Games - Other

Discover the Best UK Game Stores for Unique, Family, and Party Games

Why the right game store matters

Choosing where to buy a game can feel like picking the perfect recipe for a dinner party — get the base ingredients wrong and the whole night falls flat. In the UK there’s a huge range of shops, from quirky novelty specialists to family-focused retailers, and each one brings something different to the table. Whether you want a nostalgic chess set, a fast-paced party game for adults, or hands-on educational toys for little ones, knowing which stores stock what will save you time and help you find the best value. I’ll walk you through standout retailers like Menkind and Ebebek, plus other top UK options, so you can shop smarter and pick games that actually get played — not left gathering dust.

Menkind: novelty, licensed sets, and techy games

Menkind has carved out a niche selling novelty items and licensed merchandise that appeals to fans and gift shoppers. If you’re after something with wow factor — say a themed chess set or a clever tech-enabled board game — this is often the place to start. Menkind blends classic game appeal with pop culture, so products tend to be eye-catching and great for presents or display pieces.

Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set — nostalgia with style

If you’re a Potter fan, a themed chess set can be a conversation starter and a playable keepsake. These sets usually have carved pieces and a bespoke board, so they work as home décor and as a proper two-player game. Think of it as owning a small slice of movie magic with the practical function of a board that’s great for rainy afternoons or a cozy evening match.

Chronicles Of Crime and immersive mystery games

Modern board games like Chronicles Of Crime combine apps with physical components to create immersive detective thrills. Menkind often stocks these hybrid games, which are ideal if you want an experience that feels cinematic but still plays around the living room table. These titles are perfect for players who enjoy story-driven puzzles and collaborative problem solving.

Party and adult titles — from cheeky to outrageous

Menkind’s range of party and adult games can skew from playful to downright provocative. Titles like Imagination Gaming’s Dad Jokes or bold party packs are designed to get people laughing and blur the line between game and social lubricant. If your idea of a great night involves loud chuckles, unexpected prompts, and quick rounds, this sort of collection hits the mark.

High-tech options: AI chess and moving bots

For gadget lovers, Menkind stocks items like self-moving AI chess sets that feel like the future of tabletop play. These hybrid toys mix robotics with classic gameplay, appealing to tech-curious adults and older kids who love tinkering. It’s a fun bridge between digital and physical play — imagine a chess board that almost moves itself while you strategize.

Ebebek: family-first games and educational picks

Ebebek is known for a family-oriented range, with lots of games aimed at younger players and early development. If you want safe, educational, and simple-to-learn games for preschoolers and early years, this is a reliable spot. Their selection often includes proven favorites from brands like Orchard Toys, which focus on learning through play.

Orchard Toys: miniature classics for little hands

Orchard Toys specialises in compact, sturdy games designed for toddlers and young children. Titles such as Little Bus Lotto, Dinosaur Dominoes, and Farmyard Heads & Tails are great for teaching matching, memory, and turn-taking. These games are small, lightweight, and deliberately simple, so they’re perfect for car journeys or quiet corner play at home.

Twister Junior and active party fun

Active games like Twister Junior are brilliant for burning off energy at kids’ parties and encouraging gross-motor skills. The junior edition shrinks the footprint and simplifies the rules so younger children can join in safely. It’s a fantastic way to add a physical element to game time, especially when you want laughter and movement, not just finger dexterity.

Educational and character-building games

Ebebek carries titles that gently teach life skills and social behaviour, sometimes with a tongue-in-cheek twist like “How To Become A Gentleman,” which mixes novelty with role-play learning. These games can be excellent for parents who want playtime to double as character-building moments — teaching manners, sequencing, and basic logic through fun scenarios.

Other top UK stores to consider

While Menkind and Ebebek cover a lot of ground — novelty and family play respectively — there are other strong UK retailers worth a visit. The Entertainer and Smyths Toys are great for mainstream toy and board game ranges, Forbidden Planet is a haven for licensed and geek culture games, and smaller independent game shops often stock niche and hobbyist titles you won’t find on the high street. John Lewis and department stores offer curated selections with reliable quality checks, and online marketplaces can be handy for rare finds.

The Entertainer and Smyths Toys — high street staples

Both chains provide wide selections and dependable availability, making them a go-to for birthday presents or everyday game needs. Expect competitive pricing, seasonal bundles, and family-friendly bestsellers. If you like browsing a broad shelf and comparing similar titles side-by-side, these retailers are ideal.

