London shops

[Redmike]

I'm in London for a few days next month and wondered if anyone can recommend a shop that would have some telescopes on the shop floor so I can check them out. I sure there's nothing right in the centre but is there  anything within the tube zone that would be worth a visit?

[StevieDvd]

16 hours ago, Redmike said:

I'm in London for a few days next month and wondered if anyone can recommend a shop that would have some telescopes on the shop floor so I can check them out. I sure there's nothing right in the centre but is there  anything within the tube zone that would be worth a visit?

Not sure there are any London based that would have them on display. The last reasonable one was Widescreen Centre who had a shop just off Baker Street. When I worked in London a couple of years ago they were the only London choice.

Widescreen are now in Ely, Cambs

I guess the overheads of a shop in London, for a hobby like astonomy, are too high.

 

[Roy Challen]

Tring Astronomy Centre is probably the nearest actual shop to London. Not in the tube zone but only 30mins on the London-Northwestern out of Euston. 

Harrisons are within the M25, but I'm not sure if they have a physical shop.

Edited February 19, 2022 by Roy Challen

[PeterW]

I was slightly surprised recently to find Microglobe have a physical shop in central London, https://www.microglobe.co.uk

3 Galen Place (off Bury Place)
London WC1A 2JR

Not open Sunday.

I’ve not visited (not been into London since lock down).  Nowadays online is the easiest option.

Peter

[jacko61]

I went to that London once. It reminded me a bit of Newcastle but without the charm. 

Graeme. 

[Carbon Brush]

Have you thought about visiting an astonomy club?

You have the opportunity to chat with scope owners.

Then of course in March you have the Practical Astronmy Show,
https://practicalastroshow.com/

The last one was a great show for anyone seeking choice and advice.
Google reckons two hours on motorways Hereford - Kettering.
 

Edited February 20, 2022 by Carbon Brush
Additional info

[apaulo]

theres a shop called microglobe next door to the british museum in  london, youll find it on the web. ive never been to it but have bought items from them.

[Shimrod]

18 hours ago, Roy Challen said:

Tring Astronomy Centre is probably the nearest actual shop to London. Not in the tube zone but only 30mins on the London-Northwestern out of Euston. 

Harrisons are within the M25, but I'm not sure if they have a physical shop.

Big showroom at Tring with lots on display - worth noting they still would like you to make an appointment to visit - https://www.tringastro.co.uk/visiting-us-602-c.asp

[Redmike]

Thank you for the info.  I won't be far away from microglobe so I will pay them a visit

[Carbon Brush]

Another plug for Kettering in March.
Quite simply why vist one shop when you can vist 10 or more in one place?
I'm not saying there is anything wrong with Microglobe. But if you want choice.......

[StevieDvd]

12 hours ago, Redmike said:

Thank you for the info.  I won't be far away from microglobe so I will pay them a visit

Check their prices against other Astro sellers as they tend to inflate theirs, especially on ebay sales.

If you have an item in mind get the prices elsewhere first.