When travelling somewhere new, it’s natural to want a souvenir to remind you of your trip. Thankfully, in London and across the British Isles, there’s certainly no shortage of souvenirs to buy.
To help seek out those standout items, we’ve selected our pick of souvenirs from Britain that you can proudly display back home.
Fortnum & Mason
As one of London’s most famous department stores, founded all the way back in 1707, Fortnum & Mason is a stop-off for many discerning souvenir hunters. This prestigious store has long focused on luxury groceries and is now home to the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. With this in mind, it seems fitting to add Fortnum & Mason tea to your shopping list; sourced from around the world, these teas come in keepsake caddies.
Harrods
This Knightsbridge department store is another of London’s best-known, drawing people in with its impressive displays, high-end fashion and lavish food hall. Naturally, Harrods souvenirs abound too, from chic bags and scarves to mugs and Beefeater teddy bears.
Royal Collection Trust
What could be more quintessentially British than a souvenir of the Royal Family? The Royal Collection Trust shop – found at the Historic Royal Palaces, as well as online – specialises in commemorative chinaware and jewellery that’s been designed for Buckingham Palace, along with less lavish Royal-themed souvenirs and fine food.
Locally made Gin
Britain has a long-standing reputation for producing some of the world’s finest gin, with a number of distilleries, both big brand and boutique, around London. For a story to take home with their souvenir, visitors can pick up a bottle following a tour of one of the capital’s distilleries, such as Sipsmith or Beefeater.
Spa Products from the Roman Baths
A highlight of many visitors’ trips to Britain is the chance to stroll around the historic Roman Baths in the idyllic Georgian hot spring town of southwest England. Being here also allows visitors to pick up gifts and souvenirs. And what hot spring town souvenir could be more appropriate than locally-made spa products.
Handmade Jewellery from Stonehenge
Anyone who has the opportunity to walk around Stonehenge will likely want an item to remind them of their experience. And naturally, there are certainly plenty to choose from; everything from T-shirts and mugs to keyrings and snow globes has been given the Stonehenge treatment, but it’s the handcrafted items that stand out the most.
Illustrated Items
Having been favoured by esteemed brands such as Vogue and Chanel, illustrator Alice Tait is creating quite a storm. Perhaps garnering the most attention is her illustrated map of London, which can be seen printed on a number of desirable items.
Don’t forget to call into each gift shop while taking a tour of London’s landmarks and historic sites or while exploring further afield, including day trips to Bath and Stonehenge.
Image credits: Cover photo © iStock / IS_ImageSource. The Queens Blend Tea at Fortnum & Mason © Fortnum & Mason. Harrods © Flickr / LorenzoG. The Beefeater Gin distillery © Flickr / Bex Walton. Products at the Roman Baths shop © Bath and North East Somerset Council.
