London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom. The capital of England and located on the River Thames, London is an urban metropolis with a rich history and a distinct culture that easily ranks it as one of the most important cultural and economic centers in the world. The possibilities in London are endless. As London has an abundance of sights and activities to offer, a day of exploring simply isn't enough. There are many things to see including Harrods, the Tower of London, and the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Discover incredible English attractions outside of London as well, such as iconic Stonehendge, traditional and historical English castles, and even the landscape and sights presented to the world through the Harry Potter movies. London has the potential to be one of the most fulfilling travel destinations in your life.
- It is the most populous city in the United Kingdom, with a metropolitan area of over 13 million inhabitants.
- Over 300 languages are spoken in London.
- London was once the capital of 6 countries at the same time.
- Feeding the pigeons in Trafalgar Square is illegal.
- The world's oldest underground rail network is in London.
- The quintessential double-decker buses weren't always red.
Tax-free Goods
From 1 January 2021, the UK government ended tax-free sales in airports, ports and Eurostar stations.
This means you cannot buy tax-free goods such as electronics and clothing if you are travelling to non-EU countries.
VAT refunds for overseas visitors in British shops have now been removed.
Overseas visitors can still buy items VAT-free in store and have them sent direct to overseas addresses.
Claiming VAT refunds on items you can take home in your luggage has also ended.
🚇 London Underground ("The Tube")
- Fastest way to travel across the city.
- 11 lines covering most of Greater London.
- Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper fares.
- Trains run roughly from 5 AM to midnight, with some Night Tube services on weekends.
🚌 London Buses
- Great for sightseeing and reaching areas not served by the Tube.
- Flat fare: £1.75 with Oyster/contactless.
- Many routes run 24/7, especially in central London.
🚆 National Rail & Overground
- Useful for traveling to outer boroughs or nearby cities.
- London Overground connects suburban areas.
- National Rail serves longer-distance routes.
🚲 Cycling
- Santander Cycles ("Boris Bikes") are available for rent across the city.
- Many dedicated bike lanes and scenic routes.
🚕 Taxis & Ride-Sharing
- Black cabs are iconic and can be hailed on the street.
- Uber, Bolt, and other apps are widely used.
🚶♀️ Walking
- Central London is very walkable.
- Many landmarks are close together (e.g., Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster).
🚤 River Bus (Thames Clippers)
- A scenic way to travel along the Thames.
- Stops include Greenwich, Tower Bridge, and Westminster.
🧭 Travel Tips
- Use Citymapper or Google Maps for real-time directions.
- Avoid peak hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) if possible.
- Consider a Visitor Oyster Card for convenience and savings.
The Tube
The London Underground is a rapid transit system serving Greater London and some parts of the adjacent home counties of Buckinghamshire, Essex and Hertfordshire in England.
How to Pay
Pay the transportation fee for Tube using any of these methods listed below. The cost is the same no matter which form of payment is used.
- Debit/credit card (if you have the contactless feature only)
- Google/Apple pay (if you have a apple watch, don't switch between watch and phone, or card. You will be charged on each form of payment, since the computer has no way of knowing it is the same card user.
- Oyster card - use if you have children with you. (Money must be added to the card, then pay as you go.
Always use the same form (same card, do not switch between two different payments) of payment the entire day. Example: If you use your smart phone to pay, continue using that form of payment the entire day. Do not switch to using a credit card, apple watch or something else, the barrier has no way of knowing it is you tapping out or in the rest of the day. This will eliminate extra fees which tend to be extremely high.
Using Train Station Barrier
To make a payment, tap the barrier at the beginning and end of your train ride with your form of payment. Once you hear a beep, you are good to go. The Daily cap is £8.10 for the entire day. So, to get the daily cap benefit you need to follow all the above steps. The Daily Cap is subject to change without notice.
Travel With Children
Children under 11 travel free on buses and trams. Children under 11 also travel free on Tube, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line and some National Rail services when accompanied by a fare-paying adult (up to four children per adult).
If you're travelling with children aged 11-15, buy a Visitor Oyster card before you leave home and, when you arrive in London, you can ask a member of our staff to add a Young Visitor discount to a Visitor Oyster card at:
- Most Tube stations
- Our Visitor Centres
- Victoria National Rail station ticket office
- Child must be present when adding a Young Visitor discount. This discount gives your child half adult rate pay as you go discount for up to 14 days.
💳Credit cards and contactless payments
Most credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, bars, cafes and shops in London. Although, it is advised to carry an alternative payment method with you during your visit.
