Best Souvenirs from London: What to Buy in England

Are you looking for the best souvenirs from London? Are you wondering which souvenirs from England are worth bringing home with you? 

If you’re lucky enough to visit London, of course you’ll want to take home the best English souvenirs to help you remember your trip! 

Whether you’d like British souvenirs to commemorate royal traditions, afternoon tea, literary talents, or architectural charm of London and small English villages, you’ll find the perfect souvenir on this list!

After all, a good souvenir from your trip to London should bring back memories of exploring this fantastic city. And whether this is your first adventure in England, or one of many visits, souvenir shopping is a fun part of travel!

Perhaps you’re looking for the a tangible piece of England to take home with you or just the right gift from London for a friend or family member at home. Either way, you’re sure to find the perfect British keepsake that will help keep your travel memories in mind after your return home. 

Here’s a list of the best London souvenirs to shop for!

Quintessentially British Souvenirs

1. London Icons

There are certain items that are just so British, everyone who sees them will know exactly where you’d been. If you want a fun (and maybe slightly kitsch) souvenir from London or the UK, look for souvenirs with any of these unique images. You’ll find these iconic London images on posters, mugs, sweatshirts, key chain, pin, earrings, egg cups, salt and pepper shakers, tea pots, and more!

• The Union Jack, the British flag
• A red telephone box
• The Tower of London
• Big Ben
• Tower Bridge
• Beefeaters
• Buckingham Palace

2. Royal Memorabilia

No other country’s royal family captures the world’s attention like the British Royal Family. And if you’re looking for royal family souvenirs, you’ll find plenty of commemorative plates, tea towels, pillboxes, and figurines.

You’ll find loads of books about present-day royals and their historic ancestors, if you’d like to know more or have trouble keeping track of all the King Henrys. 

3. London Underground

The intricate and efficient London Underground is a marvel. For London commuters and tourists alike, the Underground gets you where you need to go. Look for postcards and T-shirts with the classic map of Underground Station. 

You’ll also find loads of merchandise with the famous warning, “Mind the gap” as well as the Underground logo. The absolute best selection is at the London Transport Museum.

4. Double-decker buses

You’ll find these iconic busses on souvenirs in every tourist shop. Toy-sized versions make fun unique London souvenirs. (Again, the London Transport Museum is a great place to shop!)

5. Football souvenirs

If you’re a football fan, you’ll be able to buy loads of football-themed souvenirs, like soccer shirts, mugs, football flags, and memorabilia for teams in the English Football League. Keep in mind that official football shirts are pricey!

6. The Beatles

If you’re a Beatles fan, you’ll find vintage posters, T-shirts, keychains, books, vinyl records, and loads more Beatles memorabilia available for purchase. The London Beatles Store is the perfect place to find Beatles souvenirs.

Homegoods as Souvenirs

7. Tea towels

You’ll find a fantastic selection of tea towels throughout England and in London. Choose from pop art prints of double-decker buses and gorgeous reproductions of great artwork. 

I love tea towels as souvenirs because they’re inexpensive and lightweight, and I use them every day. 

8. Teapots

A teapot really is a classic British souvenir, since tea is such an important part of the culture. 

9. Teacups 

No room for a teapot? Pack a delicate cup and saucer or a robust mug instead. 

10. Tote bags

You’ll find that most Brits, including Londoners, always have a shopping bag with them. In almost any store, you’ll find a selection of attractive totes.

Why not buy a tote to use in London, then bring it home with you?

Clothing, Fashion, and Textile Souvenirs

11. Enamel Pins

Small enamel pin badges are an inexpensive and easy to pack souvenir. The classic pins feature London images like a red telephone booth, a double-decker bus, a cup of tea, or London Bridge. 

If you need to buy small tokens for a lot of people back home, enamel pins are a great choice!

12. T-shirts

Is there a more perfect souvenir than a T-shirt? Look for T-shirts with the Union Jack, double-decker busses, red phone booths, or Tube maps. 

13.Liberty Prints

Liberty London is well known for its instantly recognizable prints. You can buy scarves, clothing, watches, or ties.

You can also choose gifts (for yourself or others–I’m not judging) like candles, mugs, puzzles, or totes, or purchase Liberty fabrics and wallpaper. 

