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London souvenirs worth taking home: A local’s guide
The ultimate guide to authentic London souvenirs, featuring royal gifts, museum shops, luxury food, fashion and timeless British keepsakes.
Many say London slowly wins you over. But in my experience, it was far from a slow burn and almost instant. It’s diverse, modern yet historical, and full of little details you only notice once you’ve spent real time here. After living in London for a while, I’ve also learned what the locals actually buy, what makes a good present, and what’s worth skipping altogether.
If you’re visiting and want something authentic to remember the city by, this guide on London souvenir shopping will help you cut through the noise. It’s easy to end up with mass-produced, touristy gifts and souvenirs. To make sure this doesn’t happen, keep reading. Ensure you stay connected with a travel eSIM when searching for what to buy in London.
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The best London souvenirs
Instead of another generic list, this guide mixes local insight, iconic spots, and practical ideas for what to buy in London, whether you’re shopping for friends, family, or yourself.
1. Quintessentially British snacks and sweets: A top London souvenir 🍪
Expected price range: £10-50
If there’s one category of London souvenirs that feels authentic and makes the best gifts, it’s British snacks. They’re easy to pack, affordable, and almost always a hit because they’re noticeably different outside the UK.
Here are some of the best London snack souvenirs in this category, all of which you can easily find across London gift shops, supermarkets, and souvenir shops:
- Terry’s Chocolate Orange: Honestly, Brits really do love their orange chocolate-flavoured snacks. While it is a questionable flavour for me personally, the majority of people seem to love it! It’s a classic London souvenir. Very British and very nostalgic.
- Hotel Chocolat gift boxes: Anyone would be happy to get a selection of Hotel Chocolat. They’re polished, well-packaged, and perfect if you want something a little more premium.
- Barnaby Bars: A more underrated (and equally delectable) choice can be Barnaby Bars in Covent Garden. Not many people know about these handmade chocolate bars inspired by traditional UK chocolate-making. Slightly underrated and very local.
- Shortbread biscuits: Often found in beautiful tins featuring London landmarks, the royal family, or the Union Jack.
- Traditional fudge: Usually sold in London souvenir shops and markets, especially around Covent Garden and Camden Market.
2. London Transport Museum merchandise 🚆
Expected price range: £10-80
One of the most iconic and recognisable London symbols is the London Underground. The Tube map and roundel (the red circle with a blue bar) represent the city around the world. And for good reason. London’s public transport system is a wonder in itself, and if you’re visiting, you’re bound to use the Tube. Getting on the Underground is probably one of the things you’ll miss the most!
Souvenirs featuring these designs, like mugs, tote bags, prints, scarves, and stationery, can also be great gifts. Here are some reliable places to purchase London Tube souvenirs:
- London Transport Museum Gift Shop in Covent Garden
- London Souvenir near Westminster Bridge Road
- London Souvenirs (Hay’s Galleria)
3. Character and cultural London souvenirs 🐻
Expected price range: £15-200+
The following souvenirs go beyond generic keepsakes. They’re related to beloved characters and cultural figures that many people love and recognise. We’re talking big fan bases. They’re meaningful, fun, and make great presents for dedicated fans.
- Harry Potter souvenirs: Several locations in London were actually key filming locations, including King’s Cross Station, Leadenhall Market, Australia House, and the Millennium Bridge. As a true Potterhead, you simply can’t leave London without doing the Harry Potter Studio Tour, nor empty-handed, so here’s what to buy/gift. You can find most of these at the Harry Potter Shop at King’s Cross and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London shops.
- Replica wands and the four houses’ apparel
- Collectables like Hogwarts Express tickets, the Golden Snitch, Time-Turners, and Marauder’s Map
- Souvenir guidebooks and phonebooks
- Paddington Bear gifts: This is one of London’s most beloved and enduring characters. If you’re familiar at all with British culture, you’ll know who Paddington Bear is. Classic gift and souvenir ideas could include plush bears and toys, mugs, keychains, accessories, stationery and notebooks. If you’re lucky, you might find a Paddington Bear signature coat and hat for your pet! Visit the official Paddington Bear shop or Paddington Station in London to see what you can get.
- Cath Kidston souvenirs: This is a British brand known for its whimsical prints and classic London style. Look for their printed tote bags and purses, mugs, accessories, scarves, stationery and notebooks. They did go into administration twice, but recently they’ve opened a new London store. But this might work in your favour, as you can find pretty niche souvenirs now without being overly touristy.
4. Tea gift sets, Liberty London, and hats ☕
Expected price range: £20-50+
These go beyond the classic London souvenirs. They’re rooted in British heritage, craftsmanship, and style. If you’re looking for something more premium and elevated, the following items make the perfect souvenirs.
