Spend an afternoon discovering this famous shopping street, home to the world’s oldest toy shop and high-end boutiques.
With seemingly countless shops, department stores and cafés, Regent Street is one of Europe’s most exciting shopping avenues. It has more than 75 international stores as well as a food quarter with many excellent bars and restaurants. Bring your family for a day of shopping and dining on one of London’s premier commercial strips.
Admire the majestic design of the buildings lining the streets, which add a touch of elegance to your shopping trip. The shop structures are protected as listed buildings. Architect John Nash designed the street layout, as part of a ceremonial route connecting the Prince Regent’s residence at Carlton House to Regent Park. Stop at All Souls Church, one of Nash’s designs, on the northern side of the street. Notice the church’s distinctive stone spire and circular columned porch.
The street has all manner of stores, from souvenir and gift shops to chic boutiques and jewelry shops. Visit some of the street’s famous international stores, such as Apple, Banana Republic and French Connection. Don’t miss the Liberty department store, a London landmark set inside a Tudor-style building.
Bring the kids to the flagship store of Hamleys, the oldest toy shop in the world. It dates back to 1760 and moved to Regent Street in 1881. See around 50,000 toys displayed over the shop’s seven stories. The store staff frequently dress up in costumes and provide entertaining toy demonstrations.
Relax at one of the cafés found along the street and watch shoppers pass by. Make your way to Heddon Street, known as the Regent Street Food Quarter, and dine at some of London’s finest restaurants.
Reach Piccadilly Circus at the southern end of the strip. Marvel at its eye-catching neon signs and video displays. Take a photo of the large Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain with its grand statue of Eros.
Visit Regent Street’s shops daily from morning until evening. Restaurants remain open a little later. Regent Street is located in London’s West End and is accessible by London Underground or bus.
Don’t miss a trip to this iconic shopping strip.
