Access Guide
Overview (Key Accessibility Information)
- This Access Guide covers the section of Oxford Street between Bond Street Station at Davies Street, and Oxford Circus at the junction with Regent Street.
The changing nature of the West End may mean that the on-street conditions are different to the description in this Access Guide.
This Access Guide was undertaken in August 2019 and last reviewed in March 2024.
The length of this section is approximately 0.3 miles (0.5km).
For detailed information about Oxford Street itself, between Bond Street Station and Oxford Circus please click here (new tab).
Major businesses such as John Lewis (new tab), Boots (new tab), McDonald’s (new tab), Disney Store, River Island, H&M, Debenhams and House of Fraser are located in this section.
This Access Guide also includes the side roads:
- Holles Street, leading to Cavendish Square Gardens (new tab)
- Harewood Place, leading to Hanover Square (new tab)
- Davies Street, leading to South Molton Street (new tab)
- South Molton Street (new tab). - New Bond Street, Regent Street and the sections of Oxford Street to the east and west are covered in separate Access Guides.
- Oxford Street and the roads which cross it are extremely busy.
The pavements and pedestrian crossings are all level and wide, however, they can be congested at peak times, which could be daunting for some people.
Peak times are from 12:00 until around 19:00, and peak months are July - August and December. - There can be a lot of noise from the open doors of some shops and also musicians performing on the street.
Seating and Legible London wayfinding signs are available at intervals on both sides of Oxford Street.
All of the crossroads and side roads have pedestrian-controlled crossings apart from the side road John Prince's Street, on the north side of Oxford Street near to Oxford Circus. - Pedestrian traffic is likely to increase when the new Elizabeth Line Station opens at Bond Street in 2022.
There are plans to widen pavements and improve the streetscape of Oxford Street and most of the side roads in the next few years which may cause temporary disruption in some areas. - The main ways to get to Oxford Street include tube, bus or taxi.
Along this section of Oxford Street there are taxi ranks on the north side, outside Debenhams and John Lewis.
Bus stops are located at various points along Oxford Street. However, the number of bus routes and the location of the bus stops may change as part of the Oxford Street District improvement works.
Access points for the following Underground Stations are located in this section of Oxford Street; Bond Street and Oxford Circus. - Parking in the area is very limited and visitors are encouraged to use public transport.
Within this section of Oxford Street there is an underground car park with lift access and Blue Badge parking bays (Q-Park - Oxford Street (new tab)), situated off Cavendish Square, north of Oxford Street.
There are a small number of Blue Badge parking bays and some standard on-street bays in side roads off Oxford Street. - There are no public toilets in this section of Oxford Street.
There are automatic public toilet cubicles at Princes Street, off Regent Street (near Oxford Circus) and Balderton Street, near Selfridges (west of Bond Street Station).
These are intended to be accessible for all, but may not have the space or support rails to suit some disabled users.
Many of the department stores, larger shops and restaurants have step-free accessible and standard toilets and baby change facilities for customers.
There are also toilet and baby change facilities available within Q-Park - Oxford Street. - To view the Access Guide for Oxford Street - Marble Arch to Bond Street Station please click here (new tab)..
- To view the Access Guide for Oxford Street - Oxford Circus to Tottenham Court Road please click here (new tab)..
Related West End Venues (Oxford Street - Bond Street Station to Oxford Circus)
- The following venues are located on Oxford Street, between Bond Street Station and Oxford Circus.
Getting Here (Oxford Street - Between Bond Street Station and Oxford Circus)
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By Bus
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- Bus routes 7, 94, 98, 113, 139, 159 and 390 travel along this section of Oxford Street.
It is also served by night bus routes N7, N98, N113, N137 and N207.
Only routes 98, 390, N98 and N207 travel the full length of Oxford Street.
The number of bus routes and the location of the bus stops may change as part of the Oxford Street District improvement works.
All London buses have ramp access and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users. - For more information on London buses (Transport for London) please click here (opens new tab).
- Bus routes 7, 94, 98, 113, 139, 159 and 390 travel along this section of Oxford Street.
