From the free museums, the gorgeous parks, and its royal history, London offers so many wonderful things to do. One major activity to participate in while visiting London is… shopping! The popularity of shopping in London is a result of the amazing brands and designers available in the city. From home décor to one-of-a-kind designer collaborations, the following shops offer the most amazing brands and products. In addition, these stores also happen to be some of the most beautiful shops in London. Each one of these shops has been chosen because it features either amazing history, architecture, products, or all of the above! Have a look at our Top 9 most beautiful shops in London!!
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1. Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly
Spend some time, or an entire day, exploring this department store: Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly. Founded as a grocery store in 1707, Fortnum & Mason has done and has been many things! From serving as a post office, to inventing the Scotch egg (considered by some as a weird British food), to being mentioned in a Charles Dickens novel, Fortnum & Mason is an icon of English culture. The iconic 16th century neoclassic architecture and bright blue-green color makes the outside of the building as beautiful as the inside!
The interiors are designed for the ultimate shopping experience because all of the main products are at the edges of each floor. In conclusion, be sure to look for the perfect tea or tea accessories, their famous wicker hamper basket full of British treats, or their classic preserves.
Address: 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER, United Kingdom
Underground Station: Piccadilly Circus
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm; Sunday12pm to 6pm
2. The Conran Shop in Chelsea
Located in the historic Michelin Building, the Conran Shop in Chelsea is one of the most beautiful shops in London. The ultimate destination for design-conscious consumers, the shop offers an eclectic mix of iconic furniture and an impressive array of gifts and books.
Founded in 1956, the Conran Design Group’s aim was to design contemporary furniture and interiors for a new generation, and they still are! The building itself is an art deco masterpiece featuring its characteristic stained-glass windows. It has become one of London’s most recognizable buildings in recent years, as well as one of the most beautiful!
Address: 81 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW3 6RD, United Kingdom (Located inside Innofinity Worldwide)
Underground Station: South Kensington
Hours of Operation: Monday & Tuesday 10am to 6pm; Wednesday & Thursday 10am to 7pm; Friday 10am to 6pm; Saturday 10am to 6:30pm; Sunday 12pm to 6pm
| INSIDR Tip: There is a fabulous Oyster Bar inside the same building which you should definitely check out. Great food matched by great interior decorations! |
3. Harrods
Another department store on the list of the most beautiful shops in London – Harrods! Now the largest and most famous department store in the world, Harrods began as a small London shop in 1849. Harrods has everything, from the latest men’s and women’s designer fashion to luxury gifts, food, and accessories. The shop also has a dress code: no ripped jeans or Bermuda shorts allowed here!
Inside, you can find a glittering Egyptian room with a secret escalator or their famous Food Hall, which features a wide variety of fresh and delicious foods. When you purchase something from any of the featured designers, including Balmain, Gucci, and Givenchy, you will also leave with one of their famous forest green bags.
Address: 87- 135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL, United Kingdom
Underground Stop: Knightsbridge
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday 10am to 9pm; Sunday 11:30am to 6pm
4. Liberty London
Opened in 1875, Liberty is a tudor-revival styled building in London’s west end which looks like it belongs to Shakespeare! As a result, the inside features multiple open areas that look up to a beautiful glass ceiling, as well as lots of wood detailing.
Liberty is filled with high-end fashion, luxury home ware. The shop even has its own fabric line which is famous for its graphic and floral prints. The store has a long tradition of in-house collaborations with designers which produce exclusive, covetable fashion and accessories. Therefore, you will be able to find one-of-a-kind products! You definitely do not want to miss the opportunity to visit this iconic and unique store.
Address: Regent Street, Soho, London W1B 5AH, United Kingdom
Underground Station: Oxford Circus
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm; Sunday 11:30am to 6pm
5. Selfridges
All of Selfridges‘ stores are known for their architectural innovation and excellence. The architecture makes them tourist destinations in their own right. The Beaux- Art style building in London was designed specifically for the Selfridges shop and features 540,000 square feet (50,000 m²) of shopping space.
In order to support the five stories, roof terrace, and three basement levels, a steel frame was used which, at the time, was revolutionary! Also, the window displays along Oxford Street have become almost as famous as the shop itself, making Selfridges the perfect place for window-shopping! Their displays are both extravagant and entertaining and as a result have even been photographed for Vogue, Icon, and The New York Times.
Address: 400 Oxford Street, Marylebone, London W1A 1AB, United Kingdom
Underground Station: Bond Street
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm; Saturday 9:30am to 9pm; Sunday 11:30am to 6pm
6. House of Hackney
If you are looking to liven your home decor, the House of Hackney is the place for you! A home-goods store in Central London, this beautiful shop is famous for their designer wallpaper. In addition, you can also find lavish upholstery, plants, and lighting options. Most importantly, the boutique clothing and interior label specializes in British made goods, playing on traditional British designs. As a result, all of their products are made in Britain (except their Italian bed liners).
Holding true to its passions, the store is decorated with a variety of styles, including black polished floors and rose wallpaper. In other words, this deliberately over the top juxtaposition of prints is what made the brand’s name!
Address: 131 Shoreditch High Street, Hackney, London E1 6JE, United Kingdom
Underground Station: Shoreditch High Street
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm; Sunday 11am to 5pm
7. Paul Smith No. 9 Albemarie
Located around the corner from Fortnum & Mason, this designer clothing store is named after British fashion designer, Sir Paul Smith. This shop embodies the eccentric style and personality of its owner, featuring rotating art exhibitions and window installations.
Paul Smith No. 9 is not only one of the most beautiful shops in London for its eclectic range of clothes, furniture and one-off pieces, but also for its façade. The beautiful custom cast iron façade features drawings by Paul Smith himself. Similarly, each floor inside the building also has a custom design. The products that are available on each floor serve as the inspiration for the floor’s design.
Address: 9 Albemarie Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4BL, United Kingdom
Underground Station: Green Park
Hours of Operation: Monday to Wednesday 10am to 6pm; Thursday to Saturday 10am to 7pm; Sunday: 12pm to 6pm
8. Dover Street Market
Next is Dover Street Market (DSM)! DSM is the place to find both upscale and trendy street clothing in London. Created by Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons and her husband Adrian Joffe in 2004, DSM offers a wide range of designers. The shop sells all Comme des Garçons and other complementary high fashion brands, young creations, and street wear. For example: Balenciaga, Gucci, Nike, Vêtements, Supreme, and more! In addition to the amazing brands, shopping at DSM is an experience in itself as the shop features quite a few art installations!
Address: 18- 22 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4DG, United Kingdom
Underground Station: Piccadilly Circus
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday 11am to 7pm; Sunday 12pm to 6pm
9. Burberry
With multiple locations, the Burberry on Regent Street is the brand’s flagship store and one of the most beautiful shops in London. Founded in 1856, the famous British brand is known for its trench coats, cashmere scarves, and iconic check pattern. It should also be noted that the brand has expanded into perfumes, sunglasses, accessories, and cosmetics. Furthermore, this location offers a classic London exterior and a fabulous interior as well. Formerly an exhibition space and theatre, the shop features an elaborate main staircase and a stained-glass dome ceiling too.
And after this shopping experience, you can take a break in the shop’s all-day British café – Thomas’. Named after the founder of Burberry, the café features seasonal products from local producers, such as English tea and lobster and chips!
Address: 121 Regent Street, Mayfair, London W1B 4TB, United Kingdom
Underground Station: Piccadilly Circus
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm; Sunday 11:30am to 6pm