19 Awesome Souvenirs from England to Remember Your Trip By

Want to know which England souvenirs to look out for? Here are the best ones to bring home for yourself and your loved ones.

Phone boxes and bottle opener keyrings

Maybe I’m a little biased, but I believe England’s diverse countryscapes and its never-drying well of history make it a truly unforgettable travel destination.

So what are the best souvenirs from England that can cement this trip in your memory forever? Some people say scent is a powerful memory trigger, which makes tea leaves a great gift; as do other food items. Other cultural reminders (like the British royal family, or football) have found their way on this list too. 

Aside from browsing the gift shops at every attraction you visit, I highly suggest stepping into small boutiques or department stores for a quintessential English souvenir!

1. Loose tea leaves

The English have a well-known love for tea, some counties more than others. With so much variety and local flavour, loose tea leaves are one of the best things to take home from England.

Tea leaves in the middle of the table

If you have the time, stop by a proper tea room (like Betty’s) to sample their wares. 

2. Custom pin badges

Pin badges make for a great souvenir no matter where you travel. They’re small, easy to carry around, and can work as a meaningful memento to look back in the future. You can customise pin badges with England elements like the double-decker bus, London Bridge, or anything else you would like to commemorate your trip.

pin badges for everyone

It’s easy to send customisable pin badges to your family, friends, or colleagues as a great gift from the trip. Pin badges are a great way to decorate your denim jackets, sweaters, even your travel bags, with a little bit of colour. Create them easily with online pin manufacturer PinBadges.co.

3. Harry Potter merch

For a spritz of English magic, pull into the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾ for authentic merchandise. 

Harry Potter merch in a shop

Not only can you be professionally photographed breaking into the secret barrier, but you can pick up a personalised Hogwarts acceptance letter and wands. From wizarding cloaks to playing cards, Chocolate Frog moulds to small trinkets; don’t miss out on your magical adventure!

4. Cadbury chocolate 

Chances are, you’ve seen and eaten Cadbury chocolate at least once! This British brand was first introduced in 1905; it’s now sold all over the world. 

If you have the time, do visit Cadbury World in Birmingham to see how this famous milk chocolate (and its later flavours) are made. Not only can you buy gift hampers and limited edition chocolate snacks, you even get to personalise your own chocolate bar.

Their gifts selection is seasonal, so you can buy chocolate for every occasion between birthdays, anniversaries, Easter, Halloween and more. 

5. Royal family merch

The British royal family comes to mind whenever one says ‘England’. While taking home a prince or princess of your own is rather unrealistic, souvenirs of England’s royal family make a decent substitute. 

Soldiers marching through Windsor Castle

If you’re a fan of the British royal family, many gift shops cater with books about royal life and history, sometimes even releasing special occasion merchandise. Just be careful trying them on – my mum and I were at the gift shop at Buckingham Palace and got told off for trying the crowns on!

6. Shopping at gift shops 

Some of the best souvenirs can be found at National Trust destinations. Whether it’s a photo or painting of landscaped gardens, book on the history of the estate, a miniature charm of the manor or castle; these decorative elements are very pleasing to look at. 

You could also collect brochures from interesting historical sites since they highlight fun facts and unique features of these preserved spaces. Ticket stubs and pamphlets are also perfect for travel scrapbooks. 

7. Yorkshire’s rhubarb gin 

Fresh produce is definitely appreciated in Yorkshire and used in inventive ways. One of the most unique is Slingsby’s Yorkshire Rhubarb Gin. If you like your liquor tart with a touch of sweet spice, it’s a great flavour to take home. 

gin at a gin festival

In fact we have some great gins all over England – the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery in Hampshire is one of the most popular ways to see more on how it’s made.

Visit one of the many gin festivals in England to really experience the breadth of the gins we have here. I went to the Portsmouth Gin Festival once and there were over 80 to choose from!

8. Scones 

The hallmark of an English afternoon tea experience, scones are a staple at the dining table. While they’re relatively plain on their own, its textured nature pairs deliciously with clotted cream and jam. Who doesn’t love this blend of sweet and savoury?

