What souvenirs are there in Great Britain? Shopping in England: pricing policy and product range
). What can you bring from England, besides a magnet with Kate and a mug with Elizabeth? Something moderately pop, embodying such a vague concept as “English traditions,” but at the same time pleasant and useful in the household. I'll write my options.
- Scottish cashmere in the form of a scarf, sweater, vest or blanket. Different items cost different things, but on average prices start at forty pounds. The softer and silkier the scarf, the higher the percentage of cashmere in it, and the more expensive it is.
- Scotch whiskey. I don’t understand this issue at all, so I just bought a large bottle for my dad at duty-free, guided by two principles: that it should be expensive, and that the bottle should be beautiful. At first I was strongly tempted to buy a bottle with the chic name “Monkey Shoulder”, but some guy with the face of a connoisseur and three bottles of whiskey in his basket dissuaded me from buying it. Perhaps in vain :-)
- Speaking of drinks, one cannot fail to mention Pimms: a low-alcohol cup, which is usually mixed with sliced fruit and, oddly enough, cucumbers, and is consumed with might and main on picnics and other outings. The taste is specific, but pleasant.
- "fudge". There are many variations, but they recommended fudge from the store "" - it is packaged in beautiful jars, weighs little and is really very tasty! In general, “fudge” is a type of fudge, and the taste is somewhat reminiscent of the well-known “Korovka” candies, but not so cloying and with a very pleasant spicy tint. I didn’t buy it for myself, next time I’ll correct this mistake :-)
- tea. Why not? Especially if it's packaged in a nice and silly jar shaped like a phone booth :-)
the policeman, to be honest, looks like a maniac lying in wait for a girl
- something from Cath Kidston. This is a bit of a strange store where, depending on my mood, I feel either euphoria or epilepsy. All products there are either pink/blue or in rosettes. Some things, for example, laptop cases, are very cute, but in general the prices are too high and they are too delicate for my taste.
- something from a writer’s series: books by famous Oxfordians Carroll, Tolkien, Pullman. Books alone won’t do it, there will be a lot of souvenirs too. The easiest way, of course, is with Alice, because there is even a special themed store in Oxford.
- a very strange thing called Marmite. This is a brown yeast-based paste with a pungent odor and ambiguous taste. One of those things that divides humanity into two camps: some love it, others hate it. One interesting thing: it contains a lot of B vitamins, and in the First World War it was even included in soldiers’ rations. It is either eaten by spreading a thin layer on bread, or drunk by diluting it in hot water.
- Hot water bottles. This is generally cult item in England. I’m now reading a book about the English, and the chapter about sex, for example, begins with the words: “Why do we need sex? We have hot water bottles." Jokes aside, but given the problematic weather and the absence of central heating, a hot water bottle instantly turns from a companion to rough old age into an object of youthful desire.
- After the hot water bottles, my hand is tempted to write about soap. Not simple, but made from goat's milk. It smells very tasty and foams well. And he has one more property that everyone is silent about. Cats love him. Well, okay, my cat Donut loves him. Last year, in a month he ate and licked an entire bar of such soap, after which he fell into euphoria and generally behaved, to put it mildly, strangely.
- Mint chocolate “After eight”. This is my old passion, I always ask my friend to bring it to me. It has two awesome advantages. First, it’s minty, which means it’s completely unsweetening. Second: it is impossible to eat it at once, even for a shock monster like me. So the pack lasts at least a week.
- The girls definitely need to go to the Hobbs store, because Catherine often buys her clothes there, and, frankly, the things there are not bad.
- Anything from Jamie Oliver. As the owner of two of his books, I, of course, guessed how popular he was, but so much so... In addition to the fact that his signature restaurants are open in every decent town (even at the airport there is one!), hundreds of all sorts of kitchen gadgets for his kitchen are sold everywhere. name, as well as a series of seasonings, sauces and sweets.
So, you have reached Foggy Albion, delighted with the architecture and already accustomed to driving on the left. It's time to take care of souvenirs for yourself and for those who are looking forward to seeing you at home.
Today I will tell you where to go for souvenirs and what to choose as an original English present.
Where can I buy
In general, it must be said that in the UK they are very attentive to tourists: responsive police, a clear network of signs, all kinds of promotions on tickets to museums. The souvenir industry is also developed. Especially in London, the most tourist city in the country. No need to rack your brains about what to buy as a gift. You can immediately go to specific places where you can buy souvenirs for different tastes and budgets.
Souvenir shops
Small kiosks with magnets from 3.5 EUR (3 GBP), mugs from 5.8 EUR (5 GBP) and pillows with the Union Jack flag from 17.6 EUR (15 GBP) are located on all central streets of London. The blue and red patriotic colors of the signs will catch your eye. The owners are usually Indian, and the range is full of backpacks, suitcases, cups and all sorts of small things costing from a couple of pounds sterling to 58 EUR (50 GBP).
