Forbidden Planet London Megastore

Forbidden Planet's London Megastore on Shaftesbury Avenue is a landmark for anyone who loves comics, science fiction, fantasy, gaming, or anime. Spread across a large ground-floor space, it stocks an extraordinary range of merchandise: imported manga, graphic novels, limited-edition statues, plush toys, tabletop games, T-shirts, pins, and collectibles that are genuinely hard to find anywhere else in the city. For families with kids who are into geek culture in any form, this is a must-visit.

The store is regularly used for signing events with comic artists, authors, and actors, so checking the events calendar before your trip is worthwhile — those can be memorable experiences for the right kid. The layout is dense and the aisles are narrow, making stroller navigation genuinely difficult, so baby carriers are a better option if you have a very young child in tow. Older kids and teens can easily spend an hour working through the shelves, comparing editions, and hunting for specific figures.

Parents who are not particularly into fandom may find it overwhelming, but most come away appreciating the sheer breadth of the stock. It is located right in the heart of London's West End, making it easy to slot into a broader day out around Covent Garden, Leicester Square, or Soho. Entry is free, so there is no cost to simply browsing.