24 Best Souvenirs You Can Only Buy in London (By Londoners!)
Planning a trip to London and wondering what to buy in London to bring home? Our guide highlights the best London souvenirs that are unique and can’t be found anywhere else.
London is one of the world’s most iconic cities, and if you’re like us, you probably want to pick up unique items to remind you of your trip for years to come.
Sure, you could grab the usual “I ♥ London” T-shirts or those cheap keyrings you see in the souvenir shops around Piccadilly Circus. But there are so many more meaningful options that truly reflect the spirit of this city.
Having lived in London for over nine years, we’ve had our fair share of souvenir hunting for family and friends. And we’ve found some brilliant items that really capture the essence of London. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift for someone else, these picks will ensure you bring home something special.
Here are 24 of the best unique souvenirs you can only buy in London!
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Short on time?
Here are our top picks for unique London souvenirs:
Food & Drink
1. Tea and Biscuits from Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason is like royalty when it comes to tea in London (and they literally supply the Royal Family!). The flagship store of this luxury department store is a true gem when it comes to unique gifts from London.
Their teas, like their famous Royal Blend or Countess Grey, are rich and full of flavour. Pair them with their buttery, crumbly biscuits, which come in beautiful tins that make them perfect for gifting (or treating yourself!). They’re perfect for gifting or just treating yourself.
Address: Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER (Open in Google Maps)
2. Tea from Twinings
Twinings has been around since 1706, and their shop on 216 Strand is as historic as it gets. It’s the oldest tea shop in London and still operates in its original location.
You’ll find an incredible range of loose-leaf teas, including classic Earl Grey and more adventurous blends. And they also have some exclusive London blends you can’t get anywhere else.
The tins, decorated with iconic London designs, also make excellent souvenirs. If you’re not sure what to pick, the staff are fantastic at helping you find the perfect tea for your taste.
Address: Twinings, 216 Strand, London WC2R 1AP (Open in Google Maps)
3. Prestat Chocolates
Prestat is one of the best places in the city if you’re after indulgent British chocolates. With a history dating back to 1902, they’ve long been favoured by royalty, and you can taste the luxury in every bite. Their truffles are especially popular – try their Champagne or scarlet red velvet ones, they’re a dream!
You’ll find their shop in the gorgeous Piccadilly Arcade. It’s the perfect spot to grab a gift or treat yourself to something fancy.
Did you know? Prestat holds two Royal Warrants as the Royal Family’s chosen chocolatier. A Royal Warrant recognises companies who have supplied goods or services to the Royal Household for at least 5 years.
Address: Prestat Chocolates, 14 Princes Arcade, London SW1Y 6DS (Open in Google Maps)
4. Paxton & Whitfield Cheese
Paxton & Whitfield is the oldest cheesemonger in the UK and has been around since 1797. The shop offers a selection of classic cheeses, including Stilton and Montgomery’s Cheddar, perfect for impressing anyone with a love of great food.
You’ll find the shop on Jermyn Street close to Piccadilly Circus, and the aroma alone will guide you there.
We recommend grabbing one of their beautifully packaged cheese selections. They make great gifts!
Our top tip: If you love cheese as much as we do, don’t miss this London cheese walking tour! You’ll sample some of the city’s finest cheeses, including a stop at Fortnum & Mason’s legendary cheese counter and (of course) Paxton & Whitfield’s famous selection. It’s the perfect foodie experience!
Address: Paxton & Whitfield, 93 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6JE (Open in Google Maps)
5. Personalised Biscuits from Biscuiteers
If you’re after personalised souvenirs for foodies, you can’t go wrong with biscuits from Biscuiteers. This shop specialises in biscuits that are almost too pretty to eat, with hand-iced designs ranging from London landmarks to seasonal creations.
You can have them personalised with names or messages, which makes them unique souvenirs for someone special or a fun treat for yourself.
Their shop in Notting Hill doubles as a café, so you can watch the icing process while enjoying tea and cake. We love the London-themed biscuits, as they perfectly capture the city’s spirit in a tasty and memorable way. Plus, the packaging is so lovely, you won’t even need to wrap them!
Address: Biscuiteers, 194 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2ES (Open in Google Maps)
6. London Gin
London’s famous for its gin, so grabbing a bottle while you’re here is a brilliant idea. You could try a classic London dry gin from a big-name distillery or a small-batch gin from one of the city’s trendy craft makers.
If you want to explore London gin, below are a few distilleries that produce it. They even offer tours and tastings, where you can grab a bottle to take home:
Fashion & Accessories
7. Liberty London Print Accessories
Liberty’s floral prints are so recognisable and effortlessly stylish, you’ll know them as soon as you spot them! This great place on Regent Street in Central London is perfect if you want to add something timeless to your wardrobe.
We’re particularly fond of their scarves, tote bags, and coin purses with floral prints, which carry that classic London charm.
Our top tip: Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, Liberty’s flagship store itself is a must-see! With its Tudor-style exterior and stunning interior displays, it’s one of the best things to check out in London.