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By Underground
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- Bond Street Station is served by the Central Line and the Jubilee Line services.
Bond Street Station has step-free access.
The accessible step-free entrance (with lift) is on Marylebone Lane, off the north side of Oxford Street.
The entrances to the south side of Oxford Street or within the West One Shopping Centre are accessed by steps or escalators only.
Oxford Circus Station is served by the Central, the Bakerloo and the Victoria Line services.
This station is accessed by steps only. - For more information on London Underground (Transport for London) please click here (opens new tab).
- Bond Street Station is served by the Central Line and the Jubilee Line services.
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By Train
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- London Euston Station and London Charing Cross Station have step-free access to all platforms and staff available to assist with ramps between the platform and the train.
When the new Elizabeth Line opens, there will be accessible stations at Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street. - For more information on access and facilities at London Euston Station please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on access and facilities at London Charing Cross Station please click here (opens new tab).
- London Euston Station and London Charing Cross Station have step-free access to all platforms and staff available to assist with ramps between the platform and the train.
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By Road
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- Oxford Street (A40) connects with Edgware Road (A5) and Park Lane (A4202) at Marble Arch, at its west end.
At its east end, it connects with Tottenham Court Road / Charing Cross Road (A400).
Regent Street (A4210) crosses the centre of Oxford Street at Oxford Circus.
Oxford Street is in the Central London Congestion Charge Zone (charges apply Monday - Friday 07:00 -18:00).
It is also in the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (charges apply at all times for non-compliant vehicles).
Motor vehicles must not enter Oxford Street via Portman Street / Park Street or Oxford Circus between 07:00 and 19:00 on Monday to Saturday inclusive, except for taxis and buses.
The definition “motor vehicles” therefore means that cycles and other pedal-powered devices are also exempt.
Vehicles are banned from turning left from Orchard Street into Oxford Street between 07:00 and 19:00 on Monday to Saturday inclusive, except for taxis, buses and pedal cycles. - For more information on driving in London please click here (opens new tab).
- Parking in the area is very limited and visitors are encouraged to use public transport.
There is an underground car park with lift access and Blue Badge parking bays (Q-Park Oxford Street), located off Cavendish Square, north of Oxford Street.
There are Blue Badge bays for 2 vehicles in Old Cavendish Street. - For more information on the Blue Badge Scheme and parking in London please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on where you can park with a disabled parking badge please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on applying for a disabled parking badge please click here (opens new tab).
- London Black Cabs can be hailed in any location or summoned by phone.
There are taxi ranks on the north side of Oxford Street, outside Debenhams and John Lewis.
- Oxford Street (A40) connects with Edgware Road (A5) and Park Lane (A4202) at Marble Arch, at its west end.
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By River
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- 6 TFL River Bus routes run from 22 piers between Putney and Woolwich.
The nearest pier is Westminster.
This is close to Westminster Underground Station on the Jubilee Line which connects to Bond Street Station.
There is step-free access onto the river buses, except at 3 piers.
Please see the TFL website for details. - For more information on London River Bus services please click here (opens new tab).
- 6 TFL River Bus routes run from 22 piers between Putney and Woolwich.
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By Air
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- The nearest airports to central London are London City, London Gatwick and London Heathrow.
London City Airport is connected to the centre by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Bank or Tower Gateway, with interchanges to the rail and underground network at Canning Town and Stratford.
From Gatwick Airport there are fast trains connecting to London Bridge Station.
Heathrow Airport is connected by fast trains to Paddington Station and is also on the Piccadilly underground line. - For more information on travelling to London by air please click here (opens new tab).
- The nearest airports to central London are London City, London Gatwick and London Heathrow.
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Useful Links
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- Please use the TfL journey planner for details of the most suitable routes.
The planner can be filtered by options such as step-free routes or maximum walking distances. - To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- The TfL website has links to the TfL accessibility guides, including large print maps and audio guides to order or download.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Please use the TfL journey planner for details of the most suitable routes.
