Hamleys is one of the grandest and most famous toy stores in the world, and attracts around five million visitors every year. It all began in 1760 as “Noah’s Ark”, when William Hamley set out to open the best toy shop in the world. Hamleys has been famously located on Regent Street, in London’s west end since 1881.

Hamleys is spread over seven floors, and has far more to offer than a simple toyshop. With an enormous selection of toys and games for babies and children of all ages, as well as gadgets, electronics and collectibles for those who are a little more mature, each floor has a different theme to make navigation simple.

The basement is home to interactive toys, electronic games and gadgets, and construction sets such as LEGO and Meccano. The ground floor is dedicated to soft toys, ranging from very small to truly life-sized stuffed animals, as well as Build-A-Bear, where a child can choose a teddy bear and customise it before taking it home. On the first floor there are hundreds of board games, the science section and the outdoor toys. The second floor has everything for babies and preschoolers, and the third is a girls’ world, complete with dolls, dressing up and arts and crafts. The fourth floor is devoted to hobbies, with remote controlled vehicles, train sets and cars, and on the fifth there are the action figures, as well as a very family-friendly café.

Across all the departments the tirelessly enthusiastic staff team bring the toys to life through unrivalled displays, interactive demonstrations and even by dressing up to engage visitors and passers-by in the latest theme.

Opening times: Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 20.00, Saturdays: 09:00 – 20:00, Sundays: 12:00 – 18:00