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As well as the very latest toys from famous names
like Disney and Hamley's, London also has a number of traditional toy shops, selling everything from
wooden dolls houses, to puppets and activity books. On this page, we give you an up-to-date list of
central London's best toy shops, along with games and roleplay stockists such as Orc's Nest.
360/366 Oxford Street, W1N 9HA, Tel: 020 7491 9136, Website: www.disney.co.uk, Tube: Bond Street/Oxford Circus,
Show Map
Although nowadays most shopping malls seem to have a Disney Store, the company's flagship
Oxford Street premises is larger than most selling a wide range of popular merchandise including baby and
toddlers clothing, soft toys, videos, games, books and gifts. As you would expect, all of the usual
Disney favourites are here including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Pooh Bear and Tigger. With
another Central London store located at Unit 10, The Piazza, Covent Garden (Tel: 020
7836 5037) and 360/366 Oxford Street (Tel: 020 7491 9136).
188-196 Regent Street, W1, Tel: 020 7494 2000 (Specialist toy enquiry
line Tel: 020 8752 2278) Website: www.hamleys.com, Tube: Oxford
Circus, Show Map
Hamley's has been in the business of mesmerizing children and adults alike with its toys for almost
250 years. What's more, the choice on offer at this centrally located store is simply breathtaking.
Having recently completed an ongoing refurbishment to make the store even more spacious (and easier
to navigate), its reputation as London's finest toy store has been enhanced all the more. Although
Hamley's can be more expensive for certain toys, kids invariably find a trip here a real treat.
Visiting just before Christmas is especially recommended (if you can put up with the demands of
younger folk that is).
Specialist London Toy Shops
Benjamin Pollock's Toy Shop
44 The Market, Covent Garden, WC2E 8RF, Tel: 020 7379 7880, Website: www.pollocks-coventgarden.co.uk,
Tube: Covent Garden,
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Small store specialising in Victorian toy theatre. Most of the 3-D models are made from card,
although more expensive wooden versions are also available. With a good selection of puppets,
wooden toys and books to further tempt the kids, Pollock's is certainly worth a look if you're in
and around Covent Garden.
36 Kings Road, Chelsea, SW3 4UD, Tel: 020 7581 5764, Website: www.elc.co.uk, Tube: Sloane Square,
Show Map and Debenhams, 334-348 Oxford Street, London, W1C 1JD, Tel: 0207 580 3000,
Tube: Show Map, Other stores nationwide
Majoring on pre-school toys with educational value ELC stocks everything from Bob the Builder and
the Tweenies to Stickle Bricks and Soft Stuff modelling clay. With over 200 stores nationwide (and
ranges sold in Debenhams and Sainsbury's too) finding a centre shouldn't be a problem either.
Eric Snook's Toyshop
32 Covent Garden Market, WC2 8RE, Tel: 020 7379 7681,
Tube: Covent Garden,
Show Map
Although relatively small, Eric Snook's Toyshop is nevertheless jam-packed with soft toys, games
and teddies. Although some offerings are unashamedly geared towards the cheaper end of the market,
it's nonetheless possible to pick up good quality (and well-priced) wooden toys and gifts here.
Board Games and Role Play
369 Euston Rd,
NW1 3AR, Tel: 020 7388 2404, Website: www.chesscenter.com,
Tube: Great Portland Street,
Show Map
Conveniently located next to Great Portland Street Tube, Chess & Bridge specialize in
traditional board games including decorative, novelty and travel chess sets, backgammon and 'Go'
equipment (including stones/counters). Bridge and poker also feature as do, books, software, videos
and magazines. A very good store.
Unit F10, The Plaza, 116-128 Oxford Street, W1R 1PA, Tel: 020 7436 0839,
Website: www.games-workshop.co.uk,
Tube: Oxford Circus
If you're a serious games enthusiast, then Oxford Street's Games Workshop is definitely worth a
visit. As well as stocking Warhammer and Lord of the Rings boxed sets, the store sells all manner
of background books, comics, magazines, armies, monsters and collectibles. Other London/M25 stores
located in: Kensington, Hammersmith, Richmond, Kingston-upon-Thames, Croydon and Sutton (see website
for details).
Orc's Nest
6 Earlham Street, WC2 9RY, Tel: 020 7379 4254, Website: www.orcsnest.com, Tube: Covent Garden,
Show Map
Easy to find and with a large range of figurines, trading cards, magazines, novels and dice, Orc's
Nest proves to be something of a one stop shop when it comes to role-playing games. A useful web
presence aptly illustrates the company's stock range.
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