Oxford and Regent Streets

This is the main area in which to find High Street stores. All the main ones are here from Marks and Spencer, Debenhams, John Lewis, Hamley's Toy Shop, Boots, W.H. Smith, and many more specialty shops.

For many this is considered the centre of London. At any time of the day or night this area is always thronging with people.

Oxford Street, running West to East is the main shopping thoroughfare with all of the big name flagship department stores on this street. Regent Street, running North to South bisects Oxford Street, and the crossroads where these streets meet, Oxford Circus is commercial 'ground zero' in the city, with the most people and the highest rents to boot.

The section of OXFORD STREET that runs between Marble Arch and Oxford Circus contains most of the department stores, and is the place where most shopping occurs. Here you will find John Lewis, Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, BHS, Zara, H&M, Gap, Urban Outfitters, New Look and many other flagship fashion stores besides.

The jewel of this stretch of Oxford Street however is the behemoth and world famous department store, Selfridges. Second only to Harrods in London (and generally cheaper), Selfridges is spread over 5 levels and contains outlets of most fashion designers and stores. It has a particularly good contemporary fashion floor and an excellent foodstore as well. If you like your shopping you could easily spend a whole day in here and only see half of it.

As you move along the Street towards Oxford Circus, you will pass St. Christopers Place - entry via a small lane on your left near HMV, a worthwhile detour for a drink and something to eat.

Oxford Circus itself can be pandemonium at peak times. There are a number of shops immediately around here which are of interest, including the Nike shop and the huge Topshop, the world's largest single fashion store. Topshop is well worth a visit, and specialises in producing cutting-edge designs influenced from the fashion catwalks at a fraction of the price. For many younger shoppers this is a favourite store. If you have the time, ask about the fashion advisor service - you just sit back and they bring the clothes to you at no extra cost.

As you proceed down Oxford Street towards Tottenham Court Road the street does get noticeably dingier and the shope less attractive. There are a few big stores along this stretch, including Waterstones, Virgin Megastore, Boots, Marks and Spencer and a small shopping centre. Here you will also find some discounted and sale stores, as well as some tourist-oriented stores. The real interest along this stretch however lies off the side streets, in Soho, packed with bars and cool cafes and restaurants.  

Oxford Street ends at Tottenham Court Road station, and from here you can head North up Tottenanham Court Road to the electronics stores, or south down Charing Cross Road for the bookstores.

REGENT STREET, bisecting Oxford Street at OXford Circus has a very different feel to it altogether. This whole street is owned by the Crown estate (the Queen) and is amongst the grandest and best looking streets in London. There is little of interest to the North of OXford Circus, save for the interesting architecture of the BBC Radio House, so consider heading south along the grand arching sweep of Regent Street.

The shops along here are generally more upmarket and expensive than those on Oxford Street. As you proceed down the Street, one of the first stores you will come across and perhaps one of the most interesting stores in this area, is the Liberty department store. The oldest department store in the world, it still is house within its original 18th century building with fascinating architecture.

Other shops of interest as you pass along the street include the new flagship Apple Store (toys for adults), and the fabulous Hamleys Toy Store (toys for kids). A trip to Hamleys is a must and will surely bring out the kid in everyone.

Further South on Regent Street you will pass the entry to Carnaby Street - now the name given for a 2-3 block area of shops well worth a visit (especially for shoes). At Regent Street's Southern end you will pass a collonaded arcade with some exclusive fashion stores, before passing Tower Records and ending up at the iconic Piccadilly Circus.

Being the centre of town there are many public transport options. You can get a bus from virtually anywhere in London that will pass through or terminate in this area. Tube stops around this area include: Marble Arch, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road and Piccadilly Circus.