There are many options for where to go high street shopping in London. Other cities might have one (or maybe two!) places but in London there is plenty of choice. However knowing where to go can be tricky when you have just moved to the capital or are visiting.
You have probably heard of the famous places (Oxford street, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden) but the reality doesn’t always live up to your expectations. Shopping in London can be busy, stressful and tiring. If you want a productive shopping trip, you need to know the secrets of high street shopping in London.
Let me guide you through the best high street shopping in London.
Oxford Street & Carnaby Street
This is the most famous street for high street shopping in London. Oxford street and neighbouring Carnaby Street are featured in TV and social media all the time.
Almost all brands will have a store here. However, be warned, it is painfully busy every day of the week. Trying to walk down the road is a slalom course. You will struggle to get anywhere fast.
It is made worse by the fact that the shops you want to go to could easily be on opposite ends of the street and you waste so much time getting between them.
I generally avoid this part of London where possible. It is stressful and shopping there is never fun for me. I usually find I have to queue for a changing room every time I go, even if it’s a Monday morning.
There are positives of course. Oxford street is easy to get to and very central. For me it’s on my way home from work so it’s convenient if I need to pick anything up. It also has almost every high street shop.
Range of Shops = 5/5
Busyness Factor = 5/5
Day out experience = 2/5
Top tips: Plan where you want to go in advance and plot a sensible route so you don’t have to keep trekking from one end to another.
Westfield, Shepherds Bush
Westfield is a large shopping centre in West London. It is right next to Shepherd’s Bush tube and overground stations making it easy to get to. It takes around 25 minutes on the central line from Oxford circus. And in my opinion, it is worth making the trip.
Westfield is much more spacious than Oxford Street and much more relaxed. There are still all the key high street shops that you want, but you will be able to breathe while you browse. The shopping centre is indoors and laid out in a circle over multiple floors so it is much easier to get around.
Westfield also has the benefit of having a section for designer and high-end shops. While not really in my price range, it gives you that option if you want something special.
Honestly all my best experiences of high street shopping in London have been in Westfield making it my number 1 pick. Unfortunately it’s a bit far for me to go since I moved to east London.
Range of Shops = 4/5
Busyness Factor = 3/5
Day out experience = 5/5
Top tips: As it’s a bit further away, I recommend going for the whole day. Go to the shops, go out for lunch and see a film in the evening.
Westfield, Stratford
There is actually another Westfield in London (be careful not to mix them up!). The second Westfield is in Stratford right across from the olympic park and, in my opinion, not quite as good as the original.
While similar in the sense that it is an indoors shopping centre with multiple floors, a food court and a cinema, it doesn’t have as good of a selection of stores and is generally much busier.
Like shopping on Oxford Street, shopping in Westfield in Stratford can be stressful and unpleasant. It’s OK if you go earlier in the morning but from midday onwards, especially on a weekend, be prepared to deal with the crowds.
Westfield Stratford is also well connected as it is joined onto stratford tube station and Stratford International rail station. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, take a walk in the peaceful olympic park.
Range of Shops = 3/5
Busyness Factor = 4/5
Day out experience = 1/5
Top tips: Get there early and visit neighbouring Hackney Wick for food and drinks rather than the food court.
Canary Wharf Shopping Centre
Canary Wharf is known as being a fancy financial district. Perhaps your office is based there or the office of someone you know. As a place, Canary Wharf is shiny and picturesque. You are right on the docks and there is amazing architecture all around you. To me it is a peaceful escape from the stress of more central London.
Hidden out of sight is the Canary Wharf underground shopping centre. The shopping centre can feel like a bit of a maze if you are unfamiliar with the layout, but it is a lovely place to be. There is a great selection of food places, cafes and bars and it is never that busy.
However the range of shops is limited. There are some fan favourites (Zara, Mango, Lululemon) but it is missing a lot of the places you might want to go. Because of this it is pushed down my overall ranking but if it does have the shop you want I would highly recommend a visit.
Range of Shops = 1
Busyness Factor = 2
Day out experience = 3
Top tips: Go in January to see the winter light festival. Or combine your shopping trip with a visit to one of the amazing restaurants.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a tourist hotspot in central London. It is a home for many high-end restaurants and luxury fashion boutiques. However there are also many high street shops making it a good alternative to Oxford Street for high street shopping in London.
While it is a busy area, it is less stressful walking around than when you are on Oxford Street. There are often street entertainers in the central square and it is really lovely for a day out.
If you are wanting to buy something specific, you might struggle in Covent Garden as the selection of shops is not the best and the shops themselves can be on the smaller side.
Range of Shops = 3
Busyness Factor = 3
Day out experience = 3
Top tips: Good for a day out. Have a drink in the central square and enjoy the street musicians. Take a wander round the shops and go out for dinner.
Kings Road, Chelsea
The King’s Road is the most famous street in Chelsea and is a centre for art, fashion and culture. There are a great selection of high street shops as well as more luxury brands so you can get the best of both worlds.
The shops themselves are not too busy and there are a lot of nice squares to relax in where you can grab a drink or bite to eat.
Be careful where you pick to go though. Interspersed with the high street shops and reasonable priced restaurants are some pricey high end bistros!
I’m a big fan of this area but it’s unfortunately not convenient for me to get to so I have not been there many times. However if it is close to you, I would highlight recommendation for a shopping trip or a day out.
Range of Shops = 3
Busyness Factor = 2
Day out experience = 4
Top tips: It can be helpful to plan your trip in advance and have an idea where you might want to go to avoid wandering up and down the road trying to find somewhere that fits your vibe.
Final Thoughts
My winner for the best high street shopping in London is Westfield, Shepherds Bush. If you are in need of multiple items and want to search around and try clothes on, without getting too stressed, you can’t beat it.
If you want to combine your shopping with a nice day out, I would recommend Kings Road, Chelsea or Covent Garden.
If you just need to pick some specific items up after work (get in, get the item and get out), I would go to Oxford Street, Canary Wharf or Stratford Westfield (depending where is the most convenient for you!).
Where is your favourite place to shop in London?
Check out my other London specific guides here, including my guide to coffee in Hackney Wick.
