23 British Souvenirs From London & Where To Get Them
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Looking for authentic gifts and London souvenirs for your friends and family? Maybe a little something for yourself too?! I’ve spent a bunch of time in London in the past few years, so this post is about sharing the best London markets to get souvenirs and a few authentic British gift ideas beyond Royal Family memorabilia and double-decker London bus keychains 🚌.
For context, I’m that girl who gets a little something from everywhere I go. When I shop for gifts in London, I like to get useful things and have them be as authentic and uniquely British as possible. For example, I’ll always pick up kitchen things, British designer clothes, monogrammed hand-crafted notebooks, and thrifted books – things that I can use – over more ‘touristy’ souvenirs.
My top picks are below, but here’s here’s a quick list of what I’m talking about:
➡️ A Hat From the Oldest Hat Store In The World Lock & Co. Hatters
➡️ A traditional tea set from Wedgwood because I love tea!
➡️ Books from Hatchards and Stanfords near Covent Garden – I could spend days in London bookstores!
👉 INSIDER TIP: Be warned, London is on the pound (£), and that shit can get expensive. This is why I’ve included my top souvenir markets and souvenir gift ideas below, plus a few tips on how to shop beyond the more touristy stuff. Remember, the best souvenirs are often NOT the most expensive but rather the most meaningful.
Let’s jump into what to get, where to get it, and where to have a little wine along the way.
⭐️ My Top 5 Picks: London Souvenirs ⭐️
When you’re in London, you can get the classic little mementos – Union Jack flag, Big Ben replicas, little red double-decker bus keychains, Royal Family t-shirts, and corgi fridge magnets. Or you can be more crafty about it.
Here are my favorite authentic little London souvenirs and where to get them. I’ve included locations and a few little spots to grab a glass of wine or cup of tea after shopping nearby.
✅ A Hat From the Oldest Hat Store In The World
Lock & Co. Hatters is not only one of the oldest hat stores and an amazing shopping experience, but it’s also a super unique London souvenir that you can gift to yourself (or anyone).
✅ An English Tea Set from Wedgwood
A traditional tea set from Wedgwood is a fantastic gift (on the fancier side), especially when paired with the local Fortnum & Mason Tea, which you can purchase anywhere in London.
✅ Biscuits from Harrods (especially around Christmas!)
Harrods is famous for their beautifully packaged and delicious biscuits and coming alive at Christmas. Head on over to Harrods Food Hall for some dinner and shopping and you’ll see what I’m talking about. Pair this with some British tea, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic little London snack souvenir!
✅ London Books From Famous English Book Stores
Thrifting and buying books in London is as authentic as tea time. There are tons of bookstores around the city, but I like the vibe and variety at Hatchards and Stanfords near Covent Garden. Plus it’s right next to my favorite wine shop called Lady of the Grapes – for your reading pleasure after.
✅ Christmas Ornaments from Camden Market
From advent calendars to Christmas ornaments, you can find so many goodies in Camden Market. It’s a little gem of a neighborhood to wander around and stay in while you’re in London as well.
Best London Souvenir Markets [+Locations]
London is a big ass city made up of little towns and figuring out where to shop for souvenirs is also part of this post. While you can hit up Covent Garden and Harrods (the famous hotspots) for gifts, there are a few other markets you should check out that are more local. Markets like Camden Market, Portobello Road, and Columbia Road, where it’s an absolute joy shopping for more authentic London souvenirs!
These are the best London souvenir markets to go to. All of them are mini-day adventures with tons of local artisanal gifts – from food to clothes, from touristy things to more authentic British stuff.
🛍️ Portobello Road Market
⏰ Everyday 8’ish to 5’ish (website)
📍Google Map
Great for antiques, shopping for UK brands of clothes, and fantastic food. The Christmas Markets are especially festive, and all of London comes out. I love happy hour and dinner at Gold, recommend a reservation.