14. Tweed and Tartan

For classic vintage English style, look for tweed and tartan clothing. Buy a tartan scarf and a tweed flat cap, and you’ll be set for any cold days ahead. 

15. Umbrellas and Walking Sticks

Simply part of London life, brollies and walking canes are both fashion accessory and useful necessity. Take this practical English style home with you by choosing a brolly or walking stick with London flair.

Shop James Smith & Sons (on New Oxford Street) for top quality goods, or find less expensive versions at souvenir stands. 

16. British Brands

Head to Regents Street and start shopping! You can’t go wrong with these brands, available in boutiques and high-end department stores: 

• Burberry
• Hunter
• Barbour
• Gieves & Hawkes
• Really Wild Clothing
• Pringle of Scotland
• Stella McCartney
• Cath Kidson

Art and Design

17. Pottery

Select a meaningful souvenir made with British craftsmanship that you can use every day. You’ll find English classics like Wedgwood, as well as plenty of handmade local pottery to choose from. 

18. Jewelry

What better to remember your trip to England than a piece of jewelry.

You might choose something decorated with a symbol of London, fine jewelry with intricate designs, or a unique handmade necklace or ring that will forever remind you of your trip. 

19. Artwork

For an English souvenir that you’ll treasure forever, purchase an original painting, print, or sculpture that captures the beauty of England’s landscapes, architecture, or culture.

At artisan markets, craft fairs, and art galleries across England and in London, you’ll find unique gifts that exemplify the talent and creativity that abound in England. 

Locally made, unique art will be a meaningful souvenir from England for you, and your purchase will help support a local artist. 

20. Puzzles

Choose a puzzle that features a London landmark or the English countryside. Puzzles make great souvenir gifts for friends, petsitters, or kids. 

Skincare and Beauty Souvenirs

21. Jo Malone fragrance

I brought Jo Malone perfume home as gifts from my last trip to London, and it was a hit with the lucky recipients. (I chose English Pear and Freesia and Mimosa & Cardamom.)

Treat yourself to Jo Malone’s luscious natural scents. You can buy the perfume in the duty-free shop on your way home!

22. Soapsmith

Some of Soapsmith scents are inspired by different London neighborhoods, like Brick Lane and Camden, making them the perfect souvenir!

23. Lush

Visit Lush Oxford Street for an immersive brand experience!

24. Charlotte Tilbury

Treat yourself to a visit to the Beauty Boudoir at Charlotte Tilbury’s Covent Garden flagship store for an epic makeover!

British Food Souvenirs

25. Tea

The English love tea. Traditional afternoon tea and high tea are staples of English life, and it’s no coincidence that tea is at the heart of both rituals. 

You can buy tea everywhere in England. You’ll have two basic options: 

Tea bags

If you buy tea basin a grocery store, you’ll find builder’s brew like PG Tips or Yorkshire tea. These teabags make a strong cup of tea, which is usually served with milk and sugar. 

You can also buy tea bags featuring more delicate brews at tea shops around London.

Loose leaf tea

Loose tea leaves yield a more refined beverage and are usually brewed in a teapot. You’ll find a huge selection of types and flavors of loose leaf tea leaves.

Treat yourself to tea from Fortnum & Mason, Twinings, the London Tea Exchange, or any small tea shop. I think tea is one of the best London souvenirs!

26. Biscuits

A necessary complement to tea, English biscuits are a delicious souvenir to enjoy upon your return home.

You can purchase gourmet biscuits from bakeries around London. If you choose to get your teatime treats at the grocery store, I recommend McVitie’s Digestives and Jaffa Cakes and Boland’s Chocolate Kimberleys. 

27. Cookbooks

If you’d prefer to make your biscuits fresh at home, or you’d like to master English scones, cookbooks make a wonderful English souvenir. 

28. Cadbury Chocolate

The famous Dairy Milk bar was introduced in 1905, and Cadbury Chocolate has been a favorite across Britain (and beyond) ever since. 

In England, you’ll find many more flavors and variations than in the US. Take advantage of the opportunity and buy lots. Cadbury Chocolate is easy to find in any grocery or at the airport as a last-minute souvenir. 

29. Whittard Hot Chocolate

If you need more chocolate in your life, try the rich luxury of Whittard Hot Chocolate. You can purchase a Whittard’s gift set in a souvenir box, perfect for gifting. (But you might want to get one for yourself too.)

