With more than 200 million people visiting every annually, Oxford Street is the most frequented shopping avenue in Europe and is the most sought-after shopping spot in London. Although the majority of its shops are filled with high-end products, there are some that 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 roots can be traced 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 route that connected London towards Oxford, (hence the name).
In the past it was lined with sellers selling their wares and other items, but it is now a thriving marketplace to include over 300 retail stores that range from flagship stores to chain stores and designer shops.
The most well-known of Oxford Street’s numerous stores is Selfridges, a world-class store. Selfridges that was established by Selfridge, the American Businessman Henry Gordon Selfridge in 1909. It covers more than 10 acres of retail space that covers the entire block of Oxford Street, Selfridges is the second-largest department retailer in London following Harrods and is described as “an exceptional place of retail” due to its Neoclassical columns and impressive main entrance.
Highlights of Oxford Street
Whatever time of year you go to Oxford Street, Oxford Street is bound to be full of tourists and locals swarming through the streets carrying an array of shopping bags. But it’s in the Christmas season that the street really is alive, since it’s lined with all kinds of Christmas decorations illuminated at night, making an incredible spectacle.
From the one side of the street to the other, shoppers 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 customers each week). 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 for dining, and more than 11,000 pairs of jeans.
The larger department stores are usually situated more in between Marble Arch as well as Oxford Circus, while the smaller shops or department stores selling consumer electronics are located closer to Tottenham Court Road.
Between Oxford Circus to Tottenham Court Road there are shops such as Topshop, American Apparel and Next as well as if you wander around the area in between Oxford Circus and Bond Street You will also see many other famous stores such as H&M, Debenhams, Gap as well as 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 as well as Selfridges. Charing Cross Road and Denmark Street to the south-east are the location of many shops that sell music and books as well as musical instruments. Edgware Road (to the north-west) is more of a emphasis on electronics.
If you’re looking to do some sightseeing on your trip in Oxford Street, Marble Arch (to the west) is a well-known London landmark by itself It was also an area of public execution between 1388 and 1793. Hyde Park is less than two minutes walk to Marble Arch, and you can walk straight through 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 not just a famous wax model museum. It also provides taxi rides through London’s most famous 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 planning to park your car close to Oxford Street, you can receive a discount on parking fees in the Q-Park Oxford Street by pre-booking a space in advance online.
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If you are in the summer times, many of the bigger 4-star hotels close to Marble Arch are offering discounts.
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If you’re walking up and down Oxford Street, don’t forget to walk down the small side streets as you’re sure to find some kind of architectural gem or treasure.
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Some shops won’t permit customers to enter if they’re carrying a backpack or suitcase and you should avoid carrying them in your trip.
How to Get There
getting there
Address
Oxford St, London W1B 3AG, United Kingdom (See map).
getting there
By Tube
There are five underground stations located within walking distance from 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 train station that is close to 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, the 88, 94 and 113. 133, 139 and 159.
Visit Oxford Street
It is important to be aware of the fact that this area can be susceptible to theft, so be vigilant about your belongings, 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’re usually located in Corner shops (although they typically require a fee for each 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’ll be able to make use of the toilets in 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 there are many fast food chains, such as McDonalds as well as Burger King.
When you’re carrying around a bulky bag on your trip to Selfridges Be aware that security staff might search any of your belongings before allowing you to enter. 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 bags, suitcases or holdalls.
Hotel rooms in Oxford Street
Hotels located around Oxford Street tend to be rather expensive (as are most of the hotels within the city’s West End), so when you’re looking for a bargain, you might want to consider one that is a bit further from the city’s centre, and utilize public transport to travel 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 within the region Most of the hotels close to Oxford Street are located around Marble Arch, where you will find several four-star chains, as well as the occasional budget hotel. The most expensive hotels are usually located close to Mayfair (to to the South from Oxford Street), and are among the most expensive hotels in the city. There are a lot of chain boutique hotels scattered throughout Oxford Street like the Hyatt Regency as well as in particular 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 just a few of 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 crystal chandeliers, furniture made from velvet, marble bathtubs, as well as the 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 glad to be aware the fact that Oxford Street tends to stay open later than any other place in London. Shops on Oxford Street are generally open until:
Monday through Friday Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Thursdays from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Saturdays on Saturdays, 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Sundays from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m.
However, as each store has different opening and closing hours It is recommended to visit their official site before visiting if have a particular 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 visit Selfridges and browse but be aware that you’ll be allowed to browse between 11:15 a.m. between 12 and 11:30 p.m.
If you’re looking to stay clear of going to Oxford Street during the busier times, try to visit just after shops open around 9 a.m. Also, 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 busy days of week and Sunday is the most peaceful.
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