South Kensington is brilliant for a shopping day that feels very London: elegant streets, independent gems tucked between cafés, and a few go on then department stores within easy reach. If you’re staying at The Harrington Residences, you’re perfectly placed to walk most of it. Below is a curated mix of iconic department stores and small independents (plus a market), with practical opening times to help you plan. Do still double-check closer to your visit, as hours can change around bank holidays and seasonal periods.
1) Harrods: the classic London department store
If you want the full London shopping moment, Harrods is it. Come for designer fashion, beauty halls you can happily lose an hour in, and the famous Food Halls for gifts (or snacks you’ll pretend are gifts). It’s also great for browsing even if you’re not buying; the experience is half the point.
Opening times:
- Mon–Sat: 10am–9pm
- Sun: 11.30am–6pm
2) Harvey Nichols: a calmer all-in-one
Harvey Nicks feels a touch more “curated cool” than Harrods, with luxury fashion, accessories, and beauty under one roof. If you like a sharper, more fashion-forward selection (and a calmer shop), it’s a great pairing with Harrods; do both in one outing.
Opening times:
- Mon–Sat: 10am–8pm
- Sun: 11.30am–6pm
3) Peter Jones: a local favourite
Peter Jones (part of John Lewis) is a proper local favourite: fashion, beauty, homeware, gifts, plus it’s ideal if you want something useful for your stay (travel adaptors, last-minute essentials). Sloane Square also puts you right by King’s Road for boutique hopping.
Opening times:
- Mon–Sat: 10am–7pm
- Sun: 11.30am–6pm
4) Selfridges: for a big day out when you want everything
This one is a short Tube ride away from The Harrington, but worth it if you want a full-scale retail day: designer, contemporary, beauty, tech, home, pop-ups, and excellent gift ideas. It’s especially handy if the weather is doing that classic London thing and you want to stay mostly indoors.
Opening times:
- Mon–Fri: 10am–10pm
- Sat: 10am–9pm
- Sun: 11.30am–6pm
5) South Kensington Books: an independent bookshop in the museum quarter
A lovely browse-stop just off the main South Ken routes; perfect after the V&A or Natural History Museum. Expect a thoughtful selection and a proper neighbourhood feel (the kind of place where you accidentally leave with three books).
Opening times:
- Mon–Fri: 10am–8pm
- Sat: 11am–7pm
- Sun: 12pm–7pm
6) South Kensington Farmers’ Market: a Saturday market, done properly
If you’re around on a Saturday morning, this is a no-brainer. It’s small, friendly, and packed with excellent produce and treats, ideal if you’re in a serviced apartment and fancy building a picnic, grabbing fresh bits for breakfast, or taking something back for later.
Opening times:
- Every Saturday: 9am–2pm
7) John Sandoe Books: famously well-stocked
This is one of those “blink, and you’ll miss it” bookshops near Sloane Square, beloved for its old-world feel and serious literary browsing. If South Kensington Books is your casual browse, John Sandoe is your let me properly rummage stop.
Opening times:
- Mon–Sat: 9.30am–6.30pm
- Sun: 11am–5pm
8) Kensington Church Street Antiques Centre: for treasure hunting and vintage finds
Antiques shopping in Kensington is a whole vibe. Kensington Church Street is known for antique dealers, and this antiques centre is a great starting point if you want jewellery, silver, porcelain, or that one-piece conversation item you’ll swear you needed.
Opening times:
- Mon–Fri: 10am–6pm
- Sat: 11am–5pm
9) Whole Foods Market: the stock the fridge shop
If you’re staying at The Harrington Residences and want to make the most of the kitchen, Whole Foods is ideal for high-quality groceries, ready-to-eat options, snacks, and drinks. It’s also excellent for picnic supplies before Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.
Opening times (High Street Kensington):
- Mon–Sat: 8am–10pm
- Sun: 12pm–6pm (open from 11.30am for browsing)
A simple shopping route from South Kensington
If you want a plan that feels easy (and doesn’t turn into a marathon):
Morning (South Ken):
- Start with South Kensington Farmers’ Market (Saturday only) for treats and picnic bits
- Browse South Kensington Books on Thurloe Street
Midday (Knightsbridge):
- Walk or Tube to Harrods and Harvey Nichols back-to-back
Afternoon (Chelsea):
- Head to Sloane Square / Peter Jones
Optional “go big” add-on:
- If you still have energy, finish with an evening trip to Selfridges