Oxford Street

The Basics

The best way to enjoy Oxford Street is to stroll along its bustling paths, free to browse at your own pace. Hop-on hop-off tours provide the flexibility to wander and shop, without the constraint of a set itinerary. Alternatively, those with limited time can take advantage of tours that offer customizable itineraries with private transfer, letting visitors tick off this landmark along with other attractions.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Oxford Street is an absolute must for shopaholics.

• Remember your coat and umbrella in winter, as the mile and a half-long street is entirely uncovered.

• Most of the street’s major department stores are wheelchair-friendly, with step-free entrances and wide-access elevators.

How to Get There

As with all capital cities, driving yourself is not advised. Marble Arch, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, and Tottenham Court Road Underground stations are dotted along Oxford Street, which is also served by many local buses and hop-on hop-off services.

When to Get There

Oxford Street’s annual Christmas street light and window displays are a top draw for many in the city. With a different theme every year, the display turns even London’s busiest street into a festive wonderland, and some providers offer seasonal tours to experience the sight in all its glory.

The Survival of Oxford Street

During the Blitz of 1940-41, Oxford Street was heavily bombed by the German Luftwaffe, resulting in significant damage to flagship stores, including Selfridges and John Lewis. The street was targeted again by the Provisional IRA during the Troubles. Despite these obstacles, Oxford Street is still a retail hot spot that does upward of £5 billion in sales each year.

Ways to explore

You can dedicate a whole day to shopping and eating your way through Oxford Street. While not on the itineraries of most London sightseeing tours due to traffic restrictions and general crowds, there are still ways to visit it with a guide. Taxis are allowed on the street in the daytime, and black taxi tours often include a drive down the street as part of a sightseeing itinerary. These are bookable with a private guide.

Accessibility

There’s no step-free access to the street from Oxford Circus tube station; wheelchair users should use nearby Bond Street station with elevator access. Oxford Street is congested with shoppers during the day.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Credit cards, secure pickpocket-proof bag

What to wear

Comfortable shoes for walking

Not allowed

Private cars in the daytime, Monday–Saturday

Amenities

Restaurants, shops, Balderton Street public restrooms opposite Selfridges

Address

Oxford Street is known as much for its congestion as for its shops. Progress is being made to reduce traffic congestion through daytime driving restrictions, and proposals have been put forward to make the area fully pedestrianized.

Driving

If you want to experience Oxford Street by car, take a taxi. In the evenings or on Sundays, you can drive if you’ve paid the London Congestion Charge and the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) fee for your vehicle.

Public transportation

Take the tube to Oxford Circus via the Central, Victoria, and Bakerloo lines. Other nearby tube stations include Bond Street and Marble Arch. Alternatively, take one of the many public buses that pass along Oxford Street.

Best times to visit

Aim to visit around 10am when most shops open.

Best days to visit

Visit between Monday and Friday to avoid weekend crowds.

Best months to visit

Visit between early November and early January to see the famous Oxford Street Christmas lights and festive window displays.

Special events

The Oxford Street Christmas lights switch-on in early November is the street’s big annual event. British celebrities such as Robbie Williams have flicked on the lights in the past.