The best souvenir shops in London for quirky finds worth showing off!

If the words “souvenir shop” conjure images of tacky trinkets and overpriced teacups, prepare to have your mind blown. London’s souvenir shops offer far better options than that!

We’re talking Sherlock Holmes-themed goodies that would make the detective himself proud and punk rock memorabilia that captures the city’s rebellious spirit.

Don’t believe us? Let us show you, then! These are the ones we recommend to each visitor who comes to us asking where to get souvenirs like no other here!

How we chose

• Variety of merchandise – We prioritised shops that offer a wide range of souvenirs that cater to diverse interests and budgets. 

• Quality and authenticity – We sought out shops known for their high-quality products and authentic representations of London’s culture and history.

• Location and accessibility – We considered the convenience of each shop’s location, focusing on those easily accessible by public transportation and within popular tourist areas. 

• Price and value – While we acknowledge that souvenir shopping can vary in budget, we aimed to include shops that offer a range of price points and good value for money. 

• Customer experience and reputation – We took into account the overall customer experience and reputation of each shop by looking for those known for their friendly and helpful staff.

1. Brick Lane Souvenirs

Location: 160a Brick Ln, London E1 6RU, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7018 2800

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Website

Located in the Brick Lane area of Shoreditch, this shop is easy to find, especially if you’re coming from Liverpool Street Station or Shoreditch High Street Overground.

Once you do end up inside, though, you’ll likely get lost in the sheer variety of high-quality British-themed souvenirs. Keyrings, fridge magnets, postcards – you name it, they’ve got it, and it’s not cheap, falls-apart-in-a-week stuff either. 

Their London T-shirts and hoodies are definitely highlights. When we chatted with the customers, we kept hearing about how great the quality of those was, and when we tried a few on ourselves, we saw why. Great fabrics, solid printing. 

Plus, the prices are really reasonable, which is probably why it’s such a hit with budget-conscious shoppers.

Do keep in mind, though, that it’s a small space, so it can get a bit crowded, especially on weekends. Worth it to elbow through the crowd, though.

Captures the charm of a small shop with unique souvenirs

“Wonderful Little shop! Loved the postcard display out front and all the little souvenirs inside. I bought myself a nice London T-shirt and the shop owner Das was super helpful.”

Adriana Perez, Google Review

Filled with delightful finds and exceptional service

“Wonderful Little shop! Loved the postcard display out front and all the little souvenirs inside. I bought myself a nice London T-shirt and the shop owner Das was super helpful.”

Adriana Perez, Google Review

2. Love London Souvenirs

Location: 71-72 Russell Sq, London WC1B 5BA, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 20 7837 2709

Operating hours:

• Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM
• Saturday – 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
• Sunday – 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Website

Renowned for its high-quality products, Love London Souvenirs stands out due to its stylish accessories like Liberty London scarves and functional items such as James Smith & Sons umbrellas.

When we dropped by, we couldn’t resist picking up some mugs, T-shirts, and keychains. And, of course, we indulged in iconic Cadbury chocolates. Sure, you could buy these chocolates anywhere, but the experience of getting them from a charming London shop adds to the fun.

Harry Potter fans will be thrilled with their memorabilia selection, which is incredibly popular. Lots of customers flock here just for this collection. 

We were also pleasantly surprised by how affordable everything was. The only hiccup is that they don’t have a website, just a Facebook page, which can make it a bit challenging to check out their offerings online. 

But honestly, that’s just more incentive to visit them in person. Plus, If you have any questions, a quick message on Facebook will get you sorted.

Offers a well-organised, clean, and spacious atmosphere 

“Well-ordered, clean and airy store. When we visited, on a Tuesday at 5 p.m., there were few tourists and that was perfect. The owners were very friendly and accommodating. And they know how to take care of the children in the store well. The prices are very reasonable and the souvenirs are of good quality and varied. I recommend this shop located outside of very touristy areas.”

Geneviève Marquis, Google Review

Curates a vast selection of souvenirs

“They have a lot of variety to choose from, all kinds of London keychains, magnets, photo frames, t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs and much more. I bought (among other things) 1 photo frame for £12.99, 7 keychains for £10, 1 postcard for £0.9, a plaque for £5.99 and a notebook for £3.99. They also have Harry Potter souvenirs.”

Pilar Retamero, Google Review

3. Harrods

Location: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, UK

Contact: +44 20 7730 1234

Operating hours:

• Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Sunday – 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Website

With a rich history dating back to 1834, this shop is a no-brainer when it comes to souvenir shops since it offers an extensive variety of items.

They’re mainly well known for their high-end fashion accessories and fine jewellery. You also find quintessential British items like tea, chocolates, and cookies here. 

Aside from their luxurious pricing, what probably sets them apart is their Food Hall. It’s full of gourmet treats packaged in decorative tins that make perfect souvenirs. 

Another thing we love about this place is its exclusive products and brands that are hard to find elsewhere. For example, they carry Fortnum & Mason teas and biscuits, which are iconic and beloved by many.

While it can be on the expensive side, we think the premium experience they provide more than makes up for it.

