Itinerary Summary
Stay near Oxford Street, shop the flagship department stores, take the 45-minute train from Marylebone to Bicester Village for outlet brands, then finish in Knightsbridge before flying out from Heathr…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Heathrow to Oxford Street and an Evening of Window Shopping
10:00
2.5h
Heathrow arrival and Elizabeth line to Bond Street
The Elizabeth line runs direct and takes about 35 minutes, faster than the Piccadilly line. Contactless cards work at the barriers, and the Bond Street exit opens onto the shopping district.
📍 Heathrow Airport to Bond Street
16:00
2.5h
Oxford Street evening browse
The stretch from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road holds the big flagship stores. Weekday evenings after 18:00 are calmer than weekends, and most shops stay open until 21:00.
📍 Oxford Street, London
19:00
1.5h
Dinner near St Christopher's Place
The pedestrian alley off Oxford Street is lined with restaurants that take bookings. It is a quiet pocket away from the traffic, and tables turn slowly, so reserve ahead.
📍 St Christopher's Place, London
💡 Pro Tip: Heathrow's Elizabeth line reaches Bond Street in about 35 minutes, putting you a block from Oxford Street. UK time is UTC+0, or UTC+1 in summer; entry rules depend on your passport, so check the United Kingdom visa section. Most Oxford Street stores open until 21:00 on weekdays, with shorter Sunday hours.
Days 2-5 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$47035%
Central London hotels near Oxford Street, 5 nights
Food & DiningUS$27020%
Department-store restaurants and afternoon tea
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the main sales for an Oxford Street and Harrods shopping trip?+
The biggest discounts fall in the January sales, starting around late December, and the summer sales in June and July. Mid-season promotions and Black Friday also appear. Weekend crowds peak on Saturdays, so shop weekday mornings if you want space in Selfridges, Harrods and the Oxford Street flagships.
How do VAT refunds work for shopping in London as a visitor?+
Refunds depend on the retailer and current UK scheme rules, so ask at the till whether they offer tax-free shopping and what form you need. Keep receipts, buy within the eligible time window and allow extra time at Heathrow's VAT refund desk before security. Rules change, so confirm the process before you travel.
How do I reach Bicester Village from London by train?+
Take a Chiltern Railways train from London Marylebone to Bicester Village station, a journey of about 45 minutes, and walk straight into the outlet. Trains run through the day but fill at weekends, so book a return in advance. Check the station name carefully: Bicester North serves the town, not the outlet.
What should I budget for 5 days in London not counting shopping?+
Allow about $1,050–1,640 (roughly €910–1,430) per person excluding international flights and purchases. That covers a hotel near Oxford Street, Tube and rail fares, meals and the Bicester train. Set a separate shopping budget, since outlet and department store spending can easily exceed the travel costs.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 5 days
- Budget: Shopping · approx. $1,050–1,640 (≈ €910–1,430), excl. int'l flights & shopping
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: Shopping
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