Contactless payment cards are widely used in the UK, and many businesses accept them. Contactless payments are limited to £100 per transaction. Travellers can use a contactless card instead of an Oyster card on public transport in London. Google Pay and Apple Pay on phones are also accepted on Transport for London services.
Contactless payments on non-UK cards may incur an overseas transaction fee. Fees vary by card and by bank, so check with your card issuer before tapping your contactless card in London.
💰Currency
The official currency in the United Kingdom is the British Pound (£). . Make sure you have British Pounds since the usd and euros are not excepted. There is also a currency exchange office inside the terminal buildings.
💷Money
- Get the essential information on coins and currency in the UK.
- The UK currency is the pound sterling (£/GBP).
- There are 100 pennies, or pence, to the pound.
There are 100 pence (p) to the pound (£). UK banknotes come in denominations of £5, £10, £20 and £50. Coins come in 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2.
The latest on GBP to USD exchange rates: One British pound currently exchanges at a rate of 1.19 USD. To see the latest exchange rate and compare historic rates year on year, head over to our exchange rates page. Go to Xe Currency Converter - Live Exchange Rates Today
🗣️Money talks: speak like a Londoner
You will usually hear British people say "pee" rather than pence, as in 50p (50 pee). More colloquially, £1 is known as a "quid", a £5 note is a "fiver" and a £10 note a "tenner".
🏧Cash machines (ATMs)
London has lots of cash machines (also known as cashpoints or ATMs) dotted around the city. Most cash machines accept international cards, but make sure to check with your bank or card issuer before you travel.
If you have a non-UK bank account, you will almost certainly have to pay a charge when you withdraw cash. Contact your bank before travelling to find out details.
Some corner shops, small supermarkets, pubs and bars have cash machines, but these often charge a fee for a transaction. If the cash machine charges a fee, it will tell you what the fee is and give you the opportunity to cancel the transaction before you're charged.
😀Tipping
- It is customary to leave 10 to 15% of the bill as tip when eating out, though some restaurants add on a service charge instead.
- In London hotels, people often tip porters.
- It is polite to round up your taxi fare to the nearest pound for black cabs and licensed minicabs.
Tipping is appreciated but not always appropriate in London. There are some situations where it is customary, for example in restaurants. However, tips in the UK are discretionary and depend on the quality of the service you receive.
😊Tipping in London's restaurants
It is customary to leave 10 to 15% of the bill when eating out. However, restaurants often add on a service charge (usually 12.5%), especially if you're in a large group, so it's worth checking your bill if you don't want to tip twice.
It's not customary to pay a tip (or gratuities) for fast food, self-service or takeaway meals.
Many contactless or chip and pin payment machines have an option to add on a tip so you do not have to leave it in cash.
Top tip: Although restaurants (and other businesses) should make their policy clear, it's worth checking with your waiter that they will personally receive your tip rather than the company – particularly if you're paying by credit card.
🙂Tipping in bars and pubs
People generally do not tip in bars and pubs in London. Bartenders sometimes hand back change on a tipping tray, although it's still up to you to choose to leave a tip.
😆 Tipping in London hotels
If there's no service charge added to your bill in a hotel restaurant, it's customary to tip as for any other restaurant (10 to 15% of the bill).
For room cleaning staff, you can leave an amount of your choosing on departure. Tips in the UK for other hotel staff such as concierges and door staff are discretionary and are most commonplace for porters.
There’s a saying in England, “There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” Since the weather in London is so unpredictable, make sure you bring an umbrella and jacket that fits the season you will be traveling.
Each season in London showcases the city in a different way. The city blossoms with flowers as a sign of spring. Summer is full of longer days as the sun shows its face from time to time to give a little sunshine, while rich hues of orange, red and yellow make autumn irresistible. When winter approches, the city’s streets and parks light up in a festive display.
Spring (March - May)
As London transitions from winter to spring, the weather can vary from warm and sunny to cold and rainy. On average, daily highs range from 53°F (12°C) to 64°F (18°C) with lows between 43°F (6°C) and 55°F (13°C). When packing for a trip to London in the spring, bring a warm jacket and some layers so you can easily adapt to the changing weather.
Summer (June - August)
Summers in London are generally mild and pleasant, but not without occasional rain showers. Day are long with high temperatures around 70°F (21°C) to 73°F (23°C) degrees and lows around 59°F (15°C). While you can leave the winter wear at home, we recommend packing a light jacket or sweater for chilly summer evenings.