Most products are made in China - although almost all souvenir items are now made in China. The quality of the products is not the best, but a keychain and a tin tray with a picture of London can be bought here for 5.8-11.7 EUR (5-10 GBP). You can also safely take sweatshirts with the words London, Oxford and so on. The quality varies, so does the cost: 11.7-29 EUR (10-25 GBP). I bought this dark blue one for my dad and he wears it with pleasure.
Not worth buying: tea in cans in the shape of Big Ben, a telephone booth or a policeman. Behind the beautiful packaging I discovered rare “brooms”. Tea is undoubtedly a wonderful souvenir from England, but I will tell you below where to buy it.
In general, it’s better to go straight to the two-story Cool Britannia at 225-229 Piccadilly.
Here you will find mountains of souvenirs with British symbols and London inscriptions. There are often promotions, especially for products by a certain date. Let’s say a cup with a wedding photo of Prince William and Kate Middleton worth 11.7 EUR (10 GBP) could be bought for 5.8 EUR (5 GBP) a year later, and six months later for 2.32 EUR (1.99 GBP ).
Street trays
On Piccadilly and Oxford Street you will find street stalls with scarves and umbrellas from 5.8 EUR (5 GBP), which are prudently hung in the front row when it starts to rain. Don't neglect them!
A real Cockney sold us magnets - to hear “Isn’t it quite windy today, ma’am?” on a cold April day it was so amazingly fitting. And another time, such an umbrella saved me from an August downpour. It still serves well to this day.
M&M's World
Not far from Cool Britannia at 1 Leicester Square is the M&M's World store. This is truly a whole world of funny characters: Red, Yellow, Green (she's a girl), Blue and Chocolate. It is in these primary colors that you will be greeted by souvenirs that take up as many as 4 floors.
Mugs and backpacks from 11.7 EUR (10 GBP), pajamas from 17.6 EUR (15 GBP), stationery from 4.7 EUR (4 GBP) - it’s impossible to leave here without purchasing. And if you come with children, the child will also grab headphones or laces with Red and Green, carefully hung all the way to payment. "It is very expensive!" - exclamations from English mothers are constantly heard. And I agree with them. However, I myself couldn’t resist buying a shoe bag with Zelena while standing in line at the checkout - because she’s cool!
It’s impossible to pass by the store: the familiar smell of milk chocolate can be heard a few meters from the entrance. However, after some time, inside, this smell becomes a problem: it starts to sore the throat.
There are fan zones on each floor where you can take a photo with Yellow or Blue or determine your jelly bean color. Speaking of jelly beans. You don't think there are only 5 colors, do you? I used to think exactly that, but it turns out they come in all the colors of the rainbow! Glamorous pink, elegant turquoise, emerald green, with or without peanuts... And chocolate comes not only milk, but also dark! At first you are even lost, then a childish delight appears.
The sweets are placed in tall glasses with a tap at the bottom. Buyers take the bag themselves and pour in the required amount. You have to open it carefully, as a lot of jelly beans spill out at once. And it seems that you took a little bit, but at the checkout you discover that there is more than half a kilo. A kilogram of sweets will cost 23.3 EUR (19.9 GBP), but they are amazing and worth it. Just don't forget about excess luggage!
There are ready-made boxes of chocolates in the shape of a butterfly or bottles of champagne from 9.4 EUR (8 GBP). You can also make personalized jelly beans! You can easily spend two hours in the store without even noticing. And if you are with the kids, then you can completely forget about further plans for the day.
Royal palaces
Surely, your excursion plan will include at least one of the royal palaces, and each of them has its own souvenir shop. The quality of the products will be better than in stores, but the price will also be higher.
Palaces are generally an inexhaustible source of souvenirs. Each of them reflects the theme of its inhabitants: - Princess Diana and Queen Victoria, - Anne Boleyn and the Middle Ages, and - Queen Elizabeth II (in fairness, it should be noted that the theme of Elizabeth as the reigning monarch is in each palace).
In these stores you can find:
- “favorite teas” of the Queen 12.76 EUR (11 GBP);
- umbrellas and pillows with symbols of Great Britain and antique tapestries 29-46 EUR (25-40 GBP);
- chocolates and cookies from 4.75 EUR (3.95 GBP) to 20.34 EUR (16.95 GBP);
- replica royal jewelry, including the famous sapphire ring of Princess Diana from 16.5 EUR (14 GBP) to 114 EUR (95 GBP);
- books from 1.74 EUR (1.5 GBP) and DVDs from 11.94 EUR (9.95 GBP);
- dishes from 27 EUR (23 GBP) to 82 EUR (70 GBP);
- nice little things in the form of keychains, notepads and other things from 2.39 EUR (1.99 GBP);
- teddy bears in the form of guardsmen and royal corgis from 11.7 EUR (9.99 GBP).