🛍️ Columbia Road Market
⏰ Sundays 8 am to 3’ish (website)
📍Google Map
This is more than just a flower market. It’s great for boutique fashion shops selling things like high-end sunglasses to flowers and home goods – great for more authentic London souvenirs. Eat at Laxeiro for lunch nearby.
🛍️ Harrod’s
⏰ Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 am – 9 pm, Sunday 11:30 am – 6 pm (website)
📍Google Map
Super iconic department store in central London that goes all out for Christmas! It’s got all the luxury brands like Dior and Burberry, a few bookstores, candy and chocolate shops, and tons of other spots to get souvenirs across multiple levels. The main floor is filled with fantastic little restaurants – reservation recommended (it gets packed) – and the basement has some pretty luxe bars you can stop in and grab a fancy drink.
🛍️ Camden Market
⏰ Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 am to late (website)
📍Google Map
Up in North London, this is a melting pot of goodies. What used to be old factories has turned into thousands of little stores, breweries, cafes, music shops, and tons of places where you can find vintage leather goods, home decor, clothes, gifts, souvenirs, etc. All in a super eclectic vibe, with little concerts and DJs playing! Honestly, spend the day here.
🛍️ Borough Market
⏰ Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm (website)
📍Google Map
In central London, the Borough Market is over 1,000 years old (wtf?!), and I love it for its artisanal meat, cheese, and baked goods – basically all the foodies need to visit this market. Because it’s an oldie and a goodie, I recommend going early to bypass the crowds.
Yummy London Food Souvenirs
I’m starting off with the food and beverage section of this post because it’s close to my heart. Also, I love snackies from around the world, and I think they make wonderful gifts and souvenirs!
1. Fortnum & Mason Tea
Before you get the tea set souvenir, you should 100% go have an English Tea Experience at the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason (reservation required).
For context, Fortnum & Mason offers a range of teas that capture the essence of British tradition. Perfect for tea lovers, teas and a whole bunch of other goodies are available at their iconic store in Piccadilly or online. I love their loose-leaf options, and have started drinking tea every night before bed – a very English wind-down routine.
2. Biscuits from Harrods (especially around Christmas!)
Harrods is famous for their beautifully packaged and delicious biscuits. Available at the Harrods Food Hall, they epitomize London’s grandeur and make for a tasty snack. Pair this with some British tea, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic little London snack souvenir!
3. Paxton & Whitfield Cheese
Why would you get someone cheese as a gift?! Hear me out! As one of London’s oldest cheesemongers, their cheese selection is perfect for gourmands. Visit their shop for a range of artisanal British cheeses.
4. Gin from a London Distillery
London’s gin is world-renowned. A bottle from a local distillery like Beefeater or Sipsmith is a genuine taste of the city’s spirit, pun intended! And I think if they pack it right, and only grab 1 or 2 bottles, you can put it in your check-in bag with no issues.
5. Cadbury Chocolate
A staple of British goodies, Cadbury chocolate is a sweet and familiar treat. Available in any supermarket, it’s a simple yet beloved taste of the UK. These chocolates are great for little stocking stuffers or a London souvenir for kiddos in the family.
6. Pimm’s No. 1 for a Pimm’s Cup
A classic British liqueur, Pimm’s is synonymous with summertime in London. Available in liquor stores, it’s perfect for creating the famous Pimm’s Cup cocktail and a great London souvenir for my craft cocktail enthusiasts.
Cheap (But Still Cute) Souvenirs From London
A lot of these London souvenirs are in the price range of £5-50, for those of you looking for a small little symbolic gift.
7. Trinket from the Harry Potter Shop at Kings Cross
For my Potter fans, the shop is located at Kings Cross Platform 9¾. You’ll likely be taking a train in and out of King’s Cross, so take the time to get a cute little London souvenir. Can you tell I’m into books? Well, so are the Britts!
8. Notting Hill Shopping Bag
Go to Portobello Road and Notting Hill and grab one of these bags in any of the stores. Even the locals shop with these!
