Our Story

With you every step of the way

“We smile more when we are outside. It's good for us too; engaging with nature is scientifically proven to be beneficial to your body mind and soul.

Our passion is making outdoor activity accessible for everyone; our mission is to help more people to get outside more often.”

Nick Giles, OBE, MD Consumer

Planning to get outside?

Let us help. We are experts in navigation and mapping, with a passion for adventures of all kinds.

We’re uniquely placed to know the best brands, most effective routes and essential kit explorers of all ages and experience need. The Ordnance Survey shop is packed with all the essential equipment you need, with options to match all budgets and levels of experience.

We focus on: Navigation | Location | Hiking & Walking | Safety | Great Experiences

A woman unfolding a large paper map in the wind

It’s been 225 years since OS was founded and 215 years since we published our first map

Mapping the Nation since 1791

The first Ordnance Survey maps were sold to the public in the early 1800s and have been used for exploring our beautiful landscapes ever since.

We opened our online shop in the early 2000s to deliver a range of outdoor products and services to those looking to enjoy being in nature safely and comfortably. Initially offering just our landranger and explorer maps we now bring trusted brands like:

In 2020 we extended our range to include popular walking and hiking gifts and an extensive selection of inspirational books to help plan your next adventure.

With our iconic paper maps and the latest technology such as GPS devices, we sell the top outdoor gear brands to help you on your adventures.

Today, you will find a range of digital mapping including our multi-award-winning navigation app, OS Maps. Trusted by the pros, we make planning routes, navigating and exploring easier and more reliable than ever.

A group of people using the OS Maps app on a mobile and a paper map to plan a route

Get lost with us!

We lead the way in navigation thanks to our heritage in detailed and accurate mapping.

Our Paper and Digital Maps, along with our trusted map reading resources help people navigate the outdoors with confidence.

The OS Shop is home to unique navigation products:

All to help with your adventure, your way!

A person holding a customised map with their face on the cover

Location, Location, Location!

Using our rich history in cartography and geospatial data, we’ve created an array of location-based products.

Choose from picnic blankets, microfiber towels, guidebooks, water bottles and sit maps.

Personalised maps allow you to choose your location area then customise with your photos and messages. Perfect as an adventure planning tool or a unique gift to help remember special moments in the outdoors.

Two people checking location using a paper map and a phone

Love walking and hiking? So do we!

We find the best brands, products, and routes, so you don’t have to.

Whether you are new to walking or a mountain adventure you need our trusted essential kit.

From preppin’ to steppin’ we’ve got you covered!

A person jumping btween rocks next to the sea

Get inspired and #GetOutside

Our commitment to encouraging outdoor exploration begins at home.

From gear guides and map reading tips to picnic inspiration and wellbeing blogs let our experts inspire your next adventure.

So, get inspired, explore new places and go on an adventure!

Meet our outdoor Champions!

Our champions inspire everyone, from every walk of life, to get outside in a safe and accessible way.

Since 2015 we’ve welcomed 150 advocates from across the nation including some well-known explorers like Ben Fogle and Kenton Cool

They showcase the best of Britain’s outdoors with their inspiring stories and expert advice to help you get outside.

Get outdoors the safe way

We are your one-stop shop for staying safe on your next adventure.

Our knowledgeable and passionate team can guide you towards the right safety gear and info, whether you're a seasoned hiker or a curious beginner.

We stock a wide range of high-quality equipment, from essential first-aid kits and weatherproof clothing to specialized gear to stop you getting lost.

With OS, you can head outdoors with confidence.

Collaboration and Partners

We also collaborate with third-party outdoor brands and industry experts to enrich our selection of top-quality gear, inspiration and advice to get you ready for any adventure.

We are Award Winning

2023 The Great Outdoors Walkers App of the year. Britain’s most popular outdoor navigation app was voted the winner of the ‘Walkers' App of the Year’ category for the seventh consecutive time: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017