England has no shortage of fabulous things to tempt your souvenir spending. If you’re looking for the perfect English souvenir for yourself or a loved one, then this guide is for you. As an American expat living in the UK, these are also my go-to items when bringing back treats to my US family and friends.
1. Museum and Historic Palace Souvenirs
You will certainly want to visit some of England’s wonderful museums and historic palaces during your trip, and gifts from these institutions are lovely and support their continued running. Some of my favorites are the Tate Modern for unique gifts and Historic Royal Palace Christmas ornaments (sold year round).
Another souvenir that could save you money along the way is Historic Royal Palaces membership. It’s a safe bet that you will want to visit the Tower of London on your trip, which is part of the Historic Royal Palaces. If you will also visit Hampton Court Palace (highly recommend!) or any other member site, it may actually cost less to obtain a membership than to pay for each entry separately. Your membership will be valid for a year, so you’ll be ready to start planning your next visit soon!
A similar membership is available with the National Trust. This is also worth exploring if your visit plans include multiple sites under that group’s umbrella.
2. James Smith & Sons Umbrellas
If you’re looking for a quintessential British souvenir, I can’t imagine anything hitting the spot better than an umbrella from James Smith & Sons. This Victorian shop has been selling umbrellas since 1830 and is an experience to visit. The umbrellas can get expensive, but this definitely falls into the “you’ll only find it here” category of souvenirs. Located on New Oxford Street near Tottenham Court Road underground station.
3. Emma Bridgewater Mugs
Emma Bridgewater ceramics are well known for bright and fun patterns that are perfectly British. Think everything from foxes to florals. You can visit the shop at Bicester Village in Oxfordshire or even see the traditional craftsmanship in action at the factory in Stoke-on-Trent.
If your travel plans are limited to London, you can also find Emma Bridgewater mugs at one of several John Lewis department store locations. John Lewis also carries other popular UK products, such as Jo Malone London perfumes.
4. Model Theatres from Pollock’s Toy Museum
Pollock’s Toy Museum is the oldest toy museum in the UK. Aside from being an eclectic and fun place to visit, the museum also features a toy shop that is free to enter. The most popular items in the shop are the colorful and intricate toy theatres.
The theatres come in a flat book that can slide easily into your luggage. They make for a wonderful project to put together when you’re home and reminiscing about your trip.
Located at 1 Scala Street, about a block from Goodge Street underground station.
5. One of a Kind Fabric From Liberty London
Shopping for a budding seamstress or fashionista? Liberty has you set with one of a kind print fabrics. Liberty was opened in 1875 and is in a heritage listed building that is worth a visit in its own right. This large shop feels intimate with its many small rooms and Tudor styling. It is a treasure trove of beautiful items made from their own fabrics as well as collections from other well-known designers. Located just off Regent Street, a short walk from Oxford Circus.
6. Royal Family Merch
Royal Family fandom continues to thrive in and out of England. Many gift shops feature royal memorabilia and print imagery on just about anything you can think of. For those more historically minded, keep an eye out for books on royal history.
7. Luxurious British Perfume from Penhaligon’s
Penhaligon’s has been in London since 1870. Several of the scents reflect its roots, such as Savoy Steam, which was inspired by the spa at the very posh Savoy London Hotel. You can find a Penhaligon’s desk at the major department stores (Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason). I personally prefer the little shop in the Covent Garden Piazza.
8. Harry Potter
It is quite easy to find yourself a Harry Potter themed souvenir or gift in England. You can build this into your trip by visiting the Warner Bros Studio Tour for a full day of Hogwarts excitement. Don’t worry, there’s definitely a gift shop.
If you’re staying in London, check out the shop at Platform 9 ¾ in Kings Cross station. There’s a great photo opp here before you enter the store.
If you’re just here for the goods, thanks, then try House of Spells on Charing Cross Road. This fandom shop isn’t just for Harry Potter, but you’ll find a good selection of items for the wizards and witches in your life.
9. Paddington Bear
Paddington Bear is a staple of English children’s literature and is popular across the UK. You can even find his statue in Paddington Station in London. You’ll also find the Paddington store conveniently inside the station. Whether you’re looking for a plush toy, books, or gift sets, they’ll sort you out.
If Paddington Station isn’t on your travel itinerary, don’t worry. You can find Paddington merchandise at many London tourist kiosks. For high quality options, head to Hamleys on Regent Street. It features seven stories of toys, including beloved Paddington Bear.
10. English Book Shops
There’s something marvelous about browsing a book store while you’re traveling. These are some of my favorites in London and beyond:
- Daunt Books Marylebone. This location is beautiful. A multi-storey section toward the back is the big draw for visitors. Along with books, they sell a range of stationery gifts and tote bags.
- Persephone Books Bath. This independent shop in Bath reprints mostly women writers who haven’t received the attention they deserve. All of the books have a beautiful print cover and come with a matching bookmark.
- The Notting Hill Bookshop. Famous from the 90’s romcom starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. Originally this was a travel-only bookstore. You can find a lot more today, but stop in if you want to pick up a London travel guide after you arrive.
- Word on the Water. It’s a book shop on a barge located on Regent’s Canal. They sell quality second hand books, so you never know what treasure you might find here.
