London - Shopping & Markets guide

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Shopping & Markets

Come to London and take advantage of the excellent shopping facilities for which London is famed.

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Great British Shopping

Virtual London has recently decided to create a new Great British Shopping Area. As you might expect, we have maintained our policy of presenting you with only the very Best of British. Like us, aren't you rather disappointed with the Shopping Areas on other sites? They contain masses of awful goods or services that you would never want to buy or use, giving the strong feeling that they are simply trying to generate sales at all costs.

Shopping - Covent Garden

The centrepiece is the former fruit and vegetable market which houses hundreds of small shops, wine bars and stalls. It was from here that Eliza Doolittle started her journey to be come a lady! Many stalls are arts and craft based, and there are also interesting clothing boutiques and other outlets.

Shopping - Bond Street

Perhaps the most chic shopping street in the world, Bond Street is packed with the very finest and smartest shops. It is said to have more royal 'By Appointment' awards than any other thoroughfare.

Shopping - Charing Cross Road

For all those who love second hand or antiquarian books, the charming collection of old bookshops on and near Charing Cross Road is a must. Many can be found in Cecil Court near Leicester Square Station and have only survived as they are charged a miniscule (peppercorn) rent.

Shopping - Jermyn Street

Jermyn Street is for shirts what Savile Row is for suits and jackets. An array of shirt makers is based here including Turnbull and Asser, Thomas Pink , Coles of Jermyn Street and T.M. Lewin.

What to Buy & How Much to Pay

London has to be one of the finest places in the world in which to shop. It's not just the act of buying things you want (and some you may not), it's the surroundings and ambience in which you do it that is just as important.

London Markets

An addition to the Farmers' Markets now setting up all over the country, including London, there are the more traditional markets, some of them long-established. The famous Greenwich Market which was established by Royal Charter in 1849 and remains London's best source for hand crafted items and trinkets.

Shopping - Oxford Street

This is incredibly busy, especially on Saturdays, and boasts mostly high street fashion shops, sports shops and well-known brands. Oxford Street also has huge branches of HMV and Virgin Records, supplying virtually any type of music.

Tottenham Court Road

Not exactly the smartest street in the West End, but if it's computers, cameras or hi-fis you're looking for, this is the place. There are a large number of discount shops selling electrical goods, but the street is also home to Heal's Furniture Store and the Dominion Theatre.

Kensington High Street

A very popular thoroughfare and 'shopping heaven' with many restaurants and 'high street' stores. There is a large department store, Barkers, which is particularly useful and also Kensington Palace, home of the late Diana, Princess of Wales (and still home to several other members of the royal family).