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.

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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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London neighbourhoods
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London Neighborhoods Guide - Where to Go & What to Visit for Tourists

London is an amazing city, but it can often be quite overwhelming to first-time visitors. It’s a sprawling city, with diverse neighborhoods scattered all over the place that can be difficult to navigate if you don’t know what you’re looking for. To help out new visitors to London, we’ve put together a brief guide to some of the most popular or significant neighborhoods in London to visit, with a few suggestions on things to see and do in those areas. South of the Thames (South Bank/Southwark) One of the most happening spots in the city, the neighborhood South of the Thames is bustling with people day and night. Come here for top attractions, museums, shops, restaurants, and much more. Check out our post that features some of the more popular South Bank London attractions. Things to Do South of the Thames Take in a show at the Southbank Centre. Shop the amazing Borough Market for your perfect souvenir. Take the kids to Shrek’s Adventure to see their favorite characters brought to life. Take a themed walking tour of the city that focuses on pop culture icons like the Doctor or 007. Scare yourself silly at the London Dungeon. Marvel at the wide variety of marine life at the SEA LIFE Aquarium. Ride to the top of the one and only Coca-Cola London Eye. City of London The financial heart of the city, the area technically known as the City of London is anchored by the Bank of England, the Mansion House, and the Royal Exchange. Come here to see where all the movers and shakers work. Things to Do in the City of London See a show at the popular Barbican Centre. Visit the elegant house of Dr. Samuel Johnson, one of England’s best-beloved writers. Roam the rich expanses of the Museum of London, with over 7,000 inspiring and astonishing objects to look at. Visit the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral for a tour of some of the most significant church architecture in the country. Crane your neck to look up the simply named Monument, which commemorates the Great Fire of 1666. Marylebone Pronounced “Marr-le-bone,” this happening upscale neighborhood filled with homes, shops, attractions, and more. Things to Do in Marylebone “Meet” your favorite celebs from David Beckham to the Queen herself at the original Madame Tussauds. Explore the weird and wacky world of Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Fans of the new BBC drama Sherlock will want to visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum to learn more about the inspiration and sources for this pop culture icon. Visit one of the best art galleries in the country at the Wallace Collection, with one of the most impressive collections of Old Master paintings in the entire world. Cheese lovers should stop by La Fromagerie for a delightful section of their favorite fare. Regent’s Park Spanning 410 acres, this former royal hunting ground is today home to many top outdoors attractions, including gorgeous gardens, playful parks, and intriguing museums. Things to Do in Regent’s Park Meet the animals at the London Zoo, home to some of your favorite critters from around the globe. Explore the exhibits and artifacts at the Jewish Museum, which explores the unique history of Judaism and Jewish culture in England. Take the kids to the Primrose Hill Playground for a rollicking good time. Enjoy a Shakespeare play at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Wander through Queen Mary’s Gardens, an unmatched collection of 400 different varieties of rose among 30,000 individual specimens. Notting Hill/Bayswater These two adjacent neighborhoods are lively and filled with tons of cultural events and activities, not least of which is the annual Notting Hill Carnival, a famed celebration of Caribbean culture in Britain. Things to Do in Notting Hill / Bayswater Hop aboard a rental bike and tour this neighborhood (and the whole city!) at your own pace and direction. For another wonderful park option, the immensely popular Hyde Park is located in this area. Those interested in contemporary art should head to Graffik, an amazing collection of exhibits honoring modern street art. Kensington Gardens represent another wonderful botanical option for the nature lovers. Snap a photo of the Peter Pan statue. Shop the historic Portobello Road for unique souvenir options. Covent Garden Located east from Charing Cross, this shopping district boasts a ton of history and culture with several modern shopping and entertainment options alongside traditional architecture. Things to Do in Covent Garden Take a city bus tour (that you can actually pick up in many of these neighborhoods) for a chance to explore it all. Spring for a show at the Royal Opera House to see Britain’s most talented performers. For the art lovers, Courtauld Gallery offers more master works of art to enjoy. Americans will value the chance to visit Benjamin Franklin’s House, to see where this inventor and statesman lived before the Revolutionary War. See an avant garde performance or classic show at the Donmar Warehouse. Bloomsbury This artsy area is the legacy of the famous Bloomsbury Group – including greats like Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster – and is today still a thriving artistic and literary community. Things to Do in Bloomsbury Head a few blocks north to the world famous British Library, an unparalleled research resource and a fun place to tour. Visit the British Museum for a chance to explore one of the country’s top collections of art and artifacts (including Ancient Egyptian artifacts). Lit lovers won’t want to miss the Charles Dickens House, where this popular nineteenth-century author wrote Oliver Twist. Explore the bizarre and singular world of Sir John Soane, whose house has been preserved exactly has he left it for generations to marvel at his ingenuity. Greenwich Greenwich is probably most famous as the site of the Royal Observatory, which calculates the official time observed by the entire planet. But it’s also filled with other attractions from museums to historic ships. A visit here is worth the short trip out east from Central London. Things to Do in Greenwich Antique lover? You must stop by the Clock Tower Antiques Market for your next great find. Visit the Cutty Sark, a speedy nineteenth-century clipper ship which is today preserved as a museum. If you liked the idea of the historic ship, then the National Maritime Museum is another great destination for you. The Royal Observatory is definitely a must – where else can you stand on the Prime Meridian AND see the calculations at work? Knightsbridge London’s wealthiest neighborhood, Knightsbridge is home to major shopping venues and tiny boutiques, all selling the top names in fashion and design. Come here with a hefty budget if you want to purchase anything. Otherwise, there’s nothing wrong with some active window-shopping! Things to Do in Knightsbridge The big highlights of Knightsbridge are the two iconic stores, Harrods and Harvey Nichols. You can also enjoy a tasty meal at one of the many amazing (and predictably pricey) restaurants in the area.
Katie Sagal

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