- Raining Books Brighton. If you head down to shop in The Lanes in Brighton, pop into this absolute madhouse of a shop. It’s only books, scattered everywhere with no system to be found. It’s 100% a treasure hunt.
11. A Stylish Hat From London’s Oldest Hat Shop
Lock & Co. Hatters has historic London ties back to the 1600s. The current shop location has been operating since 1759. They’ve helped many famous patrons in their time, including Oscar Wilde and Jaqueline Kennedy.
Today, you can visit the shop near Buckingham Palace to peruse all manner of hat styles and luxury accessories. Prices aren’t cheap here, but the quality is fantastic and this is another truly unique London souvenir. Most of the hats are £150+, though you can pick up a chic French beret for £55.
12. Cath Kidston Handbags
Cath Kidston makes super cute and super practical handbags in classic English floral prints. From a classic crossbody to a weekender bag that folds away to pocket size, these bags can quickly become a favorite and make for a great gift. They also carry a solid line of homewares and cute children’s accessories.
While they sadly closed many of their shops during the pandemic, you can still visit their flagship store in London near Piccadilly Circus.
13. British Food
You won’t likely stash a fish and chips takeaway in your luggage, but there are many options to pick up a food gift in England.
Borough Market is a foodie paradise and should be on your to-do list if you’re visiting London. For gifts, check out the spice vendors for unique blends or the market shop for gift totes or cookbooks. If you’re heading out soon, any of the many bakeries are a good bet to bring along some goodies.
If the tin is as important as the biscuits, head to Harrods. Their biscuits are tasty, and the tins always feature lovely designs. The last one I purchased there doubled as a wind-up music box.
For something less grand, but still well loved by friends and family, head to the local grocery. Cadbury chocolate is available everywhere and comes in many varieties not common in the US. You can also just wander through the snacks and pick up an assortment of items that look tasty or potentially strange (prawn cocktail crisps anyone?)
14. Tea
When it comes to tea in England, Twinings is the popular choice. Their flagship store at 216 Strand in London has been there since 1706. The shop is long and narrow, filled on both sides with many tea varieties. Head to the back for tea tasting and gift sets.
Fortnum & Mason also have a well-earned reputation for tea. In their Piccadilly shop, you can have afternoon tea and purchase a wide variety of tea and snacks all in the same stop. For a fancy option, check out the tea hampers. These come with a variety of tea and snacks packaged beautifully in a wicker picnic basket.
15. British Gin
There’s nothing like a gin and tonic in a pub garden in the midst of an English summer. If you’d like to capture that feeling at home, pick up a bottle or two to bring home. Add a distillery tour to your itinerary for Bath Distillery, Sipsmith Distillery, or Silent Pool Distillery to learn more about British love for gin. Then head to the gift shop to take home a taste of England.
16. Luxury Baby Gifts
My go-to shop for baby gifts to send back to the US is the baby shop in The White Co. London. Lots of cute clothes and accessories, including some London themed prints. The store packaging is classy and gives your gift a luxe feel.
17. Oyster Card
If you plan to spend time in London, consider ordering an Oyster card. Oyster cards are pay as you go cards that can be used across the Transport for London network. Costing only £5, this is one of the least expensive souvenirs you can get.
You can use mobile payments or tap to pay credit cards on transport as well, so it’s no longer a must buy item for practical purposes. As a souvenir, though, it’s a lovely and cheap way to remember your trip.
18. Football Gear
There are seven English Premier League teams in London alone. As a result, it’s pretty easy to find jerseys, scarves, and more. Head to a match or go on a stadium tour for the largest selection at your team’s stadium store.
19. Adorable Ghosts From York
York has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in Europe. Whether you want to hunt ghosts yourself or not, don’t pass up visiting the York Ghost Merchants. This delightful shop located in the Shambles sells handmade “ghosts”. These figurines are small enough to pack in your suitcase, and come in traveling boxes featuring a drawing of the shop. Definitely a “you can only find it here” purchase.
20. Eclectic or Antique Gifts from a London Market
No shopping visit in London would be complete without a trip through one or more of its famous markets. It’s easy to spend an afternoon browsing through the many stands and you’re sure to find unique treasures along the way. With all of the markets, check for opening hours before you go. Many are open all week, but the greatest variety is often found at the weekend.
My favorite pick is Old Spitalfield’s Market. This one is great in all weather (see my post on things to do on a rainy day in London for more details). It also hosts an antiques market on Thursdays for some truly unique treasure hunting.
Portobello Road Market is perhaps the most famous of London’s market areas, and has the added perk of Notting Hill’s beautiful neighborhood around it. Don’t limit yourself to just the stands running along the road either. There are quite a few vendors selling basically the same stuff, but you can find some standout bits here and there. There are many shops in the area specializing in vintage or locally made items as well. Don’t miss the bookshop from Notting Hill if you’re a fan of the film.
What Did I Miss?
England is full of unique things to see and experience. It’s no wonder that finding souvenirs would become a fun treasure hunt of its own. I hope this gives you some ideas on where to find something you can enjoy long after your trip ends.
Trying to decide how long to visit London or where else to see while you’re here? Check out these guides:
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