A shopper’s dream, Oxford Street is one of the world’s most notable shopping streets. Spanning 1.5 miles long and lined with some of the top high street names in fashion, entertainment and homewares.
Located in the heart of London’s West End, running from the iconic Marble Arch on the edge of Hyde Park, adjacent to Bond Street and intersected by Regent Street, the area is thought of as the busiest shopping street in Europe.
Since Debenhams and Selfridges opened in 1909, giant department stores have continued to dominate Oxford Street from Marble Arch to Oxford Circus. Today they are joined by John Lewis, House of Fraser and BHS, all housing designer names alongside more affordable brands.
For a quick break and to rest tired feet, shoppers can visit one of the many cafes housed within the major department stores or peppered along the street. With Cavendish Square and Hanover Square Gardens just a short distance from Oxford Circus, visitors can choose to take a midway break and relax in one of these calming green spaces.
Although one of the smaller green areas in London, Cavendish Square has been given its due credit with references in Charles Dickens novels Nicholas Nickleby and Little Dorrit.
Shopping in Oxford Street is a real treat any time of the year, but the experience really comes to life at Christmas, when the area is transformed into a glittering Winter Wonderland with its world famous Christmas lights. Traditionally, the switch on is carried out by top celebrity names and attracts crowds eager to mark the countdown to the festive season. This normally takes place mid-November.
