Regent Street

Don't be put off by the fact that Nash's sweeping design for Regent Street was inspired as a means of separating the riff-raff (Soho) from the well to do (Mayfair) back in the 1800s. Home to a number of large outlets offering everything from toys and trench coats to fabrics and food, Regent Street is a great place to window shop if nothing else. Strict building regulations mean that all the shops must blend in with the elegant architecture of the street. Perhaps the street's most famous resident is Liberty. Founded in 1875 the owner was so inspired by the musical The Mikado that he sought to bring Oriental goods to the capital. Beyond the store's mock Tudor façade, this influence can still be felt. The street also offers excellent homeware shops like Laura Ashley and there are some flagship clothing stores including Banana Republic and Aquascutum. Many of the shops along Regent Street (and especially Saville Row running parallel) are extremely expensive and suitable only for a very special occasion. However, if you have children, the world's best toy shop should give them something to remember! Hamleys (on Regent Street) is a London institution, a huge, well-run emporium stacked from floor to ceiling with excellent toys. It is a wonderful place to take a child, and fun for adults as well.

The main shopping section of the street lies between Oxford Circus to the north, and Piccadilly Circus to the south - a distance of about 3/4 of a mile.