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Board games are enjoying a golden age in the UK right now — from cozy family nights in the living room to competitive evenings at local cafés and conventions. You might be wondering why everyone seems to be rediscovering cardboard and dice. The reason is simple: modern board games combine strategy, storytelling, and social interaction in a way that screens rarely do. Whether you want something quick and silly or a marathon strategy session that lasts several hours, there’s a game for every mood and crowd.
When you’re hunting for a specific title or browsing for inspiration, the UK offers a wide range of retailers. From high-street chains to specialist online stores and independent local shops, each outlet brings something different — variety, value, or expert recommendations. Below are some of the best places to shop, and what makes each one worth a visit.
The Entertainer is a go-to for family and kids’ games, offering a broad selection of mainstream favourites and seasonal bargains. If you want something that’s easy to learn and perfect for a quick family evening, this chain often has popular party games and classic sets at competitive prices. They’re especially handy when you need a reliable, last-minute gift that will get played straight away.
Smyths Toys stocks a wide array of children’s and family board games, and their stores are a practical stop for parents. They often carry exclusive bundles and promotional sets geared toward younger players, which can be ideal if you’re building a children’s collection. Think of them as a one-stop shop for family-friendly play.
John Lewis tends to curate a selection of higher-quality family and strategy games, often with premium packaging and boxed sets that make great gifts. If you’re after something that looks nice on a shelf and plays well at the table, John Lewis is worth checking out. They also frequently stock well-reviewed hobby titles, making them a great middle-ground between mass-market and specialist retailers.
Argos is everywhere, and its catalogue approach makes it easy to find and reserve a game quickly. If convenience is your priority — especially for collections on short notice — Argos lets you pick up games from local stores in minutes. They cover a wide price range, from budget party games to more substantial family and strategy boxes.
Amazon UK wins on sheer variety and availability. If a game is out of stock elsewhere, Amazon often has multiple sellers offering the same title. This is especially helpful for tracking down expansions or foreign editions. The downside? Sorting through sellers and editions can be time-consuming, but if you like options and convenience, Amazon is hard to beat.
If you’re into miniatures and thematic board games tied to a universe, Games Workshop is a specialist destination. Their Warhammer board games and boxed campaigns combine hobby-model appeal with tabletop gameplay. It’s a niche pick, but for fans of miniature-based strategy, this is the place to browse expansions and exclusive sets.
Forbidden Planet and independent game stores often carry collector’s editions, smaller print runs, and licensed titles you won’t see on every shelf. If you love hunting for themed editions or want something different from the mainstream, indie retailers are treasure troves. They also tend to know their inventory intimately and can recommend unusual or cult-favourite games.
Orcs Nest and other specialist UK shops focus on strategy, eurogames, and hobby titles. They’re excellent for finding imports, expansions, and hard-to-find titles. Specialist stores often provide detailed product descriptions and community-driven recommendations, which helps when you’re stepping beyond family games into deeper strategy territory.
Picking the right game can be more art than science. Consider who you’ll be playing with: children, casual friends, or hardcore hobbyists? Ask yourself the classic questions — how many players, how long do you want to play, and how complex should it be? Answering those will steer you to games that get played — and enjoyed — rather than collecting dust.
Always check the recommended player count. Games designed for two people don’t always scale well to four, and vice versa. If you want something flexible, look for games that list a range such as 2–5 players. That way you’ll be covered whether it’s a cosy night for two or a small group gathering.
Complexity matters. A deep strategy game can be brilliant, but only if your group is ready to invest the time to learn it. For mixed groups, aim for medium-complexity games that teach quickly but still have depth — titles like Ticket to Ride or Splendor are great gateways into heavier games.
Decide how long you want to play. Some games are 20–30 minute fillers that are perfect between other activities, while others can run several hours. If you want regular game nights, mix short and long options to suit different evenings.
Check the age recommendation, but remember it’s a guideline. Younger kids can often play simplified versions of adult games, and teens might handle more complexity than you expect. When in doubt, choose games with adjustable difficulty or cooperative mechanics that let less experienced players contribute without feeling overwhelmed.
Different shops tend to specialise in different genres. Knowing where to look will save you time and help you discover better matches for your taste.
For family and party games, head to The Entertainer, Smyths, Argos, and big online platforms. These stores stock staples like Codenames, Uno, and classic party fillers that work for mixed groups. They’re perfect when you want something light-hearted and inclusive.
