Oxford Street, London
About
Oxford Street is the UK's most famous shopping street, stretching through London’s West End and home to more than 300 stores, including flagship department stores and global brands. It’s popular for its mix of unrivalled shopping, fascinating history, captivating architecture, mouthwatering cuisine and unbeatable deals, attracting millions of visitors each year.
As one of the capital’s most famous shopping destinations, it is ideal for first‑time visitors and anyone looking to experience London’s vibrant retail scene, it also offers easy access to nearby areas Soho, Marylebone and Mayfair.
- 📍 Location: Oxford Street, London W1
- 🚇 Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus (Central, Bakerloo and Victoria)
- ⏰ Time needed: 2-4 hours (longer for serious shopping)
- 💸 Price: Free to visit (shopping costs vary in stores)
- 📸 Best for: Shopping, fashion, central London atmosphere
Why you should visit Oxford Street
- Experience one of London’s most famous shopping destinations, home to flagship stores, global brands and iconic department stores.
- Discover more than just shopping, with activity bars, pop-ups, nearby cultural highlights and historic streets all adding to the experience.
- Explore central London on foot, with Soho, Marylebone, Mayfair and Regent Street all just a short walk away.
- Travel with ease thanks to excellent transport links, including Oxford Circus, Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road stations.
Top things to do on Oxford Street
At the heart of central London, Oxford Street is one of the city’s most popular shopping areas, with plenty of top attractions and things to do nearby.
Explore museums and cultural highlights
Oxford Street offers far more than just shopping, with museums, galleries and immersive attractions close by. Explore cultural highlights such as FRAMELESS, Moco Museum London and the playful Twist Museum. Literature lovers can step back in time at the Jane Austen Experience, while nearby galleries, historic streets and market areas offer even more to explore beyond the shops.
Discover world-class theatre nearby
Oxford Street places you at the heart of London’s famous West End. Catch a show at the historic London Palladium, just off Oxford Circus, or walk into Soho and the surrounding theatre district for major productions from long-running musicals to new plays.
Enjoy immersive experiences and activity bars
Add something different to your visit with a range of activity-led experiences just moments from Oxford Street. Try interactive venues such as Activate, a fast‑paced gaming experience, or head to Boom Battle Bar for games, drinks and social fun. For a more relaxed but equally lively setting, visit Swingers, where indoor crazy golf, street food and cocktails combine for a unique night out.
Experience Oxford Street’s events and seasonal moments
Oxford Street hosts a range of seasonal highlights throughout the year, from summer pop-ups and sales to its famous Christmas lights and late-night shopping.
What shops are on Oxford Street?
- Selfridges & Co - A world-famous luxury department store with designer fashion, beauty, a food hall and unique in-store experiences.
- John Lewis & Partners - A popular British department store known for quality fashion, homeware and great service.
- Marks & Spencer (M&S) - A classic UK retailer offering clothing, food and everyday essentials in one place.
- IKEA Oxford Street - A compact city centre store from the Swedish design brand, offering stylish homeware, inspiration and clever solutions for small urban spaces.
- The Disney Store - A flagship destination for Disney fans, filled with themed merchandise, character displays and a fun, immersive shopping experience for all ages.
- HMV - A long-standing British entertainment store for music, films, vinyl and pop culture merchandise, popular with collectors.
- Zara - A flagship store for stylish, trend-led clothing with frequent new collections.
- H&M - An International high-street favourite for affordable, everyday fashion across multiple floors.
- Primark - A flagship store offering trendy fashion and essentials at very affordable prices.
- Lush - A sensory beauty store known for handmade cosmetics, ethical products and immersive in-store experiences, including its hidden spa treatments.
Insider tips for visiting
Oxford Street shops offer something for everyone, with plenty of hidden gems nearby. After browsing, take time to wander into nearby Soho, Marylebone or Mayfair for a wider mix of restaurants, cafes, culture and entertainment, all just a short walk away.
- Top tip: Take a break from shopping with a visit to one of Oxford Street’s rooftop spots. Enjoy cocktails and city views at 1864 Rooftop Kitchen & Bar at John Lewis, or head to Alto by San Carlo on the roof of Selfridges for an elegant terrace setting and al fresco dining above the street.
- Top tip: Foodies and aspiring chefs can enjoy a fun, hands-on experience at the Jamie Oliver Cookery School inside John Lewis on Oxford Street. Join practical cooking classes led by expert teachers, with sessions covering a range of dishes from simple pasta to international cuisines.
- Top tip: Make the most of Selfridges by discovering its unique in-store experiences, including a boutique-style cinema for a relaxing break from shopping. Outside, look out for the iconic “Queen of Time” clock, a striking mechanical sculpture above the entrance that comes to life every 15 minutes and has been a shop feature since 1931.
