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Shop London

Streets, centres and stores worth a detour

Department stores

The Knightsbridge institution: food halls, toys and a building lit up after dark.

A mock-Tudor store off Regent Street known for prints, fabrics and its Christmas shop.

Oxford Street’s grand store, known for its Christmas windows.

Fortnum & Mason

Tea, biscuits and hampers in turquoise boxes; the Advent calendar façade is a December sight.

Streets & centres

Luxury flagships and jewellers in Mayfair; quieter on weekday mornings.

Burlington Arcade

A Regency covered arcade of small luxury shops, watched over by beadles.

Marylebone High Street

Independent fashion, homeware and bookshops on one walkable street.

Westfield London

A very large mall at White City with high-street and luxury brands under one roof; good on rainy days.

Covent Garden Market

Shops and stalls around the piazza, with a giant Christmas tree and decorations.

Stores worth a detour

An Edwardian bookshop with oak galleries and a long skylit room, arranged by country.

Seven floors of toys on Regent Street, with staff demonstrating as you walk in.

Museum shops

The V&A, British Museum and Design Museum shops are some of the best places for thoughtful gifts.

Ask who made a piece and where. Check materials and shipping. Bargain politely only where invited; respect fixed prices in boutiques and artisan shops. Visitors from outside the UK do not get VAT refunds on shopping, so compare prices before buying luxury items. Boxing Day sales start on 26 December.

06 Culture, design & architecture

08 London with children

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