Winter Shopping in London
Shopping is the order of the day in London at this time of year. Around Christmas, and before and after New Year, it’s time to shop along the Thames. Once the exhausting task of buying gifts is behind you, you can fully relax as you browse the shops of the British capital. London’s famous department stores have plenty of surprises in store.
The twinkling lights lead the way to the city’s long-established and famous department stores. London’s markets and department stores are bracing for their busiest days of the year, and invite visitors to enjoy a leisurely browse in the days after the great gift-giving festivities. Once the “must-buy” items are taken care of, you can treat yourself to a few days off and wander freely through the shopping arcades of this world city.
Das Kaufhaus Harrod´s lockt mit bunten Lichtern
Date: 30/09/2026
Harrods is probably London’s most famous department store. This magnificent building on Brompton Road has been welcoming visitors since 1903. However, Harrods has consistently sold high-quality goods since it was founded by Charles Henry Harrod in 1834, and remains hugely popular to this day—especially with holidaymakers who like to take advantage of the favourable exchange rate on a short trip to London.
The Fortnum & Mason department store should also be on every shopping itinerary. Fortnum & Mason was in the retail business even before Harrods. This traditional store has been around since 1707. Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly is a great place to find particularly unusual food products.
Despite the cold snap, don’t overlook the city’s many independent shops. London, a city of fashion, has specialist stores, bookshops and quirky clothing markets in abundance—more so than almost anywhere else in the world. If you want to get a few weeks ahead of the latest trend, just keep your eyes open as you browse. Around Covent Garden, Petticoat Lane and Portobello Road, it’s also worth braving the winter chill for a stroll, so you can return home from your London holiday with some unusual finds.
Photo: Spreen