Me at the afternoon tea eating scones

English scones come in various flavors (some carry blueberries or other chopped up fruits), and many bakeries package them into gift baskets.

Of course, consider how long you’ll be travelling with them before purchase. Like most baked goods, scones don’t keep that well so keep that in mind before you buy it as a souvenir. I recommend only buying scones on the last day of your trip to ensure a much fresher treat upon arriving home. 

9. Jams 

Naturally, we have to talk about English jams! The preserved, sugared fruit spread is often made fresh with seasonal produce. 

You’ll find packaged jams in both farmhouse gift shops and city grocery stores come in various sizes, typically toting conveniently-sized samplers that slide neatly into your suitcase.

READ MORE: The Best Souvenirs from Scotland

10. Cookbooks

There’s a deep love for home-cooked meals in this country. Those who believe that food is a symbol of love, pick up a cookbook or two! Even if you don’t cook much, someone in your household will definitely appreciate new and wonderful English recipes. 

11. Cornwall Kern

Cheese is a popular gift from England, one that can represent local flavour perfectly. Pick up some Cornwall Kern and know that everything is locally sourced and produced. From the cows raised on local farmlands and the milk they produce, to the factories that make these artisan cheeses; every step in the cheese-making process is a labour of love. 

Tip: Check if dairy products are allowed through your country’s immigration! 

12. Shakespeare goods (and other literary mementos) 

If you’re a literature enthusiast who’s visiting for England’s literary festivals, pick up some classic hardbacks at thrift stores or second-hand bookstores. 

Shakespeare books can make for a great gift

And if you’re a fan of specific literary periods or writers, you can often visit their places of birth. Shakespeare, for instance, is still highly celebrated in his hometown Stratford Upon Avon. You’re guaranteed to find Shakespearean goodies somewhere! 

13. Paddington Bear

Many don’t realise that Paddington Bear hails from Peru – it’s simply a staple in children’s literature. British author Michael Bond probably never thought the series would become so popular either! 

Paddington bear soft toys are great gifts for babies; Harrods and Hamley’s Toy Shop is a good source. For more merch of this fictional character, visit the official shop in Paddington Station

14. British wine 

British wine has been making waves across the world in recent years, producing some award-winning bottles. A great reason to visit the vineyards and take some home!

bottles of English wine at a shop

Some names to take of include the Ridgeview Bloomsbury, Bolney Wine Estate, Lyme Bay Winery, Aldwick Estate and Hattingley Valley.

15. Harrods souvenirs 

Harrods is a household name in London and a must-visit stop for very tourist. Where else to buy souvenirs than a department store? 

Harrods signature shopping bags make for good souvenirs, but they’re definitely recognisable! I recommend buying practical items like wallets, or jewellery branded with the Harrods logo. More commonly, tourists buy tea bags in tin caddies – the caddies themselves look great on the mantlepiece. 

16. Football related souvenirs 

Football is one of England’s favourite sports – we all know that. 

From official soccer shirts and jerseys to caps, football mugs, limited edition figurines and even rarer signed memorabilia; you’ve got plenty of options.

Souvenirs from England

There are plenty of great souvenirs to choose from. There’s a lot of ideas in this list, but essentially, anything foodie is always a winner.

For other popular England souvenirs I highly recommend walking through local street markets, supermarkets and boutique shops and letting your eyes do the exploring! 

PIN THESE GREAT ENGLAND SOUVENIRS FOR LATER

53 Comments

  1. I collect Loch Ness monsters and my friends always bring me one back when they go to Scotland. Getting quite the collection now lol They have even started bringing the closest thing that looks like Nessie from other countries lol I have a funny looking tortoise from Bulgaria and a dragon from Poland!

  2. I think loose leaf tea from the Tregothnan estate in Cornwall is a lovely souvenir, it’s the only place in the U.K. that grows tea.

  3. a piece of history from the thames foreshore – even if it’s just a piece of animal bone as you don’t know how old it is!

  4. It’s got to be the Shortbread – as it reminds me of my second home (I live in Edinburgh for a decade) and my young niece loves to suck them and make a right mess!

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