Agree, it’s nice to bring mint tablets in a box with heraldry or chocolate dragees in a bag with a Buckingham Palace ribbon as a gift!
These shops also have a children's section: pajamas in the uniform of guardsmen, T-shirts for princesses and knights, coloring books, books. Pajamas are distributed by age. I was wrong about the age for my nephew, but fortunately, on the larger side! Clothing costs on average 17.4 EUR (15 GBP).
Usually the store is located before the entrance to the palace, so it is not necessary to buy a ticket. There are two shops in Buckingham Palace: in the Queens Gallery, to the left of the complex, and opposite, across the road. Unlike the palace itself, the shops can be accessed all year round.
Nearby there is also a souvenir shop called Royal Mews (Royal Stables), basically repeating the assortment of its neighbors and adding horse figurines. There are as many as 5 shops on the territory of the Tower, the largest of which is located outside the castle walls and is accessible without a ticket. You can look for royal souvenirs in advance. However, one day I decided to bring earrings for a friend from Buckingham, but they disappointed me in person. Nevertheless, there are a great variety of souvenirs here and for different budgets.
It also has its own gift shop, which can be accessed from the street. The assortment partially repeats the rest of the royal places, adding local church flavor to Diana’s ring and chocolates with portraits of kings:
- candles and bookmarks with images of stained glass 5.85 EUR (5 GBP);
- DVD with recordings of the Abbey Choir 16.24 EUR (14 GBP);
- replicas of stained glass and tapestry bags, pillows 35-522 EUR (30-450 GBP).
Museums and themed shops
London museums also provide a good selection of souvenirs.
Victoria and Albert Museum
On the ground floor you can find a large store selling art books, designer scarves and painting-themed jewelry.
Museum of the Guards near Buckingham Palace and the Museum of the Royal Cavalry Guards
Sources of toy soldiers and other military souvenirs.
Sherlock Holmes Museum
World famous address 221B Baker Street and a typical London apartment spread over several floors.
Previously, the souvenir shop was located on the first floor of the museum, but due to the new round of “Sherlock mania” in the world, the store has grown and is now located next door.
There you can buy a wide variety of Sherlocks, Conan Doyle books and even the famous detective’s hat. The headdress has a very specific name - “deer hunter's hat” (or Gray Herringbone) and costs 40 EUR (34 GBP). The price is high, you probably won’t wear it yourself, but it will be suitable as a souvenir for a Holmes fan.
Harry Potter Shop
The store is located directly at King's Cross Station. It's very cramped inside, which makes you feel like you're in Crooked Lane. Uniforms of all 4 faculties (sweaters, vests, ties), pens, ink, mugs are on sale. As a bonus, near the store you will find a cart built into the wall, near which you can take a photo wearing a Harry Potter scarf. The assistant on duty nearby will give you and hold the red and yellow Gryffindor symbol while the second one takes your photo. The photo can be obtained in the store for 11 EUR (9.5 GBP). However, they will give you a scarf, even if you shoot with your camera, for free.
As a Harry Potter fan and lover of things with symbols, I have long dreamed of going to this store. However, in reality, sweaters and scarves are made from coarse, unpleasant wool and do not make you want to try them on or buy them.
There are a lot of boxes on sale with various feathers and magic wands, but it’s completely unclear which one to choose. I clearly missed Mr. Ollivander, and I didn’t want to just buy a vague souvenir for 32 EUR (27 GBP).
Christ Church College
Another point for Potter lovers is where many scenes from the saga about the young wizard were filmed. Remember the corridor with access to the courtyard, along which Harry, Ron and Hermione often walked? In fact, this is a church corridor in СChrist Church College and in the wall on the right is not the entrance to the classroom, but two doors: one to the church premises, the second to a shop where, mixed with church symbols, they sell cups, feathers and magnets with Harry and his friends.
Real university ties and sweatshirts with real college logos can be purchased in the Oxford gift shops. I still couldn’t decide which college was closer to me and whose symbols I would like to wear.
So you have the opportunity to study the souvenir row in advance and think about which Oxford college or Hogwarts house you would like to belong to.
Alice's Shop
Harrods
Harrods is an iconic place on the map of London. It is at the same time a center of attraction for both tourists and lovers of fashionable branded clothing. Opened about 200 years ago, today it is the most famous, expensive and aristocratic department store. Every day it attracts crowds of people. By the way, since 1989, face control has been introduced in the store. But don’t be alarmed, usually well-dressed people are welcome guests, and only a punk with a mohawk or a tramp can be stopped at the door. Located at 87-135 Brompton Road, in the wealthy, aristocratic area of Knightsbridge. You can get here either by metro, the exit of which is literally under the walls of the department store, or by walking from the Victoria and Albert Museum. During the day, the store building is quite inconspicuous, but in the evening it is illuminated by 11 thousand light bulbs, like GUM in Moscow.
