In the major cities, you can buy
fashion from the likes of national designers Burberry or Stella McCartney.
Wedgwood,
Crown Derby,
Royal Doulton and
Royal Worcester all produce renowned
china and
porcelain. Luxury
food and
chocolates can be bought from independent shops such as the famous
Harrods and
Fortnum & Mason in London.
Antiques are to be found in shops or markets all over the country.
In London, Charing Cross Road is famous for
bookshops, and there are several
street markets: the famous Portobello
Road in Notting Hill; Petticoat Lane for clothes; Columbia Road flower market, and Bermondsey for antiques, to name a few.
Tax-free shopping: Many shops throughout the country now operate a tax-free shopping scheme for overseas visitors. The store provides a form that should be completed at the time of purchase. Upon arrival at Customs, present the goods and the forms (within three months) to be entitled to a refund of Value Added Tax (VAT). For further information, contact VisitBritain.
Shopping hours In major cities, Mon-Sat 0900/0930-1730; in London and other large shopping centers, shops may stay open to 2000. Most cities have at least one night a week of late night shopping until 2000, usually on Thursday. Many shops open Sun 1000/1100-1600/1700. Some towns and areas of cities may have early closing one day a week, usually Wednesday or Thursday.
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