Autumn (September - November)
Warm summer weather usually lasts through September before the temperatures begin to drop sharply in October. Expect highs ranging from 68°F (20°C) down to 53°F (12°C), with lows around 50°F (10°C). Autumn is usually London’s rainiest season, so be prepared for wet weather!
Winter (December - February)
Winters in London are characterized by cold and often rainy weather. The average high between December and February is 48°F (9°C) and the average low is 41°F (5°C). However, freezing temperatures are not uncommon and snow is not unheard of. Be sure to pack a winter coat along with a hat, gloves a
London is generally a safe city for travelers, but like any major urban area, it’s important to stay alert and take sensible precautions. Here's a comprehensive overview of the current safety situation and practical tips to help you stay safe while visiting:
🛡️ Current Safety Situation in London
- Overall Crime Rate: London has seen a 6% decrease in overall crime rates recently 1. Theft is the most common crime, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
- Public Perception: About 75% of residents feel safe in their neighborhoods, particularly in tourist-heavy zones where police presence is stronger 1.
- Travel Advisory: The U.S. State Department currently lists London under a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory 1.
- Public Transport: London’s transport system is considered one of the safest in the world, though pickpocketing can occur in busy stations 1.
Top Safety Tips for Travelers
🏨 Hotel Safety
- Choose hotels with good reviews and security.
- Use the hotel safe for valuables.
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, cards, etc.) in a separate location
🚶♀️ Out and About
- Avoid displaying valuables like phones or cameras.
- Use a money belt or secure bag.
- Be cautious at ATMs—shield your PIN and check for tampering.
- Only buy tickets from official sources, not street vendors
🚖 Transport Safety
- Use licensed taxis or official minicabs.
- Avoid walking alone at night; stick to well-lit main roads.
- Be mindful of traffic—cars drive on the left in the UK
🍸 Bars & Restaurants
- Keep bags under the table or clipped to your chair.
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers.
- Be cautious in venues that seem suspicious or overly expensive
📱 Personal Belongings
- Never leave bags unattended.
- Keep electronics out of sight when not in use.
- Record serial numbers of devices in case of theft
🚨 Emergency Contacts
- Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Call 999 or 112
- Non-Emergency Police: Call 101
- Consider downloading the citizenAID app for incident guidance
Sightseeing in London offers a rich mix of iconic landmarks, historic sites, and hidden gems. Here's a curated guide to help you explore the city, whether it's your first visit or you're looking to go deeper:
🏰 Must-See Landmarks
These are the classics that define London:
- Tower of London – Explore centuries of history and see the Crown Jewels.
- Westminster Abbey – A stunning Gothic church and site of royal coronations.
- Big Ben & Houses of Parliament – Iconic architecture on the Thames.
- Buckingham Palace – Catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral – Climb to the Whispering Gallery for panoramic views.
🖼️ Museums & Galleries (Mostly Free!)
- British Museum – Home to the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.
- Tate Modern – Contemporary art in a converted power station.
- Victoria & Albert Museum – Design, fashion, and decorative arts.
- Natural History Museum – Dinosaurs, gems, and interactive exhibits.
🌉 Scenic Spots & Views
- Sky Garden – Free indoor garden with skyline views (book ahead).
- Primrose Hill – A peaceful park with one of the best views of London.
- Greenwich Park – Stand on the Prime Meridian and enjoy river views.
- Tower Bridge Walkway – Glass floors over the Thames!
🚶♀️ Walking Tours & Neighborhoods
- South Bank Walk – From London Eye to Tower Bridge, full of street performers and riverside cafes.
- Notting Hill – Colorful houses, Portobello Road Market, and charming streets.
- Shoreditch – Street art, indie shops, and vibrant nightlife.
- Covent Garden – Markets, performers, and boutique shopping.
🚇 Unique Experiences
- Ride the Tube – Try the Bakerloo or Jubilee lines for scenic underground travel.
- Take a Thames Clipper – A commuter boat with great views.
- Visit Camden Market – Eclectic stalls, food, and canal walks.
- Explore Hampstead Heath – Wild nature and city views from Parliament Hill.
London has so much more to offer beyond the typical tourist spots like Buckingham Palace and the London Eye. Here are some off-the-beaten-path activities that can give you a more unique and local experience:
🌿 Nature & Outdoors
- Epping Forest – A vast ancient woodland perfect for hiking, cycling, or even horseback riding.