Harrods has several floors of expensive clothing and shoe boutiques. The perfumery and cosmetics department is located on the first or, as they call it in England, on the ground floor. However, we are interested in the -1st floor, where, traditionally, the food department is located - the food hall. Here you will find tea and famous jams. English tea is worthy of a separate chapter, so I will tell you more about it below.
From the grocery department you smoothly move into the souvenir department: there will be Harrods toy bears for 8.2-41 EUR (7-35 GBP), mugs with Maltese dogs - the symbol of the store for 11.7-23.4 EUR (10-20 GBP), shopping bags (both polyethylene for 11.7 EUR (10 GBP), and quite normal ones for 23.4-41 EUR (20-35 GBP). I bought one for myself when I no longer had enough hands for gifts. Now This is the fourth year that the handbag has served me well at home.
If you come here in the fall, go up to the toy department on the 2nd floor. Christmas sales start early in England, at least from the beginning of October. And you can get truly great pleasure wandering among all these deer, balls and Christmas trees. I was stuck there for 2 hours, but I was afraid to carry the gorgeous balloons.
And, if you have already reached Harrods, at the same time take a look at the memorial to Princess Diana and Dodie and the fountain dedicated to them. Until 2010, the store was owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed, Dodi's father. He erected both monuments. The memorial is located on the -1st floor from the main entrance. The fountain is on the stairs on the opposite side of the store.
For me these are quite controversial objects. In fact, right in the middle of London, in a tourist spot, the mother of the future king is depicted with her lover. When I first visited Harrods, I was somewhat indignant about the whole thing. On the other hand, considering what strange memorials the royal family puts up for her (the Diana fountain in Hyde Park in the form of a ribbon of water, which is difficult to detect at all) and how they are reducing the number of souvenirs dedicated to her in Kensington Palace, filling it with symbols of Victoria, who, By the way, I hated Kensington, then these two monuments look like genuine works of art, made with love. Truly, everything is known by comparison!
What to buy
There are some things that are strongly associated in the head with Great Britain. For me it’s a scotch, strong tea and a volume of a good detective story.
Tartan and other Scottish delights
To get the famous tartan, you don't have to go to Edinburgh. In London there is a whole network of shops selling items made of tartan (woolen or wool blend fabric woven from different threads so that they form a checkered pattern). Previously, each pattern belonged to one of the Scottish families or the royal family. Formally, there are still designs that can only be worn by the king. However, many of them are allowed to be worn by everyone, such as the Royal Stewart - the most famous red check.
The shops are easy to spot with Cashmere signs and displays of men's kilts and tartan scarves. Sale inscriptions are very common. The cheapest store is located in Windsor, directly opposite the entrance to the Windsor Castle.
IN Lately Because of expensive rent, shops often move out, like, for example, the excellent store of two uncles on Regent Street, where, in addition to silk checkered ties, you could also buy fabrics by cut. It’s so English when you come back after six months or a year, and everyone is in their place and they even recognize you.
Below is a current list of tartan shops in London and Windsor that are absolutely spot on:
Worth buying:
- Kilt. They are quite readily used at weddings and holidays in Scotland, but I have never seen a person in a kilt in London. This Scottish skirt with 2 fasteners comes in one length for men and three lengths for women: mini (knee-length), medium (mid-length). shins) and maxi (to the floor). The average cost of a mini-kilt is 70 EUR (60 GBP) and 46.8 EUR (40 GBP) with a discount. I have 4 of these. They are comfortable, quite warm and not breathable. Of course, there is a risk that the front part will be lifted by the wind, but for this purpose a pin is included with the kilt. It weighs down the fabric and prevents it from flying up (checked!!). The back of the kilt stays in place in all weathers thanks to the pleating. I willingly wear my kilts all autumn-winter and early spring, so if you see a girl in a plaid skirt in Moscow - it might be me! Long kilts cost on average 94-106 EUR (80-90 GBP). The whole world goes with men's kilts: a pin, knee socks, a bag, but this is unlikely to be useful to us... Although the “purse” is usually quite colorful: made of genuine leather with a piece of fur.
- Checked ties. Since each clan in Scotland has its own tartan, which can differ only in one color of the stripe or the width of the stripes between the cells, the variety of things is quite large. But, again, like with Oxford sweatshirts, it’s difficult to choose a tie without knowing the background. They come in wool and silk. They cost 23.4-29 EUR (20-25 GBP). I bought myself a red Royal Stewart to go with my kilt.
- Cashmere sweaters. They are not cheap, from 70-210 EUR (60-180 GBP), but there are often discounts. In addition, they are very soft, cozy and of excellent quality.
- Children's collection.
- Stoles.
- Small souvenirs like wallets for 17.6 EUR (15 GBP).
