London Shopping Guide

London is famous for its fashion culture. From big brands to smaller boutique labels, the city has a reputation for championing the latest styles, and there are plenty of fantastic places to enjoy some retail therapy during your own stay in the capital. In this blog, we’ll talk you through some of the top shopping destinations in London, and help you get acquainted with what to expect from the local fashion scene.

London’s Best Shopping

Whether you’re a designer label fan or simply want to find something unique, London has a little of everything –  due in part to its eclectic, individualistic fashion scene. The following streets stock some of the best finds in the city – providing an authentic London shopping experience.

Bond Street

Shopping on Bond Street is an experience to be remembered, as it’s one of London’s most famous shopping districts. Lined with luxury stores and located in the glitzy area of Mayfair in the West End, it can easily be reached by a number of 5 star hotels in London – making it a fabulous first stop on any city shopping trip – whether you’re seeking clothes, antiques or even art.

First founded in 1700, the street has long been synonymous with decadence, and still has a noted role as home to some of the most popular brands in the world, including the likes of Tiffany & Co., Hermes and Chanel.

Carnaby Street

Once noted as the home of Swinging London, Carnaby Street is forever linked with the 1960s, and still has the same cool credentials it had back then. Having championed the styles of the era, the area became famous for its shopping culture and cultivated a bohemian flair which continues to this day. Here you will find mostly quirky and unusual independent stores and boutiques. The area is also close to the historic Liberty department store, first opened in 1875.

The King’s Road

A gentrified area famous for its fashion scene, the Kings Road was notorious as a shopping paradise for the well-to-do during the 1980s, and still attracts plenty of shoppers eager to find something extra-special today. There are plentiful department stores situated around the King’s Road and many high street brands as well as shopping outlets such as Anthropologie, LK Bennett and Habitat – perfect for a day of shopping while staying at the M by Montcalm Shoreditch London Tech City.

Covent Garden

This district is best known for its fashion and beauty scene, as well as plentiful vintage outlets. Here you’ll find everything from Rokit to fashion designer Orla Kiely, alongside destinations for great skincare and make-up, such as a three-storey MAC outlet. The area is constantly changing, with new stores providing ever more variety.

Knightsbridge

Another of the most popular shopping destinations in the city, Knightsbridge provides an array of fantastic shopping opportunities for anyone eager to really experience London shopping at its finest. Shoppers can’t do much better, with a wide variety of top department stores and markets all in one place.

Some of the top venues to look out for include Harrods, first founded in 1834 and arguably one of the world’s most famous stores. Here you’ll find lots of luxury goods on each floor, making it a great place to shop while enjoying our London hotels packages.

Oxford Street

The true heart of London shopping, Oxford Street contains more than 300 shops and gets pretty crowded during the busiest times! Popular with both visitors and London locals alike, there’s everything from Debenhams to Selfridges located here, as well as many smaller shopping spots. If you don’t mind crowds, then the weekend is a great time to visit – alternatively, opt for a weekend trip and beat the rush.

Regent Street

A distinctive shopping district which champions everything from fashion to technology, Regent Street is currently celebrating its 200^th anniversary, with a range of events dedicated to making the shopping experience even more special. There will also be plenty of music and wellness events happening throughout 2019, alongside the same great stores the area is known for, including Ralph Lauren, Lacoste and H&M.

London Markets

The market scene in London is famous around the globe, and with good reason – there’s such a wide variety to choose from, and each have their own unique style. From the vivid colours of Colombia Road Flower Market, to Camden Market’s trendy clothing scene and the historic surroundings of Portobello Market, you can pick up everything from antiques to vintage goods at these venues dotted around the city.

Westfield Shopping Centres

The Westfield Shopping Centres are among the most popular shopping destinations in the city, and it’s easy to see why. A haven for fans of fashion and lifestyle brands, there are also great options for entertainment and special offers throughout the year.  The original centre is situated in White City, and includes some 265 shops as well as a cinema with 14 screens.

Elsewhere, a second centre was opened in Stratford in 2011 and includes such features as a bowling alley and large casino. Both venues make great addition for shopping trips while enjoying spa breaks in London, providing some much-needed retail therapy.

Staying in London

To really make the most of your shopping trip, it helps to have the perfect base in the city. At the Montcalm, you can enjoy luxurious accommodation within easy reach of the top shopping districts in London, alongside the best West End bars and theatres. With a range of different room sizes and suites, there’s something to suit every budget.

Budget Shopping Ideas

Shopping in London needn’t be an expensive affair, thanks to the many budget options throughout the city. To ensure you stick to your budget, head for the sales and opt for outlet stores where possible, ensuring you don’t miss out on luxury shopping yet skip the high price tag. Alternatively, London markets and many of the city’s department stores have plenty of great deals each day.