Sidetracked! Hamleys of London
_________________________________________________________________________________
side·track (sīd´trăk): n. 1. A diversion from the main course. 2. A detour taken with children that you would never, ever take without them.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Who:
Jane Rytina, husband and our two children (7 and 4).
What and where:
Hamleys of Regent Street is a London landmark. The iconic toy store first opened in 1881. It has five levels, stuffed from floor to ceiling with every toy imaginable. The top floor has a grubby restaurant and some rather revolting toilets, right next to the GI Joe section. Did I say “how appropriate?”
Why:
I’ve been taking one or both of my children to London for years. We’ve visited many different places in the city. You ask either of them what they like best about London and they will say “Hamleys.” Frankly, as a Londoner, now living in the States, this breaks my heart. Anyway, for better or worse, an annual trip to Hamley’s is now a family tradition.
The Low Point:
The stress of taking my 4-year old endlessly on and off the escalator between the girl’s section (3rd floor) and the soft toy section (ground floor), while she was deciding where she was going to waste her allowance. Dealing with the predictable breakdown when my son’s choice didn’t last as far as Oxford Circus tube station.
The tea and coffee in the cafe is truly disgusting. As a result, you can’t even chase your kids around the store with a decent latte in hand.
The High Point:
Regent Street is rich in architecture and history, so the walk to the store allows you to soak up ol’ London Town. We took the back streets from Covent Garden, and the kids, knowing the destination was Hamleys, walked through many beautiful spots without moaning.
I have to admit, I did feel a sense of nostalgia on approaching the store and seeing the bubbles spilling out of the entrance. Just like when I was a girl. And my inner child stirred when I watched the Punch and Judy puppet show.
The Kid’s Take:
Love the toys! Love the ice cream! Love the fun assistants playing with the different toys! Love the puppet shows! Really love setting off all the dancing Teletubbies at once! Love the Ben 10 Omnitrix on the ceiling!
The Bottom Line:
It’s hard not to smile at your kids’ squeals of excitement when their eyes fly everywhere, taking it all in. As a jaded grown-up, it was something like Toys R Us with a bit of history and better layout. But if your kids need a break from sightseeing, Hamleys is guaranteed to reignite a spark in any child.
September 30th, 2009 | by Jane Rytina 9 comments
1. Carolyn on September 30th, 2009
The prospect of a visit to Hamleys is a great bargaining chip during a trip that involves boring museums about which only mom is enthusiastic. I dragged the kids through the British Museum last year and then we got in a cab and went directly to Hamleys as their reward. By the way, thank you for helping ensure I skip the cafe on our next trip!
2. H.Rytina on September 30th, 2009
interesting… so you’re telling me you hate Harrods?
i can’t believe this.
3. Jane on September 30th, 2009
Carolyn: I think there is a Starbucks two doors down.
H.Rytina: I like Hamleys BETTER than Harrods. They make you pay to go to the bathroom there.
4. Seana on September 30th, 2009
I used to feel this way about the FAO Schwartz in San Francicso, and was devastated when it was closed before my kids were old enough to go and appreciate it. I’ll add Hamley’s to the list of “to do’s” when we make it to London. Thanks Jane!
5. Rich P on September 30th, 2009
I would add that this is a nice spot for gadget-liking, juvenile husbands
6. Jane on September 30th, 2009
Seana: FAO Schwartz is closed? I had no idea? I was thinking of taking my son there. I am glad you told me.
Rich: Are you referring to JC or yourself? Or both?
7. Jennifer on October 3rd, 2009
Have no fear, Jane – the FAO Schwartz in NYC is still open. Yes, you can still taunt your child will the possibility of a $300 giant stuffed animal. :)
In any case, this post is a great example of how traveling with kids involves doing some activities that are purely FOR the kids. Kids are happy, everyone’s happy. Nice post.
8. Nancy @ Ciao Bambino on October 6th, 2009
I hear you, my kids also announce Hamley’s as a London highlight. Fortnam and Mason’s food hall also makes their top list. They loved the concept of hopping where the queen shops.
Agreed that Hamley’s is a pure “kid”stop. It all balances out because I know we did many strictly adult stops.
9. Dylan White on April 28th, 2010
i love watching GI Joe, both the cartoon series and the movie. I am hoping that they would make a sequel. .
9 Responses to “Sidetracked! Hamleys of London”