What is the Post Office?
Whenever you want to send a postcard or parcel, you will nearly always go to the Post Office to do it. The Post Office is the customer service facility of the UK’s national postal system. The Post Office is a trusted British institution with more than 11,500 branches nationwide.
What services does the Post Office offer?
At the Post Office you can:
- Post letters, postcards and parcels within the UK and abroad.
- Buy British currency at the Bureau de Change.
- Transfer money abroad.
- Exchange foreign currency.
- Buy travel insurance.
- Buy National Express tickets.
- Book airport parking.
- Get international driving permits.
- Get European health insurance cards.
- Have your passport checked and sent.
- Organise Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).
- Top up your mobile phone.
- Buy a range of products, from international phone cards to souvenir stamps.
What time is the Post Office open?
Opening times vary by branch, so check in advance for the branch you plan to visit. Most Post Offices are open Monday to Friday and some are also open on Saturday mornings. On weekday mornings, Post Offices usually open from 9am or 9.30am. Some branches close in the afternoon, some stay open until approximately 6pm.
Where can I find the major Post Office branches in central London?
There are a number of Post Office branches in London, all of which offer the same range of services. Main branches can be found in these central London locations:
- Baker Street – convenient for Madame Tussauds London.
- Trafalgar Square – near to the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery and many West End theatres.
- Camden – the closest branch to Camden Market.
- Eccleston Street – this is the branch to use if you are using Victoria Coach or railway stations.
- London Bridge – The Shard and Borough Market are both near this branch.
- Kensington High Street – whether shopping in Kensington or checking out Kensington Palace, this is the branch you’ll need.
- Oxford Street – for when you’re shopping in central London.
- Marchmont Street – close to the British Museum and Euston station.
- King's Cross – St. Pancras International station and King’s Cross station are directly across the road.
- Lower Regent Street – this Post Office branch is very close to Buckingham Palace, the West End theatres of Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, as well as the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square.