On Street Parking (Old Cavendish Street)
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On Street Blue Badge Parking
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- There is a/are clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Old Cavendish Street, to the north of Oxford Street, entered from Henrietta Place.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 4 hours only.
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Comments
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- Parking in the area is very limited and visitors are encouraged to use public transport, however for information about the Blue Badge Scheme and parking in London please click here (new tab).
- For information on where you can park with a disabled parking badge please click here (new tab).
General Accessibility (Oxford Street - Bond Street Station to Oxford Circus)
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Paths and Pavements
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- There is step-free access throughout Oxford Street.
Most of the shops and restaurants in this section have at least 1 step-free entrance.
The pavements are generally level or with a slight slope along their length.
There are some areas, such as between Oxford Circus and Swallow Passage on the south side, where the pavement slopes across its width or to the centre. - All the crossroads and side roads have pedestrian-controlled crossings apart from the side road; John Prince's Street on the north side of Oxford Street near to Oxford Circus.
There are also pedestrian-controlled points to cross Oxford Street between the crossroad junctions.
Some of these crossing points can become congested and give limited time to cross. - There is pedestrian-only access from Oxford Street to some further side roads/streets.
From the south side there are access points to Swallow Passage, Dering Street, Woodstock Street and Sedley Place.
From the north side there are access points to Old Cavendish Street, Chapel Place and 2 access points to Marylebone Lane.
Some of these access points have kiosks at the junction with Oxford Street which may cause congestion in the area.
There are construction works located along Oxford Street at the time of survey (March 2024).
- There is step-free access throughout Oxford Street.
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Street Furniture and Features
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- There are concrete bench seats at intervals on both sides of Oxford Street.
These are all the same design, without backrests or armrests and are at heights between 35cm - 48cm.
They are generally located near to bus stops and there are more outside the department stores on the north side of the street.
There is a high perching seat outside the accessible entrance to Bond Street Station in Marylebone Lane.
There is also bench seating behind the kiosks in Old Cavendish Street. - Cycle racks are generally at the edge of pavements or in the side roads off Oxford Street.
There are likely to be cycles chained to trees and signs in other areas.
There is a TfL cycle docking station in Marylebone Lane, between the Disney Store and Debenhams.
App-hire cycles may be left in random locations.
- There are concrete bench seats at intervals on both sides of Oxford Street.
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Maps and Signage
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- There are Legible London wayfinding signs close to the main crossroads with Holles Street / Harewood Place and with Vere Street / New Bond Street.
There is 1 sign on the north side and 1 on the south side of the junction, diagonally opposite each other.
There is also a sign at the junction with Davies Street and South Molton Street. - There are no signs in Oxford Circus or near to the Bond Street Station entrances.
- There are Legible London wayfinding signs close to the main crossroads with Holles Street / Harewood Place and with Vere Street / New Bond Street.
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Public Transport
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- There is a bus stop on both the north and south sides of Oxford Street between Oxford Circus and the junction with Holles Street / Harewood Place.
There are 2 bus stops on each side between this junction and the junction with Vere Street / New Bond Street.
The bus stops are less than 100 metres apart but serve different routes.
There are no bus stops between Vere Street / New Bond Street and Bond Street Station. - All the bus stops have bus shelters with route maps and perching seats 55cm - 65cm high.
Some of the shelters also have displays of the services due. - There are taxi ranks on the north side of Oxford Street, outside the Debenhams and John Lewis stores.
- There are 4 access points to Oxford Circus Station at the junction of Oxford Street and Regent Street.
There are also separate exit-only points on Oxford Street, east of the junction and in Argyll Street.
All the access points have steps. - The accessible step-free entrance to Bond Street Station (via lift) is off the north side of Oxford Street.
This is in Marylebone Lane, to the left of the Disney Store.
There is a stepped entrance from the south side of Oxford Street.
There is also access to the station by escalators from within the West One Shopping Centre, off the south side of Oxford Street.
- There is a bus stop on both the north and south sides of Oxford Street between Oxford Circus and the junction with Holles Street / Harewood Place.
