Discover the world of Special Stamps
Stamp collecting - or philately - is a rewarding way to explore British history, art, culture and innovation.
Royal Mail's Special Stamps have been going for over 100 years. They highlight everything from major national milestones to wildlife, architecture and iconic pop-culture moments, each designed by leading UK artists and illustrators. Every Special Stamp tells a story, making your collection both visually engaging and rich in fascinating detail.
Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or just looking for a fulfilling hobby, stamp collecting has something for everyone.
What makes stamp collecting so special?
Royal Mail works with some of the UK's most talented designers, illustrators, and photographers to create stunning, one-of-a-kind Special Stamps. These carefully researched designs celebrate remarkable themes and moments - and often reveal stories many collectors haven't heard before. We are proud that our stamps have been recognised with multiple prestigious design awards over the years.
Stamp collecting is a creative, inspiring hobby that can be tailored entirely to your interests.
Discover more about
Wayne Reynolds who was specially commissioned to work on illustrations for eight DUNGEONS & DRAGONS stamps.
Keith Robinson who illustrated our stunning The Chronicles of Narnia stamps
How to collect stamps in the UK
(and never miss an issue).
Starting a collection is simple. You can focus on particular themes, historic periods, artistic styles or favourite subjects. Each Special Stamp issue is supported by a range of souvenirs - such as Stamp Sets, First Day Covers and Prestige Stamp Books - giving collectors different ways to enjoy and expand their collection. If you'd like to receive items automatically, our subscription service ensures you never miss an issue.
Check out our latest themes on our Royal Mail Shop, or sign up to receive your chosen souvenir from every issue with our rolling subscription.
A range of bespoke collectibles
Each stamp issue has its own collection of souvenirs with fascinating detail about the subject.
Get involved
What's coming up?
Our stamp calendar is curated two years in advance.
See what stamp issues we have planned for the year.
Organising your collection
We have a wide range of albums, inserts and slipcases. The perfect way to preserve and showcase your treasured collection.
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Annual Yearbook
Perfect for the completist collector, our limited-edition Yearbook is a lavish hardback album containing all stamps issued in a calendar year, with a detailed chapter on every stamp subject. A beautifully crafted compendium celebrating a whole year of Special Stamps.
Special Stamp subscriptions
How to Collect Special Stamps FAQs
Stamp collecting is a flexible hobby - you can begin by choosing themes you enjoy, such as history, wildlife, design, or iconic cultural moments. Royal Mail produces Special Stamps featuring a wide range of topics and offers souvenirs like Stamp Sets, Presentation Packs, First Day Covers and more, each telling the story behind the issue.
Each Special Stamp issue is accompanied by a collection of souvenirs including Stamp Sets, Presentation Packs, First Day Covers, and Prestige Stamp Books, each offering unique artwork and written insights. These allow collectors to explore a theme in more depth and add variety to their collection.
You can set up a rolling subscription to receive your chosen collectible - such as a Presentation Pack or First Day Cover - from every relevant Special Stamp issue. UK subscribers can complete a simple online Direct Debit form, and all items are delivered with free UK postage and packaging.
You can subscribe to receive Stamp Sets, Presentation Packs, personalised First Day Covers (cancelled with unique postmarks), or other collectible items depending on your preference. Your chosen product will be sent from each Special Stamp issue so you never miss a release.
Royal Mail curates its stamp calendar two years in advance, and collectors can view the schedule of upcoming issues - such as themes, release dates, and major commemorations - through the published Stamp Calendar. This helps collectors plan and stay up to date with new releases.
Royal Mail collaborates with award‑winning designers, illustrators and photographers to create Special Stamps that celebrate British culture, history, innovation, and the natural world. Each stamp is designed with careful research and craftsmanship, making them both visually striking and rich in storytelling.
Yes - collectors can stay updated by following Royal Mail on social media, where there are chances to win Special Stamps and announcements on new issues.
Royal Mail offers a range of albums, inserts, and slipcases designed to protect and showcase your collection, helping you organise stamp issues safely and professionally.
Yes - individual releases including Stamp Sets, Packs, Miniature Sheets and more can be purchased directly from the Royal Mail Shop, which lists current and past issues.
Royal Mail offers exclusive behind‑the‑scenes insight into how Special Stamps are designed and printed - including videos that show issues like the AC/DC stamps being created from concept to final artwork. You can also dive deeper into the stories behind each issue by listening to Stampcast, our podcast exploring the people, ideas and creativity that shape every stamp.