.com.
Borough Market
The Borough Market offers some of the best London shopping when it comes to food. The market is a maze of four areas, but well worth visiting if you are into culinary delights. Open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the Borough Market is situated in Southwark Street, SE1 1TL, and you can get there by getting off at London Bridge station on the Northern line or Borough station on the Jubilee line. For more information call +44 20 7407 1002 or e-mail info@boroughmarket.org.uk.
Greenwich Market
Arts, crafts and antiques are a speciality at this lively London market. Visit on Saturday and Sunday to get your hands on unique and distinctive hand-made trinkets, bits and bobs. Greenwich Market is located in Greenwich, SE10 9HZ, you can get there by jumping on the Jubilee Line to Canary Wharf station and changing to the DLR heading for Cutty Sark Gardens station. For more information call +44 20 8293 3110 or e-mail chris.smith@urban-space.co.uk.
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