Address: Liberty London, Regent Street, London W1B 5AH (Open in Google Maps)
8. Savile Row
Savile Row is a famous street in London known for its exceptional tailoring and custom-made suits.
If you’re looking for London gift ideas with timeless style and craftsmanship, Savile Row offers plenty of options, such as cufflinks, pocket squares, or hand-stitched ties.
Address: Savile Row, Mayfair, London (Open in Google Maps)
9. Hat from Lock & Co. Hatters
Lock & Co. is the perfect place to visit if you’re into hats. Known as the world’s oldest hat shop and London’s oldest shop, it’s been around since 1676.
Their hats have topped iconic figures like Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, and even Oscar Wilde.
After a bowler, a flat cap, or something custom-made? You’ll find it here. Even if you’re not buying, popping in for a look is totally worth it.
Address: Lock & Co. Hatters, 6 St James’s Street, London SW1A 1EF (Open in Google Maps)
10. Exclusive Scents from Jo Malone London
Jo Malone stores can be found in more than 80+ countries, but the flagship store on Regent Street stands out. It often stocks exclusive fragrances and other special items you can’t get outside the city.
We love their London-inspired fragrances! The scents capture the essence of different areas of the city, such as sweet Nectarine Blossom & Honey (inspired by Covent Garden).
Address: Jo Malone, 101 Regent Street, London W1B 4EZ (Open in Google Maps)
11. Penhaligon’s Exclusive Perfumes
Penhaligon’s is another British fragrance favourite, known for its classy scents and beautiful packaging. Their Regent Street store often carries rare or London-only perfumes that are hard to find elsewhere.
If you’ve ever wondered how Princess Diana or Queen Elizabeth II smelled, this is the place to find out! Princess Diana was known for wearing Penhaligon’s Bluebell fragrance, while Queen Elizabeth II famously wore Lily of the Valley.
The shop’s Victorian-inspired vibe made the experience feel special, but it was the charming and helpful staff that truly stood out. Their amazing service totally won us over, and we couldn’t resist picking up one of their rich fragrances!
Address: Penhaligon’s, 125 Regent Street, London W1B 4HT (Open in Google Maps)
Unique London Collectibles & Art
12. London Transport Museum Posters
For something fun, check out the vintage posters at the London Transport Museum Shop. These bold, colourful prints celebrate the history of the Underground and make great art for your walls (and they have several special edition posters in-store!).
We’ve picked up a few ourselves and love the character they add to a room. You’ll feel like you’ve brought a bit of London home with you. Plus, some posters are only available in-store, so it’s worth stopping by!
Address: London Transport Museum Shop, 39 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7BB (Open in Google Maps)
13. Antiquarian London Map from Cecil Court
Cecil Court is a charming little street near Leicester Square, packed with rare bookshops and antique dealers. While we’re not big on antiques, we love old maps of London, and this place is perfect for that.
You’ll find maps highlighting London’s rich history, from centuries-old originals to stunning reproductions, at prices for every budget. If you’re looking for London gift ideas, these maps make a unique and thoughtful choice for history lovers or collectors.
Address: Cecil Court, London WC2N 4HE (Open in Google Maps)
14. Rare Vinyl from Sister Ray
Sister Ray in Soho is a must-visit if you’re into vinyl. Their collection of rare records and vintage finds will leave you spoilt for choice. From punk to jazz, the shop reflects London’s rich music history, and it’s perfect for serious collectors and casual fans alike.
We recommend taking your time to browse. You never know what gem might be waiting for you. It’s a great way to bring a piece of London’s iconic music scene back home.
Other great record shops in Soho include Reckless Records and Phonica Records.
Address: Sister Ray, 75 Berwick Street, London W1F 8TG (Open in Google Maps)
15. Beatles Memorabilia from the Abbey Road Shop
If you’re a Beatles fan, one of the best things to buy in London is something from the Abbey Road Shop. It’s packed with everything from mugs and T-shirts to detailed photo books of the Fab Four.
The shop is right near the famous Abbey Road crossing, so it’s a chance to connect with music history.
Our top tip: We highly recommend taking a Beatles tour with Richard Porter while you’re in London! We took his walking tour, and it was absolutely fantastic. Richard knows everything about the Beatles and shared incredible stories as we visited some of their most iconic spots.
We loved the playful vibe inside the shop, and you’ll find plenty of great gifts for Beatles enthusiasts. Oh, and don’t forget to snap a photo outside by the crossing!
Address: The Abbey Road Shop, 5 Abbey Road, London NW8 9AA (Open in Google Maps)
16. Miniature Theatre Pop-Up from Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop
Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop in Covent Garden is a gem for anyone who loves theatre. This independent shop specialises in Victorian-style paper theatres, with shelves full of beautifully designed toys and games.
We especially like their pop-up cards, which transform into 3D theatre scenes. If you’re looking for unique London souvenir ideas, these make wonderful gifts for theatre lovers. They also work as charming home decor pieces and add a little theatrical magic to your space.
