For a more relaxed shopping experience, London's riverside destinations offer a refreshing alternative to the city's busiest hotspots. Read on to discover our favourite corners of the capital for a spot of retail therapy.
Barnes High Street, Barnes, SW13
Connecting the picturesque Green and the riverbank, this leafy road is packed with independent boutiques and cafés. Founded by two friends, Mooch’s pieces tell a story, from handcrafted ceramics to sustainably made textiles. The aptly named Barnes Bookshop has an incredible range of titles, and also organises the annual BookFest, which has previously welcomed esteemed authors such as Michael Morpurgo. Music lovers will greatly enjoy a visit to Olympic Studio Records, situated opposite the historic building where countless legends recorded their most well-known songs, which is now a bar and cinema.
Paved Court, Richmond, TW9
Fans of the TV show Ted Lasso will recognise this charming cobblestone alley, which was used as the home of the lead character. Close to the Prince’s Head pub, it is lined with eateries and shops for intrigued visitors to explore. Owned and managed by the same family since the 19th Century, Susan Clarke Jewellers design and make bespoke engagement rings and diamond jewellery in their own workshop. Artist-run gallery One Paved Court hosts regularly changing exhibitions across sculpture, painting, printmaking and performance. Just two doors down, Titfertat Hats, run by expert milliner Mary Spiteri, specialises in both ready-to-wear collections and custom couture headwear for events.
Church Street, Twickenham, TW1
Moments from The Embankment, residents and visitors alike will appreciate the eclectic mix of businesses this lively street has to offer. With its eye-catching floral displays framing the shopfront, The Bloomery brings a vibrant burst of colour to the road, inviting passers-by to stop, admire the beautiful blooms and choose a hand-tied bouquet for someone special. Flick’s Film Posters is renowned for its rare choices, perfect for those seeking a thoughtful gift or stand-out print. For traditional confectionery, head to Sweet Memories of Twickenham, where the shelves are stacked high with glass jars full of treats, and satisfied customers leave clutching striped paper bags full of goodies.
Kew Village, Kew, TW9
This south west London neighbourhood’s charm is clear from the moment you leave the station. Tourists will often make a beeline for The Kew Bookshop, filling tote bags with the bookseller’s latest recommendations and watercolour postcards. Mia Wood sources stock from Britain and overseas, including luxury bath and body products and a unique collection of homewares. Those with a taste for a tipple will certainly find something that takes their fancy at The Good Wine Shop, which stocks over 600 different varieties of red, white and rosé. End your outing at the iconic Kew Gardens, where the gift shop offers far more than just souvenirs, with everything from gourmet food and stationery to, of course, plants.
Thames Ditton High Street, Thames Ditton, KT7
With its chocolate-box cottages and idyllic surroundings, the High Street sits at the heart of this picturesque waterside village, full of timeless charm. 30 Antiques is a treasure trove of characterful finds, where vintage furniture sits alongside one-of-a-kind décor. Part café and part delicatessen, Limetree sells artisan goods and carefully chosen wines, while the counter serves freshly prepared food. View brings two local businesses under one roof, combining a lifestyle store with a showroom for original work by established and emerging artists. As the name suggests, Paull’s Fruit and Veg is a family-run greengrocer known for colourful seasonal produce. For something a little more indulgent, Thames Ditton Bakery has an array of pastries and delicately finished cakes, as well as delicious sourdough loaves, all baked in-house each day.
If these wonderful shopping streets have caught your eye, contact our local experts to begin your search along the river.