30. Hotel Chocolat

If you need another brand of British chocolates to try, head to Hotel Chocolat. You’ll find chocolates, hot chocolate, and absolutely gorgeous (and delicious) chocolate gifts sets. 

31. Marmite

Made from yeast extract, salt, vegetables, and seasonings, Marmite is known for being high in B vitamins. Spread Marmite thinly over buttered toast and see if you love it or hate it!

32. Mince Pies

A classic English food, mincemeat pies are delicious (and actually contain no meat). You can find plenty of pre-made options that are packaged and ready to travel. 

33. Gin

England, and London in particular, is known for gin. You’ll find dozens of varieties from local gin distilleries that you can pack away in checked luggage. Or buy recognized brands in the Duty-Free shop at the airport on your way home. 

34. Wine

The UK produces some excellent English sparkling wines. Pick up a bottle from a local producer.

35. Beer

You can bring a bottle of English ale, lager, or porter home with you. Choose beer from a craft brewery that you’d be unlikely to find in the US.

36. Orange Marmalade and Lemon Curd

Staples of an English breakfast, orange marmalade and lemon curd will let you bring the flavors of England home with you. 

37. English cheeses

You’ll find many locally made (as well as commercially produced) cheeses to enjoy in England. Perhaps the best selection at London is at Borough Market.

Before buying any to take home, carefully read your country’s customs regulations related to dairy products. 

Literary Heritage Souvenirs

38. Classic books

With so much literary history and literary landmarks, it’s easy to find souvenirs that reflect the significance of English literature. 

Visit independent bookstores and antiquarian shops to find beautifully bound editions of classic English novels. 

39. New literature

Stop by an independent bookshop or any Waterstones and find newly released British novels. If you’re American, be sure to pick up a copy of your favorite author’s new release and note how it differs from the US edition. 

40. Literary-themed merchandise

You’ll find T-shirts, tote bags, magnets, dishtowels, mugs, sweatshirts, scarves, and more that feature quotes, characters, and designs inspired by beloved novels. 

You’ll find souvenirs that feature 

• Jane Austen
• Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Bronte
• William Shakespeare
• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (and the great Sherlock Holmes)
• Agatha Christie

41. Stationery

Stationery shops are alive and well throughout England, and particularly in London! Look for paper goods, elegant pens, notebooks, and stickers that can add a touch of literary flair to your desk at home. 

Check out Choosing Keeping or Present and Correct in Covent Garden or Oh Squirrel in North London.

London Souvenirs for Children

These are some of the most popular gifts and souvenirs for children–or adults who love these characters!

42. Harry Potter

If you want a truly magic souvenir of London, check out the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ in King’s Cross Station.

You’ll be able to buy merch for each Hogwarts House, a plush owl, find your perfect wand, and finally get your own Hogwarts acceptance letter–and so much more! 

While at Kings Cross Station, you can also be photographed pushing through the secret barrier to board the Hogwart’s Express. 

If you can’t make it to the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾, there are also shops at Heathrow’s Terminal 5 and Gatwick’s North Terminal.

Serious Harry Potter Fans should plan to take the Harry Potter Studio Tour and the Harry Potter London Locations Tour.

43. Paddington Bear 

Although he hails from Peru, Paddington Bear is about as English as it gets. The ideal place to shop for Paddington Bear souvenir is the Paddington Bear Shop at Paddington Station.

You’ll find plenty of plush toy Paddingtons to buy, as well as other merch, including puzzles, marmalade sets, figurines, stationery, mugs, and more. 

You can also buy Paddington at toy shops, department stores like John Lewis, Marks and Spencer,  and Harrods, and souvenir shops around London. 

44. Peppa Pig

You’ll find Peppa Pigs with union flags in gift shops in London. For younger children who are fans of Peppa Pig, these soft toys will make a great gift! 

45. Peter Rabbit

Beatrix Potter’s charming tales of mischievous Peter Rabbit and his friends, complemented by her lovely illustrations, are beloved by young children.

Best places to buy souvenirs in London and England

1. Museum Gift Shops

I believe the best place to buy souvenirs in London is from museum gift shops. “Exit through the gift shop” might be a trite line, but at the best museums, I’m actually grateful for the carefully curated souvenirs and gifts on display. 

