Best Shops Near Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is famous for its nightlife, tourist attractions, and, of course, shopping!
I must admit I have a penchant for shopping myself (my bank account is cursing me as we speak) and I am therefore more than qualified to give you a rundown of the best shops near Piccadilly Circus.
A (VERY) BRIEF HISTORY OF PICCADILLY CIRCUS
Piccadilly Circus was built in 1819 and its main purpose was to connect Regent Street and Piccadilly (hence the name).
Fun fact: Piccadilly was named after Piccadilly Hall, built in the 17th century by Robert Taylor, a tailor, who sold ‘pickadills’ the lace collars so popular in the Elizabethan era.
Piccadilly Circus was known as Regent’s Circus for a little while in the 19th century, but the name did not stick.
The illuminated signs are probably what Piccadilly Circus is most famous for. The first signs date back to 1908 and were using very bright lightbulbs, subsequently replaced by neon signs, and eventually LED displays in the 2000s.
SHOPPING IN PICCADILLY CIRCUS
Now, back to what you are all here for: shopping!
Piccadilly Circus is right in the centre of London and surrounded by areas that are sure to satisfy all of your shopping necessities.
Here are some of the best shops near Piccadilly Circus.
FORTNUM & MASON
I could not start this list with any other than the one and only, the iconic Fortnum & Mason.
Fortnum & Mason is located on 181 Piccadilly and many of you will be familiar with its wicker hamper baskets and teal-coloured bags (so chic!).
The first Fortnum & Mason was founded by Willian Fortnum, one of Queen Anne’s footmen, and his landlord, Hugh Mason in 1707. Another fun fact for you: it is claimed F&M invented the Scotch Egg in 1738 – what a legacy!
Today Fortnum & Mason sells excellent quality food and drinks (often in the form of a hamper), as well as jewellery, candles, and the finest fragrances you can find. You will also be able to indulge in a lavish afternoon tea, sip on a cocktail or glass of wine, and pick up something tasty for lunch from the Food Hall.
LILLYWHITES
Located right opposite Piccadilly Circus station, Lillywhites is one of the biggest sports shops in London and sells all your favourite brands: Nike, Puma, New Balance, Adidas and many more.
It was founded in the 19th century by the eponymous family of cricket players. The Piccadilly Circus store first opened its doors in 1925!
LIBERTY
Although not in Piccadilly Circus, Liberty is only a very short walk away and is definitely worth a visit!
Famous for its gorgeous flower fabric (truly iconic and immediately recognisable), Liberty was founded in 1875 by Arthur Lasenby Liberty with £2,000 he borrowed from his father-in-law. Today, it is one of the most exclusive and luxurious department stores in the capital selling designer clothes, jewellery, and top of the tier beauty products.
The building itself is worth the short walk from Piccadilly Circus – it is a Tudor revival building that blends in seamlessly with the modern buildings surrounding it.
WATERSTONES
Waterstone is perhaps the most renowned book and stationery store in the UK, so if you are looking for book shops near Piccadilly Circus, you are in for a treat!
Founded in 1982 by Tim Waterstone, Waterstones now has 311 shops all over the United Kingdom and nearby countries. The Piccadilly flagship is the largest bookshop in Europe! It also has a café, if you fancy a little break after all the browsing.
CATH KIDSON
Cath Kidson’s prints are quintessentially British and sure to put a smile on your face whether on a blouse, an apron, or a mug. You will most likely have seen the first original print, Antique Rose if you have ever been anywhere in the United Kingdom!
The first Cath Kidson store opened in 1993 in Notting Hill, London. Almost 30 years later there are 8 Cath Kidson stores in the country, and the flagship is conveniently located in Piccadilly.
SAVILE ROW
Not quite a shop, more like the best selection of bespoke menswear (and, of lately, womenswear) stores and tailoring houses in the world! Savile Row is located in the heart of Mayfair and dates back to 1735. It was named after Lady Savile, wife of the 3rd Earl of Burlington.
A good, tailored suit, we all know, never goes out of fashion and is a true investment piece. So not why treat yourself while you are visiting London?
Tailors have been working here since the 18th century and Savile Row has been synonymous with quality ever since.
PRINCES ARCADE
Like Savile Row, Princes Arcade is an exclusive shopping hub connecting Piccadilly and Jermyn Street and is home to a number of gorgeous luxury boutiques.
Christy’s Hats, for example, which was founded in 1773 by Miller Christy. Prince Albert wore one of Christ’s top hats in 1850!
Ot the chocolate shop Prestat, founded by the creator of the chocolate truffle, Antoine Dufour. Amongst the famous fans of Prestat we find Roald Dahl and HRM Queen Elizabeth. Not too shabby!
WHERE TO STAY IN PICCADILLY
Shopping can be tiring. All of the browsing, the queuing for the dressing rooms, and the shopping bag lifting...
Zedwell is the perfect place for you to wind down at the end of a day of shopping and exploring!
Whether you are travelling alone, with your partner, family or friends we have the perfect room for you.