Best Toy Shops of London

Any round-up of London’s toy shops could begin and end with Hamleys. Arguably the world’s most famous toy shop, a visit to this huge Regent Street store won't leave you disappointed, whether you’re 5 or 85. Founded in 1760 as a small toyshop, Hamleys moved to its present location in Regent Street in 1881. Spread over seven floors, Hamleys is devoted to all things fun: there are areas just for girls or boys, babies, soft toys, and various live performances by magicians and puppeteers. Both King George V and Queen Elizabeth II have awarded it royal warrants over its 250-year existence. Even the nurseries and playrooms of the Queen and her children have been stocked from this extraordinary shop.

The Disney Store on Oxford Street is the largest in Europe. Its glass store front contains a 267ft high Princess Castle with an animated clock, where Princesses make appearances in windows and Tinkerbell flies across the walls throughout the day. Mickey and Donald Sentries guard the store and lots of other magical things happen inside.

Sylvanian Families' official London shop in Highbury, North London, stocks an amazing array of Sylvanian Families toys, including cute creatures, buildings, furniture, vehicles and more. You'll find the full UK range, plus discontinued lines and items imported from Japan and America.

Toyshop Honeyjam takes its name from those of its founders; model Jasmin "Jam" Guinness and Honey Bowdrey. The shop, located just off Portobello Road, sells quirky and traditional toys, with fairtrade and eco-friendly toys sharing shelf space with retro and vintage favourites.

Benjamin Pollock's Toyshop was established in London's Hoxton back in 1856. The shop moved to Covent Garden in 1980 and today still sells the same paper toy theatres it always has. You can also find marionettes, glove puppets and other traditional toys with a theatrical theme.