Save room in your suitcase for a trip to some of Britain’s brilliant boutiques. From flagships to firsts, British heritage labels to boutique bazaars, emporiums to bespoke and big brands with international clout, Britain’s shopping experiences offer something ubiquitously unmissable.
Whether it’s vintage gear or Scottish cashmere, pre-loved books or England’s Wedgewood, you’ll find this and so much more in Britain’s unmissable stores. Drop by Dundee’s cool optical shop, Spex Pistol’s, or browse through Spillers in Cardiff, the world’s oldest record store. Peruse around Liberty London, or indulge in the decadent food halls of London’s Fortnum & Mason, wherever you’re heading, make sure you take in some of Britain’s memorable stores.
No visit to London is complete without the showstopper that is Harrods. The epitome of Great British luxury, Knightsbridge’s Harrods is considered one of the largest and most famous luxury department stores in the world. With a staggering 330 departments spread across seven floors, it houses international and home-grown British brands along with a famous food hall waiting to be explored.
The unmistakable signature ‘Eau de Nil’ – pale green and seen on the luxurious wares of London’s Fortnum & Mason is a sign of its quality. World famous for quality and its many Royal Warrants, its flagship store at 181 Piccadilly is remarkable. With more that 300 years of experience in delivering its magic, its famous food hall is a real lure from iconic teas, beautiful biscuit tins, confections, home wares and hampers. Pick up your very own slice of Britain.
Dubbed as one of the most Instagrammable bookstores in London, Daunt Books Marylebone offers long oak galleries and books towering high towards its stretching skylights. This original Edwardian bookshop is an unmissable stop for bibliophiles everywhere. Inside you can walk the world through books as the store arranges its tomes by country.
With its iconic Tudor-style architecture, Liberty London is an understandable selfie hotspot. Carrying an unmissable collection of young emerging designers, it also hosts cutting-edge yet established brands. Shop from Kitri to Acne Studios, Silka to Barbour, and even the self-titled in-house brand ‘Liberty’. Swing by the world-famous haberdashery for its trademark bold and floral print fabrics, or hit the extensive beauty department for some luxurious grooming.
James Smiths & Sons take the humble umbrella to a whole new level. Selling a massive assortment of umbrellas and various rain repellents since it originally opening its doors in 1830, and still boasts its handsome Victorian fittings. This unashamedly old school shop is a delightfully old and bold compared to the shining new shops of London’s Oxford Street.
The Brits take tea seriously. Anyone who loves their leaves as much should head to London’s Twinings 216 Strand. For over 300 years this address has been home to Twinings Tea, it’s their flagship store, and the oldest tea shop in London. Check out classic to unique English blends and try before you buy at its Tea Bar. Book yourself in for a Tea Experience or Masterclass or simply grab a box of the classic drink we love so much for a classic cuppa of English Breakfast tea.
Want to rock vintage vibes. Stop by Portobello Road’s One of a Kind Archive for London’s exclusive and well-curated vintage threads. In addition to ready-to-wear retro finds that range from the 1930s to the noughties, they also stock over 5,000 pieces from leading names like Gucci and Vivienne Westwood. It is an unmissable treasure hunter’s paradise for vintage enthusiasts.
Stop by the picturesque rural Perthshire and shop in one of Scotland’s most unmissable stores, the House of Bruar. In addition to its much-celebrated country collection of traditional Tweeds and Britain’s largest cashmere collection, you can browse Scotland’s finest produce in their Food Hall and dine in their Victorian-style conservatory at the House of Braur Restaurant.
If the name doesn’t give it away, then perhaps a visit will. Spex Pistols is a unique Dundee-based optical boutique features an eclectic stash of stylish classic, vintage and designer frames. Offering a wide range of quirky and colourful glasses not available on the high street, as well as a varied assortment of vintage goodies, it’s a sight for sore eyes.
