The Old Curiosity Shop in Holborn was built in 1567, and is regarded as London’s oldest existing shop. It is rumoured this was the inspiration behind Charles Dickens’ novel of the same name, as the great writer lived in nearly Bloomsbury and is thought to have visited on many occasions. The creaking floorboards, narrow wooden staircases and the slanted roof are certainly atmospheric and worth the trip, even if you can’t afford the designer shoes that are on sale here.