🎁 CUTE IDEA: You can pair the bag with a copy of the movie Notting Hill. The movie is a romantic comedy from 1999, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. The film tells the story of William Thacker, a humble bookstore owner in London’s Notting Hill neighborhood, who meets and falls in love with Anna Scott, a famous American actress. The movie is celebrated for its charming portrayal of love overcoming the odds, set against the backdrop of one of London’s most picturesque areas.
9. Paddington Teddy Bear
A Paddington Bear is an excellent London souvenir as it embodies a beloved part of British children’s literature. This charming character, known for his adventures around London, especially at Paddington Station, represents a quintessential piece of the city’s cultural heritage.
Not only is it a delightful and cuddly keepsake for children, but it also serves as a nostalgic reminder of the whimsical and heartwarming stories set in the heart of London. Here’s where you can get one of the teddy bears.
10. Union Jack Socks
A pair of socks featuring the Union Jack (the United Kingdom’s national flag) is a fun, lightweight, cheap, and super cute gift. Available in clothing and souvenir shops, they’re a playful nod to British culture.
A bit of history to go along with the souvenir: the Union Jack flag is a symbol of the union of three countries: England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The term “Union Jack” has an interesting origin in the British navy, which at the time was huge and a testament to British power.
Anyway, the name “Jack” refers to a small flag flown at the head of a ship, known as a ‘jack flag’. When King James I of England unified the island, he introduced the “Union Flag” we know today to symbolize the UK. This flag was flown on all navy ships, and hence it became commonly known as the “Union Jack.” Over the years, this name stuck, even when used on land.
11. Shakespearean Quill Pen
A quill pen from a place like the Globe Theatre is a unique souvenir for romantics and Shakespeare lovers. Not only that, but heading over to the Globe Theater is a little step back into history and a great little gem of a tourist attraction.
Shakespeare used his quill pen (and probably a lot of booze along the way) to write about 37 plays. His plays are mostly tragedies, comedies, and histories, and his most famous works include “Hamlet,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Macbeth,” “Othello,” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Shakespeare’s profound influence on English literature and drama has made him one of the most celebrated playwrights in history, and guess what – he’s from London!
12. Postcards from London
Postcards are a classic, affordable way to capture London’s landmarks. Available at any souvenir shop, they’re a simple yet thoughtful London souvenir. I use them for birthday cards and to make collages and picture frame walls at home.
You can also pop into a post office in London and mail a few to people as well. From experience, they’ll likely get there in about a month, but hey, who doesn’t like receiving mail from abroad?
13. London-Themed Keychains
I know I promised authenticity, but here’s the most touristy thing you can get beyond the Union Jack socks. And to be fair, keychains of the most iconic symbols of London, like the red bus or Big Ben, are a practical and inexpensive souvenir. Find them at any tourist shop in the city.
Luxury London Souvenirs
Head on over to Regent Street and shop for all of the following London souvenirs. Alternatively, a lot of these gifts can be purchased online, and I’ve included the link for each one below.
14. Burberry Scarf
A Burberry scarf, with its classic design, is a luxurious and timeless London souvenir. Available at Burberry in SOHO, it’s a piece of iconic British fashion, and you’ll know it’s as real as it gets. A scarf is also less expensive than a lot of the other items in the store and works for both men and women. I got myself a cute Burberry perfume to go along with my scarf while I was in London, and am in love with it!
15. Barbour Jacket
A Barbour jacket is a classic piece of British outdoor fashion. Available in Barbour stores, it’s a durable and stylish gift. Here are a few reasons why this is a fantastic souvenir from London:
✔️ Royal Approval: Barbour holds three Royal Warrants from the British Royal Family, granted by Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Prince of Wales. This prestigious honor signifies the brand’s commitment to quality and its esteemed status in British society and is a favorite of Prince William and Cate Middleton.
✔️ In The Movies: The Barbour jacket made an appearance when it was worn by Daniel Craig in the James Bond movie Skyfall. So basically, this souvenir would be a Bond jacket!
✔️ Longevity and Repair Service: Barbour is known for the longevity of its products. They also offer a unique re-waxing and repair service, encouraging sustainability by extending the life of their jackets.
