With more than 200 million people visiting every annually, Oxford Street is the most frequented shopping avenue in Europe and is also the most visited shopping destination in London. Although many of the shops are filled with high-end products, there are some that it’s not necessary to spend cash to appreciate all that Oxford Street has to offer.
Oxford Street has been one of the main arterial routes that have been pulsing throughout the heart of West End of London. West End for centuries, and its origins are traced into Roman times. Oxford Street is 1.5-mile-long street (stretching between Tottenham Court Road station to the east and Marble Arch station to the west) was previously known as Tyburn Road during the Middle Ages and was the primary road that ran from London through Oxford, (hence the name).
In the past the street was lined with small-scale vendors selling goods and other items, but it is now a thriving marketplace to include more than 300 stores that range from flagship stores to chain stores and designer stores.
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 an entire block Oxford Street, Selfridges is the second-largest department retailer in London following Harrods and is described as “an exceptional place of retail” because of its stunning neoclassical columns as well as its impressive main entrance.
Highlights from Oxford Street
Any time of year you are there, Oxford Street is bound to be full of tourists and locals who are rushing through the streets carrying an array of shopping bags. But it’s in the Christmas season that the street really becomes lively, as it is lined with all kinds of Christmas decorations illuminated at night, making the most stunning spectacle.
Moving from the one street’s end to the next, visitors will find Oxford Street shops such as Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, House of Fraser and John Lewis, as well as the most prestigious Nike, Adidas, H&M and Topshop stores (which draws more than 200,000 customers 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 eleven restaurants, six floors to eatand more than 11,000 pairs of jeans.
The larger department stores are usually found more close to Marble Arch as well as Oxford Circus, while the smaller stores and shops that sell consumer electronics are located closer 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 there are many other famous stores such as H&M, Debenhams, Gap as well as The House of Fraser, and Zara.
From Marble Arch From Marble Arch Bond Street, you’ll see the likes of 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 offering musical instruments and books and musical instruments, while Edgware Road (to the north-west) is more of a emphasis on electronics.
If you’re planning to do some sightseeing while you go on Oxford Street, Marble Arch (to the west) is a renowned London landmark as a whole and was an area of public execution from 1388 to 1793. Hyde Park is less than two minutes away of Marble Arch, and you can walk straight through Marble Arch, the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, Speakers’ Corner, and the Serpentine Lido before your visit to Oxford Street as well.
However, Madame Tussauds located in London not just a popular wax model museum. It also provides taxi rides through London’s most famous stories (called “The Spirit of London”) and the 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 planning to park your car close to Oxford Street, you can receive a discount on parking charges in the Q-Park Oxford Street by pre-booking a parking space online prior to the time you need it.
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If you’re in the summer times, many of the more luxurious 4-star hotels in the vicinity of Marble Arch are offering discounts.
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While walking along Oxford Street, don’t forget to stroll down the small side lanes , as you’re likely to find some kind of treasure or architectural marvel.
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Certain stores won’t allow customers to enter if they’re carrying a rucksack or suitcase and you should avoid carrying them in your trip.
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) as well as Marble Arch (via the Central line).
getting there
By Train
The closest station for Oxford Street is Paddington, that is only a short walk 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, and 88 and 113. 133, 139, and 159.
Visit Oxford Street
It is important to be aware of the fact that this area can be vulnerable to theft, so be vigilant about your possessions, particularly in the peak times.
Do not worry about not having enough cash on your trip, since there are many different banks and ATMs scattered throughout Oxford Street. They are usually found in Corner shops (although they usually cost for transaction) There are several near Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road and, of course, right at the end of Oxford Street.
It is important to note that most stores in the region don’t 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 also many takeaway restaurants and cafes on Oxford Street, and a pub named The Tottenham (at 6, Oxford Street); and evidently, there are many fast food chains such as McDonalds as well as Burger King.
Should you be carrying a bulky bag during your trip to Selfridges be aware that security officers will be able to search your belongings prior to entering. It is possible to leave coats and shopping bags in Selfridges’ Customer Services Lounge on 4 (which costs you PS3 per item (unless it’s an official Selfridges bags) however, you’ll not be permitted to leave luggage, backpacks or holdalls.
Hotel rooms in Oxford Street
Hotels in Oxford Street tend to be very expensive (as are many of the hotels within the city’s West End), so when you’re looking for a bargain, it’s best to pick an alternative that is further away from the city’s centre, and use public transport to travel between and to Oxford Street.
If you’re looking for a hotel 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 within the region Most of the hotels in the vicinity of 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 usually located in the vicinity of Mayfair (to from the southern end to the south of Oxford Street), and are among the most expensive hotels in the city. There are a lot of chains of boutique hotels that are scattered across Oxford Street like the Hyatt Regency and The London Marriott Hotel (Park Lane) and the Sanderson.
If you’re looking to spend more 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 top-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 bit more quirky the trendy Langham features furnishings made of velvet, chandeliers, marble bathtubs, as well as the very retro Chiltern Firehouse (its Nuno Mendes restaurant is often visited by a few London famous people too).
When should you go to
You’ll be pleased to be aware Oxford Street is open from Oxford Street tends to stay open longer than other places other place in London. Shops on Oxford Street are generally open until:
Monday through Friday from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Thursdays from 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.
However, as each store has different opening and closing hours You may want 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 looking to visit Selfridges and browse but be aware that you’ll be able to browse between 11:15 a.m. until 12 p.m.
If you’re looking to stay clear of going to Oxford Street during the busier times, try to be there after shops open around 9 a.m. Avoid going during lunchtime (between 11:00 a.m. between 11 a.m. and one 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 crowded days of week and Sunday is the most peaceful.