This neighbourhood spans from Oxford Street all the way towards Marble Arch. While few Londoners actually live in the area, the neighbourhood draws in loads of tourists as well as locals looking to get their shopping fix. The road is lined with pretty much any major shop one could wish for. From Apple to Primark to Urban Outfitters, it’s hard to avoid passing through the neighbourhood at one point or another. Aside from these major chain businesses, the neighbourhood is also home to the original locations of the world famous department stores - John Lewis and Selfridges. Even for those that despise the crowds, no one can deny the beauty of the neighbourhood once its holiday lights come on each December. For better or worse, Oxford Street is an iconic spot within Central London!

The Oxford Street area was originally a medieval track, known as “the way to Uxbridge.” The road’s name was changed to Oxford Street at some point during the beginning of the 18th century. It’s believed that the road got its name from the former landowners who were the earls of Oxford. Around this time, private homes began to line the street - most of which backed up to open fields. It wasn’t until the 1810s though that the neighbourhood really began to change. Around this time, Regent Street was constructed, leading to the growth of small shops like booksellers and shoemakers. In 1864, John Lewis opened up his first shop - which sold mostly ribbons and haberdashery. By the late 19th century, the area had become crowded with horse-drawn carriages, an issue that only worsened as time went on. Once the Central Line opened in the area at the turn of the century, the street attracted customers from all over, turning it into the busy Oxford Street that we know today.

The Oxford street neighbourhood was once home to famous politician, Martin Van Buren. He went on to become the eighth president of the United States.

With all of the large shops and crowds that line Oxford Street, the area can feel pretty chaotic at times. Many Londoners try to avoid going there if possible.

Plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street have repeatedly been scrapped. Another plan worth £150 million of investment by the council, which was supposed to transform Oxford Circus and the stretch of Oxford Street to Great Portland Street into a series of pedestrian piazzas, was also canceled in late Summer 2022, only a year after it was announced. The local authority was successful in widening the pavements on the busy retail street but cancelled its proposal to develop new cycle lanes and ‘pop up’ public spaces. The council’s recurring challenge to answer public demands to pedestrianise the street may become an even greater issue as the authorities estimated that an additional 60 million pedestrians would flock to the West End per year following the opening of the Elizabeth line, which became operational in early 2022, further exacerbating congestion and pollution concerns in the area.