In this article, I present Harrods shopping center in Londonone of the largest in the world!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Harrods London
- What you can see and do inside
- How to reach him easily
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, visit tips
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Harrods London, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Harrods London: article summary
Harrods London: the UK's largest department store
There's plenty to do when you come visit London and one of the major pleasures for tourists is to take advantage of the British capital to go shopping. For that, nothing beats a trip to Harrods.
It's one of the biggest stores on the planet, and it's the UK's largest. A veritable shopping temple where you can find everything, as its motto reminds us (Omnia Ubique omnibus or Everything, everywhere, for everyone), it's a must for shopping in a sumptuous setting.
Here it is!
Introducing Harrods London
In the beginning, Harrods was just a small grocery founded in 1849 by Charles Henry Harrod, on Brompton Road in the Knightsbridge district of central London. It benefits from the dynamism created by World's Fair planned for 1851 at Hyde Park to start a fast-growing business.
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In just a few years, Harrod's expanded and new premises were built after a fire destroyed the previous ones in 1883. A few years later, in 1889, Harrods became Harrod's Store Limited. A company floated on the stock exchange by its new CEO Alfred James Newton, which is about to experience a new era. a real boom in the early 20th century, under the impetus of Richard Burbidge.
The latter launches a policy of expansion for the store, which underwent major renovations in the years that followed, to become ever more bigger and better. It was here that the world's first in-store escalator was installed, contributing to the store's renown.
After successive takeovers by the House of Fraser company, then by the Egyptian Al-Fayed familyHarrods goes Qatari in 2010.
It's an emblematic place that you can visit as much for the pleasure of taking in the sights as for unlimited shopping!
Facts and figures about this shopping temple  Â
- There are more than 3,500 employees in this department store
- It covers an area of 92 000 m²spread over 7 levels!
- Alfred Hitchcok had herrings delivered from Harrods to Hollywood
- Following the Lady Di (linked to Mohamed Al-Fayed), Harrods lost its royal seal, allowing it to be an official supplier to the royal family.
- It is the official supplier of prestigious school uniforms such as Kings Court or Alton Covent
What can you see and do at Harrods in London?
Harrods is more than just a gigantic shopping center. It's an impressively decorated place to browse, simply for the pleasure of it. Here are a few must-sees!
Luxury boutiques
With over 350 storesWith Harrods, you certainly won't be able to find everything you're looking for when it comes to shopping. But know that its motto is not misleading and that you will find absolutely everything.
From designer clothes to cutting-edge fashion, books, home accessories, jewelry and diamonds, gifts of all kinds and more. The store's reputation is second to none, and you're sure to get lost in its maze!
Don't miss Salon du ParfumIf you'd like to discover some of the world's most unique fragrances. Or the children's toy area, with its giant teddy bears!
The Egyptian hall
It's simple Egyptian decoration spread over several floors, will transport you to Egypt. When the Al-Fayed family ran Harrods, they had the walls, floors and ceilings of part of the store redesigned in the colors of their homeland.
Just stroll down the aisles to discover this amazing area.
Lady Di and Dodi Al-Fayed Memorial
Lady Di is one of the world's most beloved personalities, and we still remember her tragic end under the Pont de l'Alma, Paris. She was accompanied by Dodi Al-Fayed, son of the then owner of Harrods.
As a man, his father had these two statues who represent them, for a work entitled Innocent Victims. A book of condolences is available, and you'll see the ring given by Dodi Al-FAyed to Diana on the eve of the tragedy, and a glass bearing a trace of lipstick from the most famous of the Princesses of Wales.
Halles for fine dining
On a happier note, you can take a stroll along the Harrods basementDiscover one of the most impressive food courts in the country. The window displays will tempt you to indulge in a pastry, caviar or pizza, depending on your taste and budget.
From restaurants are available if you want a break between frenetic shopping sessions. All the ingredients used in these establishments are sourced from the halles, for guaranteed excellence.
The Harrods precinct in London is also home to a number of bars, cafés and ads to refresh yourself.
Sales at Harrods London
Harrods is famous for its crazy saleswith promotions of up to -80 %. Take advantage of this opportunity to purchase luxury clothing or jewelry at knock-down prices.
These sales take place in winter, during the boxinx day (December 26), when the stores are packed (both here and on Oxford Street). In summer, discounts are less attractive, but you can take advantage of 50 /60% reductions on a good number of items.
London's celebrity hangout?
Want to bump into celebrities in London? Many stars come to Harrods to shop! Keep your eyes peeled for the likes of Kylie Jenner, Halle Berry, Justin Bieber or Jennifer LopesThey're not the only ones. They're not the only ones, but most prefer not to be noticed.
How to get to Harrods in London easily?
Harrods is located at the following address: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL
It's right in the center of town and easy to get to via :
- By Metro Knightsbridge, Piccadilly line / South Kensington, District, Circle and Piccadilly lines, then 14-minute walk
- By bus with lines 9, 10, 14, 19, 22, 52, 74, 137, 414, 452 and C1
- With a London cab
Harrods London: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's some additional information to complete your visit to Harrods in London.
Budgets
Overall, rates are very high at Harrods (where admission is, of course, free). And unless they have a very large shopping budget, visitors usually buy small souvenirs, such as a teddy bear or a book from Harrods bookseller.
Opening hours
The store is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 9pm. It opens on Sundays between 1.30 pm and 6 pm.
Practical information
If ever there was a time to visit Harrods, it's now, it's Christmas. Between sales and illuminations, both inside and out, and sparkling decorations, the store is decked out in its finest finery, and you'll have stars in your eyes.
There's one rule you need to know before entering Harrods in London: there are a dress code to shop here! To put it simply, you can't shop in flip-flops, bathing suits or swimming shorts. And if that ever crossed your mind, you should know that you could be refused entry.
Finally, if you missed the opportunity to discover Harrods in London, you should know that there are no fewer than 5 stores in 4 of the Heathrow airport.
What to see and do in the area?
Thanks to its central location, there's no shortage of things to do in the area around Harrods. Here are a few suggestions for things to do in the area:
- To the east, the unmissable Buckingham Palace is just a twenty-minute walk away. You can then continue on to the wonders of Westminster !
- To the south, you can head for the Chelsea district. Here you'll see the iconic Stamford Bridgewhere the Blues
- To the west, you can visit the superb Kensington Palacehome of Lady Di
- To the north, Hyde Park awaits you with its countless treasures, including the fountain dedicated to Princess Diana
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