The 20 Best Souvenirs from England

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 living in the UK, I’m regularly on the hunt for treats to bring back to my US family and friends. I’ve also bought many of the items on this list to spruce up our UK home or just indulge in a little treat. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir or a special memento of your trip, these ideas will steer you in the right shopping direction.

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Unique and Interesting Souvenirs from England

My goal here is to steer you toward fun momentos that won’t be the mass-produced refrigerator magnets available on every street corner. When picking out souvenirs, look for something that will remind you of your travels and bring you joy for years to come. These 20 England souvenirs have worked great for my 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. 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). 

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 London 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.

3. Emma Bridgewater Mugs 

Emma Bridgewater ceramics are well known for bright and fun patterns that are perfectly British. Think everything from fine lettering 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. 

The museum sadly had to move from its former location, but you can still find a lovely pop up with highlights at Leadenhall Market.   

5. One of a Kind Fabric From Liberty London 

Shopping for a budding seamstress or fashionista? Liberty in London 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. 

Head to the gift shops at Buckingham Palace or Kensington Palace in London for the best selection of royal family approved merchandise.

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 Memorabilia

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 Gifts

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 Shop Souvenirs

There’s something marvelous about browsing a book store while you’re traveling. These are some of my favorites in London and beyond.

London Book Shops

• 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.
• 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.

Book Shops Outside London

• 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.
• Raining Books Brighton. If you take a day trip down to 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. 
• Blackwell’s Books Oxford. Don’t be fooled by the quaint exterior of this shop in one of England’s most famous university towns. No visit to Oxford should skip a browse here. The basement beneath the shop is gigantic and will satisfy all of the book lovers in your group.

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, they were bought by UK retailer Next in 2023 and reopened a new shop in the London Westfield shopping district. 

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 store. 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 in London has stood in the same place 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.

Join the London gin safari tour to learn more about British love for gin. Then head to a 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. The Marylebone high street location usually has a gorgeous selection.

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 £7, 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.

Experience Something New in England

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.

Planning your trip to England? Check out these guides:

• The Best Places to Stay in London for First Time Visitors
• Three English Castle Day Trips from London
• How to Spend a Rainy Day in London
• One Perfect Day in Bath England
• Three Day Cotswolds Itinerary