The Davenports Magic Shop holds the Guinness Book Record for being the oldest magic shop continuously owned by one family. This is no mean feat for the shop that was the brainchild of Lewis Davenports in 1898 and has since its inception moved through many locations in London. Presently the site occupies space in the Charring Cross Underground arcade. However it has not lost one ounce of the special magical atmosphere that the shop has had over the many years.
No matter its location the shop presents a wholly separate world which is the ideal solution to keep both kids and adults occupied for hours. It is crammed full of juggling balls, ventriloquist dummy dolls, red Indian headdresses, giant packs of cards, wands, top hats, ropes, and boxes and boxes of enticing and exciting things that are quite unimaginable.
Visitors should not be surprised by the ever ready and willing shop assistants – all magicians themselves – who are well able to talk to one person, perform card tricks to another, show off their sleight of hand to a larger audience and convince you to buy invisible thread – all at the same time!
The present owner is the granddaughter of Lewis Davenport. However her sons too are involved both as shop keepers and performers and their children have been groomed to take over this truly exciting family business as well.
Passersby cannot help but be drawn to the large front window from which many tricks and magical equipment precariously fight for space. For those who enjoy tricks, magic moments and just a good old fashioned magical feel, the Davenports Magic Shop is the ideal location to spend half a day. Shop assistants are more than willing to demonstrate how a trick works. The studio in the premises host workshops specially designed for adults and children alike, London Society of Magicians meetings, the Magic School and other magical functions.
If you plan to visit, and are looking for a Central London hotel, then look no further than Metropolitan London. With its central location, luxurious settings and many amenities it is an ideal London luxury hotel which to base yourself at.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