- Berets(or tam): 3.5 EUR (3 GBP) - made in China, 35 EUR (30 GBP) - made in Scotland.
- Scarves checkered and plain. Scarves come in different sizes: from 17.6 to 147 EUR (15-125 GBP).
Be careful and read the price tags: once in Windsor I bought a lot of souvenirs for myself and my family, including a scarf for 40 pounds. He was so soft and inviting... And only on the train I saw that he cost 125 pounds! But the lamb's wool was worth it. Plus, it was from Princess Diana's collection. A memorial tartan in honor of Diana of Wales was designed by Lochcarron following her tragic death. These are two colours, pink tartan and baby blue, based on the traditional Royal Stewart tartan.
The collection includes: girls' kilts (very short and twice as expensive as regular mini ones - 140 EUR, 120 GBP), scarves, berets, eyeglass cases, wallets and stoles. All costing from 17.6 to 150 EUR (15-129 GBP). From each sale, a portion of the proceeds goes to The Diana Award, which rewards young people from 9 to 18 years old who, through their example, inspire others to change their lives for the better. Every year 20 children and teenagers celebrate.
Stores often have 2 for 1 promotions and discounts. As I already said, the cheapest in this regard is the store in Windsor. There are always sale prices for kilts and cashmere sweaters.
And don't shy away from the big bargain bin, which includes checkered fleece gloves for GBP 5 and berets for GBP 3. Gloves are simply irreplaceable in the English wind, and I’ve been wearing a thin beret for several years now, and it keeps me warm in the fall. I have a denser Edinburgh one in stock for the winter.
Books
If there is someone in your circle who is learning English, it is worth bringing him a book. Yes, yes, regular paper. Of course, they weigh a lot, but I buy 4-6 pieces each time, because they are still more pleasant to read than electronic ones. Even in progressive England there are a lot of people who read paper books. You can leaf through brand new editions with amazing color covers right on the sales floor. There are cozy chairs in which you can fall and wait out the rain.
My favorite bookstore chain across the country is Waterstone's. Not long ago I found out that the owner is Russian. In the center of London in Piccadilly there is a store with 6 floors. There is a cafe on the top floor, and on the stairs between floors you will find free toilets.
As I already said, in the halls there are sofas and armchairs in which you can sit and read. Price per volume - 9.4-14 EUR (8-12 GBP). Often there is a promotion: the second book for 50% or three books for the price of two. Very convenient and profitable.
Tea and other goodies
Well, here we come to the most famous souvenir.
Strictly speaking, tea is not the most English product. Of course, the UK has a fairly warm climate and even palm trees grow, but there are still no tea plantations here. Having conquered India and Sri Lanka, the British established the delivery of raw materials. However, simply bringing and packing leaves and sticks seemed insufficient to them, and local tea companies began adding various components. You may well find rose buds, cornflower petals, zest and other additives in tea mixtures.
Speaking of blends: every decent tea company considers it their duty to blend their next creation by a certain date. It’s not a fact that the creation will be edible, like, say, tea from Harney&Sons. In 2011, the company released Royal Wedding Tea for Prince William's wedding: white Chinese tea with rosebud petals, coconut, vanilla and almonds. A tin with vignettes was sold for 10.5 EUR (9 GBP) in all royal palaces. I also bought this one. Well, I'll tell you - rare nonsense.
There are a great variety of tea varieties in Great Britain. Basic:
- English Breakfast, Irish Breakfast - for early breakfast and lunch;
- English Tea No. 1 - for drinking tea between meals;
- English Afternoon - for the famous “five o´clock”.
After five, it is customary to drink light Darjeeling and Earl Gray with bergamot. The Strong variety stands apart: it is a very strong variety, they usually drink it with milk... And it’s really very tasty.
We have already agreed with you that we do not buy tea in cans in the shape of a red London bus and a policeman at street kiosks. We'll go to a decent place for good tea.
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- Department store Fortnum&Mason worthy of your attention regardless of whether you need tea or not. The store is over 250 years old, 150 of which it has been a supplier to the royal court. The greenish building with a clock above the entrance is located at 181 Piccadilly. If you arrive around 5 o’clock, then at exactly five the music will start and dolls in livery will come out of the boxes on the sides of the clock. The spectacle is simple, but very interesting.
The store is famous for two products: tea and baskets. It was here that people first came up with the idea of collecting picnic baskets. Queen Victoria, Jane, and Charles Dickens ordered tea from Fortnum & Mason. Inside you will be greeted by stunning crimson carpets, dark brown oak paneling and truly royal service. However, the living queen also sometimes comes here.
