For anyone planning a trip to London, shopping is bound to be a key feature on your itinerary. Some of the UK capital’s best-loved department stores are steeped in character and history, so whatever you do, make sure you don’t miss out on a visit to Liberty in Regent Street, Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly and Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge. But let this be just the beginning of your shopping journey.

London is known for its love of retail, and the city is a huge melting pot of cultures and a place where anything goes. That combination has produced a wealth of independent shops, specialist boutiques and quirky markets that are just waiting to be explored in search of unique souvenirs to take back home. From quintessential British leather notebooks and diaries from Smythson to Shaku’s hand-designed luxury silk scarves and beyond, the British capital is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts, quirky jewellery, art and books, food & drinks delicacies and all kinds of unusual items to cater to your special interests. Here are some great London stores for you to consider.

James Smith & Sons, New Oxford Street

This handsome Victorian shop is a true London institution and surely a must-visit for every anglophile. Established back in 1830, the store specialises in traditional British umbrellas, walking sticks, gifts and accessories for both ladies and gentlemen. Expect to find a vast and eclectic selection of distinctive handmade umbrellas, walking sticks and seat sticks, the latter being a clever combination of a walking aid and resting place, extremely handy for attending sporting events or visiting museums and art galleries. James Smith & Sons is a family-run business and Europe’s oldest umbrella shop. Whether you’re looking for a classic souvenir or a unique gift for a friend, come and explore this world-renowned retail emporium.

Daunt Books, Marylebone High Street

Daunt Books is not only one of the most famous bookshops in London, it’s also one of the prettiest. Situated in Marylebone village and set in an original Edwardian building with long oak galleries, graceful skylights and stained glass windows, it feels like stepping back in time. The building was originally purpose-built as a bookshop, and this resonates as soon as you step through the door. It’s a beautiful place to dwell and indulge in your passion for books. Don’t forget to check out their regular events calendar too. Also don’t forget to pay a visit to the other iconic London bookshop, the one that inspired the 1999 movie Notting Hill. The Notting Hill Bookshop is a small but welcoming store that specialises in travel books, fiction and children’s books.

Hobgoblin Music, Rathbone Place

If you’re into making music, acoustic music and folk in particular, Hobgoblin is your go-to destination. A staple on London’s thriving music scene, this busy shop has the capital’s best choice of folk instruments, Celtic instruments and more including guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, recorders, whistles and world percussion. Hobgoblin Music has been going for over 40 years and is run by musicians, with friendly service and advice given freely. Of course, London caters to all musical tastes and interests, so perhaps check out the woodwind specialist Howarth of London, Wunjo Guitars, and the many vinyl specialists in the capital.

Gill Wing Cook Shop, Islington

Hailed as one of the best shops in the capital for kitchenware, this small store is packed to the gills (!) with pots and pans, cooking utensils, cutlery, books and kitchen gadgets – a true mecca for professional and amateur chefs alike. Run by a former Harrods cook shop manager, it’s one of the best-stocked cookware shops in London featuring a wonderful range of quality items for the kitchen, bar and dining room. It is rumoured that virtually every Islington household has knives, glassware, linen or whiteware china from Gill Wing Cook Shop, so if you want to make like a North Londoner, pop in for essential gifts and gadgets to take home.

Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾, Kings Cross Station

This magical shop located at the place where it all started is a must-see for all Harry Potter fans. The interior has been designed to look like Ollivander’s wand shop, with all the Hogwarts, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff merchandise you could possibly want. From personalised wands to Hogwarts jumpers and scarves, fancy dress and full sets of robes, jewellery, stationery, sweets and treats this is a mecca for souvenirs from the Harry Potter franchise including Fantastic Beasts. For smaller budgets, choose from small gadgets and trinkets including time turners, key rings, mugs, mobile phone cases, soft toys, board games and so much more.

We Built This City

This innovative and award-winning online and pop-up art shop was founded in 2014 with the mission to revolutionise London souvenirs and tell a fresh, contemporary and diverse story of the UK capital. Purchases directly support the talented community of 650+ London-based artists, designers and makers who showcase their creative output. Whether you’re looking for that unique memento for yourself as a reminder of your trip to London, or you’re searching for a perfect gift for a London lover, this is a great place to shop for London-themed goods that are as far removed from cheap and cheerful traditional souvenir as it is possible to be. The website features a vast range of prints and art, gifts, homeware and accessories, and there are periodic live in-store events that are worth looking out for.