Benjamin Pollock's Toyshop

Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop is an absolute treasure tucked away in the heart of Covent Garden—a true gem that feels like stepping into a magical world where nostalgia, imagination, and craftsmanship come to life. I can’t recommend this place enough, whether you’re a local, a tourist, or simply someone who appreciates the charm of traditional toys and storytelling. From the moment you walk in, you’re met with a sense of wonder. The shop is beautifully curated, filled with character and history. It’s not your average toy store—it’s more like a miniature museum of theatrical toys, paper theatres, puppets, shadow boxes, and beautifully designed figurines that evoke the charm of another era. Every shelf holds something delightful, from hand-crafted marionettes and paper cut-outs to vintage-style postcards and storybooks. What makes this shop so special isn’t just the products (though they are incredible in themselves) but the atmosphere. It’s quiet, whimsical, and full of soul—perfect for browsing slowly and taking in the artistry of the items. Each toy seems to tell its own story. The paper theatres, in particular, are unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. They’re intricate, detailed, and so full of charm that they appeal to children and adults alike. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the shop’s heritage. They’re more than happy to explain the history behind the toys or help you choose something special, whether you’re buying for a child, a collector, or simply treating yourself to something unique. You can tell there’s real love and care behind the way the shop is run. What I also love is that Benjamin Pollock’s feels timeless. In a world of mass-produced plastic toys and flashy branding, this shop offers something slower, more meaningful—an experience that celebrates storytelling, imagination, and handmade artistry. It’s a place that stays with you long after you leave. Whether you’re hunting for a thoughtful gift, introducing a child to traditional toys, or reliving your own childhood memories, this shop is an absolute must-visit. Every time I go, I leave feeling inspired and uplifted. A magical corner of London that deserves all the praise in the world.

I stumbled upon this store during my vacation to London recently. Anytime I see a toyshop, the kid in me has to go in. While it wasn't my taste in toys, they did have many beautiful and unique mini theater pieces. Right away I noticed a beautiful Alice in Wonder Piece. My wife is a huge fan, so of course I knew it was coming home with us. They lady working there was very kind and patient explaining everything to us.

This shop is charming and uniquely vintage, taking you back to the good old days of theater and puppet shows. The lady running the store was incredibly kind and shared the history of the shop and its puppets, giving us insight into how it all started. She even showed us some original pieces that date back many years. It’s truly a special place, especially for vintage lovers. Highly recommended for an unforgettable experience!

I have always wanted to visit and finally made it on this trip to London from the US...Absolutely worth the visit. A unique toy shop, especially for those who love theatre and paper creations. I bought more than I planned to because I couldn't resist! Many theatre kits are between £10-£30 with some higher priced items for theatrical devotees and lower priced items for those just looking for a curious card or souvenir. A couple of my purchases (a Vivaldi, Victorian style hand-crank music box and a wooden Commedia puppet theatre) already look right at home beneath my Christmas tree...If you love theatre and puppetry, this is definitely a shop to see. You won't find any "typical" toys, but rather a collection of imaginative kits and creations meant to inspire creative minds.

This place is so cute and the staff were so friendly. We were souvenir shopping for stuff that wasn’t the typical London souvenirs, and this place was a gem. We also needed some help from a local, and the two gals went above and beyond to help us. 10/10 would come back!

A beautiful toy shop with a wonderful selection! I took my two and a half year old daughter with me — the last time we went, she was too young to enjoy it! Whilst she was exploring the shop and really enjoying the toys, an attendant stopped her from playing with the toys - even though we were in a children’s toy shop obviously there to buy toys. I would say that whilst this is a lovely toy shop, it is not a child friendly toy shop!! We still bought toys so the day wasn’t a complete waste - we left with a jack-in-the-box and a Paddington Bear as well as a beautiful flat card that assembles into a Benjamin Pollocks toy shop, but major let down that they don’t want children to play with the toys.

Little shop of delights! Love the displays at the bottom before you go up the stairs. Be warned, it's small so very hard to move around when busy. But so many pretty little vintage style and unique toys.

I bought a teddy bear for my niece from here a while ago and the variety of products is more or less diverse, but some of the expensive products didn't match the doll itself. I don't know.

We didn't know what to expect when we followed a random sign to a stairwell with the promise of toys. On the lower level, there were some cool vintage items and books - so that immediately piqued our interest and we continued to explore. When we walked into the main landing on the second floor, we weren't expecting a variety of old timey trinkets and 3D type artwork. Everything was super unique and cool, and it was hard not to want to pick things up to get a closer look. If you're looking for a unique gift or souvenir, I highly recommend checking this spot out. I can see these things being a big hit around the holidays, and for the quality of the product, I didn't think it was overly expensive. The shop is on the smaller side and if there are a lot of people, it can feel a little cramped. Just be patient and give yourself enough time to really explore!

it's a really cute...small shop but worth a look. I like the unique upstairs location and the old style toys.

Me: So that toy store we went to in London, that one where we got the spinning top and the yo-yo and some other stuff, what would you rate that, as far as stars go? Eight Year-old Kiddo: Four... No... Four and a half. I'm pretty sure my appreciation for old toys wasn't just learned, it's genetic. My grandmother's home was a treasure trove of wind-up toys and wooden blocks, an expansive doll house and 1960's pinball machine, Mad magazine and old comics, The Muppets and Rocky & Bullwinkle, and plain old books. My uncles still collect these artifacts, and I remain a sucker for Legos. Pollock's Toy Shop insists, as did my grandmother, that the best toy a child can own is his or her imagination. Between the foldout fairy tale theatres, stuffed animals and dolls, and inexpensive widgets, you're bound to find a great gift for kids of all ages in this unique second-floor odditorium.

