Doughnut Shops in the UK
The British doughnut used to mean one thing: a sugar-rolled ball of fried dough with a squirt of red jam somewhere inside, sold in bags of five at the bakery. It still does, and it is still brilliant. But over the past decade, independent doughnut shops have turned the humble doughnut into an event, with brioche dough proved overnight, fillings piped to bursting, and seasonal flavours from crème brûlée to rhubarb and custard.
This directory brings together specialist doughnut shops and bakeries known for their doughnuts, taken from open data. Use 'Find near me' to see the closest first. Because a doughnut is at its best within hours of frying, distance matters: the shop round the corner will often beat a famous one across town. Read on for how to spot a good doughnut and what you should expect to pay.
Find doughnut shops near you
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Doughnut Shops by city
Popular doughnut shops 1–30 of 165
Amity Donut Bites at Thorpe Park (Aramark Ltd)
Thorpe Park, Staines Road, Chertsey KT16 8PN
Aramark@Donut Express
Chessington World Of Adventures Resort, Leatherhead Road, Chessington KT9 2NE
Yeast, cake and everything in between
Most British bakery doughnuts are yeast-raised, giving a light, springy, bread-like crumb. Brioche doughnuts add more butter, eggs and sugar for a richer, softer texture – the style used by most modern artisan shops. Cake doughnuts, more common in the US, are raised with baking powder and have a denser, crumbly crumb. Cronut-style hybrids are made from laminated croissant dough and are flaky rather than fluffy.
- Ring doughnut – glazed or iced, no filling
- Filled doughnut – round, piped with jam, custard, cream or curd
- Finger or long john – split and filled with cream and jam
- Yum yum – twisted and glazed, a British bakery favourite
- Bomboloni – Italian custard-filled doughnuts
The freshness test
A great doughnut should feel light for its size, with a golden exterior and a pale ring around its middle – a sign it was proved well and floated properly in the oil. The crumb should be soft, not greasy, and the filling generous. If doughnuts look tired by late afternoon, that is normal: most shops fry in the early morning, so go early for the best eating.
Tips before you go
- Buy doughnuts in the morning, when most shops have just finished frying.
- Store any leftovers in a paper bag at room temperature – the fridge makes the dough tough.
- Ask about the frying oil if you have allergies; some shops use oils from nuts or sesame.
- Gluten-free doughnuts are rare because of shared fryers; check for dedicated equipment.
- Ordering for a party? Many shops sell boxes of mini doughnuts that are easier to share.
Fun fact: An American sea captain, Hanson Gregory, claimed to have invented the ring doughnut in 1847 as a teenager, by punching a hole in the centre to solve the problem of raw dough in the middle.
What to order
- Classic jam doughnutSugar-rolled with raspberry or strawberry jam – the benchmark for any shop.
- Vanilla custard doughnutReal crème pâtissière, flecked with vanilla seeds, piped to the edges.
- Salted caramel doughnutA modern classic filled with caramel and topped with a sprinkle of salt.
- Glazed ringSimple, light and the true test of the dough itself.
- Seasonal specialRhubarb in spring, pumpkin spice in autumn, mince pie at Christmas.
- Vegan doughnutMany shops now make plant-based versions that rival the originals.
Typical prices in 2026
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bakery jam doughnut | £1.00–£2.20 | Multi-packs cheaper per doughnut |
| Artisan filled doughnut | £3.00–£5.00 | Speciality fillings at the top end |
| Glazed ring doughnut | £1.50–£3.50 | Chain shops at the lower end |
| Box of 6 artisan doughnuts | £15–£28 | Some shops offer delivery |
| Doughnut wall or tower (events) | £60–£200 | Order a week ahead |
Guide prices across UK independents and chains; London and specialist bakeries often sit at the top of the range.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the best doughnuts near me?
Use the 'Find near me' button to sort doughnut shops and bakeries by distance. Independent doughnut shops have spread across London, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds and other cities, and many traditional bakers still make classic jam doughnuts daily. Freshness matters more than fame, so the nearest good bakery may be your best bet.
How much is a doughnut in the UK in 2026?
A classic jam doughnut from a high-street baker or supermarket costs roughly £1–£2.20. Artisan brioche doughnuts with premium fillings typically cost £3–£5 each, and a box of six from a specialist shop can cost £15–£28. Prices tend to be higher in central London and at markets.
Are there gluten free doughnuts near me?
Gluten-free doughnuts are less common because most shops fry everything in the same oil, which risks cross-contamination. Some dedicated gluten-free bakeries make baked or separately fried doughnuts. Search the gluten-free bakeries list on this site and ask about fryer arrangements before buying if you have coeliac disease.
How long do doughnuts stay fresh?
Doughnuts are best on the day they are made, ideally within a few hours of frying. Unfilled and jam doughnuts can be eaten the next day, though they will be less soft. Cream- or custard-filled doughnuts should be refrigerated and eaten within a day. A few seconds in the microwave can revive a stale ring doughnut.