From world-famous emporiums to charming specialist boutiques, London offers an unparalleled toy shopping experience that will make Christmas shopping easy breezy! Whether you’re searching for a special gift, indulging a collector’s passion, or simply looking for something nostalgic, these toy shops provide endless options for you to choose from.
From the towering floors of Hamleys on Regent Street to the niche offerings of specialised stores tucked away in charming neighbourhoods, each shop on this list has its own distinct character and specialty. Prepare to be dazzled by life-sized LEGO sculptures, transported to Victorian England through traditional toy theatres, or immersed in the whimsical world of beloved character franchises.
1. Hamleys
Hamleys, the oldest and largest toy shop in the world and is most definitely the ultimate toy wonderland. It is a seven-floor paradise of toys and games located on Regent Street. Founded in 1760, this iconic store offers an unparalleled, immersive shopping experience that has been delighting children and adults alike for over 250 years.
Each floor is a treasure trove of toys, from classic teddy bears and dolls to the latest tech gadgets and video games. With over 50,000 toys on offer, including exclusive and limited-edition items, Hamleys is not just a store but a London landmark and tourist attraction in its own right.
Location: 188-196 Regent Street, London W1B 5BT
Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus
2. Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop
Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop is a charming throwback to Victorian-era toy stores. Established in 1856, this quaint shop specializes in traditional theatrical toys, particularly toy theatres and paper dioramas. The store’s interior, with its wooden shelves and glass cabinets, transports visitors to a bygone era of toy-making. Beyond its famous toy theatres, the shop offers a delightful array of puppets, marionettes, music boxes, and other classic toys.
Location: 44 The Market, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RF
Nearest Tube Station: Covent Garden
3. Harrods Toy Kingdom
Harrods Toy Kingdom, located on the third floor of the world-famous Harrods department store, offers a luxurious and immersive toy shopping experience if you’re looking for something fancy. Spanning an impressive 26,000 square feet, this toy department is divided into six themed ‘worlds’, each offering a unique and interactive experience. From the whimsical Enchanted Forest to the futuristic Space Odyssey, each section is designed to captivate and engage young visitors. Here, you’ll find an extensive range of high-end toys, from designer teddy bears and limited-edition collectibles to cutting-edge electronic gadgets.
Location: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL
Nearest Tube Station: Knightsbridge
4. LEGO Store Leicester Square
The LEGO Store in Leicester Square is a must-visit destination for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages. As the world’s largest LEGO store, it offers an immersive experience that goes far beyond typical toy shopping. The store features incredible, larger-than-life LEGO sculptures of London landmarks, including a jaw-dropping replica of Big Ben and a life-sized London Underground carriage that visitors can sit in.
Interactive displays allow children (and adults) to get hands-on with LEGO bricks. The store also boasts an impressive “Pick a Brick” wall, where customers can select individual LEGO pieces, and a “Digital Box” that uses augmented reality to bring LEGO sets to life.
Location: 3 Swiss Court, Leicester Square, London W1D 6AP
Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square
5. Sylvanian Families Shop
Tucked away in Highbury, the Sylvanian Families Shop is a charming boutique dedicated entirely to these beloved miniature animal figurines and their accessories. This specialist store is a treasure trove for collectors and young fans alike, offering over 400 items from the Sylvanian Families range. The shop’s interior is designed to resemble the whimsical world of Sylvania, with detailed dioramas showcasing various Sylvanian families in their miniature homes and settings.
Location: 68 Mountgrove Road, Highbury, London N5 2LT
Nearest Tube Station: Finsbury Park
6. Puppet Planet
Puppet Planet is a unique and specialised toy shop dedicated entirely to the art of puppetry. Located in Clapham, this charming store offers an extensive collection of puppets ranging from traditional hand puppets and marionettes to modern, character-based designs. The shop’s interior is a visual delight, with puppets of all sizes, shapes, and styles hanging from the ceiling and lining the walls.
Location: 787 Wandsworth Road, Clapham, London
Nearest Tube Station: Clapham Common
7. The Guards Toy Soldier Centre
The Guards Toy Soldier Centre is a specialist shop dedicated to military miniatures and toy soldiers. Located near Buckingham Palace, this unique store offers an extensive collection of hand-painted toy soldiers, military figurines, and dioramas representing various historical periods and battles. The shop’s interior is a fascinating display of military history in miniature, with intricate battle scenes and formations showcased throughout.
Location: 45 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PP
Nearest Tube Station: Victoria