- Top tip: Take a break from the crowds and walk to Cavendish Square Gardens or Soho Square Gardens, two nearby green spaces perfect for a relaxed picnic, a coffee stop or a quiet moment, set within historic London squares dating back more than 300 years.
- Top tip: Don’t miss the free digital art show W1 Curates at Flannels, a hidden gem where you can immerse yourself in an ever-changing digital art landscape showcasing emerging British talent alongside global artists.
- Top tip: Take a short walk west to Marble Arch, a neoclassical monument designed in 1827 by John Nash as part of a grand ceremonial entrance to Buckingham Palace. Originally planned for the palace forecourt, it was moved in 1851 to its current location at the north-eastern corner of Hyde Park. Inspired by Roman triumphal arches, including the Arch of Constantine, it remains one of London’s most distinctive 19th-century landmarks.
Where is Oxford Street in London?
Oxford Street is located in the heart of London’s West End. It stretches from Marble Arch in the west to Tottenham Court Road in the east, with Regent Street crossing at the centre and Soho just a short walk south.
How to get there
The main stations for Oxford Street are Oxford Circus, served by the Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines, and Tottenham Court Road on the Central, Elizabeth and Northern lines, both with exits onto the street.
Other nearby Tube stations include Bond Street for the western end of Oxford Street, close to Selfridges and Marble Arch, ideal for accessing the quieter west end of the street near Hyde Park.
Buses serving Oxford Street include 7, 8, 10, 25, 55, 73, 94, 98, 113, 139, 159 and 390. Parking is very limited, so public transport is recommended.
Oxford Street is set to become pedestrianised in phases, with the central section expected to be traffic-free by late summer 2026 and further improvements continuing into 2027. Visitors may notice a more walkable, pedestrian-friendly street from late 2026.
Oxford Street opening times
Shops on Oxford Street are open daily, with most staying open until 9pm Monday to Saturday and 6pm on Sundays. You can also enjoy late shopping along this famous street, with some stores open until 10pm on selected days, especially during busy periods and special events.
Where to eat nearby
Oxford Street is surrounded by great places to eat. Head to St. Christopher’s Place for relaxed dining at Isola San Carlo, or enjoy cafe culture at Ladurée on South Molton Street. Visit the vibrant Circolo Popolare near Tottenham Court Road, explore upscale spots such as The Ivy Asia Mayfair and Sketch, or try Mercato Mayfair, a stylish food hall set within a beautifully restored historic church.
Things to do nearby
Oxford Street is a great starting point for sightseeing, with plenty of things to do nearby. Discover immersive experiences such as FRAMELESS and the Twist Museum, explore contemporary art at the Moco Museum. For more entertainment, Carnaby Street and the iconic London Palladium are just moments away, while Soho and London’s West End offer theatres, dining and nightlife within easy walking distance.
Oxford Street FAQs
Is Oxford Street worth visiting?
Yes, Oxford Street is one of Europe’s busiest shopping streets, offering world-famous brands, iconic department stores such as Selfridges and a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. It’s ideal for shoppers who want everything in one place.
What shops are on Oxford Street?
Oxford Street London is home to hundreds of shops, including popular brands such as Zara, H&M and IKEA, alongside major department stores such as John Lewis. Visitors will also find beauty, technology and souvenir stores, making it a convenient place to shop for fashion, gifts and essentials.
What time do Oxford Street shops close?
Shops in Oxford Street typically close around 8pm Monday to Saturday, with some staying open until 9pm. On Sundays, hours are shorter, usually 12pm to 6pm. Closing times can vary by store and season, especially during sales or holidays.
How long should I spend on Oxford Street?
Allow around two to four hours, this gives you time to browse major stores, visit a department store and take breaks. If you’re combining it with nearby areas such as Soho or Regent Street, you could easily spend half a day.
Which Tube station is best for Oxford Street?
The most convenient stations are Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road, both located on Oxford Street. Oxford Circus is best for the central section and major stores, while Tottenham Court Road is ideal for the eastern end. Bond Street is another good option for the western end and Selfridges.
Is Oxford Street busy?
Yes, Oxford Street is typically very busy, expect crowds at peak times especially on weekends, during sales and in the run-up to Christmas. Visit early in the morning or later in the evening for a more relaxed experience.
Facilities & Accessibility
See detailed accessibility information for this venue on AccessAble
- Access into the Building
- Automatic doors
- Ramps from parking area to entrance
- Accessible Venue Facilities
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Catering Facilities
- Bar
- Breakfast included
- Cafe
- Event catering
- Food shop
- Halal options on menu
- Kosher options on menu
- Nut-free option on menu
- Outdoor dining / Beer garden
- Private Dining
- Restaurant
- Set price menu
- Theatre menu
- Vegetarian options on menu
- General Facilities
- Lifts
- On site parking
- Payment Facilities
- Free entry