Adelaide Street, London
Adelaide Street is a short yet historically significant road in the City of Westminster, located in the heart of the West End of London. Running between William IV Street and Duncannon Street, its layout has changed over time. Today, the northern portion remains accessible to vehicles, ending in a cul-de-sac. Beyond this point, the street continues as a pedestrian passage that emerges near Duncannon Street, a stone’s throw from the world-renowned Trafalgar Square.
Layout and Geography
Adelaide Street begins just south of the intersection with William IV Street. For vehicles, it extends a short distance before terminating at a dead end. From there, a paved, pedestrian-only walkway continues the alignment southward, rejoining the urban grid at Duncannon Street near the eastern edge of Trafalgar Square. The street is flanked by a mixture of late Victorian and early 20th-century buildings, many of which now serve as offices, restaurants, and cultural venues.
Streets connected to Adelaide Street
Historical Background
The street was laid out in the early 19th century as part of an urban improvement scheme that aimed to rationalise traffic flow around Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross. It was named Adelaide Street in honour of Queen Adelaide, the consort of King William IV, likely sometime in the 1830s or early 1840s. The adjacent William IV Street also commemorates her husband. Their reign marked a brief but transitional period in British monarchy and urban development.
Change in Layout
Originally, Adelaide Street served as a through-street, enabling traffic to pass between William IV Street and Duncannon Street. However, over time—particularly in the latter half of the 20th century—the southern section was pedestrianised to improve safety and enhance the flow of foot traffic between Trafalgar Square and the Charing Cross area. This transformation has made the street quieter and more pleasant for pedestrians, though it remains mostly overlooked by tourists rushing between nearby landmarks.
Nearby Attractions
Though modest in size, Adelaide Street lies within one of London’s richest cultural quarters. Within a minute’s walk, visitors can enjoy:
- The National Portrait Gallery – one of Britain’s foremost art collections
- St Martin-in-the-Fields – a famous Georgian church with musical and community events
- Trafalgar Square – home to Nelson’s Column and the Fourth Plinth contemporary art project
- Charing Cross Station – both a key transport hub and historical terminus
The street is also home to several small-scale restaurants and offices, with occasional short-term art installations or public events spilling over from nearby Trafalgar Square.
Transport Connections
Charing Cross Station is the nearest major railway and Underground hub, located less than 200 feet to the south. The London Underground lines serving Charing Cross include:
Another nearby station is Leicester Square Station, which offers access to:
- Piccadilly Line
- Northern Line
Bus stops on Duncannon Street and Strand provide additional connectivity, served by routes including:
- 6 (Willesden–Aldwych)
- 9 (Hammersmith–Aldwych)
- 11 (Fulham–Liverpool Street)
- 15 (Blackwall–Trafalgar Square)
- 23 (Westbourne Park–Aldwych)
Property and Real Estate
Residential properties on and around Adelaide Street are rare, and when available, they command high prices due to the prestigious location. Most nearby residential flats are compact yet premium in finish. A one-bedroom apartment of approximately 550 sq ft (51 sq m) in this area typically sells for around £900,000 as of early 2025. Rental prices average between £3,200 and £3,800 per month for similarly sized flats.
Commercial property is equally sought after. Ground floor retail and hospitality spaces in the vicinity average £120–£160 per sq ft annually, depending on the exact location and frontage.
Fun Fact
A lesser-known trivia: the pedestrianised portion of Adelaide Street once featured in a 1970s promotional short film about walking routes in central London. It was praised for its “efficient design and architectural coherence”—even though its modest length makes it one of London’s shortest named streets with a royal namesake.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, West End of London
- Named After: Queen Adelaide, consort of King William IV
- Layout: Northern vehicular section ends in a cul-de-sac; southern portion is pedestrian-only
- Nearby Streets: William IV Street, Duncannon Street, St. Martin’s Place
- Nearby Sights: National Portrait Gallery, Trafalgar Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields
- Nearest Tube Stations: Charing Cross (Bakerloo, Northern), Leicester Square (Northern, Piccadilly)
- Bus Routes: 6, 9, 11, 15, 23
- Average Property Prices (2025): £900,000 for 550 sq ft (51 sq m) flat
- Average Rent (2025): £3,200–£3,800/month for a one-bedroom flat
- Fun Fact: Featured in a 1970s film promoting pedestrian routes in central London
Map of Adelaide Street, London
Painting of Adelaide Street, London