With over 200 million customers every annually, Oxford Street is the most frequented shopping avenue in Europe and is also the most visited shopping destination in London. While many of the shops are filled with high-end designer items, you don’t have to spend cash to appreciate all that Oxford Street has to offer.
Oxford Street has been one of the major arteries that pulsate through the heart of city’s West End for centuries, and its origins are dating far back Roman times. It is a 1.5-mile-long street (stretching between Tottenham Court Road station to the east and Marble Arch station to the west) was known as Tyburn Road during the Middle Ages and was the principal road that ran from London through Oxford, (hence the name).
In the past the street was lined with small-scale sellers selling their wares and other items, but it is now a thriving marketplace to include more than 300 stores including flagship stores, retailers, and designer shops.
The most well-known of Oxford Street’s numerous shops is Selfridges, the world-renowned Selfridges that was established by Selfridge, the American self-made businessman Henry Gordon Selfridge in 1909. It covers more than 10 acres of retail space, which covers the entire block of Oxford Street, Selfridges is the second-largest retailer in London following Harrods and has been described as “an exceptional store that is a temple for retail” because of its Neoclassical columns and stunning main entrance.
Highlights of Oxford Street Shopping
Whatever season you go to Oxford Street, Oxford Street is bound to be crowded with tourists and locals who are rushing through the streets carrying an array of shopping bags. But it’s during the Christmas time that the street really becomes lively, as it’s lined with all kinds of Christmas decorations illuminated in the evening, making the most stunning scene.
From the one side of the street to the next, visitors will come across stores like Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, House of Fraser and John Lewis, as well as the flagship Nike, Adidas, H&M and Topshop stores (which is home to more than 200,000 people each week). Also, of course, no trip on Oxford Street would be complete without a stroll through Selfridges (at 400 Oxford Street), which has an impressive the highest level of shopping, with 11 restaurants for dining, and more than 11,000 pairs of jeans.
The largest department stores are usually situated more in between Marble Arch as well as Oxford Circus, while the smaller shops or department stores that sell consumer electronics are located further to Tottenham Court Road.
In the area from Oxford Circus to Tottenham Court Road there are stores such as Topshop, American Apparel and Next If you stroll along the stretch in between Oxford Circus and Bond Street You will also see many other famous stores such as H&M, Debenhams, Gap and Gap, the House of Fraser, and Zara.
From Marble Arch from Marble Arch to Bond Street, you’ll see Bond Street, which is where you’ll find Marks & Spencer, New Look, Primark, River Island and Selfridges. Charing Cross Road and Denmark Street to the south-east are where you will find a variety of shops that sell music and books and musical instruments, while Edgware Road (to the north-west) is more of a concentration on electronic gadgets.
If you’re looking to do some sightseeing while you go on Oxford Street, Marble Arch (to the west) is a well-known London landmark by itself and was an area of public execution between 1388 and 1793. Hyde Park is less than two minutes walk of Marble Arch, and you can walk straight towards The Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, Speakers’ Corner, and the Serpentine Lido before your visit to Oxford Street as well.
However, Madame Tussauds situated in London does more than just be a popular wax-figure museum. It also offers taxi rides that take visitors through the city’s historical stories (called “The Spirit of London”) as well as an Marvel Super Heroes 4D mini-movie experience for kids as well as a complete bar for adults!
Special Tips
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If you’re looking to park your vehicle near Oxford Street, you can save money on parking fees for the Q-Park on Oxford Street by pre-booking a space in advance online.
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If you’re in the summer times, many of the bigger 4-star hotels close to Marble Arch are offering discounts.
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While walking along Oxford Street, don’t forget to walk through the smaller side streets as you’re sure to stumble upon some kind of treasure or architectural marvel.
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Certain stores won’t allow customers to enter if they’re carrying a backpack or suitcase and you should avoid taking them with you to your destination.
