New Oxford Street, London
New Oxford Street is a prominent thoroughfare in the City of Westminster, forming a vital link between London's iconic West End and the more historic district around High Holborn. Running eastward from Oxford Street to High Holborn, it plays a crucial role in the flow of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in central London. The street is not only a connector of major shopping and business districts, but also a place in its own right, home to several architectural and cultural landmarks.
Overview and Layout
New Oxford Street extends in a straight line from the junction with Oxford Street near Tottenham Court Road Station, proceeding eastward until it reaches High Holborn. The street acts as a transitional corridor between the retail-heavy Oxford Street and the historic legal and academic institutions clustered around Holborn. Flanked by high-street shops, modern offices, and hospitality venues, it is a street bustling with commuters, tourists, and locals alike.
To the north of New Oxford Street lies Bloomsbury, a district known for its literary associations and educational institutions. To the south is Soho, a lively neighbourhood famed for its entertainment and nightlife. Parallel and nearby roads include Gower Street to the north and Shaftesbury Avenue to the south, while Charing Cross Road intersects with New Oxford Street at its western end.
Historical Background
New Oxford Street was constructed in the mid-19th century as part of an effort to modernise London's road network and improve traffic flow. It officially opened in 1847, designed as a broad and relatively straight road to relieve congestion from nearby, narrower streets. The development was tied closely to the urban planning ethos of the Victorian era, which aimed to facilitate both commerce and movement through improved infrastructure.
The name "New Oxford Street" distinguishes it from the original Oxford Street, with which it connects. The street derives its name from its proximity to Oxford Street and was named as such around the time of its opening. It is pronounced New Oxford Street /njuː ˈɒksfərd striːt/ in standard British English.
Connecting Streets
- Bloomsbury Street
- Bloomsbury Way
- Bury Place
- Coptic Street
- Dyott Street
- Earnshaw Street
- High Holborn
- Museum Street
- Oxford Street
- Shaftesbury Avenue
Points of Interest
Though often used as a means to get from one part of the city to another, New Oxford Street offers several attractions and notable institutions nearby:
- The British Museum – Located just north of the street in Bloomsbury, this world-famous museum is home to millions of artefacts, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.
- Centre Point – A prominent high-rise tower located at the corner of New Oxford Street and Charing Cross Road, now converted into luxury residences and a plaza area.
- St Giles-in-the-Fields Church – An elegant 18th-century church situated near the junction with Denmark Street.
Transport and Accessibility
London Underground
New Oxford Street is well-served by the London Underground. The nearest London Underground Stations are:
- Tottenham Court Road Station – Served by the Central and Northern lines, as well as the new Elizabeth Line.
- Holborn Station – Connecting the Central and Piccadilly lines.
- Covent Garden Station – A short walk to the southeast, served by the Piccadilly line.
Bus Services
Several London bus routes pass through or near New Oxford Street, including stops for Routes 1, 8, 25, 55, 98, and 390. These connect the area to various parts of the city, including Oxford Circus, Euston, Shoreditch, and Aldgate.
Real Estate and Property Market
New Oxford Street is primarily commercial, but there are also a few residential properties and mixed-use buildings in and around the area. As of June 2025, residential property prices in the vicinity average around £1,500 to £2,000 per square foot (£16,150 to £21,500 per sq metre), reflecting its central location. A typical one-bedroom flat measuring approximately 550 sq ft (51 sq m) would fetch between £825,000 and £1.1 million for purchase, or rent for about £3,000 to £4,000 per month, depending on the building and amenities.
Compared to other parts of London, these prices place New Oxford Street on the higher end, though it remains more affordable than prime West End locales such as Mayfair or Knightsbridge.
Fun Fact
New Oxford Street runs over the site of an ancient plague burial ground known as St Giles's Pound. During its construction in the 19th century, many remains were discovered, reflecting the area's historic association with London's darker past.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, Central London
- Length: Approximately 0.5 km (0.3 miles)
- Connects: Oxford Street (west) to High Holborn (east)
- Nearby districts: Soho, Bloomsbury
- Nearest Underground stations: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, Covent Garden
- Bus routes: 1, 8, 25, 55, 98, 390
- Average property prices (2025): £1,500–£2,000 per sq ft (£16,150–£21,500 per sq m)
- Residential size range: ~550 sq ft (51 sq m) for one-bedroom flats
- Main attractions: British Museum, Centre Point, St Giles-in-the-Fields Church
- Historical note: Built in 1847, over an old plague burial site
Map of New Oxford Street, London
Painting of New Oxford Street
Painting of New Oxford Street
New Oxford Street, London
Page Details
This page was created on 28 June 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Moving to London?
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