✔️ The Barbour Tartan: The company has its own tartan, the Barbour Tartan, which is used in lining many of their jackets. The tartan was designed by a duke, one of the ancestors of the Barbour family.
16. Liberty London Print Souvenir
Liberty London is a huge department store with tons of high-end fashion goodies. It is famous for its floral and graphic prints, like scarves or stationery, which make for iconic London souvenirs. Plus, shopping around Liberty on the famous Regent Street is a must-have thing to do while you’re in London. Just don’t blow all your money in one store!
17. Jo Malone Perfume
Jo Malone perfumes, known for their elegant scents, make a sophisticated gift. You can find them in their boutiques or department stores across London, including Liberty London.
For newbs like me, Jo Malone is a British perfume and scented candle brand known for its simple yet elegant fragrances. The brand is renowned for its concept of “Fragrance Combining,” encouraging customers to layer different scents to create their own personalized scent. Jo Malone perfumes are celebrated for their distinctive, refined scents and their chic, understated packaging, making them a staple in luxury fragrance.
18. Wedgwood China
One of my top picks for a London souvenir, Wedgwood’s fine china is a symbol of British craftsmanship, elegance, and straight-up fanciness. Their exquisite pieces are available at high-end department stores or online. They even sell Wedgwood at William-Sonoma, so you get a gist of the style.
🎁 CUTE IDEA: Pair this gift with a few flavors of Twinning English Tea.
19. Asprey Jewelry
Asprey’s luxurious jewelry symbolizes opulence and British heritage. Visit their store on Bond Street for exclusive and high-end jewelry pieces, watches, tote bags, and things like this. This is a bit out of my range, but a great gift for someone special!
20. Mulberry Handbag
Mulberry handbags are known for their quality and craftsmanship. Available at Mulberry stores, they’re a high-end fashion statement.
21. Antique Books from Cecil Court
Cecil Court is a small street famous for its antique bookstores and theaters. It’s right next to Covent Garden. A rare or vintage book from this area is a unique gift for the little nerds we all love.
22. Artwork from the Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is a contemporary and modern art museum. I think the museum is a great half-day activity for any tourist visiting London with the added perk of picking up an artsy souvenir from the gift shop.
The museum itself specifically houses a huge collection of British and international modern art from the 1900s to today. Located in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the River Thames, the Tate Modern is not only a hub for art enthusiasts but also an architectural landmark in London.
23. Royal Doulton Figurines (Collectibles)
These porcelain figurines are a classic piece of English heritage. Available in fine china stores, they’re a collectible and elegant gift. You can also get them online.
Tips For Picking Out Legit London Souvenirs
Shopping for souvenirs in London is an exciting part of traveling. Here are some practical tips to help you find unique and memorable souvenirs.
✔️ Explore Local Markets
London is famous for its vibrant markets. Check out places I’ve linked above like Camden Market, Portobello Road, and Borough Market for unique finds. These markets often have one-of-a-kind stuff that reflects the local culture.
✔️ Shop at Museum Gift Shops
London’s museums not only offer a peek into history and art but also have some of the best gift shops for souvenirs. Plus, most of the museums are free to the public! The British Museum, Tate Modern, and especially the National Gallery have a bunch of stuff from books to replicas of famous artworks to art things that make for great souvenirs from London.
✔️ Look for Authentic British Brands
For something quintessentially British, consider brands like Burberry, Barbour, or Liberty London. These might be on the pricier side, but they are a true taste of British style, and very chic. All of these brands have shops on Regent Street in London and are also online.
✔️ Obsess over British Tea and Treats
British tea makes a great souvenir. Visit stores like Fortnum & Mason or Harrods for high-quality tea and biscuits. They often come in beautifully designed tins and boxes that you almost don’t want to open. Once the gift is eaten, those little boxes become great storage for sewing kits, little trinkets, and love letters – the gift that keeps on giving!
✔️ Hit Up The Antique Shops and Bookstores
For those who love history, London’s antique shops and bookstores are unreal – literally, you can spend days thrifting books for $3-4. Areas like Cecil Court are known for their antique bookstores.
