London Airport Shopping: Best Buys Before Takeoff

what to buy at london airport

London's airports offer a wide range of shopping options for travellers, from high-end fashion and cosmetics to souvenirs and gifts. Heathrow Airport, for instance, has been praised for its duty-free shopping, with brands such as Chanel, Prada, Tom Ford, and Clarins available. Gatwick Airport and London Stansted Airport also offer duty-free shopping, with brands like Aesop, Creed, Gucci, and Burberry. When it comes to food and beverage, Heathrow offers a variety of options, including a glamorous oyster bar and sushi on conveyor belts. For those looking for last-minute gifts, Heathrow has a range of options, including Ted Baker, Harrod's signature totes and teddy bears, and Arsenal jerseys from JD Sports. London's airports also offer pre-order and reservation services for duty-free items, allowing travellers to shop online and collect their purchases at the airport.

Characteristics Values
Customer service Friendly and relaxed
Shopping High-end duty-free shopping, including perfume, cosmetics, fashion, alcohol, tobacco, food, books, magazines, jewellery, clothing accessories, home and gift products
Food Oyster bar, sushi, Italian, French, pub food, falafel, duck salad, wraps, salads

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Alcoholic drinks

When purchasing alcohol at London's airports, it is essential to be aware of the duty-free allowances for your destination country. This will ensure that you do not buy more than you are legally allowed to bring into the country and help you avoid additional customs fees. It is also recommended to research prices beforehand to ensure you are getting a good deal. Creating a list of the desired alcoholic beverages and their prices can help you stay within your budget and make the most of your duty-free allowance.

London Heathrow's duty-free store frequently offers promotions and discounts on select alcohol brands, so keep an eye out for these special offers to maximise your savings. Additionally, London Stansted Airport offers a "Shop Now, Collect on Return" service, allowing you to purchase duty-free products before your flight and collect them on your return journey, free of charge.

  • Glen Deveron 40-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky 70cl
  • Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky 28-Year-Old 70cl
  • Johnnie Walker Blue Label King George V 70cl
  • Dewar's Double Double 30-Year-Old Travel Exclusive 50cl
  • Talisker 25-Year-Old 70cl
  • The Glenlivet Triple Cask Matured Rare Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky Scotland 1l
  • Lagavulin 16-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl
  • Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey 1l
  • Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky Scotland 70cl
  • Glenfiddich Glenfiddich Fire&cane 70cl
  • Aberfeldy 12-Year-Old 1l

Remember to inspect the quality of the alcohol before purchasing and consider the currency exchange rate when making large purchases. By following these tips, you can make informed decisions and get the most value for your money when buying alcoholic drinks at London's airports.

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Perfume and cologne

London's airports are a haven for perfume and cologne enthusiasts. Heathrow Airport, for instance, offers a wide range of high-end fragrances from various luxury brands, including Chanel, Prada, Tom Ford, and Gucci. The airport's duty-free shopping area provides an extensive selection of perfumes and colognes, often at discounted prices compared to high street retailers.

Travellers departing from London's airports can take advantage of the tax-free benefits, which can result in significant savings on fragrances. In particular, Heathrow's Terminal 5 offers an extensive range of fragrances for testing, with all products easily accessible and no pushy sales assistants. Additionally, some airports, such as London Stansted Airport, offer a click-and-collect service, allowing passengers to browse and purchase fragrances online before conveniently picking them up at the airport.

London's airports provide an excellent opportunity for perfume and cologne enthusiasts to explore and purchase a diverse range of fragrances, often at competitive prices, making it a worthwhile shopping destination for those interested in scent-related products.

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Clothing and accessories

London's airports offer a wide range of clothing and accessories from both high-street and high-end brands.

For those looking for high-end fashion, Heathrow Airport has a range of luxury brands, including Chanel, Prada, Tom Ford, Miu Miu, and Kurt Geiger. Heathrow also has a large Harrods store, which sells a range of clothing, accessories, and souvenirs, including the signature black tote bag, a small teddy bear in a tote bag, and an oven mitt.

If you're looking for something more affordable, Heathrow also has stores like Zara, Boots, and Ted Baker. Ted Baker offers a fun selection of clothing and accessories at prices that are often better than those on the high street. Boots is a great place to pick up skincare and cosmetics, with their own-brand products as well as other lines such as No7.

For sports fans, JD Sports sells football jerseys, including Arsenal.

