Ambrosden Avenue, London
Ambrosden Avenue is a short but elegant residential street located in the heart of Westminster, central London. It connects Francis Street to the south with Thirleby Road to the north, running parallel to Ashley Place and just west of Victoria Street.
This tree-lined avenue is situated within walking distance of many iconic landmarks, including Westminster Cathedral, which sits prominently just around the corner, and Victoria Station, one of London’s busiest transport hubs.
Length of the Road
Ambrosden Avenue is relatively short by London standards, measuring approximately 150 metres (about 500 feet) in length. Despite its modest size, it packs in a blend of historic architecture and peaceful residential charm.
History of Ambrosden Avenue
The road was developed in the late 19th century as part of the broader urban planning efforts around Victoria Street and Westminster Cathedral. Much of the surrounding area was built up following the opening of Victoria Street in 1851, which improved accessibility to the district.
Ambrosden Avenue's development coincided with the Victorian boom in residential and ecclesiastical construction, catering to both middle-class residents and the growing administrative workforce of central Westminster.
How Ambrosden Avenue Got Its Name
Ambrosden Avenue takes its name from the village of Ambrosden in Oxfordshire. This naming is believed to be in honour of Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman, the first Archbishop of Westminster, who had connections to the area around Ambrosden and was a central figure in the development of Westminster Cathedral.
The name is pronounced AM-bruhz-den, and its International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) pronunciation is /ˈæm.brəz.dən/ 
.
Character of the Street
Ambrosden Avenue has a refined and peaceful character, offering a quiet retreat just steps away from the hustle and bustle of Victoria Street. The architecture is predominantly Edwardian and Victorian, with red-brick mansion blocks and stucco-fronted buildings that exude period charm.
The street is home to a mix of residential flats and a few office spaces, with the elegant Claverton Street Mansion Block being among the most recognisable residential buildings on the avenue. It’s a calm, clean, and leafy environment that feels remarkably secluded for such a central location.
Real Estate and Property Prices
As of May 2025, flats on Ambrosden Avenue typically sell for around £1.1 million, depending on size and condition. This is higher than the average London flat price, which currently sits at around £534,000.
Properties on Ambrosden Avenue are usually spacious by London standards, often ranging from 850 to 1,200 square feet (79 to 111 sq metres) for two- or three-bedroom flats. Larger penthouse-style units can be even bigger, with premium views of the cathedral or surrounding architecture.
Rental prices are also elevated, with two-bedroom flats averaging £3,500–£4,000 per month, reflecting the prestige and convenience of the location.
Nearest London Underground Stations
The closest London Underground station is Victoria Station, located about a 5-minute walk away. Victoria is served by the following lines:
- Victoria Line (light blue)
- District Line (green)
- Circle Line (yellow)
Another nearby station is St. James’s Park, which is about 10 minutes on foot and served by the District and Circle lines.
Nearby Bus Stops and Services
There are several convenient bus stops around Ambrosden Avenue, especially on Victoria Street, less than 2 minutes’ walk away. Key routes include:
- Route 11 – from Fulham Broadway to Liverpool Street
- Route 24 – from Hampstead Heath to Pimlico
- Route 148 – from Camberwell Green to White City
- Route C10 – from Canada Water to Victoria
These buses provide regular service and are useful alternatives to the Tube, especially for short central London journeys.
Fun Fact About Ambrosden Avenue
A fun and little-known fact is that Ambrosden Avenue sits directly adjacent to the Westminster Cathedral Piazza. From some of the flats on the eastern side of the street, residents can enjoy partial views of the cathedral’s magnificent campanile tower—one of the tallest in London at nearly 284 feet (87 metres).
Additionally, the red-and-white striped bell tower of Westminster Cathedral is a unique feature in the skyline, and its design draws tourists and architecture lovers year-round. For many, Ambrosden Avenue offers a chance to live just steps away from this architectural marvel while still enjoying a quiet residential atmosphere.
Quick Facts About Ambrosden Avenue
- Location: Westminster, London SW1
- Connects: Francis Street (south) to Thirleby Road (north)
- Length: Approx. 150 metres (500 feet)
- Nearest Landmarks: Westminster Cathedral, Victoria Street
- Name Origin: Named after Ambrosden village in Oxfordshire
- Pronunciation: AM-bruhz-den (/ˈæm.brəz.dən/)
- Character: Quiet, elegant, largely residential with period architecture
- Average Property Price (May 2025): ~£1.1 million
- Typical Property Size: 850–1,200 sq ft (79–111 sq m)
- Nearest Tube: Victoria Station (Victoria, District, Circle lines)
- Nearby Bus Routes: 11, 24, 148, C10
- Fun Fact: Offers partial views of Westminster Cathedral's tower
Map of Ambrosden Avenue, London
Square painting of Ambrosden Avenue, London (View image in full size)