London is one of the most unique cities of the world, known for its glorified history and past. Every corner of the city has been carefully restored and narrates its vivid story. One of the most popular streets of London and one of the Europe’s busiest shopping destination in London UK. The Oxford Street has many lesser known facts and stories about it. These interesting stories will definitely charm the curious tourist. This street is also popular as the longest street in Europe and is located at an easily accessible location from the hotels in Shoreditch. To explore this iconic street to the fullest you can book your stay in the comfortable and luxurious M by Montcalm Shoreditch London Tech City hotel. This hotel is ideally located close transport options, offers all modern facilities and amenities along with unmatched hospitality. The Oxford Street runs between Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road.
When visiting the Oxford Street, here a list lesser known facts about this street:
The Christmas lights
The Oxford Street is decorated with lights in the most breath-taking fashion all over the world. Every year the Christmas lights are switched on by a celebrity in the month of November and illuminate the streets till the beginning of January. Every year the display of lights leaves the spectators awestruck and its beauty makes waves all over the world. The only time these lights were not switched on was during the economic recession in the 1960s and the 1970s. Plus, the light’s switching on date was postponed to mourn for the death of JFK and for Kylie Minogue’s touring schedule.
War time Oxford Street
The most massive and popular stores were damaged during the Blitz. Big stores like Selfridges, John Lewis, Bourne & Hollingsworth and Peter Robinson were ruined with bombings. The Selfridges lost its famous wall signed by celebrities who had visited the store.
During this time a lot of stores were used for war. To name a few, the then Peter Robinson store now Topshop was BBC’s broadcast studio during World War II; the US Army occupied Selfridges building and John Lewis’s basement was used as air raid shelter.
Most of these stores with a great history were rebuild, and till date stand tall as the most iconic shopping buildings on Oxford Street.
HMV
The history of the HMV is also an interesting one. The first store opened in 1921 but was damaged during World War II and had to temporarily shift from its original address. The store moved back to its original location in 2013. The famous band Beatles used HMV’s recording equipment to record a demo in their early days.
Tyburn Road
Did you know the most loved and famous road of London, the Oxford Street was called something else in the past? This street was known as the Tyburn Road and got this name from the now-buried Tyburn River which runs beneath it. In its dark past, this road was the final destination for the prisoners of Newgate Prison. At Marble Arch, the Tyburn tree was used for hanging prisoners. Today this spot has been marked with an etched stone.
FAQs about the Oxford Street London
-
What is Oxford Street famous for?
Oxford Street famous for unrivalled shopping experience. Located in City of Westminster in the West End of London, from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch via Oxford Circus, Oxford Street is one of the Europe’s busiest shopping street where half a million visitors visits daily to approx 300 shops.
-
What time do the shops on Oxford Street close?
Monday to Thursday – 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM Friday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday – 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM *Some stores may vary, please check individual stores time.
-
Is Oxford Street open on Sunday?
Yes, Oxford Street open on Sunday from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
-
Are cars allowed in Oxford Street?
No, The private vehicles are banned. The Oxford Street is designated a bus lane to prevent congestion. So the stree is allowed only buses, taxis and two-wheeled vehicles during peak hours (between 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM)
-
How many tourists visit Oxford Street?
As per 2014 data, around half a million visitors visit Oxford street Daily.
-
How many tourists visit Oxford Street each year?
As per the BBC, an estimated nine million tourists visit Oxford Street each year.
-
What is the best tube station for Oxford Street?
Oxford Circus tube is best positioned for all of the major Oxford Street shops.
-
Where can I find a toilet?.
All the major department stores offer restroom facilities. There is also a well-concealed set of toilets on the basement floor of Topshop.
-
How long is Oxford Street?
1.9KM.
+44(0) 7525 594 562
