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 luxury designer items, it’s not necessary to spend money to appreciate everything Oxford Street has to offer.
Oxford Street has been one of the major arteries that pulsate throughout the heart of West End of London. West End for centuries, and its origins are dating 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 known as Tyburn Road during the Middle Ages and was the primary road that ran from London through Oxford, (hence the name).
In its early days it was lined with small-scale sellers selling their wares however, it has since expanded to include over 300 retail stores that range from flagship stores to retailers, and designer stores.
The most well-known of Oxford Street’s numerous stores is Selfridges, the world-renowned Selfridges which was created by selfridge the American Businessman Henry Gordon Selfridge in 1909. It covers more than 10 acres of retail space that covers an entire block Oxford Street, Selfridges is the second-largest department retailer in London following Harrods and has been described as “an incredible place of retail” due to its Neoclassical columns and stunning main entrance.
Highlights from Oxford Street
Any season you go to Oxford Street, Oxford Street is bound to be crowded with tourists and locals swarming through the streets carrying an array of shopping bags. However, it’s in the Christmas season that the street really is alive, since it is lined with all kinds of Christmas decorations illuminated at night, making the most stunning scene.
From the one side of the street to the other, shoppers will find stores such as 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 the highest level of shopping, with 11 restaurants to eatand 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 situated closer to Tottenham Court Road.
Between Oxford Circus to Tottenham Court Road there are stores such as Topshop, American Apparel and Next 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 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 where you will find a variety of shops that sell music and books as well as musical instruments. Edgware Road (to the north-west) is more of a concentration on electronic gadgets.
If you’re looking to do some sightseeing on your trip on Oxford Street, Marble Arch (to the west) is a renowned 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 are able to walk right 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 not just a popular wax-figure museum. It also offers taxi rides that take visitors through the city’s historical stories (called “The Spirit of London”) and an Marvel Super Heroes 4D mini-movie experience for kids and even a fully-stocked bar for adults to relax in!
Special Tips
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If you’re planning to park your vehicle near Oxford Street, you can save money on parking fees 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 architectural gem or treasure.
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Certain stores won’t allow visitors to enter if carrying a backpack or suitcase therefore, try not 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 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) as well as 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
You can get to Oxford Street via routes 3 6, 8, 10 12 13 15 23 25 53, 73, and 88 and 113. 133, 139, and 159.
A visit to Oxford Street
Take note that your area could be susceptible to robbery, so be vigilant about your belongings, particularly during peak times.
Don’t be concerned about being short of cash during your stay, because there are plenty of various ATMs and banks throughout Oxford Street. They’re usually located in corners shops (although they usually require a fee for each transaction) However, there are several near Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road and, of course, right in Oxford Street.
Be aware that a lot of 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 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 before allowing you to enter. You are able to leave your coats and bags of shopping on Selfridges’ Customer Services Lounge on 4 (which costs you PS3 per item except for an official Selfridges bags) However, you will not be allowed to take luggage, backpacks or holdalls.
Hotel rooms in Oxford Street
Hotels in 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 one that is a bit further from the city’s center. use public transport to travel between and to Oxford Street.
But, if you’re searching for lodging within London’s West End so you’re within walking distance of Oxford Street as well as the various attractions, theatres and landmarks within the region The majority of hotels in the vicinity of Oxford Street are located around Marble Arch, where you will find several four-star chains, as well as some budget hotels. The most expensive hotels are usually located close to Mayfair (to from the southern end from Oxford Street), and are among the most expensive hotels in the city. There are also many 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 on your stay 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 hotel that is nearer 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 has furnishings made of velvet, chandeliers, marble bathtubs, as well as the very retro Chiltern Firehouse (its Nuno Mendes restaurant is frequented by a few London stars too).
When should you go to
You’ll be glad to be aware Oxford Street is open from Oxford Street tends to stay open later than any elsewhere 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 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 opening and closing hours You may want to verify their official website prior to visiting if you have a specific location you’re looking for.
Selfridges is open starting:
Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Sundays, from 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.
If you’re just looking to visit Selfridges to browse around but be aware that you’ll be able to shop between 11:30 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, you should be there after shops open in the morning at 9:00 a.m. Also, avoid going during lunchtime (between 11:00 a.m. until one p.m.) as well as between six p.m.. between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Saturday is usually the most busy days of week however, Sunday is the least busy.
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