Where to shop for toys in London?

London is the perfect place to find a wonderful toy for a beloved child.  The choice is enormous no matter whether you are looking for a hand made pull along train, a computer game or a big, soft, cuddly teddy bear.

Over two hundred years ago, William Hamley set up a toy shop in London, dreaming of creating the best toy shop in the world.  As the years went on, Hamleys grew and grew, taking over a massive seven storey building in Regents Street which is not too far for people staying at hotels near Kensington. It has become a much-loved London landmark, where generations of parents have come to find the perfect toy.

Every floor is filled with a vast array of toys, from toys to delight a baby, to computer games, cuddly toys, board games and construction toys.  Entering through the doors of Hamleys is like entering a world filled with imagination and laughter – the biggest problem is choosing a toy and getting your kids to actually leave the store!

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Offering alternatives is a good way to do so.  Not far away in Leicester Square is the fantastic Lego Store, complete with hands on activities to keep kids amused while you browse.  Why not take your photo with Dr Who’s Tardis, admire a large replica of Big Ben or step inside a full size Lego version of a tube train.  If you want to create a mosaic of your face in Lego bricks you can even do this – but you do need to book well in advance as it is a very popular option.   

After enjoying a good breakfast at our Kensington hotel restaurant, stop off at department stores like Harrods in Kensington and Selfridges in Oxford Street to explore their imaginative displays, especially at Christmas time.  Admire delightful shop windows where toys seem to come to life.  Sometimes Santa Claus is in residence at Christmas time ready to meet little ones, with a smile and a gift.

Another delightful toyshop can be found in Covent Garden. Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop is home to all kinds of traditional toys such as shadow boxes and toy theatres where you can use your imagination to tell stories of Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty and many others. There are pretty gift boxes filled with dominoes, tops, noughts and crosses and other little games, colourful kaleidoscopes, pop up toys and lots of creative 3-D pictures and models.