Classic British Shops

Singular shops, makers and British institutions worth travelling for. Unique gifts for others, and perfect gifts to yourself.

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Burlington Arcade

The first shopping arcade in Britain, still patrolled by beadles in top hats who will stop you whistling.

Jewellery & antiquesTrading before 1900A street or arcade

The Piccadilly end at Christmas, when the arcade is dressed from end to end.

Also in Shopping and Beautiful Streets.

Lord George Cavendish built it in 1819, reputedly to stop passers-by throwing oyster shells into his garden, and it was the first covered shopping street in the country. Seventy-odd shops sell jewellery, watches, cashmere and shoes under a glass roof.

The Burlington Beadles are the oldest small police force in Britain, in Edwardian frock coats and top hats, and the arcade's Regency rules still stand: no whistling, no singing, no running and no opened umbrellas.

Where
Burlington Arcade, Piccadilly, W1J
Nearest station
Green Park · 4 min walk

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Data is compiled from public sources including OpenStreetMap, under the ODbL. Hours change often, so check before making a journey.

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