Where: Regent Street, W1

What: Regent street is a wide and sweeping shopping street links the theatres of the west end with regents park to the north, crossing oxford street at oxford circus and stretching down to eros and piccadilly circus, almost reaching leicester square at the bottom. Regent Street also forms a neat dividing line between swanky Mayfair to the west and trendy Soho to the east.

Regent street was laid out by the architect John Nash between 1820 - 23 as part of a boulevard intended to connect the Prince Regents house at St James Park with his new property at Regents Park. Many of the houses along the street have since been re-built, but the bold curving sweep envisaged by Nash remains, along with the classic regency facades.

Regent street caters for a more exclusive clientelle than oxford street. Famous shops include include Liberty, Dickens & Jones, Bally, Burberry, Boss, Mappin & Webb and, of course Hamley's toy store, whilst carnaby street is off regent street (behind Liberty) and the Cafe Royal is near the bottom.

As well as Soho, Sharftesbury Avenue and Picadilly at the bottom, it is also close to many of london's other shopping districts, including bond street, oxford street, saville row and mayfair. It is close to many of london's theatres and attractions.

Nearest underground station: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus

Opening times: normal shopping hours

Website: regentstreetonline.com