Best London Souvenirs

Published: July 18, 2024
best london souvenirs

You! Yes, you there! Are you a fan of things? Do you like stuff? Perhaps items related to a specific city? Well, you must be a fan of souvenirs! Loveable keepsakes of times past, that help remind you of the exciting adventures you've experienced. If you're visiting London from further shores, or simply from another part of the UK, you might want something to remember your trip. But which are the best souvenirs? Well, pay attention, and take a gander down below, guv'nor. What we will do, is provide you with a list of the best London souvenirs.

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Tiny Bus

You know them; you love them. London's big red buses are one of the most recognisable elements of the country's capital. And, predictably, you'll find little red buses of all shapes and sizes you can buy and put around your house.

Big Ben

Definitely one of the must-have London souvenirs. Everyone's favourite large clock, Big Ben is another of London's most famous landmarks. Fancy some of that large clock action in your little lounge? Go grab one and put it on a shelf. That way, it will always be there, watching you. And waiting. Waiting for what, you may ask? You'll just have to wait and see.

LDN tees

Did you love your visit to London? Do you want to memorialise it in clothing form? Go get an 'I Love - or heart - London' t-shirt. That way, you can wear your memories. And when people see it, they'll ask you all about your trip. Maybe.

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Red Box

Another red London motif is the iconic red telephone box. Sadly a dying breed in this modern age of smartphones and texting, there are still a few dotted about the city. Before they die out completely, go pick up a keepsake. Then, put it somewhere so that the red phone box will live on forever. In your bedroom, or other room. Wherever you want it.

Union Jacks

Is there anything more English than the Union Jack? Probably, as it's actually the flag of the United Kingdom. Never mind that, go grab a flag, mug, or some Spice Girls-related memorabilia. Anything with a Union Jack, and display it proudly. No list of the best London souvenirs would be complete without it.

Harry Potter

The boy wizard who changed the lives of an entire generation. You'll find a sorting hat-load of Harry Potter memorabilia all over London, especially since the success of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End. Wands, sweets, hats, and more. Anything a muggle could want!

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Oyster Card

A staple of every Londoner's wallet, you'll probably pick up an Oyster Card so you can get about on the tubes and buses that take you across the city. Keep it, frame it, and display it for your friends and family to see. You went to London, and dared to travel too. And, when you want to come back, you'll be ready to hop on immediately.

Marmite. Yes, really

Whether you love it or hate it, marmite is the quintessential British spread. So, why not pick up a jar or two, put it somewhere prominent in the kitchen, and then never touch it again.

Coasters

Do you drink drinks? Do you ever put them on a table only for them to leave a ring stain no matter how hard you tried to avoid it? Then you, my friend, need a coaster. And why not get one that commemorates your trip to the big city of London? There are plenty of coaster options available to you, featuring many of the things we've already discussed. Want a big ben coaster? We're sure you'll find one.

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Holmes for your home

Of course, one reason many of you are travelling to our fair capital is because of the man himself, Mr. Sherlock Holmes. The legend himself prowled the streets of London, solving cases and getting up to other Sherlock-related hijinks. Given the recent Sherlock Rennaissance, expect to find a whole host of Sherlock bits and bobs. If you can get the hat, the magnifying glass, and the pipe, you win Sherlock bingo. Your prize? Looking awesome.

Royal Family things

Another big English export, the Royal Family draws a remarkable amount of tourism to London every year. Arguably the most famous royal family on the planet, millions tune in to watch their weddings. So, you can expect that there's a lot of Royal-themed memorabilia on offer to would-be collectors. Plates, cups, calendars, books, t-shirts, the list goes on. However you want to celebrate this oddball family, you'll find it in London. You can't leave London without one of the best souvenirs!

London keyrings

If you live in a house or flat, chances are you have keys. They're the things you use to get in, and keep people out. If you have multiple keys, you might be in the market for a keyring. Well, why not combine your love of keys and your love of London with a London-themed keyring? Whether you want one with a bus, Big Ben, or another landmark like the London Eye, you're sure to find one. Keep your keys safe, stylish, and flash them to all your friends. They will envy your keyring, and they will love it.

Image of Football, Soccer, Soccer Ball, Sphere,

Footie stuff

If you are a big fan of the actual football, the one where people hit the ball with their feet, then you're in luck. There are a number of large football clubs that call London home. You've got world-renowned clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea, and you'll find a lot of football shirts, training kits, mugs, posters, and much more at their respective stadium shops. Why not combine your shopping spree with a tour of the Emirates or Stamford Bridge? Or, there are lesser-known, but still great clubs, like West Ham, Crystal Palace, Brentford, QPR, the list goes on. Whichever team you like, player you follow, or kit you prefer, you're bound to find it in London.

And that's our list of the best London souvenirs! We hope you enjoy your memorabilia bounty, and display it for all to see. Are you wondering what else you can do while in the city? Why not check out London's best markets, art galleries, or museums?

