While the assortment of department stores in London will keep you plenty busy as you shop for toys, there’s even more fun to be had at the city’s famous toy shops. London is home to notable shops such as Hamleys and Benjamin Pollock’s where you’ll find a mecca of toys that is a dream come true for the kids (or the kid in you). You don’t need to venture far outside of the city to discover these amazing places that can easily fill up half a day with their departments and fun activities. Here are just a few of the key places that you need to stop by on your big toy hunt:
The Early Learning Centre
This is Britain’s top spot for educational toys, and you’ll find everything from simple puzzles to complex electronic games. The focus is on making learning fun, and it’s a popular place for teachers and educators to round up games for the classroom. You can turn your child into a young genius with the huge assortment of logic games, building blocks, and unique toys from European brands. The store in Chelsea also offers play sessions where kids can get together and take part in a few games while you shop. The Early Learning Centre in London is located at 36 King’s Road in London.
Cheeky Monkeys
This classic London toy store specializes in modern toys, creative puzzles, games, and brand name dolls. It’s a fun and whimsical shop that has become so popular that it’s now a chain. The flagship location can be found in Notting Hill, but you’ll also stumble across a few in Islington, Dulwich, Parson Green, Wandsworth, and Clapham if you venture outside of the city. It’s a great place to find some IQ-boosting toys and puzzles for any age.
Hamleys
Hamleys is a dream come true for toy enthusiasts of all ages, an emporium of toys that will leave you excited, dizzy, and definitely make you yearn for your childhood days. Six giant floors are stocked floor-to-ceiling with toys, games, and teddy bears. If you happen to be here during Christmas, one of the floors gets converted into Santa’s grotto where Santa and his elves spend their days filling orders straight from Hamleys headquarters. From classic collections to digital games, there’s something for everyone here. Hamleys is located at 188 Regent Street in Soho, London.
Science Museum Gift Shop
This is the place to let your imagination run wild, a place to quench your thirst for curiosities of the modern world and explore science with fresh eyes. The gift shop houses skeletons, puzzles, logic games, and a few interactive exhibits to keep you occupied for hours. Head here for educational books as well; the store is full of unique and quirky toys that make some terrific gifts for those hard-to-buy-for kids on your list. The toy store can be found on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, London.
Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop
If you’re a fan of classic theater, this toy store will keep you busy for a good day or two. The store is filled with nostalgic dolls, toys, puppets, and unique gifts from the 19th century. It’s a toy shop that screams olde England, and you can learn all about England’s role in the puppet industry. Make sure you try out a zoetrope for a blast from the (far) past! Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop is located at The Market in Covent Garden Piazza, London.
From classic puppets to digital toys and games, you’ll find plenty of reasons to escape back to your childhood in London. Make your way over to any of these top toy stores on your next visit for a real treat!