The tea department is located on the first floor. The pyramids of jars are simply amazing with their names: Wedding Breakfest, Quenn Anne, Strong Breakfest.... My advice: if you have no idea what is hidden under the branded turquoise wrapper, take tea not in a jar, but in a pack. It's cheaper and easier. A pack costs approximately 4.7 EUR (4 GBP), tin can - 9.4-14 EUR (8-12 GBP). Since tea is sacred to the British, every hotel room has a kettle. When you return after a walk, brew yourself one bag and figure out whether you need it at home or not. I usually go to the department store every day and grab different packs. Then I’ll keep them and buy one in a tin as a gift.
- Harrods, which I wrote about above. This is a very expensive store, but we are not interested in the latest collections, but in the food hall. The walls of the food hall are covered with 20th century mosaics. in the Art Deco style, which is strictly prohibited from changing. Here you can taste the freshest oysters, Spanish tapas or drink a cup of coffee.
Prices in the food hall are relatively affordable; they are written quite large on the wall. In this department you can meditate among the tea shelves, while stocking up on delicious jams and all kinds of chocolates. Tea prices are about the same as in Fortnum&Mason. But I would advise you to take your time and not take too much.
- And the last place to buy souvenirs: airport. In each terminal, in addition to the duty-free store, there are clothing departments and a Harrods souvenir department.
This is where I buy more tea and jams.
“Dark Victorian plum” or “bitter Sicilian orange” for 5.8 EUR (4.99 GBP) are really tasty and good both as a gift and for breakfast. There is always a 3 for the price of 2 promotion for jams. It’s profitable and you don’t have to worry about overweight, since it will be counted as hand luggage.
And, of course, bears.
Finally...
Flights- you can compare prices from all airlines and agencies!
Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !
Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!
Anything to add?
London has always surprised us with its combination of radically opposite things. The capital, where they respect traditions and the ability to behave, invites you to visit one of the famous pubs, where every tourist will meet friendly Englishmen, who can compete with representatives of Germany in the amount of beer they drink.
The majestic Big Ben, the London Eye, red double-decker buses and black cabs. There is no place for a beach holiday, but this is where you can go back several centuries and learn the true and not so true history of Foggy Albion, and hear the myths about King Arthur and Robin Hood with your mouth open.
After your adventures in London, you will want to take with you a little “fog” and London flavor; a variety of souvenirs and antiques will help you with this. So, what can and should be brought from London?
Tea
Although tea doesn't grow in England, he is considered the most main attribute English breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are shops scattered throughout London where you can buy different varieties tea.
Especially delicious tea with bergamot or jasmine, To ensure that the tea you drink leaves more than just memories, it is often packaged in various boxes with traditional symbols of England. The cost of tea starts from 1 pound sterling, the higher quality the tea, the more expensive it is.
Souvenirs
In London there is something for tourists huge selection of souvenirs: pendants, keychains, figurines, figurines and much more. Often in stores you can buy figurines of Big Ben, buses, cups, magnets, pencils, soft toys depicting the flag and other symbolic objects of London and Great Britain.
Like tea shops, souvenir shops are located throughout the city; the cost of souvenirs starts from 0.5 pounds sterling. To buy exclusive souvenirs and magnets, you need to visit the Covent Garden market.
Sweets
A large selection of sweets will delight those with a sweet tooth, especially marmalade, chocolate and cookies. The most famous English biscuit shortbread, Londoners prefer Walker's Shortbread. Finding cookies is not difficult; they are always available in supermarkets and regular shops. The price of one package starts from 1 pound sterling.
Antiques
If you are a connoisseur of old antique gizmos from your “grandmother’s chest,” then you’re in the right place for Portobello Road Market, which is located in Notting Hill.
A huge selection of paintings, chests, watches, caskets, antique dishes, mirrors and even furniture will allow you not only to choose something valuable, but also to study the history of London in more detail. Presented here goods of a wide price range, it all depends on the “age” of the souvenir, size, etc.
Sherlock Holmes
Leaving London and not visiting the museum of the famous detective is an unforgivable act. In the museum itself you can buy smoking pipes, Sherlock style caps, watches and other attributes famous hero novel by Conan Doyle. Souvenirs start from £15.
Alcohol
Famous ale, whiskey and beer can be purchased in any hypermarket, prices start from £5. Of course you can buy ale or whiskey aged for several decades and in a collectible bottle, but the price will accordingly be much higher.
Porcelain
How to drink tea from an ordinary mug? Of course, the British took care of all the nuances of tea drinking, and porcelain tea sets also Can be used as a souvenir or gift m for tourists. High-quality porcelain tableware is sold in stores Harrods and Debenhams, Pay attention to the manufacturer Royal Doulton; porcelain from this brand is popular among members of the royal family.
In addition to dishes, in stores you can find figurines and other porcelain souvenirs, reflecting true English style. Porcelain cost depends on quality, size and age. For example, an antique figurine will cost you £100, regular porcelain will cost a little less.
You can relax in winter in a variety of ways! the trip that suits you best.
If in summer you are tormented by the sultry sun of the sea coasts, then this will be an excellent option for your vacation.