Address: Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop, 44 The Market, London WC2E 8RF (Open in Google Maps)
Quirky & Fun Souvenirs
17. M&M’s London-Themed Chocolates
As locals, we usually avoid M&M’s World in Leicester Square. It’s always packed, and there’s often a queue to get in. That said, there is one reason you might want to brave the crowds: the personalised London-themed M&M’s.
You can pick designs like Big Ben, London’s famous red buses, create your own (London-themed) custom message, and even upload your picture. It’s a fun and edible souvenir to gift to someone.
If you do go inside, take a moment to create your own mix. It’s a small win after tackling the madness!
Address: M&M’s London, 1 Swiss Court, London W1D 6AP (Open in Google Maps)
18. Paddington Bear Shop
Located in Paddington Station, the Paddington Bear Shop is the only shop in the world dedicated entirely to the beloved British icon.
Fans of the marmalade-loving bear will love the wide range of products, from cuddly plush toys and key chains to children’s books. It’s a must-visit for families or anyone charmed by Paddington’s adventures.
Address: Paddington Shop, Paddington Station, Unit 4, London W2 1HB (Open in Google Maps)
19. Oyster Card
London’s iconic Oyster card makes a great keepsake, even though contactless bank cards now offer the same convenience.
When you arrive in London, you can pick up a Visitor Oyster card at the airport and use it for public transport throughout your visit.
We know many travellers enjoy collecting unique transport cards. And keeping your Oyster card is a fun way to remember navigating London’s legendary Tube system.
20. Souvenirs from the Houses of Parliament Shop
The Houses of Parliament Shop is another place to find some of the best souvenirs from London – with a political twist. You’ll spot everything from pens and notebooks to House of Commons-branded gifts.
It’s all official Houses of Parliament merch that you won’t find anywhere else.
The shop is a great spot to grab something unique for the history or politics enthusiast in your life. If you’re visiting the nearby Westminster Abbey or Big Ben, it’s an easy stop to add to your day.
Address: Houses of Parliament Shop, 12 Bridge Street, London SW1A 2JX (Open in Google Maps)
21. Unique Finds from London’s Museum Shops
The British Museum Shop is packed with souvenirs inspired by London and the museum’s incredible collections. You’ll find everything from tea towels and London-themed charm keyrings to stunning limited-edition pieces, all British Museum-branded. We’re mentioning this shop first because it’s the most centrally located.
If you love museum gift shops, don’t miss the treasures at the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and Natural History Museum. They often stock beautifully designed items celebrating art, culture, and history. We really like their quality and have bought many pieces for ourselves over the years!
London’s museum shops are great for finding unique souvenirs. Of course, you’ll come across some general items you might find elsewhere. However, they also offer limited-edition pieces specifically inspired by art, culture, and history in their collections.
Addresses: The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG (Open in Google Maps)
Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD (Open in Google Maps)
V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL (Open in Google Maps)
Traditional & Historic Souvenirs
22. Umbrella from James Smith & Sons
If you’re shopping in London and want a great souvenir that’s both stylish and practical, you won’t find a better way to remember your trip than with an umbrella from James Smith & Sons.
They’ve been making top-quality umbrellas since 1830, and their shop near Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street is a little piece of history.
We love how these umbrellas are built to last: perfect for handling the unpredictable British weather (and that’s no small feat!).
They’re not cheap, but you’ll appreciate the investment when you’re the only one staying dry in a sudden downpour. Plus, whenever you use it, you’ll have a little bit of London.
Address: James Smith & Sons, Hazelwood House, 53 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1BL (Open in Google Maps)
23. Borough Market Apron
Borough Market is a foodie paradise, and their aprons let you bring a piece home.
The aprons are stylish but sturdy, perfect for any home chef who loves whipping up new recipes. They’re an excellent gift for the food enthusiast in your life (or yourself, if you love cooking).
Borough Market’s history as one of London’s oldest markets makes this apron even more meaningful. Pair it with some spices or a cookbook from one of the market’s vendors, and you’ll get a thoughtful gift set.
Address: Borough Market, London SE1 9AL (Open in Google Maps)
24. The Notting Hill Shopping Bag
The Notting Hill Shopping Bag is probably one of the cutest souvenirs you can bring home. It’s also lightweight, suitcase-friendly, and super functional!
When we moved from London to NYC, our friends loved our tote bag so much that we stocked up on more when we returned to London for a trip.
You can find these tote bags in many shops around Notting Hill, but there’s a dedicated store that offers the biggest range of colours (address of the shop below)
While you’re in Notting Hill, make sure to explore Portobello Road Market! It’s an excellent spot for antiques like vintage jewellery, quirky décor, and heirlooms. Pairing a Notting Hill tote with some unique market finds is a fantastic way to bring a bit of London back home!
Address: Notting Hill Bag, 15 Portobello Rd, London W11 3DA (Open in Google Maps)
Here’s an interactive map to help you find the best places to buy London souvenirs. It includes all the locations mentioned in this post:
Wrap-Up
No matter how long you stay in London, bringing home a souvenir is a great way to remember your trip.
If you’re planning your visit to London, don’t miss our travel guide. It’s packed with the top things to do in the UK’s capital.
And here are more London-related guides:
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