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Explore The Shard's Neighborhood For Free: Top Picks Revealed

So you’ve ticked The Shard off your London must-see list and snapped those impressive skyline photos—but what next? The surrounding neighborhood brims with local character and no-cost experiences for anyone who likes their adventures wallet-friendly. From riverside promenades and tucked-away gardens to intriguing museums and quirky street art, there’s a hidden world waiting just beyond The Shard’s shadow. We’ve rounded up the best free things to do nearby, perfect for travelers who love an authentic city vibe (and saving those pounds for the next pastry or pint). Get ready to soak up history, culture, and views—no ticket required.  Our favourite free things to do near The Shard:  Potter’s Fields Park  Borough Market Wandering  Southwark Cathedral  Hay’s Galleria  Thames Riverside Walk  The Old Operating Theatre Museum (lobby & exterior)  Crossbones Graveyard  White Cube Bermondsey  St. George the Martyr Church  Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel  Potter’s Fields Park   If you fancy fresh air with a proper view, Potter’s Fields Park is the perfect patch of green. Located right between The Shard and Tower Bridge, this riverside spot is everyone’s go-to picnic area or sun-tanning base. It’s the park where Londoners unwind, watch boats cruise by, and catch up with friends—no entrance fee, no fuss. Grab your sandwich from a nearby deli and find a spot on the grass, where views of the Thames and iconic Tower Bridge elevate every bite. In spring, the flower beds burst into colour, while summer brings all manner of pop-up entertainment, from open-air film nights to dance performances. It’s often just buzzing enough to feel lively, but there’s always a quiet patch for a quick nap or some people-watching. You’ll spot fitness classes, families with kids, and selfie-takers all sharing the same riverside magic—this is a bit of real London life right by The Shard.  Borough Market Wandering   Just a couple of minutes stroll from The Shard, Borough Market pulses with legendary London energy. Now, while shopping and snacking cost money, exploring the sights, sounds, and (let’s be honest) smells is completely free. You’ll wander through Victorian arches soaked in foodie history, passing cheese stalls that look straight out of a British film set, piles of colourful produce, and the occasional stallholder giving away flamboyant samples (fingers crossed for cheese or olives). The market’s lively hum mixes up chatter from locals, camera-toting tourists, and chefs from nearby eateries on their lunch break. Soak up the aromas, spot some of London’s oldest street signage, and see if you can find the market cat. If you’re lucky, you might catch a culinary demonstration or a spot of acoustic music out front—sometimes the “food theatre” is even open for public events. Even just window-shopping rounds here count as pure entertainment.  Hay’s Galleria   Rain or shine, Hay’s Galleria is one of the city’s most picturesque enclosed spaces—think iron-and-glass curves, riverside breeze, and plenty of places to explore. Originally a Victorian wharf, today it’s filled with striking public art, including the epic Navigators sculpture that looks like something from a Jules Verne novel. Wander through the covered walkways for free and watch the fountains dance. Window-shop at the quirky little kiosks or soak up views over the Thames from the riverside terrace. During holidays, twinkling lights and seasonal decorations transform the galleria into a magical retreat. When buskers show up, it’s basically a free concert under the glass roof.  Thames Riverside Walk   Nothing says “London experience” like a stroll along the Thames Path. Head east or west from The Shard and you get an ever-changing backdrop: gleaming glass towers, historic brick warehouses, bobbing boats, and dramatic bridges. Stop to admire Tower Bridge’s engineering up close, watch skateboarders at the Southbank Centre, or spot City Hall’s glassy curves next door. Handy signposts point out historical landmarks along the way. Bring your camera—golden hour here is always special, and there’s plenty of space to lean on the railings, people-watch, and pretend you’re in a spy movie. The best part? It’s always open and always free.  The Old Operating Theatre Museum (Lobby & Exterior)   Inside, there’s a fee for the full museum, but you can pop into the entryway of one of London’s oddest history spots for free, and admire the centuries-old herb garret exterior from the curb. The Old Operating Theatre Museum sits in the church tower of St Thomas’—literally round the corner from The Shard—and its quirky spiral staircase has enticed curious passersby for generations. Take a peek at the preserved facade and the tiny apothecary shop in the entry; pick up a free pamphlet on medical history before you go. Even if you don’t head up, standing beneath the high windows and stone tower is worth a short detour.  White Cube Bermondsey   Big-name contemporary artists, award-winning architecture, and a cool, gallery-chic vibe—all with zero admission? Yes please. White Cube is tucked down Bermondsey Street, a 10-minute walk from The Shard, and it’s always free to visit. This vast, minimalist space rotates exhibitions from emerging and global stars (think Yayoi Kusama or Damien Hirst), but even if modern art isn’t your usual cup of tea, the sheer scale and creativity on display can surprise you. The gallery staff are friendly if you fancy a chat, and the vibe is relaxed—you can spend 5 minutes or an hour, and nobody rushes you.  St. George the Martyr Church   Nestled on Borough High Street, St. George the Martyr is another historic gem that welcomes visitors for free exploration. Charles Dickens put this 18th-century church on the literary map in “Little Dorrit”, and its Georgian façade remains a tranquil counterpoint to city bustle. Step inside for a breather, admire the ornate stained glass and elegant wooden pews, or linger in the small, sun-drenched garden out front. A real sanctuary for a quiet moment—and often a hub for free community music events and choral recitals if your timing’s good.  Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel   Feeling creative? The Leake Street Tunnel, near Waterloo and an easy stroll from The Shard along the riverside, is London’s largest legal graffiti wall. Every inch of brick is layered with artworks, slogans, and wild bursts of colour, refreshed by artists daily. The tunnel thrums with energy and photo ops galore. It’s all constantly changing—so even if you’ve been before, you’ll spot something new. Sometimes you might catch a street artist at work or find impromptu performances spilling out from the vaults. Best of all, it’s all free, and the ever-evolving display makes this one of London’s most vibrant urban art spaces.   Ready for Free Fun Near The Shard?   London’s tallest skyscraper may steal the skyline, but there’s so much to discover just outside its doors that won’t dent your budget. Take your pick from peaceful parks, dramatic riverside walks, hidden pieces of history, and eye-popping art spaces. Life near The Shard runs at its own pace—sometimes tranquil, sometimes buzzing, always inviting.  With these picks on your list, you’re set for a day (or two) of free discoveries—all just a stroll away from one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Happy exploring!    Enjoyed this? Check out our comprehensive guide to Madame Tussauds, and how to celebrate Pride in the city.  Step up your sightseeing with Go City®   We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started! 

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