London has often been described as a series of villages each with its own different character. These villages or areas of London provide the visitor with many differing shopping experiences from large department stores and luxury shops through to high street brands and niche lifestyle shops.

The major shopping areas of central London, Oxford Street and Knightsbridge, are the home to internationally known department stores such as Selfridges, Liberty and Harrods. Alongside these well known names are grouped the other department stores and large independent stores which make up the shopping areas of the West End and Knightsbridge.

Harrods, established in 1849, is a world recognised shopping emporium. Apart from stocking 5000 brands the beautifully presented store is a feast for the eye from its marvellous food halls, seasonal Xmas shop and large clothing and accessories offer. There are other stores and shops to visit in the Brompton Road area including the stylish Harvey Nichols and Sloane Street with its array of Luxury Boutiques.

Moving across town to the Oxford Street area there are a variety of department stores including Selfridges which is famous for its stylish appearance and stylish brands. Oxford Street has a wide variety of large stores at all price levels and is home to the UK’s largest Primark Store and several Zara stores as well as large branded shops. Near Oxford Street is the upmarket South Molten Street with its boutiques. These contrast well with the larger stores on Regent Street with Liberty as the most famous store in this area.

Other good shopping areas in Central London are Marylebone High Street, Brompton Cross, Soho and Notting Hill Gate.