Stamps
If you are a postage stamp enthusiast, each London Post Office will provide huge selection of brands, not only modern, but also exclusive. Accordingly, the cost of rare stamps will be higher than that of a regular stamp.
Shakespeare
Another bright representative of the British is Shakespeare. By visiting the Shakespeare Museum, you will get acquainted with the environment in which the writer grew up and matured, and you will also be able to purchase some souvenirs. If you want to own the original of one of the writer's works, you should visit second-hand bookstores and be prepared to pay a lot of money.
Shopping places
In London you will find a lot of wonderful shops and shopping centers where you can buy souvenirs, gifts and much more. There are several must-see places:
Even if you are not going to travel around the city in search of that very gift or souvenir, you can on the way from the hotels Before any attraction you will come across more than one souvenir shop, and while walking through the park or visiting another museum, you can buy what you like.
There is also no shortage of gift products. Cute colorful trinkets and completely functional things, truly English drinks and iconic London souvenirs. The choice of gift depends only on the imagination and financial capabilities of the tourist.
1. Umbrella from cloudy London
London and rain are synonymous concepts. Therefore, the most symbolic gift from the British capital is an umbrella. Fortunately, finding it here is not a problem. Most English umbrellas are of excellent quality and will last for many years. You can buy a handmade umbrella, made in one of the many London workshops, or an ordinary factory copy.
There will be no problems with models either - colored, plain, with a pattern, of different sizes and even shapes. You might like more souvenir options with a London theme or simple transparent umbrellas.
An English umbrella can be purchased as a gift or for personal use. And at home, under the gloomy Russian sky, remember with a smile exactly the same sky in London.
2. Famous English tea
Another symbol of the capital of Great Britain is tea. English "five-o-clock", or "five o'clock tea" known all over the world. Therefore, 99% of tourists believe that everyone should bring tea from London.
The most popular and truly English tea is the Twinings tea. The company store opened in the 18th century, and in its tasting room you can try any variety before making a purchase.
Also good feedback reserve for the products of the following companies:
- "Clipper" (from black to Ayurvedic types);
- "Yorkshire Tea" (black);
- London Fruit & Herb Co. (green, fruit and herbal);
- "The East India Co." (black, fruity and herbal);
- Harney & Sons (green and black).
In ordinary tourist shops you can buy tea leaves in interesting souvenir packaging (for example, in the form of the famous London bus or Big Ben), but such tea is often not of good quality.
3. For tea - a tea set
As a continuation of the tea theme - souvenirs in the form of cups, saucers, a milk jug or an entire tea set. Such a gift is often combined with the tea itself.
The most luxurious English teaware is produced by the Royal Doulton company. It is she who supplies sets to the royal court - excellent handmade porcelain of the highest quality. Porcelain cups from Wedgwood are also popular.
A more budget-friendly option for a tea theme is a towel for the tea ceremony. Every London home is sure to have several of these items. They are carefully selected to match the interior, and not a single ceremony is complete without a special towel, many of which are also unique and are true handmade masterpieces.
4. British chocolate
Another classic accompaniment to tea would be sweets, in particular English chocolate. Its quality is comparable to the world-famous Swiss chocolate, so it can also act as an independent souvenir for those with a sweet tooth.
In London there are many chocolate bars in souvenir colorful wrappers. Or you can buy a whole box of chocolate! It’s better to buy a weighed one at home - it’s cheaper, and the quality is often superior to bright gift samples.
5. For fans of English football
And what Englishman doesn't like football? This sports game has long been elevated to a cult here, overgrown with a mass of traditions and myths. All over the world, football fans support British clubs and watch EPL (English Premier League) games with great interest.
The three most famous London football clubs are Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. It is their paraphernalia that is usually purchased as a gift - scarves, T-shirts, autographed balls or simple keychains.
But if you are far from football, before buying such a souvenir, make sure that the club is correct. After all, fans of different teams are irreconcilable enemies. For example, it will look strange if you bring a Tottenham rose (scarf) to an Arsenal fan, because one of the favorite chants of Gunners fans is “Everyone who doesn’t like Tottenham stand up.”
6. Paddington Bear
The charming Paddington Bear often comes as a souvenir from London not only to children, but also to adults. This bear won the hearts of the whole world with his spontaneity and kindness.
Paddington is a bear cub in a blue coat and a red hat, according to the plot of the film of the same name, who arrived in the capital of Great Britain from distant Peru. He is funny, sweet and always gets into funny and unusual stories.
7. Cosmetic kits
You can bring a cosmetic set or perfume for a girl as a souvenir. It could be decorative cosmetics famous brands, organic high quality cosmetics or care products.
Special attention should be paid to interesting things for the bath and shower. In London you can find many interesting products and accessories of this kind.
