Oxford Street is the most popular shopping area in London and the busiest shopping street in the whole of Europe. This is understandable when you consider the fact that there are over 300 shops with a total of over 5 million square feet of shopping floor space. Situated in the City of Westminster, central London, the street was part of old London and runs for over a mile and a half (2.5km). As the street is considered the most important shopping street in england many companies choose to locate their flagship stores here and the choice of shops is staggering. To name but a few you will find plenty of department stores including, Selfridges, Debenhams, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer together with an endless number of clothes shops and boutiques (Topshop, Uniqlo, Primark GAP, etc.), and lots, and lots of other fascinating shops to browse around.
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Christmas is one of the busiest times in Oxford Street and every Christmas the street is vividly lit up by a host of festive lights. Oxford Street was not the first, in London, to have Christmas lights, that honour goes to Regent Street who had their first display in 1954. However much is made of the turning on of Oxford Street's Christmas lights and each year a well know Celebrity is chosen to turn them on. This usually occurs towards the end of November (the date varies) but they remain on until the Twelfth Night of Christmas (6 January). While the lights are on the atmosphere is tremendous and if you only ever get to visit Oxford Street the once then this should be the time you choose. It may be hectic and the crowds enormous but if you enjoy shopping this is truly a shoppers paradise.
A Brief History Of Oxford Street
Although the origins of the street can be traced back to when it was an important Roman roag it was only with the arrival of Selfridges department store in 1909 that the street became known for shopping. Selfridges was the very first department store on Oxford Street and through the diligent research, of American born Harry Gordon Selfridge, it quickly became popular with ladies. Selfridge had gone to great length to understand the tastes of London women and from the moment the doors opened it became a popular meeting place. Today Selfridges can still be found on Oxford Street and it is the second largest department store in Britain (the largest being Harrods on Brompton Road, Knightsbridge - one of the largest in the world!).
Contact
Oxford Street
Marylebone,
London, W1C 1JN
Tel: +44 (0)20 7222 4345
Getting To Oxford Street
The easiest way to get to Oxford Street is to use the London Underground (Tube) and get off at Bond Street and then walk the short distance. Take care on the roads as Oxford Street is renowned for becoming congested and even though measures have been taken to reduce traffic the road remains extremely busy at all times. The situation is made worse by the number of buses stopping along the street so please take great care when crossing the roads.
| Nearest Tube Stations | Nearest Railway Stations | Nearest Car Parks |
| Bond Street (1 minute away) | Marylebone (19 minutes away) | Welbeck Street NCP (2 minutes away) |
| Oxford Circus (8 minutes away) | Euston (27 minutes away) | Cavendish Square Masterpark (6 minutes away) |
Opening Times
Opening times vary from shop to shop.
Hotels Near Oxford Street
Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton London-regent Street
This 4 star hotel is within easy walking distance of Oxford Street, literally minutes away (0.1 miles). Read more...
Saint Georges Hotel
A superb 4 star hotel less than a quarter of a mile from the Oxford Street. Read More...
Grange Langham Court Hotel
A great 4 star hotel less than a third of a mile from Oxford Street. Read more...
Find More Hotels Near Oxford Street >
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Interesting Oxford Street Links
Oxford Street
The official site for Oxford Street, London.
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