Oxford Street - The Two-Mile Shopping Sprint

My first full day (26 May 07) in London began by returning to Oxford Street. I had not planned to do so but with the return of my checked bag, I was able to return the clothing I had not used and purchased at Marks & Spencer the afternoon before. Besides it was a relatively sunny day with the occasional fall of rain to stroll along the street’s wide sidewalks and visit some of the shops that line this bustling street. Besides Marks & Spencer, Oxford Street department stores include John Lewis, Selfridges and Debenhams. At just over two miles and with over 300 department stores, shops and eateries lining this street, one could make an entire day of shopping. It is Britian’s busiest shopping street with over 10 million tourists visiting each year.

Still suffering from some jet lag, I awoke much later than usual and with a matinee commencing in the afternoon, my time on this street was short and grabbed a quick bite to eat at Marks & Spencer Simply Food upstairs of the Bond Street Underground Station before returning to my hotel. When visiting Oxford Street I suggest you catch the tube to Marble Arch or Oxford Circus Station and work your way until you reach the opposite station. If you feel exhausted half-way of the journey, there is one tube stop at Bond Street to take you back to your hotel or to your next destination. The other half of Oxford's shopping extends west from Oxford Circus Station to Tottenham Court Road Station.

Visit the food halls at Marks & Spencer and Selfridges. The products there are more affordable (and probably just as good) as the similar products found at Harrods or Fortnum & Mason without the fancy packaging and name brand. If you feel you have the energy, other shopping avenues connect to Oxford Street such as Regent Street and Bond Street.

More info about this shopping mecca at www.oxfordstreet.co.uk.