Hamleys

Stepping into Hamleys you are greeted by a colourful scene of frenetic activity. Miniature trains career under escalators, model planes circle above your head and mountains of soft toys spill across the floor. Famed as the one of the largest of its kind across Europe, Hamleys has been the leading toy shop for over 250 years. Founded by William Hamley in 1760, it first opened in a poky shop in Holborn before moving to Regent Street in 1881. Hamleys keeps up with the latest gadgets and trends as well as stocking the more time-honoured toys. From tin soldiers to the latest in Jedi fighting equipment, kiddies can feast their eyes on over 40,000 different toys. There is something for every price range, however don't be surprised by some of the wildly steep price tags. Adults and children swarm around the store, eyes shining with excitement. The experience alone is worth a visit. Many of the toys are out of the boxes and can be endlessly tossed, shaken, driven, built or cuddled. With seven floors of fun your raucous bunch can charge from floor to floor with glee.