by Sarah Todd

Created on: November 23, 2008   Last Updated: January 10, 2009

With more than 300 retail outlets Oxford Street is Europe's busiest shopping street - 200 million people visit Oxford Street every year. From Marble Arch at the north eastern corner of Hyde Park, Oxford Street passes through Oxford Circus to St Giles' Circus at the Charing Cross and Tottenham Court Road intersection. Oxford Street is one and a half miles almost two and a half kilometres in length.

Most shops on Oxford Street open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 or 7 pm, with late night shopping on Thursday. Those operating on Sunday open their doors to the public between 12 noon and 6 pm. Although not the most expensive street in London, Oxford Street is considered a fashionable and very popular area. The actual arch that lends its name to this area is located close to the underground tube station, and is also close to the famous Hyde Park Speakers' Corner.

Many leading departmental stores have branches in Oxford Street. Some British stores consider their Oxford Street branch to be the company's flagship store, using it for promotional launches and celebrity appearances. Perhaps the most famous Oxford Street retailer is Selfridges, the second largest shop in the United Kingdom after Harrods. Situated at Marble Arch it is one of the most photographed buildings in London, and offers designer products from fashion houses like Alexander McQueen, Dior and Paul Smith as well as brand names like Zanotta and B&B Italy.

(include photograph of Selfridges, Marble Arch branch)

Other flagship stores on Oxford Road include Debenhams, House of Fraser, and John Lewis. The largest branch of Marks and Spencer is located on Oxford Street next door to Selfridges on the corner with Orchard Street. Oxford Circus is host to the flagship stores of H&m, United Colours of Benetton and Niketown.

The London Marriot Hotel near Marble Arch is within walking distance to Hyde Park, theatre land and museums. This casual and elegant boutique hotel offers a fine health and leisure club, and the Chats Cafe Bar is an ideal place to relax with friends during afternoon tea or early evening drinks.

http://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/lonma -london-marriott-hotel-marble-arch/

The Radisson Edwardian Berkshire hotel offer 140 tastefully designed and classically decorated rooms with free Wi-Fi. Close to Bond Street station it is ideal for access to the West End theatres and is central to Oxford Street shops and places of interest. The Mandeville Hotel at the Marylebone end of Oxford Street is

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