Hyde Park: B&Bs for the Best of London Shopping

Jun 29
07:43

2012

Jake Morley

Jake Morley

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Hyde Park is a brilliant area of London for sightseeing, relaxing and, most of all, shopping. With so many stores only a stone’s throw away, it should be your first choice when looking for a bed and breakfast. With your accommodation closer, you can shop for longer!

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Of all the areas of London,Hyde Park: B&Bs for the Best of London Shopping Articles Hyde Park is one of the best for a short break or weekend away. The park’s central location means there are many famous landmarks on your doorstep, and the green space provides a setting for music events, cycling, horse riding, tennis and football. Perhaps best of all, however, is the shopping available in the area. A bed and breakfast in Hyde Park can be the perfect base for a spot of retail therapy. Most of London’s famous shopping districts are located alongside the park. Marble Arch, on its north east corner, gives you access to the shoppers’ paradise of the West End: Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regent Street.

To the south of the park lie High Street Kensington and Knightsbridge, home to Harrods, and to the north west is Notting Hill. Close by is Portobello Road market, one of the largest antiques markets in the world. Oxford Street is Europe’s busiest shopping street. No matter what time of day you visit, there is always a buzz of excitement, with shoppers visiting stores as diverse as Selfridges and Primark. With so many people around, it’s no wonder many household names have their flagship stores there, with brands like Marks and Spencer, New Look and Next making their presence felt. Oxford Street is also home to several large department stores, such as House of Fraser, Debenhams and John Lewis.

Half way along Oxford Street is Oxford Circus. While this may bring the flying trapeze and performing monkeys to mind, the junction with Regent Street is actually more reminiscent of Tokyo, with a new diagonal pedestrian crossing – the only one in the City of Westminster. Here shoppers and commuters criss-cross in six directions, passing Nike Town, Top Shop and H&M on their way. Regent Street is named after the Prince Regent, later George IV, who ruled for a time while his father was taken by bouts of insanity. The street is part of the Crown Estate and even today the Queen has a say in which shops are allowed to open, giving a very upmarket feel.

The road forms a long, sweeping curve heading down to Piccadilly Circus and is home to department store Liberty. The Apple Store is always a hub of activity and Hamley’s, the toy store, is a perennial favourite.Close by in Mayfair is  Bond Street, with its smart designer stores ranging from Louis Vuitton to Channel. If you look hard enough in Burlington Gardens, you will find Abercrombie & Fitch, one of the few stores which do not have a sign outside. A short distance away is Knightsbridge, home to the world famous Harrods. No shopping trip to London would be complete without a visit. Harvey Nichols, the department store of choice for London’s “ladies who lunch” is at the top end of Sloane Street, which is lined with even more designer stores. At the end of the street is Sloane Square and the Peter Jones department store.

The square then leads onto the Kings Road with its eclectic mix of trendy boutiques and brand stores. On the North side of Hyde Park is Notting Hill. If you are looking for antiques or quirky gifts, then do not miss Portobello Road Market on a saturday. Those who come early can mix with the antique dealers before taking a leisurely stroll down Westbourne Grove, peeking into the windows of art galleries along the way. The road leads towards Bayswater and the Whiteleys shopping centre. For a great place to stay during your shopping trip to London, you can’t beat the convenience and atmosphere of Hyde Park. You will find an excellent selection of B&Bs and hotels in the area, all located within walking distance of some of the best shopping in the world.