Virtual London - The best place to see London online

Without doubt one of the principal reasons for coming to London is to take advantage of the excellent shopping facilities for which this great city is famed.

Many will come to London to buy antiques, of which an enormous array is available at any given time. Given the time, experience and resources which you have available there are four main ways to buy, in an antiques shop, at an auction, on the Internet or at a fair.

The last is probably by far the most enjoyable way of acquiring not only the objects you want, but also adding to your knowledge and experience. The same can be said of antiques sold through shops. Buying by auction can be alarming and it's a good idea to do some dummy runs before actually raising your hand. The Internet is certainly not for those in a hurry.

Wherever possible try to ensure that the seller has credibility and integrity, backed by membership of the British Antique Dealers' Association or the London and Provincial Antiques Dealers Association. They can help with accreditation and shipping and are subject to strict codes of conduct.

There are certainly bargains to be had; learn your stuff, follow your hunches and you could end up with an undiscovered masterpiece, but don't bank on it ! Above all, have fun and make sure you actually like what you are buying. If you're looking for goods with an historical flavour, Virtual-London.com has access to some fascinating items and curios which can be delivered directly to your door. For copies of furnishings from England's great houses, try Ancestral Collections. Alternatively, the British love browsing around Past Times, a high street shop that purveys all manner of trinkets and goodies inspired by the past.

Department Stores in London carry the same degree of temptation as any others in the world, but London's are just that bit better, headed by the internationally known Harrods with its glittering array of quality and diversity. Harrods is the stuff of legends and what you buy there will be of the best of its kind. Their distinctive green and gold livery can be seen all over London but principally in Knightsbridge where the store is located, at 87 Brompton Road.

The multiples are mostly over in Oxford Street, with Selfridges in a class of its own. Less costly than Harrods it is renowned for its china and glass department and excellent food hall. "Spode, Royal Doulton, Wedgwood and Crown Derby are just some of the fine services available. For delivery worldwide at the very best rates however,
Harvey Nicols, in Brompton Road, is famous for its haute couture for ladies and Peter Jones, in Sloane Square is strong on quality clothes and furnishings.

All stores carry their own excellent restaurants and other facilities.