Hamleys, LEGO Store... Which Kids Shops Have Reopened?

It's been a while since we were last able to get out and about in London and enjoy a bit of retail therapy.

We think it's high time to lace up our shoes, ready our reusable bags, and head out for a spot of shopping. Maybe your kids are clamouring for a new Playmobil castle, or perhaps they're in desperate need of some summer shoes. Either way, we've listed which kids shops are newly ready to play.

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It's important to keep your family happy and healthy as lockdown lifts, so we've compiled a handy list of things to remember before you leave the house:

Mask, or other face covering

Hand sanitiser

Card for payment (many places are cashless to reduce contact)

Tissues

Gloves (if you feel you need them)

Water

A veritable treasure trove of toys, Hamleys' iconic store is bursting at the seams with brands from Barbie to Star Wars. Family-founded in 1760 in High Holborn, it's one of the oldest and largest retailers in the world, and never fails to deliver on fun.  

Where? 188-196 Regent St, Soho, London, W1B 5BT. Now open from 11am-7pm, with some variation in opening hours for other outlets.

LEGO's flagship store is just off Leicester Square and awaits your arrival, so get ready to get building. Don't miss the model Big Ben - built from LEGO, of course - that stands at 6.53 metres tall. Make sure not to get lost, as it's their largest store in the world!

Where? 3 Swiss Ct, West End, London, W1D 6AP. Now open from 10am-10pm and 12-6pm on Sundays.

Disney Store is being careful to abide by social distancing rules, and requires you to wear a face mask when in store. This is so that you can truly 'Let It Go' during your shopping experience (sorry!), and enjoy browsing in safety and security.

Where? 350-352 Oxford St, London, W1C 1JH. Now open from 10am-7pm, and 12-6pm on Sundays.

This is the only shop in the world dedicated exclusively to Paddington Bear, and is located in the station where Mr. and Mrs. Brown found him when he arrived from Peru! Be sure to visit his bronze statue on the station concourse. You can head from there to Regent's Park and on to ZSL London Zoo: check out our guide to its post-lockdown opening here.

Where?  Paddington Station concourse, Paddington, London, W2 1RH.  Now open from 8am-9pm, and 9am-7pm on Sundays.

Trotters is a family owned business beloved for the high quality of the clothing and shoes they offer - I myself can remember visiting when I was a kid! From Monday 6th July, hairdressing services will be available according to government guidelines, and customers can rest assured in the extra cleaning from which all stores will benefit.

Where? Various branches: the Kings Road and Northcote Road stores have been open since the 25th June, with Kensington and Westfield opening from the 6th July.