Shopaholics, your time has come. Oxford Street is potentially one of the most famous shopping streets in the world, offering an incredible diversity of affordable and high-street fashion stores as well as its iconic department store. From children’s toys to designer shoes and fragrances, there’s nothing you won’t be able to find in this shopping hotspot.
At The Cumberland Hotel, we’re incredibly lucky to be located just a 20-minute walk or a seven-minute tube ride from Oxford Street, making our hotel the perfect base to shop till you drop (and then jump back into bed to rest your tired feet!).
Oxford Street, London
The iconic street is now home to more than 300 shops, but originally, it was part of a Roman road offering access from Essex to Hampshire. The area soon found itself a base for an open-air market selling cattle, wine, fish, and fabrics – an early indicator of what was to come!
In the Middle Ages, the road was renamed from Via Trinobantina to Tyburn Road, a site that witnessed various hangings due to the Tyburn Gallows, where criminals were executed publicly.
Slowly, Oxford Street began to resemble as we know it today with the pantheon, designed by James Wyatt opening in 1772, providing entertainment for high society. In 1938, this building was demolished to make way for Marks and Spencer, which still stands to this day.
The street has seen various stores open and close through the years, including Top Shop which opened its doors in 1994 before closing over two decades later in 2021.
What stores can you find on Oxford Street?
While films and television shows may show Oxford Street shopping sprees of handbags, designer suits, and drop-dead gorgeous dresses, there’s far more to the area than the big brand clothing outlets like Malini and Mulberry. The street offers many UK high street favourites like Zara and even Primark. Don’t forget Oxford Street’s flagship stores like John Lewis and Next.
Children aren’t going home empty-handed either, with The Disney Store providing the magic and wonder they’ve been wishing on a star for. Explore music and entertainment stores (perfect for guests at the Cumberland Hotel), sportswear shops, and even jewellery outlets. If you’d like to discover shops on Oxford Street before you visit London, take a look through their listings here.
Tips for Visiting Oxford Street
Tax-free shopping in London
If you’re an international visitor looking to save a little money on your big trip abroad, make sure you look into tax-free shopping. All you need to do is look for the tax-free shopping logo or ask at the till if the store participates. Then, keep your receipts and forms for claiming back VAT at the airport. If your store of choice participates in tax-free shopping, this can be a great way to take a shopping spree without breaking the bank.
The Best Time to Visit Oxford Street
Oxford Street can be famously busy. For shoppers looking to ditch the crowds and have a more chill experience, it’s important to hit the pavement in the morning. The street is also busiest at weekends and across the festive period – so maybe forget about your December Saturday afternoon shopping trip unless you’re ready to brave the crowds and see the seasonal Christmas lights!
Shop the London Deals
While seasonal deals may differ in your home country, in the UK, many shops host sales immediately after Christmas day, making the time between Christmas and January a very busy retail time. Sales also run on other important national holidays like Easter, making them key dates to fill your baskets and grab goodies.
If you’re still left with any burning questions about your next visit to Oxford Street, make sure you get in touch with a member of the team at The Cumberland Hotel today. Our hotel near Oxford Street is fully prepared to handle any queries you throw at us with endless experience when it comes to shopping Oxford Street and exploring London. Why not book your overnight stay with us today and guarantee a comfortable bed to rest your tired feet?