- Thames Path Walks – Explore lesser-known stretches of the river, like Richmond to Hampton Court.
- Kyoto Garden in Holland Park – A peaceful Japanese garden tucked away in West London.
🏛️ Hidden History & Culture
- Wilton’s Music Hall – The world’s oldest surviving music hall, offering quirky performances in a historic setting.
- The Seven Noses of Soho – A scavenger hunt for sculpted noses hidden around Soho by artist Rick Buckley.
- Dennis Severs’ House – A time capsule experience in Spitalfields that immerses you in 18th-century life.
🎨 Art & Creativity
- God’s Own Junkyard – A neon wonderland of signs and art in Walthamstow.
- Leighton House Museum – A stunning Victorian house filled with Middle Eastern and classical art.
- Street Art Tours in Shoreditch – Discover ever-changing murals and graffiti by world-renowned artists.
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Maltby Street Market – A smaller, more local alternative to Borough Market with amazing street food.
- Little Venice – Enjoy canal-side cafes and boat rides away from the crowds.
- Secret Bars – Try speakeasies like Cahoots (1940s tube station theme) or The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town (hidden behind a fridge).
🕵️♀️ Unusual Experiences
- Escape Rooms in Historic Buildings – Like the ones set in old prisons or Victorian houses.
- Highgate Cemetery Tour – Explore the resting place of Karl Marx and other notable figures in a hauntingly beautiful setting.
- The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities – A bizarre and fascinating collection of oddit
London makes a great base for day trips since so many historic towns, castles, and countryside spots are just a short train or coach ride away. Here are some of the best options:
🌟 Historic & Iconic Cities
Oxford – Famous for its prestigious university, stunning colleges, and charming old streets. You can tour the Bodleian Library, Christ Church College (a Harry Potter filming site), and enjoy punting on the river.
Cambridge – Another world-class university town with beautiful college courtyards, the River Cam (perfect for punting), and a relaxed academic vibe.
Bath – Known for Roman Baths, Georgian architecture, and the stunning Bath Abbey. The whole city is UNESCO-listed.
Canterbury – A medieval gem with the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, quaint cobbled streets, and literary history.
🏰 Castles & Palaces
Windsor – Just under an hour from London, home to Windsor Castle, the world’s largest and oldest inhabited castle and a favorite royal residence.
Leeds Castle (Kent) – A fairytale-like castle surrounded by a moat, often called the “loveliest castle in the world.”
Hampton Court Palace – Once Henry VIII’s royal residence, with stunning Tudor kitchens, gardens, and a famous hedge maze.
🌳 Countryside & Scenic Escapes
The Cotswolds – Charming villages with honey-colored stone cottages, rolling hills, and traditional English pubs.
Stratford-upon-Avon – Birthplace of Shakespeare, full of half-timbered houses and theatres.
The New Forest – A peaceful national park with wild ponies, cycling paths, and quaint villages.
⚔️ History & Mysteries
Stonehenge – The world-famous prehistoric stone circle, often paired with a visit to Salisbury Cathedral.
Warwick Castle – A medieval fortress turned interactive attraction with jousting shows and dungeons.
🌊 Coastal Getaways
Brighton – A lively seaside town with a pebble beach, colorful pier, and the exotic Royal Pavilion.
Whitstable – A small coastal town known for oysters, seafood, and a relaxed beach vibe.
🚆 Most of these are 1–2 hours from London by train, making them very doable in a single day.
London is a treasure trove for unique and meaningful souvenirs. Whether you're shopping for yourself or gifts for others, here are some of the best things to buy in London—from classic British staples to quirky finds you won’t get anywhere else:
🫖 Food & Drink
- Tea from Twinings or Fortnum & Mason – Twinings’ shop on the Strand is the oldest tea shop in London, while Fortnum & Mason offers luxurious blends like Royal Blend and Countess Grey
- Biscuits from Biscuiteers – Hand-iced, London-themed biscuits that can be personalized
- British Chocolates – Try Prestat truffles (favored by royalty) or stock up on Cadbury and Hotel Chocolat treats
- London Dry Gin – Sipsmith, Beefeater, and Kew Organic are top picks. Visit a distillery or shop at Waitrose or Gerry’s Wines.
- Cheese from Paxton & Whitfield – The UK’s oldest cheesemonger, dating back to 1797.
