Bedford Court, London
Bedford Court is a narrow, quiet cul-de-sac situated just off Bedfordbury in the City of Westminster, nestled within the vibrant heart of the West End of London. With its tucked-away location and short length, the street has an intimate, almost secretive character, known only to locals, residents, and curious explorers of the city’s hidden alleys.
Overview and Location
Bedford Court extends eastward from Bedfordbury, running only a short distance before ending in a cul-de-sac. This secluded street lies just north of Chandos Place. It's a no-through road, providing a sense of quiet seclusion despite its central location.
The street is located within walking distance of prominent London landmarks, theatres, restaurants, and public transport hubs, making it surprisingly well-connected despite its discreet setting.
Origin of the Name and Pronunciation
The name “Bedford Court” is derived from the Bedford Estate, historically linked to the Russell family—the Dukes of Bedford—who once owned large parcels of land in central London. The name “Bedford” is pronounced BED-fərd, and in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is rendered as /ˈbɛd.fəd/.
The suffix “Court” indicates a short street or enclosed area. The current name likely dates from the 18th or 19th century, during a period when the surrounding district was being redeveloped with terraced housing and commercial spaces.
Architecture and Character
Though compact in size, Bedford Court carries the atmosphere of classic Westminster charm. The buildings here are mostly narrow-fronted and date from the 18th and 19th centuries, showcasing Georgian or early Victorian facades with brickwork typical of the period. Street lighting and cobbled pavements further enhance the historical ambiance.
The street retains a largely residential character, although some premises may be in mixed use, offering private offices, creative studios, or boutique rentals.
Nearby Streets and Connections
Bedford Court is accessed from Bedfordbury, a historic street that itself connects Chandos Place in the north to William IV Street in the south. Nearby streets include:
- Chandos Place – leading toward Covent Garden
- William IV Street – connecting to Trafalgar Square
- Duncannon Street – leading to the Strand
Transport and Accessibility
London Underground
The closest London Underground stations are Charing Cross Station (served by the Bakerloo and Northern lines) and Leicester Square Station (also served by the Northern and Piccadilly lines). Both are within a 5–7 minute walk from Bedford Court, offering convenient connections to other parts of London via the London Underground network.
Bus Routes
Bus stops located along Duncannon Street and the Strand serve numerous routes, including:
- Routes 6, 9, 11, 15 – running west toward Kensington, Knightsbridge, and Hammersmith
- Routes 23, 87, 91 – connecting to areas including Aldwych, Victoria, and Holloway
Property Market
As of mid-2025, property values in Bedford Court reflect the prime central location in the West End. Flats here tend to be compact, ranging from around 450 to 800 sq ft (42 to 74 sq m). One-bedroom flats of approximately 500 sq ft (46 sq m) typically fetch around £900,000–£1.2 million for purchase, while rents for similar-sized units are in the region of £2,800–£3,500 per month1.
These figures are generally above average for London as a whole but are consistent with pricing in the West End and surrounding Covent Garden and Charing Cross areas. The value reflects not just the location but also the street’s seclusion, historic character, and proximity to culture and transport.
Nearby Attractions
Though Bedford Court itself is quiet and residential, it sits within a stone’s throw of some of London’s most iconic destinations:
- Covent Garden – famed for its market, shopping, and street performances
- National Gallery – located just across Trafalgar Square
- London Coliseum – home to English National Opera
- St Martin-in-the-Fields – a historic church with cultural concerts and a café in the crypt
Fun Fact
Though little-known to tourists, Bedford Court’s seclusion has made it a favoured spot for location scouts and filmmakers looking to capture the essence of old London. It has occasionally served as a backdrop for period dramas and historical reconstructions in both British television and cinema.
Quick Facts
- Street Name: Bedford Court
- Location: City of Westminster, West End, London
- Type: Cul-de-sac (no-through road)
- Access Point: From Bedfordbury
- Pronunciation: BED-fərd (/ˈbɛd.fəd/)
- Nearest Underground Stations: Charing Cross, Leicester Square
- Underground Lines: Bakerloo, Northern, Piccadilly
- Nearby Bus Routes: 6, 9, 11, 15, 23, 87, 91
- Nearby Attractions: Covent Garden, National Gallery, St Martin-in-the-Fields
- Property Prices (2025): £900,000–£1.2M for 1-bed flats
- Rental Prices: £2,800–£3,500/month
- Property Size: ~450–800 sq ft (42–74 sq m)
- Fun Fact: Occasionally used as a film location for period dramas
References
Map of Bedford Court, London
Painting of Bedford Court, London