- Liberty London souvenirs: Look for items with the iconic Liberty print, which is a bold, floral, and very well-known pattern. You’ll find tea towels, silk/cotton scarves, notebooks, bags, and other accessories with the Liberty print. The Liberty London store on Regent Street itself is a historic store founded in 1875 and should be on your list of experiences anyway!
- Tea sets and hampers: Nothing screams “London vibes” more than a spot ofafternoon tea. Luxury tea blends, packaged gift sets, and hampers full of British treats all make great souvenirs — and gifts, especially if your recipient loves British culture. You can find the best signature tea sets, tea tins and gift boxes, and luxury hampers at Fortnum & Mason (flagship store in Piccadilly, St. Pancras International, The Royal Exchange), Liberty, or Selfridges.
- Lock & Co. Hatters: This is the oldest hat shop in London, established in 1676 and is believed to be the world’s oldest hat shop still trading from its original premises This is where you’ll find exceptional British craftsmanship and very niche souvenir items, including bowler hats and classic toppers worn by figures such as Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, and Oscar Wilde. Yes, this is more on the pricey side, but it’s perfect for you or someone who appreciates timeless style and historical depth.
5. Savoury London food souvenirs 🧀
Expected price range: £5-30+
London food souvenirs can be some of the most authentic and memorable gifts. Since we’ve already covered the sweeter souvenirs, here are some savoury counterparts you definitely don’t want to miss.
- Artisan British cheeses: These are a top choice for savoury London souvenirs, especially if you’re a cheese enthusiast. Borough Market is probably on your list of must-do London experiences. Once you’re there, take advantage of the wide range of cheeses, including traditional cheddars, Stilton, and regional farmhouse cheeses.
- Preserves and blends: You can also find refined blends and preserves like mustard blends, savoury biscuits and pastries, pates and chutneys, beautifully packaged and ready to be gifted to a loved one. You can find these at Borough Market or places like Fortnum and Mason.
- British cured meats and smoked foods: Traditionally smoked salmon, hams, and charcuterie from specialist producers across the city make great and indulgent London souvenirs. These items go beyond basic touristy food souvenirs and offer something genuinely London-rooted.
Tip: Check out our dedicated guide on where to eat in London for more food recommendations and local favorites.
6. Buckingham Palace royal souvenirs 👑
Expected price range: £10-100+ (depending on the item)
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch and one of London’s most famous landmarks. This will definitely be a stop on your London travel guide. While you’re here, you can consider some potential souvenirs.
Look for royal wedding and coronation items at the Queen’s Gallery Shop or the Buckingham Palace Shop, including art books, jewellery, porcelain, and homeware. Other gifts include china, scarves and stationery.
7. Museum gift shop treasures 🖼️
Expected price range: £5-100+
London’s museum gift shops are some of the best places to find high-quality, London-specific souvenirs. Items are exclusive to the museum, and purchasing them helps support London’s cultural institutions, making your souvenir meaningful as well as beautiful.
You’ll find iconic Thames-inspired jewellery from the Museum of London, modern and classic art prints from Tate Modern, and London history books and replicas from the British Museum. Many shops also offer stationery, scarves, and homeware inspired by their collections.
Where to buy:
- Museum of London
- British Museum
- Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
- Tate Modern
8. Harrods souvenirs 🎁
Expected price range: £8–50
Harrods is a London icon. Founded in 1849, Harrods is London’s most famous department store. Here, souvenirs are luxurious with an unmistakable London vibe. On the affordable side, you can buy Harrods chocolate and biscuit tins, which are beautifully packaged and easy to travel with.
Tip: Don’t miss the Chocolate Hall, which opened in 2021 and features Harrods’ own in-house chocolates. A great option for edible gifts that still feel premium.
Stay connected while shopping in London with Holafly
When you’re shopping your way around London, from museum gift shops to heritage stores and food halls, reliable mobile data makes everything easier.
You’ll likely rely on Google Maps to find specific shops, check opening hours (which can vary by day), compare prices or reviews on the go, and share photos of potential purchases with friends or family before you buy.
That’s where Holafly eSIM comes in. Holafly offers unlimited data, so you don’t need to worry about running out while browsing, navigating, or messaging.
Activation is instant, there’s no physical SIM swapping, and it works seamlessly on compatible phones — ideal if you don’t want to deal with local UK SIM shops or roaming charges. Holafly also operates in 200+ destinations worldwide, making it especially convenient for frequent travellers.
How it works is simple:
- Buy your eSIM online before or during your trip
- Install it by scanning a QR code
- Activate it when you arrive and start using data immediately
If London is just one stop on your itinerary, Holafly’s eSIM for Europe is a practical option for multi-country trips, allowing you to stay connected as you move between destinations without changing plans or settings. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone!
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
