Oxford Street is the busiest shopping street in Europe and has more than 200 million people visiting each year, making it the most crowded shopping district in London. Even though Oxford Street is wide known for its high-priced shops, you don’t require a large sum of money to enjoy a great time in the majority of Oxford Street shops.
For a long time, Oxford Street was one of the main roads within the city’s West End, with its roots dating all the way back to the Roman period. The 1.5 mile stretch was known as “Tyburn” during the Middle Ages, and it is the main route to London up to Oxford. It is located to the east to Tottenham Court and west of Marble Arch Station.
In the past, the street was surrounded by small-scale traders selling goods however today, over 300 retail stores from high-end retailers chain stores, distributors’ chains as well as designer stores have grown.
The most well-known of Oxford Street’s numerous stores is Selfridges, the world-famous Selfridges founded by selfridge the American self-made businessman Henry Gordon Selfridge in 1909. With more than 10 ha of retail space, which covers the entire block of Oxford Street, Selfridges is the second-largest store in London following Harrods and is described as “an exceptional store that is a temple for the retail industry” due to the neoclassical columns and the fascinating design of the main entrance.
No matter what time of year you choose to go, Oxford Street is expected to be crowded with people from the local area and shoppers with Oxford Street shopping bags, however it is at Christmas that the street is alive because it’s lined with all sorts of Christmas decorations. They illuminate in the evening, making the street a beautiful glow.
The stores attract more than 200.000 customers per week. Walking between the one end of the road from the other side, you’ll be able to shop at stores like Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, House of Fraser and John Lewis. The tour cannot be complete without a visit to the Selfridges located on 400 Oxford Street, with six floors, 11 restaurants, fast food and hundreds of thousands of items of fashion.
The stores that sell consumer electronics as well as the smaller department stores are located mostly along Tottenham Court Road, while the larger ones are located in between Marble Arch and Oxford Circus. Following, American Apparel and Topshop kinds of stores are located between Oxford Circus to Tottenham Court Road and H&M and Zara like stores , you will find between Oxford Circus to Bond Street. Marks & Spencer, New Look, Primark, River Island and Selfridges are situated on Marble Arch until Bond Street while books and musical instruments can be located at Denmark Street and Charing Cross Road.
If you’re looking to do some sightseeing while you go in Oxford Street, Marble Arch (to the west) is a renowned London landmark by itself and was an area of public execution from 1388 to 1793. Hyde Park is less than two minutes walk of Marble Arch, and you are able to walk right towards Marble Arch, the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, Speakers’ Corner, and the Serpentine Lido before your visit to Oxford Street as well.
A well-known landmark is situated on Oxford street, which is where the public executions that ended on 1793. This is a great place to stop your shopping trip and amuse yourself with a culture-related tourist attractions. The landmark is located right next to Madame Tussauds wax museum who provides taxi rides through the city’s history, with an adult-only bar as well as an Marvel Super Heroes 4D mini-movie experience for children.
Tips to remember before you visit Oxford Street
1. If you’re traveling by car reserve your parking space in advance at Q-Park Oxford street. Q-Park Oxford street and you will enjoy a good discount
2. Request a Private Tour: Chauffeur Driven London Shopping Trip (Oxford Street included)
3. Make sure you are aware of the fact that the area is vulnerable to pickpockets So always be vigilant about your belongings, particularly when it is busier.
4. There are ATMs scattered all throughout Oxford Street and surroundings.
5. Toilets aren’t plentiful. The toilets are located on the ground level of Topshop or in Mark & Spencer.
How do I get to Oxford Street
Address: Oxford St, London W1B3AG, United Kingdom
To get to Oxford street via tube: get off at Bond Street, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road or Marble Arch.
To get to Oxford street via train: The nearest station to Oxford street is Paddington.
Go to Oxford street via bus: Buses with numbers 3, 6, 8 12-13 15 23 25 53, 73 85, 94 (113) 135, 139, 137 and 159 take you to Oxford Street.