Forbidden Planet and specialist hobby shops

For collectors and fans of sci-fi or comic-based games, Forbidden Planet and independent hobby shops offer specialised stock. These stores often have limited editions, expansions, and tabletop RPG accessories alongside core board games, so they’re perfect for enthusiasts who want something unique or harder to source.

Independent local game shops — the hidden gems

Don’t underestimate your local independent shop. These stores frequently run demo nights, recommended-play lists, and friendly staff who can suggest games based on what you actually enjoy. If you want to test a game before buying or build a rapport with knowledgeable hands-on staff, local shops are gold.

How to choose the right game: a shopper’s checklist

Picking the perfect game is about matching game mechanics, player count, and attention span to the people who will play. Ask yourself: who will be playing, how long do you want the session to last, and what vibe are you aiming for — competitive, cooperative, silly, or strategic? Look at player count and playtime on the box, read a few quick reviews, and if possible, watch a short gameplay video. This simple checklist will help you avoid impulse buys that end up collecting dust.

Consider age, complexity, and replay value

Age recommendation is a starting point but consider the maturity and skill of players too. Complexity matters — a heavy strategy game is great for a focused evening but a poor choice for a mixed-age family gathering. Replay value is another key factor: games with modular setups, variable scenarios, or expansion packs tend to stay fresh longer.

Best games for different occasions

Different events call for different games. For family nights, choose cooperative or light-competitive titles that encourage participation. For kids’ parties, fast-paced and active games work best. For a grown-up game night, try party games with more adult themes or strategy titles that reward long-term planning. And when you’re alone, look for solo-friendly puzzles or narrative games that you can enjoy at your own pace. Matching game type to the occasion transforms a good night into a great one.

Family night picks

Family nights shine with cooperative games and storytelling titles that keep everyone involved. Simple rules, 30–60 minute playtime, and components that are easy to handle make the evening flow. Think of these games as the glue that brings everyone together for shared laughs and low-stress competition.

Party and social gatherings

For parties, short rounds and high interaction are winners. Games that provoke storytelling, bluffing, or quick challenges create an energetic atmosphere. Choose titles that are easy to teach and don’t require long setup—when you’re hosting, you want guests to dive in quickly.

Solo and quiet-play options

Solo modes in games or puzzle-centric titles are perfect for winding down after a busy day. They let you indulge in strategic thinking or story exploration without relying on a group. If you’re someone who enjoys chess-style matches, a thematic set or a self-playing AI board is an engaging solo option.

Finding deals and making smart purchases

Price-checking across multiple retailers is a smart habit. Use comparison sites (including dedicated UK comparison tools) to scan for discounts, bundle offers, and seasonal reductions. Buying older editions or second-hand copies can also save money without sacrificing fun. Watch for limited-time bundles around holidays, and consider subscribing to store newsletters for early access to sales or exclusive offers.

Sustainability, durability, and what to look for

Look for games made from sturdy cardboard, solid tokens, and washable components if kids will be using them. Recyclable packaging and brands that promote sustainability are becoming more common, so if eco-friendly design matters to you, check product descriptions for materials and certifications. A well-made game with a solid rulebook and quality pieces will withstand play and be a better investment in the long run.

Top picks: standout games from Menkind, Ebebek, and others

Here are a few curated suggestions to get you started: from Menkind, a themed chess set for collectors or AI chess for tech lovers; from Ebebek, Orchard Toys titles for preschoolers and Twister Junior for active fun; from The Entertainer and Smyths, mainstream family classics; and from specialist stores like Forbidden Planet, niche licensed or collector editions. These picks cover a range of ages and moods, so whether you’re shopping for a seven-year-old or a trivia-obsessed adult, you’ll find an option that fits.

Final tips before you buy

Before you click checkout, take a moment to read a couple of recent reviews and confirm the player count and average playtime. Think about storage — does the game come in a compact box that will fit on your shelf? If you’re buying a gift, consider the recipient’s interests rather than trends. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask staff in-store for a quick demo or recommendation; many retailers are happy to steer you toward games that match your exact needs.

Shopping for games in the UK is fun precisely because there’s so much variety — from novelty and licensed items at Menkind to educational and toddler-friendly options at Ebebek, and plenty of other stores that fill the gaps in between. With a little research and a clear idea of who will be playing, you can find games that deliver laughter, learning, and long-lasting replay value.

Conclusion: The best game-buying strategy combines purpose with curiosity. Know who you’re buying for, explore a mix of mainstream and specialist stores, and don’t be afraid to try something unexpected. You’ll end up with games that create memories, not clutter.