London guide for the week starting Saturday, November 22, 2025,

Arts and Culture Guide

Here are the main exhibitions to see at London’s biggest art galleries this week.

Major Art Exhibitions

Gallery Name	Main Show	What it is About	Address
Design Museum	Wes Anderson: The Archives	A very popular new show with over 600 items, including props and models, that show how director Wes Anderson makes his iconic films.	224-238 Kensington High St, W8 6AG
National Gallery	Wright of Derby: From the Shadows	An exhibition looking at Joseph Wright of Derby, who was a master at painting using only light and shadow (especially candlelight scenes).	Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN
Tate Britain	Turner & Constable	A major exhibition that puts the works of these two famous British rival painters side-by-side. (Starts Nov 27th)	Millbank, SW1P 4RG
Saatchi Gallery	The Long Now: Saatchi Gallery at 40	A “best of” show celebrating 40 years of the gallery, featuring important works from many different modern artists.	Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Rd, SW3 4RY
Tate Modern	Emily Kam Kngwarray	A chance to see the huge, important Aboriginal art of Emily Kam Kngwarray.	Bankside, SE1 9TG

West End Theatre Shows

Catch these hit plays and musicals in London’s theatre district.

Top Musicals

ABBA Voyage: A unique concert where the band performs as digital avatars (holograms) at the special ABBA Arena (E15 2RU).
The Lion King: The classic Disney musical is still running at the Lyceum Theatre.
Back to the Future: The Musical: The high-energy, award-winning show based on the famous movie is at the Adelphi Theatre.

Top Plays

All My Sons: A serious, classic American play by Arthur Miller, starring Bryan Cranston, at the Harold Pinter Theatre.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow: The critically praised stage prequel to the hit Netflix TV series is playing at the Phoenix Theatre.
The Importance of Being Earnest: A fresh, fun version of Oscar Wilde’s famous comedy at the Noël Coward Theatre.

London Events Guide

This week is a mix of late cultural festivals and the start of the holiday season.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: The huge Christmas fair is open! You can find a big Christmas Market, rides, an outdoor ice rink, and food stalls.
EFG London Jazz Festival (Ends Nov 23): The last few days of this huge music festival, featuring jazz artists from around the world at different venues.
Winter at the Southbank Centre: The Wintertime Market is open along the river, selling Christmas gifts, hot drinks, and food.
Christmas Lights Switch-Ons: The lights are being switched on (or are already on) on many major shopping streets like Oxford Street, making the whole area very festive.

Shopping: Markets and Providores

Find special gifts and great food at London’s best markets and food shops.

Main Markets

Borough Market (SE1 9AH): London’s most famous food market. It is the best place to find high-quality providores (specialist food sellers) for cheese, fresh bread, spices, oils, and gourmet treats.
Camden Market (NW1 8AF): A huge area with lots of independent sellers, great for vintage clothing, unique gifts, crafts, and famous street food.
Spitalfields Market (E1 6EW): A covered market in East London that focuses on independent traders, fashion, art, and excellent food stalls—perfect for finding a one-of-a-kind gift.

Specialist Food Shopping (Providores)

You will find the best high-quality food sellers at Borough Market, but here are other key areas:

Fortnum & Mason (Piccadilly, W1A 1ER): The iconic store is world-famous for its luxury teas, hampers, chocolates, and preserved foods.
Neal’s Yard Dairy (Near Borough Market, SE1 9AL): One of the UK’s most famous cheese shops, specialising in traditional British and Irish cheeses.

That’s an excellent idea. For international visitors on a shopping spree, the major department stores offer a combination of luxury goods, convenience, and services specifically designed for global guests, including tax refund assistance.

Here is a detailed look at the major department stores and services for tourists.

🛍️ Major Department Stores & Tourist Services

London’s most famous department stores are destinations in themselves, especially during the festive build-up. They are located in prime central London areas (Oxford Street, Knightsbridge, and Regent Street).

1. Selfridges (Oxford Street)

Location: 400 Oxford Street, London, W1A 1AB
Vibe: A lively, innovative, and fashion-forward store. It’s famous for its spectacular window displays and the massive Food Hall.
Key Departments: High-end fashion (ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories), a huge Beauty Hall, and the famous Food Hall on the Ground Floor, which sells everything from luxury hampers to artisanal chocolate.
Services for Euro-Tourists:
- International Customer Service Lounge: Located on the Fourth Floor, this dedicated, luxurious space is triple the size of the previous service area.
- Tax Refund: They offer Tax-Free Shopping services in this lounge to process VAT refunds for eligible international visitors (non-UK residents).
- Currency Exchange: Available within the international service department.
- Other Comforts: The lounge includes VIP areas, quiet rooms, and refreshment facilities, allowing you to relax and process paperwork in comfort.
- The Corner Shop: A rotating concept space on the ground floor often featuring exclusive brand collaborations and pop-ups.

2. Harrods (Knightsbridge)

Location: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL
Vibe: Traditional, world-renowned luxury and opulence. It’s the most visited department store, especially known for its high-end brand selection and legendary Food Halls.
Key Departments: The newly renovated Beauty Halls on the Ground Floor, Fine Jewellery, and the iconic Food Halls, which are a culinary wonderland.
Services for Euro-Tourists:
- Personal Shopping: The “By Appointment” service offers personalised shopping assistance for clothes, accessories, and gifts.
- Tax Refund: Harrods provides comprehensive tax refund services for eligible international shoppers within the store.
- Extended Hours: Harrods typically stays open late (until 9 pm Mon-Sat), giving you more time for your shopping spree.
- Beauty and Wellness: It features an extensive Hair and Beauty Salon on the Fifth Floor for luxurious pampering appointments.

3. Liberty London (Regent Street/Soho)

Location: Great Marlborough Street, London, W1B 5AH (Near Oxford Circus)
Vibe: A Tudor-revival building that feels like a beautiful, historical maze. Known for its original architecture, dark wood interiors, unique aesthetic, and famous prints.
Key Departments: Liberty Fabrics (a global staple), designer fashion, niche beauty products, and a carefully curated selection of jewellery and homeware that is highly unique.
Shopping Tip: This is the best place to find unique, non-mainstream gifts and exclusive artistic items. Its selection of high-end stationery and fabrics is unmatched.

Shopping Spree Tips for International Visitors

Service	Why it is Important	Where to Find it
Tax-Free Shopping (VAT Refund)	Allows non-UK residents to claim back VAT (sales tax) on purchases, which can be a significant saving on a large spree.	Dedicated International Customer Lounges at Selfridges and Harrods. Always ask the sales assistant for the necessary form when paying.
Personal Shopping	Expert stylists can pre-select items for you, saving time and ensuring you find exactly what you want.	Available by appointment at Selfridges and Harrods.
Dining Breaks	Both Selfridges and Harrods offer a variety of upscale cafes and restaurants for a relaxing break.	Selfridges Food Hall cafes, and the many restaurants and bars throughout Harrods.
Delivery	If you buy too much, many stores can arrange international delivery of your purchases directly to your home country.	Enquire at the Customer Services desk in any of the major stores.