English cosmetic brands you need to pay attention to:
- "ESPA" is a brand of professional cosmetics that is often used in salons;
- "Bamford" - line for bath and shower procedures;
- “Neom Luxury Organic” is a well-known brand of organic cosmetics;
- “Margaret Dabbs” - wonderful SPA products for foot care;
- "Aromatherapy Associates" - stands out for its body care products.
The purpose of travel is not some place, but new method see the surroundings. Henry Miller
Foggy Albion has long been surrounded by secrets and legends that tourists and travelers from all over the world have been trying to uncover for many centuries. Some succeed, some don’t, but everyone leaves this country of leprechauns and fairies with a lot of positive impressions and amazing gifts for family and friends.
This is how A. Maurois spoke about the soul of gifts: “A gift chosen with love is immediately recognized by the desire to guess the taste of the recipient, by the originality of the idea, by the very manner of presenting the gift.”
What things and souvenirs can you bring from England?
id="f3c165a6">From a huge number of different trinkets and more expensive gifts, offered by English retail outlets, the eyes run wide and it is very difficult to make the right choice. In order to make the task of choosing at least a little easier for our readers, below is a small list of things that convey the color and warmth of the inhabitants of Great Britain:
- Chocolate. Its cost ranges from 4-17 pounds.
- Jewelry replicas of the royal house. 14-95 lbs.
- Books. Their cost starts from 1.5 pounds. You can buy it in specialized stores, but the collection of books about Harry Potter is best purchased in a network of bookstores that sell exclusively books and souvenirs dedicated to the young wizard.
- Tapestry bags and pillows are an excellent gift for a loved one. They will be the highlight of any collection and will last for many years. Their prices range from £30 to £450.
- Silver bracelets with the image of Alice in Wonderland, as well as Christmas decorations and watches with fairy tale characters and other souvenirs. You can buy all this in the Alice's Shop theme store. The cost of trinkets is from 2 pounds, for bracelets you will have to pay 29-49 pounds, toys - 7.5-32, and watches will cost 16-45 pounds.
The following gifts from the UK deserve special attention:
Name | Description | Where can I buy | Price in pounds |
---|---|---|---|
Tea | Classic black loose leaf tea is one of the best in the whole world. Popular brands: Ridgways Tea, Taylors of Harrogate, Tetley and others | In specialized tea stores or chain supermarkets Tesco, Sainsburys | From 3.5 pounds |
Alcoholic drinks | In the first place is the incomparable Scotch and English whiskey, in the second place is ale. Most often bought The English Whiskey, Porter, Bitter and others. | Supermarket chain Tesco and Sainsburys | Whiskey from 35, ale - from 5 pounds |
Candies | England is famous for its chocolate and sweets from Great Britain will be an excellent gift. | M&M's World store and other supermarkets | Box – from 8, Kilo of loose sweets – from 20 pounds |
Cloth | From trips they bring pajamas, shirts, ties, kilts, cashmere sweaters and much more. | You can buy it in specialized stores and souvenir shops. | Pajamas - from 15, ties - 20-25, sweaters -60-180 pounds |
Umbrellas | A classic souvenir bought in the UK | On street layouts, in shops and souvenir shops | From 5 pounds |
Backpacks | Practical and durable models that meet the latest fashion trends and children's models | M&M's World and souvenir shops | From 10 pounds |
Cheeses | The most famous and popular varieties are Wensleydale, Cheshire, Caerphilly, Gloucester. | Grocery stores and supermarkets | Average price per pack £10 |
Soap and soap products | Foggy Albion is famous for its high quality personal hygiene products. Soap, shower gel and other products in this series will become a wonderful gift | Yorkshire Soap Co Company Stores | From 6 pounds |
Dishes | English porcelain has always been valued | Souvenir shops and specialty stores | £23-70 per unit. |
Teddy bears in the form of guardsmen and royal corgis | Famous soft toy loved by children and adults | Various souvenir shops | From 10 pounds |
Important! If you decide to bring home English cheeses, purchase hermetically sealed pieces; the bright aroma of the delicacy will disturb other passengers.
Cheap English souvenirs
id="be7b1622">Among the inexpensive and common souvenirs, the following deserve special attention:
- Key rings and magnets. They can be selected and purchased at any street layout. Cost - from 3 pounds.
- Pillows with the flag of England are an original and practical gift, the price of which does not exceed £15.
- Sweatshirts with themed slogans. They cost only £10-25.
- Stationery starting from £4.
Where to buy souvenirs in London?
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What should you not bring from England?
id="d51b6ec7">- From the UK you should not bring tea in cans shaped like Big Ben, a telephone booth or a valiant policeman. Hidden behind the “pictorial” packaging are low-grade products that do not deserve attention.
- Food, goods, art and antiques included in the list of prohibited items for export.
Important! Before the purchase alcoholic drinks Be sure to find out whether there are restrictions on its export from the country and do not exceed the permitted limit. The same rule applies to other things.
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