Main Pedestrian Crossing(s) (Junction - Oxford Street with Stratford Place and Davies Street)
- There are crossings with dropped or flush kerbs and grey tactile paving at each of the 4 sides of this junction.
- The road surface at all the crossings is grey tarmac.
- There is two-way traffic on Oxford Street, Davies Street and Stratford Place.
There may still be some vehicles in Davies Street to access South Molton Street or the construction site.
There is no written floor signage to indicate the direction of traffic. - There are visual and audible indicators at all the crossing points.
All the crossings operate at the same time.
The indicators are activated by push button controls.
There are controls on the right hand side of each crossing point, at heights between 102cm - 105cm.
At least 1 control at each crossing point has a rotating cone for visually impaired users.
Main Pedestrian Crossing(s) (Junction - Oxford Street with Vere Street and New Bond Street)
- There are crossings with dropped kerbs and grey tactile paving at each of the 4 sides of this junction.
- The road surface at all the crossings grey tarmac.
- There is two-way traffic on Oxford Street.
There is one-way traffic southbound on Vere Street and New Bond Street.
There is no written floor signage to indicate the direction of traffic. - There are visual but not audible indicators at all the crossing points.
The indicators are activated by push button controls.
There are controls on at least 1 side of each crossing point, at heights between 104cm - 106cm.
At least 1 control at each crossing point has a rotating cone for visually impaired users.
Main Pedestrian Crossing(s) (Junction - Oxford Street with Holles Street and Harewood Place)
- There are crossings with dropped kerbs and grey tactile paving at each of the 4 sides of this junction.
- The road surface at the crossings is grey tarmac.
- There is two-way traffic on Oxford Street.
There is one-way traffic northbound on Holles Street and Harewood Place.
There is written floor signage to indicate the direction of traffic. - There are visual but not audible indicators at all the crossing points.
The indicators are activated by push button controls.
There are controls on at least 1 side of each crossing point, at heights between 102cm - 116cm.
At least 1 control at each crossing point has a rotating cone for visually impaired users.
Main Pedestrian Crossing(s) (Oxford Circus - Junction of Oxford Street and Regent Street)
- There are crossings with dropped or flush kerbs and tactile paving at each of the 4 sides of this junction.
This junction also allows pedestrians to cross diagonally.
There are flush kerbs with no tactile paving at the diagonal crossing points.
Some but not all of the crossing points have a bold white line at the edge of the pavement.
Where some pavements have been widened, the pavement edge may be some distance from the crossing controls. - There are small central refuges on the 4 main crossings.
The refuges have a flush surface with the road and are not marked with tactile paving.
Despite the refuges, the crossings are intended to be crossed in one go. - The crossings have buff-coloured tarmac which contrasts with the grey tarmac road.
- There is two-way traffic on both Oxford Street and Regent Street.
There is written floor signage to indicate the direction of traffic. - There are audible and visual indicators at all the crossing points.
This is an 'All Red' junction, where all the crossings operate at the same time.
The indicators are activated by push button controls.
There are controls on both sides of each crossing point, at heights between 102cm - 104cm.
There are also controls on the central refuges, but these are up to 124cm above road level and could be out of reach for some people.
At least 1 control at each crossing point has a rotating cone for visually impaired users.
These crossings have a countdown timer of at least 20 seconds which gives ample time for most people to cross.
Main Pedestrian Crossing(s) (along Oxford Street)
- There are 3 pedestrian crossings between the main junctions in this section of Oxford Street.
These are:
- near John Prince's Street.
- near John Lewis and House of Fraser.
- near Boots, Disney Store and Debenhams.
The crossings have dropped kerbs and buff or grey tactile paving on both sides of the road.
The dropped kerbs on the south side of the street are steep.
The dropped kerb near John Prince's Street still has a 3cm kerb. - The crossing surfaces are buff coloured tarmac, which contrasts with the grey tarmac.
- There is two-way traffic on Oxford Street.
There is written floor signage to indicate the direction of traffic in most, but not all locations. - There are audible and visual indicators at all the crossing points.