The Journey
getting there
Address
Oxford St, London W1B 3AG, United Kingdom (See map).
getting there
By Tube
There are five underground stations that are within walking distance of Oxford Street: Bond Street (via the Central and Jubilee lines), Oxford Circus, (via the Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines), Piccadilly Circus (via the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines), Tottenham Court Road (via the Central and Northern lines) and Marble Arch (via the Central line).
getting there
By Train
The closest station for Oxford Street is Paddington, which is just 33 minutes from the station.
getting there
By Bus
It is possible to reach Oxford Street via routes 3 6, 8, 10 12 13 15 23 25 53, 73, the 88, 94 and 113. 133, 139 and 159.
Visit Oxford Street
Take note that your area could be vulnerable to robbery, so be vigilant about your belongings, particularly during peak times.
Don’t be concerned about being short of cash during your trip, since there are many various ATMs and banks throughout Oxford Street. They’re usually located in corners shops (although they typically cost for transaction) However, there are several near Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road and, of course, right in Oxford Street.
It is important to note that most stores in the area do not have toilets, however you can access toilets in the major department stores, such as the two Marks & Spencer stores (at Marble Arch and Oxford Circus), and on the lower floor of Topshop.
There are many takeaways and cafes on Oxford Street, and a pub named The Tottenham (at 6. Oxford Street); and there are many fast food chains such as McDonalds or Burger King.
When you’re carrying around a big bag during your trip to Selfridges Be aware that security officers might search any of your belongings prior to entering. It is possible to leave coats and bags of shopping in Selfridges’ Customer Services Lounge on 4 (which costs you PS3 per item (unless it’s an official Selfridges bags) However, you will not be permitted to leave luggage, backpacks or holdalls.
The Oxford Street Hotel Oxford Street
Hotels located around Oxford Street tend to be rather expensive (as are many of the hotels on the city’s West End), so when you’re looking for a bargain, you might want to consider an alternative that is further away from the city’s center. utilize public transport for transportation between and to Oxford Street.
If you’re looking for lodging located in the city’s West End so you’re within walking distance of Oxford Street as well as the various attractions, theatres and landmarks that are located in the area Most of the hotels close to Oxford Street are located around Marble Arch, where you will find a variety of four-star chains, as well as some budget hotels. The most expensive hotels are located close to Mayfair (to to the South from Oxford Street), and are among the most expensive hotels in the city. There are also many chain boutique hotels scattered across Oxford Street like the Hyatt Regency and The London Marriott Hotel (Park Lane) and the Sanderson.
If you’re planning to splash out when you stay in a hotel in London, the Hotel 41, The Beaumont and the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences are among the most highly rated hotels close to Oxford Street, but if you’re looking for a place that’s close to the heart of the hustle and hustle, No.5 Maddox Street, the eccentric Courthouse Hotel and the Langham Hotel are a lot closer.
If you’re looking for something slightly quirky the trendy Langham has crystal chandeliers, furniture made from velvet, marble bathtubs. It also has the very retro Chiltern Firehouse (its Nuno Mendes restaurant is frequented by a few London stars and other celebrities).
When is the best time to visit
You’ll be pleased to be aware the fact that Oxford Street tends to stay open later than any other place in London. The shops along Oxford Street are generally open until:
Monday through Friday Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Thursdays on Thursdays, 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Sundays on Sundays, 12 p.m. until 6 p.m.
But, since each store has different hours of opening and closing It is recommended to visit their official site before visiting if have a specific location you’re looking for.
Selfridges is open starting:
Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Sundays: 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.
If you’re just looking to walk into Selfridges and browse but be aware that you’ll be allowed to shop between 11:30 a.m. until 12 p.m.
If you’d like to avoid going to Oxford Street during the busier times, you should visit just after shops open around 9 a.m. Avoid going in the lunch hour (between 11:00 a.m. until 1.30 p.m.) as well as between the hours of 6 p.m.. between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Saturday is usually the most busy weekend day and Sunday is the most peaceful.