Some of my favorite museum gift shops for London souvenirs are the British Museum, the British Library, the Victoria and Albert, the Tate Britain, and the Tate Modern.

2. National Trust Properties

Like museums, National Trust Properties boast incredible gift shops. You’ll find property-specific merch, books about the estate, gardening goods specific to that site’s gardens, jewelry and charms featuring the estate. 

You’ll also find plenty of general English souvenirs at these historic sites. 

3. Farm shops

If you’re traveling beyond London, farm shops are wonderful places to buy fruit jams and marmalades. You’ll also find packaged baked goods, candies, and tinned foods. Farm stands in rural England are absolutely worth a shop, even if you’re not looking for fresh meat and local produce. You’ll find so many delicious local foods to take home with you. 

4. London Markets

If you want the perfect London souvenir, one that’s a big unique, venture into one of London’s many local markets. 

Portobello Road Market—for vintage fashion, bric-a-brac, antiques, and unique souvenirs 

Borough Market—for cheese, wine, nut butters, and so much more, plus kitchen goods, cookbooks, and totes. 

Camden Market—jewelry, leather goods, eco-friendly homegoods, and one-of-a-kind fashion.

5. Harrods

Harrods of London is a London institution in its own right, and it’s a fantastic place to buy incredible London souvenirs. 

In Harrods famous Food Hall, you’ll find an enormous variety of teas, coffees, and treats that you can take home with you. A Harrods plush bear always makes a cute souvenir. 

Many items in this most famous luxury department store might be out of the average tourist’s price range, but even a shopping bag with that iconic Harrods logo will feel like a treasured souvenir. 

6. Harvey Nichols

Harvey Nichols is another famous department store in London, with food items, floors and floors of the latest fashions, cosmetics, and more. You’ll find plenty of unique items to remember your trip to London. 

7. Hamleys

Hamleys is Britain’s best-known and best-loved toy store. With seven floors of toys at the Regent Street flagship store, Hamleys is a paradise for children and adults!

Do not miss a chance to visit the world’s largest and oldest toy store! You will find the absolute best gifts for children at Haley’s!

8. Your Favorite Tourist Attractions

If you’re at a one-of-a-kind attraction, like the London Eye, or a famous neighborhood you love, like Notting Hill, buy a souvenir!

The best things are the ones that mean the most, so if you find a great London souvenir with special meaning to you, don’t hesitate to buy it when you have the chance!

If it’s a favorite spot for tourists’ photos in London, you’ll probably find that image on lots of souvenirs!

9. Souvenir Shops

If you’re looking for items branded with iconic London images, you’ll find plenty at souvenir shops in central London. When you’re near Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, or Leicester Square, you’re sure to find some great shops.  

10. Grocery and convenience stores

If you’re looking for everyday British staples, grocery stores and convenience shops are just the right place! You can find delicious candies, crackers, snacks, and more, all at the most reasonable prices.

Where to buy souvenirs from London and England when you can’t travel to the United Kingdom

Buying London souvenirs online is the perfect solution if: 

• You can’t travel right now, but you need a particular English item
• You ran out of time to shop
• There wasn’t enough room in your luggage for souvenirs
• You accidentally forgot to buy for a special someone
• You liked an item so much you want to keep it for yourself
• Your back hurt and you didn’t feel like carrying anything else

Here are some British souvenirs you can buy on Amazon:

Final thoughts on Souvenirs from London and England

You have so many choices when considering what London souvenirs to buy!

If you’re visiting London during the festive season leading up to Christmas, you’ll find plenty of perfect Christmas gifts from London. If you’re simply looking for some great things to bring your dog-sitter or neighbor, you’ll have too many options to choose from!

No matter whether you’re in London for a girls trip, a family vacation, a work trip, or a sabbatical, you’ll find the best London souvenir to commemorate your visit.

You can splurge on luxury goods or unique souvenirs by English artists. Or you can purchase inexpensive items (like foods, postcards, T-shirts, and  tea towels).

No matter what you choose as the best London souvenir, you’ll find something that help you always remember your adventure in London. And you’ll find the ideal gift from London if you’re shopping for someone special.

This list of the best London souvenirs will help you find just the right thing to take home with you!