The indicators are activated by push button controls.
There are controls on both sides of each crossing point, at heights between 102cm - 106cm.
At least 1 control at each crossing point has a rotating cone for visually impaired users.
The time allowed to cross in these locations may be too short for many people.
Side Street Crossings (Junction - Oxford Street with John Prince's Street)
- John Prince's Street is to the north off Oxford Street, close to Oxford Circus.
The street is mainly used by buses.
Traffic is southbound only, joining Oxford Street.
There are dropped kerbs but no tactile paving at the crossing point.
The road surface at the crossing point is grey tarmac which has some contrast with the pavements.
General Accessibility (Davies Street - Oxford Street to South Molton Street)
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Paths and Pavements
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- Davies Street joins the south side of Oxford Street, near to the West One Shopping Centre and Bond Street Station.
There is a pedestrian-only route through to the southern section of Davies Street. - Davies Street has a steep downhill slope away from Oxford Street.
The pavements have a flagstone surface which is generally even.
- Davies Street joins the south side of Oxford Street, near to the West One Shopping Centre and Bond Street Station.
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Street Furniture and Features
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- There is a wide paved area on the east side of Davies Street, at the junction with Oxford Street.
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Maps and Signage
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- There is a Legible London wayfinding sign near to the kiosk, at the junction of Davies Street with South Molton Street.
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Public Transport
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- The nearest bus stops are on Oxford Street, west of Davies Street.
- On the west side of Davies Street, there is stepped access into the West One Shopping Centre.
Within the shopping centre, there is access by escalator to Bond Street Station.
General Accessibility (South Molton Street - Davies Street to Brook Street)
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Paths and Pavements
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- South Molton Street connects Oxford Street and Davies Street in the north to Brook Street in the south.
The street is known for its restaurants and high-end shops, particularly beauty and fashion retailers.
The street has a long, slight downhill slope away from Oxford Street.
The majority of the businesses have stepped access. - The street has the character of a pedestrianised area.
The flagstone pavements have a flush surface with the block-paved roadway.
However, one-way traffic southbound (from Oxford Street) is permitted 07:00 - 11:00, Monday - Saturday.
Parking is not permitted, but there may be delivery vehicles during these times. - A pedestrian walkway, South Molton Passage, connects the street with South Molton Lane.
The alleyway is steep.
The road surface is raised flush with the pavement where it meets South Molton Lane.
- South Molton Street connects Oxford Street and Davies Street in the north to Brook Street in the south.
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Street Furniture and Features
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- Many of the restaurants have external seating areas.
Some of these are enclosed by bollards with fabric.
There are unique, brightly coloured bench seats at frequent intervals along the street. - There are also large cube planters to match the bench seats.
Many of the premises have unmarked steps or raised areas in front which project into the walkway and could be a trip hazard. - At the south end of the street, near the junction with Brook Street, is one of the iconic red telephone boxes.
There is also a row of cycle racks in this area.
- Many of the restaurants have external seating areas.
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Maps and Signage
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- There are Legible London wayfinding signs at both ends of the street, near the junction with Davies Street and near to the red phone box at the southern end.
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Public Transport
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- There are no bus stops in South Molton Street or Brook Street.
The nearest bus stops are on Oxford Street, west of Davies Street. - The nearest taxi rank is on Oxford Street, outside Debenhams.
- The nearest accessible step-free tube station is Bond Street, using the entrance on Marylebone Lane.
- There are no bus stops in South Molton Street or Brook Street.
General Accessibility (Harewood Place - Oxford Street to Hanover Square)
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Paths and Pavements
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- Harewood Place is located off the south side of Oxford Street.
It has a long, slight downhill slope towards Hanover Square and the public gardens.
It is approximately 75 metres from Oxford Street to Hanover Square.
The pavements consist of flagstones and are generally even.
There are branches of Starbucks, Pret and Subway in Harewood Place, all have steps at the entrances. - Where the east side of Harewood Place meets Oxford Street, the area outside the entrance to McDonald's is marked with black and white striped tiles.
