Aberdeen is blessed with good transport links to the big smoke, and it’s but a short flight to London. If you’re in the mood to make the journey an event, might we suggest the gorgeous nostalgia of the Caledonian Sleeper. Picture dining in the Club Car before turning in for the night in your own snug cabin and waking up to the hum of London Euston. For those opting to fly, prepare yourself for an early morning slot on the runway which at least means you have the whole day ahead of you. Once you’ve landed, you don’t have far to go to Oxford Street.
Even the bahest of bah humbugs will be wooed by Oxford Street’s beautiful Christmas decorations, which normally get switched on during the first week in November. Around 300,000 LED lights have been painstakingly hung to create a sparkly canopy, reminiscent of a starry night. Wear comfortable shoes as you wander in and out of more than 100 shops on the mile and a half stretch, retail heaven at its finest. Popular brands including & Other Stories, Uniqulo and Søstrene Grene are all par for the course. A visit to Oxford Street wouldn’t be complete without exploring the iconic Selfridges, famed for its Christmas window which boasted 36,000 baubles last year. We’re just glad we don’t have to put away the decorations!
For something that bit different, take the Northern Line and get off at Camden Market. With 1,000 quirky shops, cafes, stalls and bars you could easily spend an entire day here and still not have experienced everything. Expect organic skincare, vintage fashion and mouth-watering foodie offerings, Camden is a glorious melting pot where you’ll find truly unique gifts. For dedicated foodies, plan your visit in advance and tickle your tastebuds with worldwide cuisine. From Greek street food to Bhangra burgers, we’re feeling hungry already. Did you know that Camden also boasts an underground theme park and a luxury Curzon cinema? Don’t be surprised if you’re already planning your next trip, with so much to see and do. Download the Camden market app to make the very most of your visit, complete with the latest deals and a handy map for the labyrinth of street traders.
If you’re in search of luxury, a visit to London isn’t complete without soaking in all seven floors of Harrords which can be found in Knightsbridge. For those truly dedicated to the cause, book an appointment with the personal shopper team. Now admittedly you must be a member of The Harrords Rewards team before you’re granted access to this service, but you’re meeting with experts who know the store inside-out. No request is too big and you can arrange to have items shipped to your home, perfect for those pesky luggage restrictions. If you’ve still not got your fill of luxury, hit up Bond Street and Mayfair for a taste of how the other half live. Visit the flagship stores of Chanel and Dior, we’ll have two of everything please.
If you want to combine shopping with the theatre, head to Covent Garden. It remains timeless in its appeal, and if you’re lucky you’ll catch a street performance or two. For those feeling a tad stressed from all the spending, we’d highly recommend visiting the Charlotte Tilbury flagship store which opened at the start of this year. It boasts a skin spa which can be found on the lower ground floor, and prices start at £45 for facials. As Charlotte herself would say, you look fabulous darling! Once you’re feeling refreshed, meander along Covent Garden’s most colourful street known as Neal’s Yard. This not-so-secret gem offers the perfect location to bring a marvellous day to a close. The key to a successful London outing is to plan ahead and if you’re a lover of an itinerary then all the better. Make it an annual tradition with a close friend or loved one, Happy Shopping!
