Shopping Areas in London

This is a guest post from Moove2Londons Rebecca Noori

Shopping in London is a fantastic experience and many people are tempted to move to London for this reason alone. From giant shopping malls and huge department stores, to quaint boutiques and popular markets, there truly is something for everyone. However, if you don’t know what you’re doing or where you’re going, then you might end up accidentally jostling with the crowds of Oxford Street on a Saturday afternoon, which isn’t everyone’s idea of fun.

Here are some brief descriptions of London’s most popular shopping areas:

Oxford Street - the city’s most famous street runs from Tottenham Court Road station at one end to Marble Arch station at the other end. The more budget-conscious shoppers will enjoy the shops nearer both of these tube stations, whilst department store worshippers can stick to the middle and visit the likes of Selfridges, John Lewis, Debenhams, House of Fraser and the flagship stores of both Topshop and Marks and Spencers.

Tottenham Court Road – most famous for electrical shopping, although the road does also carry a number of large home furnishing stores such as Lombok, Heals and Habitat.

Regent Street and Carnaby Street - South of Oxford Street, Regent Street runs down to Piccadilly and is home to Banana Republic and the children’s shop Hamleys. You can also reminisce about the swinging sixties by heading right at Liberty’s department store bringing you onto Carnaby Street.

Bond Street - divided into New Bond Street at the Oxford Street end and Old Bond Street at the Piccadilly end, this street is very expensive and is stacked full of antique shops and jewellers such as Tiffanys.

Covent Garden - if you’re looking for popular chain stores, then head to Neal Street. The rest of the area centres around the Piazza which hosts its own indoor market. Small boutiques and shoe shops are abundant in this pretty shopping area.

King’s Road - starting out at Sloane Square, this long street contains a multitude of high-end clothes shops, as well as the Peter Jones department store. Shopping on the King’s Road is much less stressful than the hustle and bustle of the West End.

Kensington and Knightsbridge - World famous department stores Harrods and Harvey Nichols dominate the area, but those looking for more down-to-earth shops should head to High Street Kensington where you’ll find the usual chain stores.

For those of you who prefer a shopping mall experience, do not despair, there are plenty of shopping centres in and around the London area too.

Westfield London - this West London shopping centre is located in Shepherd’s Bush and has just celebrated its second birthday. It is Europe’s largest inner-city shopping complex and contains a mix of high street stores as well as top end designer labels such as Prada and Louis Vuitton.

Those living in North London might find the Brent Cross Shopping Centre to be convenient. If you live in South London, you’ll need to head to the Whitgift or Centrale centres in Croydon, or visit The Glades in Bromley.

For those happy to do a reverse commute out into the counties, you’ll be thrilled with the choices on offer at both Bluewater in Kent or Lakeside in Essex.

Finally, always remember to look out for discount vouchers which will really help you to maximize the contents of your wallet when shopping in many of London’s stores.

Moove2London’s Guide to Shopping in London.