👗 Fashion & Accessories
- Liberty London Scarves & Prints – Iconic floral designs and high-quality accessories
- Savile Row Tailoring – Bespoke suits or accessories like cufflinks and ties
- Umbrellas from James Smith & Sons – Handmade and historic, perfect for London’s weather
- Hats from Lock & Co. Hatters – The world’s oldest hat shop, worn by Churchill and Wilde
- British Outerwear – Brands like Barbour, Joules, or a classic Burberry trench
🎨 Art & Collectibles
- London Transport Museum Posters – Vintage Underground prints and themed gifts
- Street Art from Local Artists – Found in markets like Spitalfields, Borough, and Covent Garden
- Antiquarian Maps from Cecil Court – A unique gift for history lovers
- Miniature Theatre Pop-Ups from Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop – A whimsical and theatrical keepsake
🎁 Quirky & Fun Souvenirs
- London-Themed Christmas Ornaments – Available at museum shops and historic sites
- Royal Memorabilia – Bobbleheads, plates, and keychains from Westminster Abbey’s shop
- Beatles Memorabilia – Especially from the Abbey Road shop
- Oyster Card – A practical and symbolic souvenir of your London travels
London is a vintage shopper’s dream, with markets offering everything from retro fashion to antique homeware. Here are some of the top vintage markets to explore:
🧥 Brick Lane Vintage Market – East London
- Vibe: Edgy, eclectic, and full of character.
- What You’ll Find: Clothing from the 1920s to 1990s, accessories, vinyl records, and quirky collectibles.
- Why Go: It's a hotspot for fashion lovers and creatives, with a buzzing atmosphere every day
🛍️ Portobello Road Market – Notting Hill
- Vibe: Iconic and bustling.
- What You’ll Find: Antiques, vintage cameras, jewelry, homeware, and fashion.
- Why Go: One of the world’s most famous vintage markets, especially vibrant on Saturdays
🪑 Alfies Antique Market – Lisson Grove
- Vibe: Upscale and curated.
- What You’ll Find: 20th-century garments, furniture, and collectibles.
- Why Go: A five-story art deco building with over 75 dealers and a rooftop café
🧵 Camden Passage Market – Islington
- Vibe: Quaint and charming.
- What You’ll Find: Vintage clothes, jewelry, books, and homeware.
- Why Go: Cobblestone streets and a lively vibe make it perfect for a relaxed shopping day
🧸 Haynes Lane Market – Crystal Palace
- Vibe: Hidden gem.
- What You’ll Find: Vintage furniture, kitchenware, jewelry, and handmade goods.
- Why Go: Tucked away in a warehouse-style space, it’s a treasure trove for unique finds
🧳 Old Spitalfields Market – Shoreditch
- Vibe: Trendy and diverse.
- What You’ll Find: Vintage fashion, antiques, and designer pop-ups.
- Why Go: Thursdays are best for antiques; plus, it’s surrounded by cool shops and eateries
London is a fantastic city for food lovers, offering everything from traditional British fare to global cuisine. Here’s a guide to must-try foods while you're in London:
Classic British Dishes
Fish and Chips
- Best enjoyed at a local pub or a specialty shop like Poppies in Spitalfields or The Golden Hind in Marylebone.
Full English Breakfast
- Includes eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast. Try it at Regency Café or The Breakfast Club.
Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding
- A traditional meal served in pubs on Sundays, featuring roasted meat, potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.
Pie and Mash
- Often served with parsley liquor (green sauce) and jellied eels in East London.
Bangers and Mash
- Sausages with mashed potatoes and onion gravy—comfort food at its finest.
🫖 Afternoon Tea
- A quintessential London experience. Try it at:
- Claridge’s – Elegant and classic.
- Sketch – Artistic and Instagram-worthy.
- Fortnum & Mason – Traditional with a luxurious twist.
🌍 International Flavors
London’s diversity shines through its food:
- Indian Curry – Brick Lane is famous for its curry houses.
- Middle Eastern Mezze – Try Ottolenghi or Honey & Co.
- Chinese Dim Sum – Head to Chinatown or Royal China in Baker Street.
- West African Jollof Rice – Found in Peckham or Brixton.
- Caribbean Jerk Chicken – Try Rudie’s or Cottons.
🧁 Sweet Treats
- Sticky Toffee Pudding – Rich and indulgent, often served with custard.
- Eton Mess – Strawberries, meringue, and whipped cream.
- Victoria Sponge Cake – A light sponge with jam and cream.
- Custard Tarts from Borough Market – Especially the Portuguese-style ones.
🧀 Cheese & Snacks
- British Cheeses – Try Stilton, Red Leicester, or Cornish Yarg from Neal’s Yard Dairy.