- The pavements in the area where Harewood Place meets Hanover Square consist of flagstones and are even.
- Harewood Place is located off the south side of Oxford Street.
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Street Furniture and Features
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- On the west side of Harewood Place, near to Oxford Street, there are some utility boxes in the pavement.
There is also a loading bay marked on the pavement.
In other areas, there may be A-board signs outside businesses. - There is no seating in Harewood Place.
- On the west side of Harewood Place, near to Oxford Street, there are some utility boxes in the pavement.
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Maps and Signage
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- There are no Legible London wayfinding signs in Harewood Place.
The nearest Legible London wayfinding sign is located on Oxford Street, near to the junction with Harewood Place.
- There are no Legible London wayfinding signs in Harewood Place.
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Public Transport
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- There are no bus stops in Harewood Place.
- The nearest bus stops are on Oxford Street.
- The nearest taxi rank is on Oxford Street, outside John Lewis.
- The nearest accessible step-free tube station is Bond Street, off Marylebone Lane.
General Accessibility (Holles Street - Oxford Street to Cavendish Square)
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Paths and Pavements
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- Holles Street runs along the east side of the John Lewis store.
It connects Oxford Street with Cavendish Square Gardens, where there is a small public park and the underground Q-Park Oxford Street.
Look up at the side of the John Lewis store to see the 'Winged Figure' by famous artist and sculptor Barbara Hepworth. - The west side of Holles Street, alongside the John Lewis Store, is sheltered by an overhanging canopy.
The pavements in this area are wide and level.
The surface consists generally of flagstones, but there are some areas of glass set into the pavement near to the building. - The east side of Holles Street has similar wide and level pavements.
On this side, there are 2 access points into a private car park and service vehicle area which cross the pavement.
There are dropped kerbs without tactile markings at these access points.
- Holles Street runs along the east side of the John Lewis store.
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Street Furniture and Features
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- On both sides of the street there are a small number of bollards at the edge of the pavement.
These have good contrast with the pavement.
On the east side of the street there are cycle racks at the edge of the pavement. - There are no seats in Holles Street.
The nearest seats are on Oxford Street, outside John Lewis.
- On both sides of the street there are a small number of bollards at the edge of the pavement.
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Maps and Signage
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- The nearest Legible London wayfinding sign is on Oxford Street, at the south east corner of the junction with Holles Street/ Harewood Place (near McDonald's).
There is also a wayfinding sign at the junction of Henrietta Place with Cavendish Gardens.
- The nearest Legible London wayfinding sign is on Oxford Street, at the south east corner of the junction with Holles Street/ Harewood Place (near McDonald's).
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Public Transport
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- There are 2 bus stops outside John Lewis on Holles Street.
Stop OF is for services 7, 98, 390 and night buses N7, N98 and N207.
Stop OG is for services 55, 73 and night buses N8, N25, N55 and N73.
The bus stops are sheltered by the overhanging canopy but there is no seating. - As Holles street is one-way northbound, all bus services from these stops are heading north or east.
The nearest alternative routes are on Oxford Street. - The nearest taxi ranks are at the front of John Lewis on Oxford Street or at the rear of the store on Henrietta Place.
- The nearest accessible step-free tube station is Bond Street, off Marylebone Lane (west of Holles Street).
- There are 2 bus stops outside John Lewis on Holles Street.
Main Pedestrian Crossing(s) (Junction - Holles Street with Cavendish Square)
- There is a pedestrian crossing at the north end of Holles Street, near to the junction with Cavendish Square.
The crossing has dropped kerbs with buff or grey tactile paving on both sides of the road. - The road surface at the crossing is grey tarmac.
- There is northbound traffic only on Holles Street.
There is written floor signage to indicate the direction of traffic. - There are visual but not audible indicators at the crossing point.
The indicators are activated by push button controls.
There are controls on both sides of the crossing point on the east side of the street and to the right side only on the west side of the street.
The push buttons are 100cm high.
The controls to the right hand side in each location have a rotating cone for visually impaired users.