London's other airports also have a range of clothing and accessories available. Gatwick Airport, for example, has a World Duty-Free Store with products from brands such as Tom Ford, as well as separate stores for Jo Malone London and Sunglasses Boutique.

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Food and drink items

London's airports offer a wide range of food and drink items, from high-end chocolates and biscuits to British classics and international favourites.

Chocolates and Sweets

London's airports offer a range of high-end chocolates and sweets, perfect for gifting or indulging. Harrods, the famous London department store, has a range of options, including their signature black tote bag, which can also be used for shopping. The airport also has a stand for Cartwright & Butler biscuits, which come in a reusable tin. For a more classic option, British chocolates such as Tunnocks biscuit wafers or Cadbury buttons are also available.

British Classics

For those looking for traditional British food and drink, Heathrow Airport has a range of options. The airport has a branch of the popular British pharmacy Boots, which offers a range of food and drink items, including their branded skincare products and vitamin C brightening moisturising cream. Heathrow also has a branch of Pret a Manger, offering a range of British classics with a twist, such as falafel, duck salad, and sushi.

International Options

London's airports cater to a range of international tastes, with options from around the world. Heathrow has a glamorous oyster bar and sushi on conveyor belts. There are also sit-down restaurants offering Italian, French, and traditional pub fare. For those looking for a taste of the US, Heathrow has a branch of the American chain Ted Baker, offering fashion and accessories at better prices than on the high street.

Duty-Free

London's airports also have a range of duty-free options for those looking to save some money. Heathrow Airport has a range of alcohol options, including Jack Daniels, Moet & Chandon, and Veuve Clicquot, all at discounted prices. The airport also has a range of perfume and cologne options, such as Prada Candy Natural Spray and Chanel No 5 Eau de Parfum, again at discounted prices.

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Luxury items

London's airports offer a wide range of luxury items that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here is a list of luxury items that you can consider buying at London's airports:

Fashion and Accessories:

  • Heathrow Airport offers a range of high-end fashion brands such as Chanel, Prada, Tom Ford, and Clarins. You can find designer clothing, handbags, and accessories at these airports.
  • For British fashion, Ted Baker is a great option, offering a fun selection of clothing, socks, handbags, and sometimes even swimwear. Their prices are often more competitive than those on the high street.
  • Aspinal of London is another excellent choice for luxury accessories. They offer a multi-currency wallet that is perfect for travellers, as it can accommodate various bill sizes.

Beauty and Fragrances:

  • Duty-free shops at London's airports offer a wide range of fragrances and cosmetics. You can find popular brands such as Prada, Chanel, Thierry Mugler, and Britney Spears.
  • Boots, a well-known drugstore in the UK, offers its own branded skincare products and a range of other beauty items.

Alcohol:

  • The duty-free shops at London's airports offer a variety of alcoholic beverages, including spirits, wine, champagne, and liquor. You can find popular brands such as Jack Daniel's, Moët & Chandon, and Veuve Clicquot.
  • For something unique, look out for flavoured gins like Rhubarb & Ginger Gin or Orange & Basil Gin by Edinburgh Gin.

Souvenirs and Gifts:

  • London's airports have a variety of options for souvenirs and gifts. Harrods, a well-known department store, has a signature black tote bag, a cute teddy bear in a small tote, and an oven mitt, all featuring their iconic logo.
  • Hamley's Lego Exclusive Royal Guard is another unique gift option, especially for children.
  • For foodies, you can consider British chocolates such as Tunnocks biscuit wafers or Cadbury buttons, or the Cartwright & Butler biscuits, which come in a reusable tin.

Remember to check the duty-free allowance limits for your destination country and be mindful of any age restrictions on certain products. Enjoy your shopping experience at London's airports!

Frequently asked questions

London airports offer a range of gift options, including British souvenirs, fashion items, cosmetics, food products, and alcohol. Some specific examples are Ted Baker wallets, Harrod's signature tote bags, Lego sets, and British chocolates like Tunnocks and Cadbury buttons.

Duty-free shopping at London airports can offer savings on certain items, especially for travellers flying outside the EU. Items like perfume, alcohol, and tobacco tend to be cheaper at duty-free shops compared to regular retail prices. However, it's always a good idea to compare prices to ensure you're getting a good deal.

London airports, particularly Heathrow, offer a variety of food options, including glamorous oyster bars, sushi, sit-down restaurants with Italian or French cuisine, and grab-and-go options like falafel, duck salad, sushi, and wraps.

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