Boyle Street, London
Boyle Street is a discreet and historically significant street in the heart of Mayfair, in the City of Westminster, London. Situated between the world-renowned Savile Row to the east and Coach and Horses Yard and Old Burlington Street to the west, this quiet one-block street offers a unique blend of heritage, elegance, and exclusivity.
Location and Layout
Boyle Street runs approximately 130 metres (426 feet) in length. It stretches in an east–west direction, forming a narrow corridor through Mayfair. Despite its modest width, the street is just wide enough to allow two cars to pass each other, creating a sense of intimacy while still serving as a functional route for local traffic.
Traffic on Boyle Street flows in both directions, although its limited width and the presence of parked vehicles on one or both sides often restrict smooth passage. It is primarily used for local access and delivery traffic, rather than as a through-road.
History and Etymology
Boyle Street was developed in the early 18th century as part of the Burlington Estate, a prestigious residential development overseen by the Boyle family, particularly Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington (1694–1753). A noted patron of the arts and advocate of the Palladian architectural style, Lord Burlington left a lasting legacy in the area, including nearby Burlington Arcade and Burlington House.
The street is named after the Boyle family, whose title and landownership helped shape the early character of Mayfair. The pronunciation of “Boyle” follows conventional English pronunciation: Boyl, phonetically rendered as /bɔɪl/ 
in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
Character and Architecture
Boyle Street embodies the restrained elegance that typifies Mayfair’s more private corners. Its buildings are a mix of Georgian and early Victorian architecture, typically mid-rise and constructed in traditional London brick. Many properties are now occupied by bespoke tailoring services, private offices, and diplomatic entities, in keeping with the area’s reputation for discretion and prestige.
Despite its short length, Boyle Street maintains a serene, almost hidden atmosphere—a quiet respite from the busier thoroughfares nearby. It serves as an architectural echo of Mayfair’s historical identity as a place for the elite, aristocracy, and artists alike.
Nearby Sights and Attractions
While Boyle Street itself is understated, it enjoys close proximity to a number of London landmarks and cultural highlights:
- Savile Row – Just steps away, this street is famous globally for its bespoke tailors and sartorial heritage.
- Burlington Arcade – A beautiful covered shopping arcade dating from 1819, home to luxury boutiques and traditional British craftsmanship.
- Royal Academy of Arts – Located in Burlington House on Piccadilly, offering world-class art exhibitions and historic architecture.
- New Bond Street – Renowned for high-end fashion and art galleries, just a few minutes' walk away.
Property and Real Estate
Properties on Boyle Street are exceptionally valuable, reflecting the prestige of the Mayfair location. As of early 2025, prices for office or mixed-use space on the street can reach upwards of £3,500–£4,000 per square foot (approx. £37,700–£43,000 per sq metre), depending on the level of refurbishment and heritage status.
Residential opportunities are limited, but where they do exist, flats can range from 800 to 1,500 sq ft (74–139 sq m), with values comfortably above £2 million. This positions Boyle Street well above London’s average residential price per square foot, underlining its exclusivity.
Public Transport Connections
Nearest Tube Stations
- Green Park Station (Victoria, Jubilee, and Piccadilly lines) – Approx. 5 minutes’ walk southeast.
- Oxford Circus Station (Central, Bakerloo, and Victoria lines) – About 10 minutes’ walk to the northeast.
- Piccadilly Circus Station (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines) – Also reachable within 10 minutes’ walk.
Bus Stops
The nearest bus stops are located on Regent Street and Piccadilly. Key bus routes include:
- Route 9 – To Aldwych or Hammersmith.
- Route 14 – Serving Russell Square to Putney Heath.
- Route 22 – Towards Green Park and King’s Road.
- Route 38 – Between Victoria and Clapton Pond.
Fun Fact
Boyle Street has sometimes served as a location for discreet diplomatic or corporate premises due to its quiet setting and proximity to London's political and financial districts. In particular, several embassies and legal chambers have historically operated from buildings nearby, making it a street of quiet influence.
Quick Facts
- Location: Mayfair, City of Westminster, London
- Length: Approx. 130 metres (426 feet)
- Connects: Savile Row to Coach and Horses Yard / Old Burlington Street
- Traffic Direction: Two-way, narrow width
- Origin of Name: Named after the Boyle family, especially the 3rd Earl of Burlington
- Pronunciation: “Boyl” – /bɔɪl/
- Character: Quiet, elegant, lined with historic buildings
- Nearby Sights: Savile Row, Burlington Arcade, Royal Academy of Arts
- Property Prices (2025): £3,500–£4,000 per sq ft (£37,700–£43,000 per sq m)
- Underground Stations: Green Park, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus
- Bus Stops: Regent Street, Piccadilly (Routes 9, 14, 22, 38)
- Fun Fact: Historically home to legal chambers and embassies
Map of Boyle Street, London
Painting of Boyle Street, London (View image in full size)