- Scotch Eggs – A boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat and breadcrumbs.
- Crisps (Potato Chips) – British brands like Walkers offer unique flavors like prawn cocktail or roast chicken.
In London, when you hear the term "black sausage", it's almost certainly referring to black pudding, a traditional British blood sausage.
🧄 What Is Black Pudding?
Black pudding is made from:
- Pork or beef blood
- Fat or suet
- Cereal grains like oatmeal, oat groats, or barley
- Herbs and spices such as thyme, marjoram, mint, and sometimes pennyroyal
It’s already cooked when sold, but typically fried or grilled before serving. It’s a staple in a full English breakfast, often served alongside eggs, bacon, beans, and toast.
🧠 Taste & Texture
- Flavor: Earthy, savory, slightly spicy depending on the seasoning.
- Texture: Firm but crumbly, with a rich and meaty bite.
- Not sweet: Despite the name “pudding,” it’s salty and savory
🥇 Where to Try It in London
You can find black pudding at:
- Traditional pubs and cafés serving full English breakfasts.
- Butchers and food halls like Harrods, which reportedly sold the same black pudding Queen Elizabeth enjoyed
- Chip shops, where it’s sometimes battered and deep-fried with malt vinegar.
🥣 Fun Fact
Black pudding has been called a superfood due to its high iron and protein content, though it’s also high in saturated fat
London is a treasure trove of vibrant markets where you can shop, eat, and soak in the city's unique atmosphere. Here are some of the best markets in London for both shopping and dining:
🧀 Borough Market – London Bridge
- What to Expect: London's most iconic food market, offering artisan cheeses, fresh bread, meats, seafood, and international street food.
- Why Visit: It's a foodie paradise with a rich history dating back to the 11th century. Great for gourmet ingredients and ready-to-eat meals
🎭 Covent Garden Market – Central London
- What to Expect: A mix of arts & crafts, antiques, fashion, and live street performances.
- Why Visit: Multiple markets in one (Apple Market, Jubilee Market), plus charming shops and eateries all around
🌸 Columbia Road Flower Market – Bethnal Green
- What to Expect: A Sunday-only flower market with vibrant blooms, herbs, and plants.
- Why Visit: Instagram-worthy and surrounded by indie shops and cafés
🎸 Camden Market – Camden Town
- What to Expect: A bohemian mix of vintage fashion, handmade goods, and global street food.
- Why Visit: A cultural hotspot with multiple market sections like Camden Lock and Stables Market
Here are some of the best places to buy British tea in London, whether you're looking for a luxurious gift, a unique blend, or a classic English Breakfast:
🏛️ Historic & Iconic Tea Shops
Twinings (The Strand)
- Address: 216 Strand, WC2R 1AP
- One of the oldest tea shops in the world (since 1706), with a mini museum and a wide range of classic and exotic blends1.
Fortnum & Mason (Piccadilly)
- Address: 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER
- A luxurious department store known for its beautifully packaged teas like Royal Blend and Countess Grey
The East India Company (Mayfair)
- Address: 7-8 Conduit Street, W1S 2XF
- Offers rare and premium teas with a rich colonial history, beautifully presented
🍵 Boutique & Artisan Tea Shops
Postcard Teas (Mayfair)
- Address: 9 Dering Street, W1S 1AG
- Specializes in small-batch teas from farms under 15 acres. Try their London Rose blend
Good & Proper Tea (Leather Lane)
- Address: 96A Leather Lane, EC1N 7TX
- Known for its modern tea bar and creative blends like hibiscus & rose hip
Bird & Blend Tea Co. (Borough & Angel)
- Address: 7 Park Street, SE1 9AB & 26 Camden Passage, N1 8ED
- Offers fun and quirky blends like Eton Mess and Maple Bacon Pancakes
🛍️ Department Stores & Chains
Whittard of Chelsea (Multiple Locations)
- Popular Spot: Covent Garden Market
- A classic British brand with a huge variety of teas, hot chocolates, and gift sets
Harrods (Knightsbridge)
- Address: 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL
- Offers exclusive blends and elegant tea gift boxes
🧭 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
The Tea House (Covent Garden)
- Address: 15 Neal Street, WC2H 9PU
- Over 100 varieties of tea and fun accessories like novelty teapots
London Tea Exchange (Brick Lane)
- Address: 103 Brick Lane, E1 6SE
- Home to over 800 teas from 43 countries, with a relaxing tea lounge atmosphere