And if you don’t feel like going there in person, their website is seamless and convenient for online shopping – we tried it ourselves and it was a breeze.

Offers a captivating atmopshere

“It was quite an experience to be there and to reach there. I was carried away with the atmosphere and the structure of this beautifully designed interior. Most of my tour was around technology floor and food hall. Price that I paid for a red cheese slice and whole baked pepper was above and beyond but it was worth a shot of tasting. By the way, pepper was a blooper because as the chef confimed that it had cheese in it, seriously had no cheese at all. I did enjoy the shopping part of it though. Please note that you can’t eat there because it is not a food court. Check the signature letter of “H” on those tasty looking gallery of real sour dough bread. This place has 4 floor I think so you better leave half a days time to explore all the floors/sections. I would recommend. Plz go!”

Arhum Sultana, Google Review

Gives out complimentary food samples in the food hall

“Busy with customers, but inside the store is beautiful, there are lots of signposts (only in English) directing you and telling you what is on each floor and the staff there are all super friendly and all smiling. The free samples in the food hall were a welcome treat! Being such a famous store, maybe some more signage for speakers of other languages would be beneficial, or QR codes on walls / elevators for customers to scan and they can have all their requirements and questions answered in their mother tongues. I love this store. The public facilities are always spotless and whilst the store is notably expensive, you certainly have quality!”

Andy L, Google Review

4. Cool Britannia

Location: Multiple locations in London (Buckingham Palace Road, Oxford Street, & Whitehall)

Operating hours:

• Monday – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Tuesday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Website

Cool Britannia is a colourful spot that adds a splash of joy to any shopping trip. We were impressed by the wide array of unique and high-quality gifts that truly capture the essence of British culture. 

Sure, they have your usual London collection, but what sets them apart are their King’s Coronation and Paddington sections. These collections are so popular they even have their own dedicated section on the website.

What we love about this shop is that many of its products are crafted by independent designers and artists. It honestly makes you feel great to support local talent while picking up souvenirs that truly stand out.

If you prefer shopping from the comfort of your home or hotel, their online store is incredibly convenient with fast delivery options. We tried it ourselves and were delighted with how quickly our order arrived.

We also appreciate their excellent customer service. You can contact them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which is incredibly helpful. Plus, they offer a 30-day return policy, so if you need to exchange something, it’s a hassle-free process.

By the way, you can get discount codes when you subscribe to their newsletter and via emails every week! 

Offers officially licensed souvenirs at competitive prices

“We visited a lot of souvenir shops around the city but on our final day, we ended up walking from the souvenir shops in Trafalgar Square back to Cool Britannia, which we ended up visiting three times. Their souvenirs were higher quality and officially licensed at the same prices, if not lower than the Trafalgar Square shops, which often had knock-offs. When looking for things that scream “London” or the monarchy, even more niche items like Beatrix Potter items, I definitely recommend Cool Britannia. It also helps that the shop isn’t swarming with people, blaring loud music, and is very clean without clutter, boxes, and general trash laying around. And the workers there were very kind.”

Heather Langille, Google Review

Gives warm and helpful recommendations

“Amazing shop. Absolutely great. Found people from my place (Kerala, India) helped us (me, mom and grandmom) with suggestions on places around. We came for the photography session because of their recommendation. It was WORTH the picture. Absolutely fantastic. Will be visiting again with my friends. Thank you for such a royal feels and most friendly gestures.”

Aathira, Google Review

5. London Transport Museum – Shop

Location: 39 Wellington St, London WC2E 7BB, United Kingdom

Contact: +44 343 222 5000

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Website

For 30 years, the London Transport Museum has been commissioning artists and designers to create imaginative new products and posters that beautifully complement their exhibitions. 

When we visited, we couldn’t resist picking up some of their well-known and well-designed products that reflect the historical and cultural significance of London’s transport system. 

For instance, The “Mind the Gap” T-shirts, London Underground map mugs, and Routemaster moquette blankets are not only unique but also stylish and practical.

Chatting with the staff, we found out that purchases from the shop help support the London Transport Museum, which made us feel even better about our purchases. 

Plus, they always have fantastic promotions going on, like 10% off your first order, items discounted up to 75%, and special holiday promos like 20% off during Father’s Day.

Showcases iconic vehicles and infrastructure

“The London Transport Museum is a captivating journey through the evolution of transportation. Impeccably curated exhibits showcase the city’s rich transit history, from iconic double-decker buses to vintage tube carriages. Engaging displays, interactive installations, and well-informed guides make the museum a delight for all ages. The attention to detail and commitment to preserving London’s transport heritage is commendable. A visit here is not just educational but a genuinely enjoyable experience, leaving visitors with a newfound appreciation for the vital role transportation plays in shaping urban life.”

Jakub Sliwinski, Google Review

Provides valuable educational resource for children

“Wow! it is everything was good the people went to London transport museum show use about old bus and few train. They children went to London transport museum and children like show about this old bus and few train. Wow good for children learn about year ago.and so children will tell they friend about story old history. Was very quiet people look round keep on with children good time . Need one more other side old train well Little different train like under round and out side London. Hope children family will fine out more history old”

Joan Campbell, Google Review