London on a Shoestring – Top Shopping Spots for Bargain Hunters

With the autumn season approaching and our minds turning from the summer that never really was to that other unmentionable season, a shopping trip to London may be worth considering.

London is indisputably the shopping destination that caters for all budgets, so if you’re on a budget and would like to experience the more affordable side of London, you should know that it is possible to shop there on a shoestring.

First things first, you must sort the accommodation, and we here at Jurys Inn would (naturally) like to recommend the wonderful Jurys Inn hotels in either Chelsea, Croydon,  Islington or Watford to lay your head and fill your stomach before setting out on your shopping expedition.

For shopping on a budget, the high streets in London are a must, as you’ll find a multitude of bargains just waiting to be picked up.

Primark on Oxford Street is the company’s flagship store, which spread over two storeys has every fashion item you could possibly ever think of. Topshop is another mammoth store at Oxford Circus spanning four floors; New Look has become a hot favourite with the younger generation; and H&M, despite being very affordable, boasts many designers such as Stella McCartney and Comme des Garçons.

It’s all about vintage these days, and London is packed full of vintage shops and markets. Alfie’s Antiques Market is the city’s largest indoor market, and will suit both men and women in search of collectables and designer pieces.

Lily Allen’s Lucy in Disguise has quickly become a vintage favourite, but while you will get some fabulous and funky designer bargains, don’t expect them to be too cheap.

Last but not least, for savvy shoppers, London’s plethora of markets, from Brick Lane to Petticoat Lane, will delight.

Brick Lane is a treasure trove of bric-a-brac, second hand furniture and exotic spices. The famous Camden market has everything from art to food and furniture, and is packed full of cafes if you fancy a break.

Portobello Road Market is a must for antique lovers, while Borough Marker (it featured in Bridget Jones) will entice you with the mouth-watering smells of the food stalls, Old Spitalfields Market is another popular covered bazaar, while Greenwich, Covent Garden and Petticoat Lane markets are iconic and packed with bargains galore.

Happy shopping and don't forget you can enter our competition for 20 UK or Irish breaks by simply sharing your suggestions for your favourite free and inexpensive things to do in the UK and Ireland - click here for details on how to enter!