Q: What do you buy the person who has everything? Answer: A little something from Benjamin Pollock's Toy Shop. Remember a time when things were much simpler, a time of rocking horses, puppet shows and table top spinners... O.K, well I'm not really that old, but I still appreciate good old fashioned fun, which is what you can find here. From jack-in-the-boxes, string puppets and kaleidoscopes to cycling monkeys, you will find the most lovely traditional toys in this tiny shop. I came across this toy box of a shop whilst gift hunting around Covent Garden and I've been going back ever since. Whenever I'm at a loss over what to buy, er 'older' people (usually boyfriend's Dad's) this place has been my saviour! I've bought all sorts from zoetropes to wind-up robots, they're all wonderfully made and have gone down a treat. They also specialize in toy theaters and if you go though to the back of the shop you can see them on display. With scenery from Molieres Malade Imaginaire to Dracula, theyr'e all really exquisite. The only thing that could make Bejamin Pollock's better is if they opened up an old fashioned sweet shop next door.

Please excuse me if I sound a little old fashioned but children of today probably wouldn't even know what a jack-in-the-box is. Christmas 'toy' shopping revolves around Wii, computers, and basically anything which you basically interact with on a screen. It is so nice to see a proper old fashioned toy shop and remember what is was like in the days of drummer soldiers and puppets. This is a brilliant shop for alternative gifts and the older generation will definitely appreciate everything in here as it will probably take them back to the 'good ol' days'. The quality of the toys is incredible - an immense amount of care and skill must go into producing them. It is always fun to even browse in here and the setting in the Piazza is such that it gives you that warm and homely feel. Bring back old fashioned fun I say!

I'm not gonna lie, this place is straightup creepy. Leering string puppets, a grinning ventriloquist doll, a drawing of a girl with a tree for a head...CREE. PEE. Despite my wussiness, it was fun poking around the shop and seeing what strange things I could find. These are definitely not your typical toys! These toys are old-fashioned and even a bit weird. But, I can guarantee you will find something very unique. I bought my niece an Alice in Wonderland jewelry box with a twirling Cheshire cat inside and my nephew got a dinosaur egg that hatches when soaked in water. When my niece got her jewelry box, she actually screamed with happiness. Definitely a winner! I'll be back when the next birthday rolls around!

I'm a guy and I like my things to bang and my things to whizz - do I want my things to hang from strings and to jerk around in a pathetic parody of life? Maybe not. But you might! Or you did when you were a child, and you want to pass this trait down. If so, come to Benjamin Pollock's. A shop above a shove, as such, you feel like you're standing in someone's converted apartment (much like another local shop, Regents Gifts), so the space is tight. You also feel alot more self concious because arranged on the shelves are a host of puppet theatres and little wooden figures (about 3cm high, but cost £40 each) 'acting' out a performance in them. Excellent for people who like the old school. An outdated momento to the MTV generation. Give it a visit anyway.

Die and gone to heaven. 22 years gone in an instance and immediately I'm a small child again playing contentedly and concentratedly. I wonderworld of enchantment. Wooden toys, puppets, paper theatres, paper theatres in a match box. Bags of marbles, bags of jacks, brightly painted wooden blocks, spinning tops, I can't stop, I can't stop! My arms are full of things and I keep seeing more. If you have children or you know a child you must must must brave the hoards of Covent Garden tourists and sneak up the stairs to this unimaginably wonderful shop. Forget toys r us, forget plastic cars and toys and mini kitchens. These are real toys full of imagination and timeless. The moment you walk in you'll be transported back to sitting in the school playground with your friends trying to grab all 9 jacks with your tiny hands in between bounces. Magical.

This is an adorable nostalgic toy shop. It carries the kind of toys our grandparents would have played with. It was originally opened by Benjamin Pollock in the 1800s; now owned by actor Peter Baldwin. It is still a small family run company which we are seeing less and less of these days. It is an ideal place for collectors to seek out puppet theatres along with Punch and Judy puppets or marionettes on string. I think this toy shop is more for adults than for today's children it is quite a different atmosphere than Hamley's. I suppose we are all still kids at heart and it is great that a shop like this is still around.

A lovely little shop, with all kinds of old fashioned toys, models and little gems! Is a great place to find a present especially for those who are a bit nostalgic!

Charming. I wanted everything in the shop. I had a little stage when I was a kid and it was my favorite toy.

If you giggle your asked to leave. 1/5 Would not buy cheap tat from there again. Moreover: This is a tiny shop building up a revenue from the more exciting establishments nearby. The store it's self sells retro, and strange puppets. Generally speaking some of the items that are sold are just cheap tat being sold for a few more pounds due to the theme. The employees(or the owner himself) did not leave us a good impression by demanding children to leave his store after them giggling - I would just stay clear of cheap tat stores. O

Two old townhouses merged into one which house both a museum and small toy shop. Winding your way up and down rickety stairs while exclaiming as you notice something that you had as a child tucked away in some cabinet or other is great.

Incredible old-fashioned toyshop from Victorian times, specialising in toy theatres (3D cardboard cutout theatres), wooden toys, puppets and all Victorian childhood inventions. More busy than their museum near Goodge St as it is in the heart of the market, but still like stepping into the past. Upstairs in their tiny shop you can see intricate puppets and dolls. Perfect place for buying exciting, hand made, beautiful andbrain-building toys instead of modern plastic junk.

It's a bit like a dream world with all its old toys, miniatures, little soldiers and fairies. They sell victorian style paperdolls and puppets and all the kind of cute small things.

This is the a super fun store with great things for kids, but as a sixty year old woman I found it quite magical. Most fun for me were the make it yourself theater kits. Workable sets, stages, actors, etc. just a fabulous find! Don't miss this place.