Now, there is absolutely no argument here - this is the most exciting, amazing, wonderful shop in London. Just behind Goodge Street the shop window displays Victorian-style toy theatres (cardboard ones you put together yourself), books by Edward Gorey, and classic Victorian children’s books such as the horrible Strewelpeter. Inside the shop us full of original handmade toys, ranging from soft toys (I bought a blue donkey for a baby!) to intricate optical illusions. Best place imaginable for stocking fillers or presents for nostalgic grown ups. You need an hour or so to play with the toys before you choose. Most exciting are the kits for magic lanterns and the like. Upstairs are rooms and rooms of old toys from different eras in a proper museum worth exploring over hours.

This is one of the most extraordinary museums I’ve ever been to. Take the standard notion of a museum…now throw it away. The museum is set out across a labyrinth of small rooms and interconnecting staircases. It feels like you’re walking through some crazy old lady’s house. And because of that, it’s absolutely awesome. The collections of stuff they have is incredible. I guarantee that half of the items in there will make you go “Oh man, I remember that!”

This place is definitely worth a Sunday afternoon session.