Harrods is London's most famous department store and is named after Charles Henry Harrod, who opened a family grocer's shop on the site in 1849. The shop has grown to become a byword for expensive and glamorous shopping, priding itself on its motto "Omnia Omnibus Ubique", meaning "All things, for all people, everywhere".

Bought by Egyptian businessman Mohamed Al Fayed in 1985, the eye-catching seven-storey building, which is illuminated by 11,500 lightbulbs each night, contains over 300 departments and employs over 3,500 people. From the finest furniture and ladies fashion to polo mallets and wax coats for dogs, the store's sheer opulence makes it a popular shopping destination with the rich and famous.

For fans of shoes why not try a pair of ruby, sapphire and diamond encrusted sandals at a mere £62,000? For those on a tighter budget, there is a Harrods gift shop, selling assorted souvenirs such as pencils and teddy bears.

Two departments not to be missed are the world-famous Food Halls and Chistmas departments.

Harrods also provides banking and real estate services, currency exchange facilities and, for those who want to see the British capital in style, a luxury coach tour of London complete with tea and biscuits.