5 Favourite Toy shops in London
When shopping for toys in a big city like London, how many of you dart straight to the major toy shops? Don’t get me wrong, I love Hamleys and The Disney Store! But prefer to support small businesses and independent shops when I can.
With that in mind, here are my five favourite toy shops in London (in no particular order).
The Who Shop
Run by husband and wife, Alexandra and Kevan, The Who Shop is a must visit toy shop for any Whovian, I.e. fan of the TV series Doctor Who. The shop has a wide range of Doctor Who memorabilia along with a museum showcasing props and costumes. What’s not to love?
Where?
The Who Shop
39-41 Barking Road,
Upton Park,
London E6 1PY
Nearest Underground Station:
Upton Park
Opening Times:
Monday to Saturday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Sunday: Closed
Sylvanian Families Store*
Sylvanian Families are one of my favourite childhood toys and I was thrilled to find out there’s a dedicated toy shop in London; the Sylvanian Families store.
Set up by Simon and Angela Harwood in 1991. The store showcases an extensive range of Sylvanian Families products from gifts sets like the log cabin to animal families and vintage items like the story cassette tape. It’s a must visit for collectors or those with children that love Sylvanians.
Where?
68 Mountgrove Road
Highbury
London
N5 2LT
Nearest Underground Station:
Arsenal Station
Opening Times:
Monday to Saturday: 09.00am – 5.00pm
Sunday: Closed
After Noah
A family run home furniture and toy shop, selling traditional toys that will have childhood memories flooding back.
From wooden toys, to pocket money stocking fillers, to brand names like Lego and Playmobil. There’s something for everyone.
Where?
121-122 Upper Street,
Islington,
London N1 1QP
Nearest tube station:
Highbury and Islington
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 10.00am – 6.00pm
Sunday: 11.00am – 5.00pm
Millennia: Out of this World
OK I’ll admit it was the Deadpool statue outside that first drew me inside. But this store is full of great TV, Sci-fi and gaming merchandise, perfect for the geeky one in your life.
You can even get a selfie with a giant Incredible Hulk statue!
Where?
Unit 17/18, Camden Market, Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8AH
Nearest tube station:
Camden Town
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 10:00am – 06:00pm
The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾
OK, not an independent toy shop per say but I just couldn’t leave it out! I even removed it a couple of times before completing this post. 😅
After getting your photo taken at Platform 9¾ pop into the shop next door for a wide range of Harry Potter memorabilia.
From collectibles such as wands and time turners to exclusive items and even Hogwarts jumpers and robes in the house colours. Which house would you choose? I’m a proud Ravenclaw. 🦅
Where?
Kings Cross Station,
Kings Cross,
London N1 9AP
Nearest Underground Station:
Kingscross and St Pancreas
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 08:00am – 10:00pm
Sunday: 09:00am – 09:00pm
Have you been to any of these toy shops? What others would you add to the list?
15 Comments
Helen C
October 18, 2018 at 12:32
Aw I loved this post, and the nostalgia of toys we all grew up with. For me it was Duplo, marble run, Barbie’s, jelly wrist bands and yoyos. The traditional toy shops are probably my favourite, I love learning about toys in different eras too, and I remember learning about Victorian toys as a child at school. I think supporting smaller independent businesses is important as well. Thanks for sharing your London guide! 🙂 xx
Helen | Helen’s Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
Cat Fyson
October 12, 2018 at 19:52
I’d never heard of Millenia before – and now I *need* to go! I am going to London in a few week’s time so might have to go check it out 🙂
Kim
October 14, 2018 at 09:57
Thanks for your comment Cat. Definitely check out Millenia if you get chance, if only to get a selfie with Deadpool or Hulk. 😉
Gemma Stringer
October 8, 2018 at 19:58
Wow how cute, We are coming to London later this month so will be sure to check those out. The Deadpool shop for my husband and the sylvanian families shop for my daughters.
Kim
October 13, 2018 at 19:24
I hope you enjoy your trip to London. 🙂
Shyla
October 8, 2018 at 19:25
Love this post. Sylvanian families is one of my favorite toys although in the States they are Calico Critters. So much fun, I want to visit!
Kim
October 13, 2018 at 19:24
I didn’t realise they were in the States under a different name! I’d definitely recommend popping into the shop if you visit London.
joy
October 8, 2018 at 19:20
I went to the kings cross site in 2008 (I think) and didn’t even know about the store to visit (bummer).
Joy at The Joyous Living
Kim
October 13, 2018 at 17:35
Hopefully you’ll get to go again and can check them out. 🙂
Lisa McLachlan
October 8, 2018 at 10:21
It’s been YEARS since I was last in London, I have to say the thought of having to fight my way around the Christmas crowds gives me the fear. But the Millennia shop looks like the perfect shop for Christmas gifts – both Alan and Flora are huge Marvel and DC fans, I’m sure I’d find something in there. Thank you for sharing your favourites, Kim 🙂
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
Kim
October 8, 2018 at 18:58
I hate fighting through the crowds too! So I stay well clear of Oxford Circus and Bond Street. 😐 These are bit “off the beaten path” so generally a little less crowded. Thanks for your comment Lisa. x
The Chronic Traveller
October 7, 2018 at 16:19
Yay!! What wonderful toy shops! Great post, thank you. I will be hunting some of these down for sure.
Kim
October 7, 2018 at 18:04
Thanks for your comment. 😊 I hope you enjoy them if you do decide to visit them.
Sandra
October 7, 2018 at 10:42
Thank you for this post as we all start to think about Christmas gifts. I prefer to support local and independent shops so will check these out. Especially those with nostalgic or wooden toys, such classics!
Sandra @ http://www.sodacreekdigital.com
Kim
October 7, 2018 at 17:56
Thanks for your comment Sandra. I love supporting independent businesses when I can. x