Marylebone is undoubtedly London’s finest High Street, offering a relaxed shopping experience where you can wander leisurely from boutique to bookshop. This enchanting street boasts a delightful mix of shops, from Parisian favorite Diptyque with its fragrant candles and perfumes to The Conran Shop, showcasing contemporary home design. For those seeking literary treasures, there’s the enchanting Daunt Books with its beautifully decorated window and dark wooden balconies.
Independent Gems and a Cool Vibe
Marylebone is home to a vibrant collection of independent shops, adding to its unique charm. Trunk Clothiers caters to men with its selection of contemporary labels, while Mouki Mou offers cool and understated clothing, accessories, and gifts. For stylish eyewear, head to Prism, and for whisky connoisseurs, Cadenhead’s is a must-visit. Conde Nast Traveler has aptly named Marylebone London’s coolest street, a place with a rich heritage that has perfectly reinvented itself while staying true to its past.
A Grand Boulevard with Iconic Stores
This wide and bustling boulevard boasts a vast array of stores, including AllSaints, Burberry, and Tommy Hilfiger, adding a touch of luxury to the mix. The magnificent Liberty London department store, set in a 1920s Tudor-revival building constructed from the timbers of two ships, is a true architectural gem. For the young and young at heart, Hamleys offers floor upon floor of captivating toys.
Shopping Spree to Bicester Village
An ornate wrought-iron, glass-covered walkway connects the rear entrance of The Landmark Hotel to Marylebone Station, providing easy access to regular trains to Bicester Village. This high-end retail outlet village offers incredible discounts on brands like Missoni, Sandro, and Gucci, making it a shopper’s paradise.
Markets Galore: From Antiques to Food Delights
Marylebone and its surrounding areas are home to a variety of markets, each offering a unique experience. Portobello Market, with its colorful houses, transforms into the world’s biggest antiques market on Saturdays. Stalls overflow with treasures, from silverware and jewelry to Victorian cameras and vintage luggage. The market is open Monday to Saturday, but Saturday is the main day for antiques, with trading starting early in the morning.
Culinary Delights and Historic Treasures
For food lovers, Borough Market is a must-visit. Stalls overflowing with fresh produce from across the UK and beyond will delight your senses. Many stallholders are producers themselves, eager to share the story behind their wares. From cheeses and cakes to chocolates, meats, and fish, spices, oils, and antipasti, there’s something to tantalize every palate. The surrounding area boasts a fantastic range of restaurants, making it a culinary destination. The market is open Monday to Saturday, with limited offerings on Mondays and Tuesdays. It’s open seven days a week in December.
A Journey Through Time at Grays Antique Market
Nestled in a grand terracotta building, Grays Antique Market offers a journey through time. Over 200 antique dealers showcase objects spanning from 40 BC to the 20th century. An unexpected sight awaits in the basement – the underground Tyburn River flowing through a channel, with large goldfish meandering through it. This eccentric feature adds to the market’s unique charm. Grays is open Monday to Friday, with many dealers also open on Saturdays.
A Vibrant Fusion of Style and History
Spitalfields Market, housed under a glass canopy, is a vibrant hub of activity, offering a diverse range of clothing, gifts, toys, and vintage treasures. It’s a place to discover unique finds and indulge in a bit of retail therapy. Next door, Old Spitalfields Market offers a different experience each day of the week, from antiques and art to vintage hats, silk scarves, and collectible vinyl. This lively market also makes a great spot for lunch, with restaurants like Nuno Mendes’ Taberna do Mercado and Wright Brothers oyster bar. Spitalfields Market is open daily, while Old Spitalfields Market is open Thursday to Sunday.
