From Vivienne Westwood to Burberry, London is home to many of the world’s greatest fashion designers and some epic shopping experiences to boot! If you’re visiting from February 14-18 this year, you can experience the thrill of London Fashion Week first-hand with exclusive tickets to the Temperley London shows, which are available to buy from the VisitBritain Shop. One of Britain’s most iconic designers, the brand is a must if you’re looking for classic British elegance with a romantic twist. Coming later in the year? Never fear, London is jam-packed with luxury department stores, independent boutiques and couture designer stores carrying everything from high-end labels to fashionable high-street wares. Take a look at our guide to the best shopping areas for luxury British brands and get ready to shop 'til you drop.
Knightsbridge
Arguably the best known luxury shopping district in the UK, Knightsbridge is home to two world-famous department stores, Harrods and Harvey Nichols, as well as exclusive boutiques and fashion houses such as Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton Men. If you’re looking to get a designer slice of Britain, get your shopping shoes on and discover the delights of Brompton Road, home to quintessentially British brands including Burberry, Paul Smith and Mulberry. With upmarket cafes and restaurants galore, the road is the perfect spot to refuel with lunch or afternoon tea. Afterwards, soak up the vibe of Sloane Street, an exclusive neighbouring shopping street that’s home to major labels including Hackett, Jo Malone and Pickett, to name just a few.
Regent Street
With 1.3km of high-end retail shops and flagship stores to explore, Regent Street is a paradise for lovers of luxury! The street recently celebrated its 200th anniversary, so what better way to get a taste of its history than with a spot of designer retail therapy? Check out heritage names including Aquascutum, Barbour and Crabtree & Evelyn on the main thoroughfare, before heading into the winding side streets to discover stylish independent boutiques and the legendary Liberty London department store, with its in-house design studio and range of exclusive brands. Carnaby Street, the home of groundbreaking British fashion in the 60s, is also mere minutes away, offering an eclectic modern-day mix of outlet stores, stylish boutiques and delightful shopping emporiums.
Covent Garden
Nestled between Theatreland and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden offers stylish boutiques and quirky independent shops galore. If you’re looking for a true London shopping experience, the picturesque piazza makes an ideal starting point. Find luxury English shoes at Cheaney, enjoy a live opera performance in the square (performance times vary) and savour an afternoon tea at one of its bustling eateries. Afterwards, stroll across the cobles to Seven Dials or Floral Street, a treasure trove of unique British brands including The Alkemistry, a jewellery emporium that features female designers only, and The Shop at Bluebird, a sleek 15,000-square-foot concept store housing over a hundred brands including British icons Victoria Beckham and Alexander McQueen.
Oxford Street and Bond Street
Looking for affordable high street fashion in addition to designer style? Head to Oxford Street, a major shopping mecca for British brands including Top Shop, River Island and Marks & Spencer, or visit Selfridges, an iconic department store that effortlessly mixes street style and designer names within its ornately columned interior. If your heart belongs to high-end couture, it’s just a short five-minute walk to Bond Street. The home of luxury shopping in the capital, in 2018 the street (comprising New and Old Bond Street) completed a £60 million-pound makeover that saw the opening of ten new designer shops including London legend Stella McCartney. Discover modern British icons such as Alexander McQueen, admire the results of 200 years of tailoring experience at Gieves & Hawkes, or stroll into a world of romance and fantasy at Temperley London’s flagship store, for a luxury shopping experience to write home about.
Tickets to London Fashion Week are available to purchase from the VisitBritain Shop