Harrods

Harrods is one of the largest and most famous department stores in the world. Originally opened as a grocers' in 1849 by Charles Henry Harrod, it moved to Knightsbridge in 1849. The store famously burnt down in 1883, but was quickly rebuilt. Harrods has been owned by Mohammed Al-Fayed since 1985.

Located in Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, the 4.5-acre space is filled with over 330 departments spread across seven floors. Famous for its exclusive and luxury brands, Harrods is definitely one of London's more expensive stores, and many visitors go just to have a look. Everyone is asked to observe a dress code - clothing must be clean and have no offensive language or pictures. No crash helmets are allowed and rucksacks must be carried by hand. There are over 30 restaurants serving everything from tea and coffee to haute cuisine.

A visit to Harrods is designed to be a positive and pleasurable experience. It would be difficult not to be moved by the beauty and decadence of The Egyptian Hall, and Harrods' food halls on the ground floor are famous in their own right. Food is celebrated at Harrods, with festivals and tasting events throughout the year. The five rooms making up the food halls are filled with foods that are luxurious, exotic and expensive, and you can buy almost anything. There are specialist counters from Japan, India, the Middle East and Lebanon, and a whole room is tailored to the younger visitor, packed with sweet treats and fabulous ice cream. There is also an unrivalled selection of fresh fish and caviar, meat, game, fruit, vegetables, cheeses and dairy products, alongside specialist confectionary, chocolate, cakes and desserts.

The Harrods brand is recognised all over the world and souvenirs can be found on the lower ground floor. The Harrods signature teddy bear is a collectors' item, and the vast selection of mementoes and gifts includes bespoke hampers, gift boxes, cakes and even fragrance formulations.

There are two memorials to Diana, Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed. One is a display of photographs next to a wine glass with a lipstick smudge from Diana's last dinner, alongside a ring that was bought just before they died. The second - called 'Innocent Victims' - is a bronze statue of the couple dancing underneath the wings of an albatross, meant to symbolise the Holy Spirit.

Opening times: Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 20:00, Sunday 12:00 - 18:00

Contact

• Click for Phone Number 020 7730 1234