London Loves: Hamleys Toy Shop

It's been a while since I've done a London Loves post, hasn't it? I wasn't sure I had a lot more to show you, but going through our photos this weekend I discovered that oh yes I do! So for the next several weeks, I'll be posting more of the things I love about England, and London in particular. Ready for it?

First up, Hamleys Toy Shop, the finest and oldest in the world! This place is 250 years old! Isn't that amazing? Now, until our most recent trip to London, I must confess that I had never been to Hamleys. Now that we've got kids, I imagine it will be a must-visit destination whenever we're in the capital. And rightly so, because let me tell you... this place is awesome!

Here we are at the main entrance on Regent Street. Dylan was eager to get a photo of the pirates who were sword-fighting with balloon swords and bubbles! {and how about that incredible K'nex window display?}

If you want to ride the elevator, you'll have to pass by Lucy and the lamp post in Narnia first!

Giant Chuggington trains! I think that might be Wilson?

Alan got a bit giddy in the Star Wars section! We were with his Mum, who gave us each money to choose something. He went with the AT-AT walker, of course.

I was more excited to discover the Harry Potter department! I didn't have enough money for the Nimbus 2000. But I was happy to get up close to it!

And look! It's the sword of Godric Gryffindor. I was beside myself with glee! And wondering if I should take another mortgage out on the house so I could buy it...

Wands!!! {click on the photo to get a closer look and see who these ones belong to}

The Doctor Who figures were pretty cool, too.

A crown fit for royalty {I make a good queen, non?}, and a little boy masquerading as a dragon.

We had great fun with the masks. I really loved that about Hamleys. They encourage you to touch and try everything and to play!

And of course, the sell candy too. { I can't get over how young Dylan looks in this photo, and it was only 8 months ago!} Nanny bought us some, as all good Nannies do!

Right before we headed out to find a Thorntons, Sawyer discovered the rocking horses. We were there for another half hour!

Have you been to Hamleys in London? I want to take the boys at Christmastime one year. I bet Santa's Grotto is amazing!

Next week on London Loves... A boat ride on the River Thames, and a peek at its many, many bridges. Beautiful.

PS: One day left to enter the giveaway! Quick!