London’s number one shopping destination
Shop ‘til you drop on Europe’s busiest commercial street. Over half a million people a day visit Oxford Street, the main shopping artery of London. Discover more than 300 stores that line both sides of the street and bag a bargain souvenir or two. You’ll be totally spoilt for choice.
There’s an exciting mix of established department stores, high-street fashion and international brands. So whatever you’re looking for, you can find it on Oxford Street. Feeling peckish after trawling the shops? Then stop off for a spot of al fresco dining at St Christopher’s Place or enjoy afternoon tea in one of Oxford Street’s luxury hotels.
Our London Bus Tour passes right down the length of this legendary parade, so hop off when something catches your eye.
The famous buildings of Oxford Street
As one of London’s most notable streets, there are plenty of famous landmarks here too. Several British retail chains have their flagship stores here including Selfridges, John Lewis and House of Fraser.
The Beatles made their first London recordings in the HMV store on Oxford Street and the infamous 100 Club hosted rock legends like The Who and The Kinks in the 1960s. A decade later it became the birthplace of the British punk movement, staging gigs by the Sex Pistols and Buzzcocks.
Other interesting facts about Oxford Street, London
- Oxford Street was originally part of the Roman Road running between Essex and Hampshire. Today it’s technically part of the A40 trunk road
- It became notorious as the street where prisoners made their final journey from Newgate Prison to be hanged at Tyburn near Marble Arch
- Oxford Street was badly bombed during the Blitz, with famous stores such as John Lewis and Selfridges severely damaged or destroyed
- Although once renowned for its lively nightlife, only one pub remains on Oxford Street – the Grade II listed Tottenham
- Legend has it there’s a secret underground shopping precinct beneath Oxford Street, complete with cobble stones and Victorian shop fronts
