A trip to the UK is incomplete without a day dedicated to shopping in London. The best way to do it is by pre-planning your itinerary with a car rental in London, UK. Whether you arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick, or you are starting from Central London, Dollar Car Rental is easy to access. Once you have the rented car, carry out detailed research to figure out where to park the vehicle and the best routes to take. Here’s a suggested guide to follow: Start at Portobello Road Market and then head to Oxford Street. From there, continue to Harrods, and make your way to Camden Market. Finally, end your shopping trip at Brick Lane.
Portobello Market (Notting Hill)
Begin your day by driving to Notting Hill. Portobello Market is located in West London and easily accessible via the A40 or A4. Start your day around 9:00 AM at Portobello Market to explore antique treasures, vintage clothing, and fresh produce before the crowds arrive. Parking your car hire in London can be challenging in this area, especially on weekends. Look for street parking in the surrounding areas such as Ladbroke Grove, or consider parking at the nearby Portobello Green Car Park. Arriving early will increase your chances of finding a spot.
Oxford Street
From Portobello, Oxford Street is two miles away and takes about 25 minutes to reach. As one of the busiest shopping streets in Europe, Oxford Street offers a wide range of shops, from high-street giants like Zara and H&M to luxury brands like Selfridges and John Lewis. It’s a great place to find everything from fashion and beauty products to electronics and home goods. Parking near Oxford Street can be challenging due to its central location and popularity, but there are several parking options nearby. Here are some of the closest and most convenient parking facilities: Q-Park Oxford Street, NCP Car Park London Marble Arch, Q-Park Harley Street, and NCP Car Park London Portman Square. Most of these car parks allow you to book spaces in advance, which can save you time and ensure you have a spot. Additionally, having the flexibility of your own vehicle means you can easily transport your purchases without worrying about carrying bags around all day.
Harrods
A visit to London is incomplete without a trip to Harrods, one of the most iconic department stores in the world. This luxury shopping haven offers a vast selection of high-end brands, including fashion, jewellery, beauty, and home goods. From Oxford Street, drive along A4 to reach here in about 10-12 minutes. Parking near Harrods can be a bit tricky due to its location in the busy Knightsbridge area, but there are several convenient options nearby, such as Harrods Car Park, Q-Park Knightsbridge, or NCP Car Park London Cadogan Place. After parking, you can spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the opulent offerings at Harrods, perhaps even stopping for afternoon tea at one of its elegant restaurants.
Camden Market
From Harrods, drive down to Camden Market if you’re looking for something unique and quirky. This bustling place is a shopper’s delight if you like vintage clothes, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs. One of London’s most-loved market districts, this is also a great place to grab a bite to eat at one of the many food stalls. Park your hired car from Dollar Car Rental in the Stables Market and spend the early evening exploring this market. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the colourful mix of stalls, makes Camden Market a must-visit for those seeking something different from the mainstream.
Brick Lane Market
End your day by heading to Brick Lane Market for its eclectic vibe, especially on Sundays when the market is in full swing. This area is famous for its vintage shops, street art, and food stalls, offering an exuberant shopping experience. Here you can park your hired car in Brick Lane Car Park, Euro Car Parks Hanbury Street, NCP Car Park Whitechapel High Street, or the Truman Brewery Car Park. As you explore Brick Lane soaking in the area’s rich cultural heritage, you’ll find a diverse range of goods, from unique fashion pieces to exotic spices.
From high-end luxury brands to quirky vintage stores, London offers a plethora of shopping experiences. With your car hire in London, UK, moving around the bustling city markets can be a great option. With a Dollar car rental in London, you can explore the city as per your plan and schedule. We have a variety of cars at affordable prices. To navigate the busy city, a hatchback would be the ideal option.
Follow this suggested route and keep these parking tips in mind to make the most of your shopping trip to London, discovering some of the city’s most iconic destinations in the comfort of your rental car.