If you’re after strategy-heavy eurogames such as Catan, Carcassonne, or Agricola, specialist retailers and online shops like Orcs Nest or Board Game Guru tend to have the best selection and knowledgeable staff. These outlets also stock expansions and accessories that serious players appreciate.
Cooperative hits like Pandemic and Gloomhaven are popular across department stores like John Lewis and specialist hobby shops. If you enjoy narrative-driven experiences, look at stores that highlight game depth and replayability — they’ll often carry story expansions and accessories too.
Toy chains and bookstores are great for kids’ educational games and age-appropriate titles. Waterstones and WHSmith often provide story-driven board games and learning-focused sets that work well for younger audiences.
Everyone loves a bargain. Whether you’re building a collection on a budget or searching for a gift, there are clever ways to save.
Keep an eye on seasonal sales — Black Friday, Boxing Day, and post-Christmas clearances often deliver steep discounts. Department stores and online marketplaces run promotions during these periods, so it pays to plan and wait if you can.
Use price comparison tools and browser extensions to track fluctuations. Specialist forums and social media groups often share discount codes or flash-sales, and signing up for newsletters from favourite retailers can unlock exclusive deals. If you prefer instant results, compare prices between Argos, Amazon UK, and specialist shops before buying.
Look out for bundles that include expansions or accessory packs. Retailers sometimes offer starter sets or boxed bundles at a lower per-game cost, which is a smart way to grow a collection without paying full price for each box.
Independent local game stores (LGS) are more than just shops — they’re hubs for community, learning, and discovery. Visiting one gets you face-to-face advice and the chance to try games before you buy.
Many LGS host demo nights where staff or volunteers teach games. It’s a brilliant way to sample a title without committing to a purchase. You’ll also meet players with similar tastes and pick up suggestions you wouldn’t find online.
Tabletop cafés combine food, drink, and game libraries so you can sample a variety of titles over a cup of coffee. Meetup groups frequently use these venues to host events, so check local listings for socials and theme nights.
Not every great game needs a brand-new price tag. The secondhand market is alive and well in the UK — often the place to find out-of-print editions and rare expansions.
eBay remains the biggest marketplace for secondhand or rare boards, with auction-style listings that can score you a bargain. Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace are excellent for local pickups, meaning you can inspect a box before handing over cash. Always ask questions about condition and missing components before purchasing.
Charity shops and car boot sales can be hit-or-miss but occasionally yield real gems. If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, allocate a couple of weekends to explore local sales — you might stumble on classic titles or older editions at tiny prices.
Once you’ve bought a few favourites, keeping them playable and in good condition matters. Simple storage choices make a big difference to the longevity of your collection.
Invest in shelves and boxes that protect game components. Many hobbyists recommend shelving that fits standard game boxes, with depth of about 12–14 inches to comfortably store most modern boards. Use plastic tubs for smaller card games and label everything so game night prep takes minutes, not hours.
Card sleeves preserve cards and reduce wear, while foam inserts or custom trays prevent chaos in the box. If you frequently play a heavy card game, sleeves will save you money in the long run by keeping components in near-new condition.
If you want specific recommendations based on different needs, here are titles that frequently appear on best-of lists and are widely stocked across UK retailers.
Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, and Azul are reliable family hits — easy to learn, attractive, and fun for different age groups. These titles are widely available at department stores, major toy chains, and specialist shops.
Catan and Wingspan are great entry points into deeper strategy, while heavier titles like Scythe and Terraforming Mars cater to more committed players. Specialist retailers and online hobby shops are your best bet for these.
Pandemic is a classic cooperative choice, and newer titles such as Spirit Island offer complex team-based play. You’ll find these at both high-street retailers and specialist shops, depending on edition and availability.
Codenames and Dixit are fantastic for mixed groups and social evenings. They’re often inexpensive and easy to find at mainstream outlets and online marketplaces.
The UK market for board games is diverse and welcoming, whether you prefer high-street convenience, specialist advice, or the thrill of the secondhand hunt. From family-friendly picks available at toy chains to niche strategy titles stocked by hobby retailers, there’s a perfect game and a perfect shop for every kind of player. Take the time to consider player count, complexity, and play time, and don’t be afraid to visit local game stores to try before you buy. Happy gaming — and may your next game night be your best yet.
| Board Games | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Chucky The Game | £ 20,- | |
| The Sims Board Game | £ 20,- |
