Shopping District of Central London
If you can't find it here you won't find it anywhere! The main shopping areas of Central London are found in the West End. This area includes Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street and Covent Garden.
Oxford Street is definitely the main shopping street of the whole city and is an excellent starting point. Many chain stores host their flagship store on this street such as Selfridges, the UK's 2nd largest department store; John Lewis, the UK's 3rd largest department store; and others such as Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Zavvi, House of Fraser, Topshop and Primark.
Half way down Oxford Street, the street is intersected by Regent Street and this area is called Oxford Circus. The shops found here include Nike Town, H&M, Topshop/Topman, United Colors of Benetton and Miss Selfridge.
Regent Street stretches from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus. On this street you can visit Hamley's which has 6 storeys of toy store! Formerly the worlds biggest toy store, this is definitely the place to pick up that must have toy for your little loved ones. Another shop found on Regent Street is the London Apple Store, which is the largest one in the world.
At Piccadilly Circus there is another Zavvi store on the site where there used to be Tower Records.
Bond Street runs parallel, and to the west, of Regent Street. Here you will find some of the world's most luxurious designer stores such as Cartier, D&G, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and Versace.
Located away from the West End and situated in Knightsbridge is Harrods located on Brompton street. The second biggest shopping store in the world after Macy's in New York. Harrods occupies a site of 18,000 m2 and contains over 300 departments! Harrods motto is 'Omnia Omnibus Ubique' - All Things for All People.
Also located in Knightsbridge you can find Harvey Nichols, which caters for a younger crowd though its designer gear tends to be more expensive.
Other shops found on Sloane Street, around the corner from Knightsbridge, include Christian Dior, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Armani, Alberta Ferretti, Nicole Fahri and Katharine Hamnett.
Kensington High Street in the main shopping street of Kensington and is essentially a smaller and less crowded version of Oxford Street. Located on this street you can fins such shops as Karen Millen, Monsoon, Gap, H&M, Ann Summers, Laura Ashey and a few others.
The one downside to this immense range of options is that you won't find too many bargains as this is one of the more expensive places to shop in England, especially if you have been unfortunate with the exchange rate to Sterling.
Getting to the Shopping Districts of Central London
If you are driving in from Heathrow Airport then it a simple matter of heading out of the airport and onto the M4. Follow it directly into the heart of the city, as it becomes the A4, turn left at Piccadilly Circus and you will be driving up Regent Street with access to all the West End Shopping Streets. This route will also take you directly through Knightsbridge, so no need for any turn offs.
For Kensington, you will need to turn left onto Warwick Road after you have past through Hammersmith and then right onto Kensington High Street.
Parking in the Shopping Districts of Central London
For the above shopping streets, there are a number of car parks you can avail of. Parking on the streets on Sundays is free, but if you are staying overnight be sure to move your car before the wardens are out at around 7:30am.
For the West End, you will find the Oxford Street Car Park located just off the street in Cavendish Square. Parking costs £5 for the first hour and is £32 for a 24-hour period. To the north of this one there is Harley Car Park on Queen Anne Mews, where parking is £5 for the first hour and is £30 for a 24-hour period.
There is also Soho Car Park, on Poland Street which branches off Oxford Street. Parking costs £5.50 for the first hour and is £36 for a 24-hour period, though there is also a £14 over night option (enter after 18:00 and leave before 9:00).
For Knightsbridge and Kensington, you will find the Knightsbridge Car Park on Kinnerton Street which is located just to the south of Knightsbridge Street and can be accessed from Sloane Road. Parking costs £3.50 for the first hour and is £33 for a 24-hour period.
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