✔️ Mind the Tourist VAT (Value Added Tax)
Remember, as a tourist, you can often claim back the VAT (Value Added Tax) on larger purchases. Keep your receipts and look for the Tax-Free Shopping sign in stores. Then, when you get to the airport, go the the Tax Free Claim booth to get that money back!
✔️ Personalized Items, Street Art & Unique Prints
Look for shops that offer personalized items, like a custom-made piece of jewelry or a monogrammed leather notebook. These can be a special reminder of your trip. Also, think about buying prints or small artworks from local artists. Not only do you get a unique piece of art, but you also support the local art community. Remember, the best souvenirs are those that resonate with your personal experiences in London.
What is the UK famous for as a souvenir?
The United Kingdom is famous for a bunch of souvenirs that capture its rich culture and history. The top three souvenirs that are particularly iconic include:
➡️ Tea: The UK is renowned for its tea culture, making British tea an ideal souvenir. Brands like Twinings, Fortnum & Mason, and Yorkshire Tea have a range of flavors, are often beautifully packaged, and make for perfect gifts and souvenirs from London.
➡️ Union Jack Stuff: The Union Jack flag is a symbol instantly associated with the UK. Souvenirs featuring the flag, such as keychains, mugs, fast fashion shirts, and other trinkets, are popular, as they represent the British identity.
➡️ Scottish Tartan Products: Tartan, with its distinctive plaid pattern, is a symbol of Scottish heritage and is widely recognized around the world. Products like tartan scarves, coats, and blankets are popular souvenirs, especially those made from authentic Scottish wool. Each tartan pattern is often associated with a specific clan, making these items not only beautiful but also rich in history and tradition.
These souvenirs are not just popular for their aesthetic appeal but also for their representation of the UK’s culture and history.
What is the best souvenir to buy in the UK?
I think the best souvenirs to buy in London would be biscuits and tea from Harrod’s and Fortnum and Mason’s. If you have a bit more budget, a Burberry scarf or Barbour jacket makes for a great, wearable, useful, and quality gift.
What to ask for a gift from London?
If I was to ask for anything from the UK, mostly because I like food and fashion, it would be the same things I talk about when it comes to the best souvenirs from London. I think the best gifts to ask for would be biscuits and tea from Harrod’s and Fortnum and Mason’s, and if your person has a bit more cash to spend, a Burberry scarf or Barbour jacket as another top choice!
In Closing: Best Souvenirs To Buy in London
Some of my favorite things to get in London as a souvenir are the following:
✅ London Books From Covent Garden
Thrifting and buying books in London is as authentic as tea time. There are tons of bookstores in London, but I like the vibe and variety at Stanfords. Plus it’s right next to the iconic Covent Garden and my favorite wine shop called Lady of the Grapes – for reading after.
✅ A Trinket from the Harry Potter Shop at Kings Cross
For my Potter fans, the shop is located at Kings Cross Platform 9¾. You’ll likely be taking a train in and out of King’s Cross, so take the time to get a cute little London souvenir. Can you tell I’m into books? Well, so are the Britts!
✅ A British Tea Set from Wedgwood
A traditional tea set from Wedgwood is a fantastic gift (on the fancier side), especially when paired with the local Twinning tea, which you can purchase anywhere in London.
✅ English Antiques From Portobello Road & Notting Hill
I love staying in these neighborhoods when visiting. There are clothing and antique shops with some pretty authentic souvenirs to take home. Stop in at Gold’s for happy hour & dinner after shopping!
✅ London Christmas Ornaments from Camden Market
From advent calendars to Christmas ornaments, you can find so many goodies in Camden Market. It’s a little gem of a neighborhood to wander around and stay in while you’re in London as well.
Beyond that, check out some of the markets I’ve mentioned above and a few of the other amazing gift ideas from London. And most of all, enjoy your trip. I think hunting for a few of these London souvenirs will have you visiting most of London beyond that tourist stuff – a more authentic look into the English way of life.
