Buckingham Place, London
Connecting Palace Street with Catherine Place in the heart of Westminster, Buckingham Place is a quiet and elegant residential street with a distinguished history and classic London charm.
Buckingham Place is located in the City of Westminster, one of London’s most prestigious central boroughs. This short residential street runs in a northeast-southwest direction, linking Palace Street at its southern end with Catherine Place to the north.
Just a short walk from Buckingham Palace and Victoria Station, it sits within the peaceful but centrally positioned Pimlico Green Conservation Area, offering a refined pocket of quietude amidst the bustle of London’s tourist heartland.
Length and Layout of the Road
Buckingham Place is relatively short in length—measuring approximately 130 metres (425 feet) from end to end. Though compact, it retains a coherent architectural character, mostly composed of well-preserved terraced townhouses and low-rise mansion flats.
The street is laid out in a straightforward linear pattern, making it a useful cut-through for pedestrians walking between Victoria and St James’s Park.
History of Buckingham Place
Buckingham Place was developed in the early-to-mid 19th century, as part of the larger urban expansion of Westminster. This was a period of rapid development following the construction of nearby Buckingham Palace as a royal residence in the 1830s.
Many of the original buildings date from the 1840s and 1850s and were intended for middle-to-upper-class residents who wanted to live near the court without being on its doorstep. The surrounding area began to fill in during the Victorian period, creating the street grid that remains largely intact today.
How Did Buckingham Place Get Its Name?
The street's name is naturally associated with nearby Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarch. The naming likely occurred in the mid-19th century, shortly after the palace was significantly remodelled during Queen Victoria’s reign.
“Buckingham Place” was almost certainly chosen to reflect the increasing prestige of the area, taking advantage of its close proximity to royalty and the central government institutions in Westminster.
The Character of the Street
Buckingham Place today retains a quiet, refined residential feel. The street is composed largely of period Georgian and early Victorian properties, most of which have been carefully restored or converted into flats. There is very little commercial activity on the street itself, reinforcing its tranquil character.
It’s a pleasant and well-kept street, popular with professionals and diplomats due to its central location and discretion. Mature trees, clean paving, and preserved architecture contribute to an atmosphere of calm sophistication.
Real Estate Prices and Property Sizes
As of early 2025, real estate on Buckingham Place commands a premium, as one would expect in this part of Westminster. Property prices on the street tend to range from around £1.2 million to £2.5 million for flats and maisonettes, depending on size and condition.
For example, a typical two-bedroom flat might offer 800 to 1,200 square feet (approximately 74 to 111 sq metres) of living space, with higher-end properties offering even more.
By comparison, average property prices across Greater London currently stand at around £540,000, placing Buckingham Place significantly above the city average—but still relatively more affordable than Belgravia or Mayfair.
Nearest London Underground Stations
There are two major London Underground stations within easy walking distance:
- Victoria Station – Served by the Victoria, District, and Circle lines. Located just 5 minutes away on foot.
- St James’s Park Station – Served by the District and Circle lines. Roughly 7 minutes away on foot.
These stations provide excellent connectivity to key destinations such as Oxford Circus, Westminster, South Kensington, and Liverpool Street.
Nearby Bus Stops and Routes
The nearest bus stops are located on Palace Street and Victoria Street. These stops are served by multiple Transport for London (TfL) routes:
- Routes 11, 24, 148, 211, 507, and C1 serve Victoria Street.
- Routes 38, 390, and 73 can be accessed nearby on Buckingham Palace Road.
These buses offer direct routes to Oxford Street, Camden, Kensington, Waterloo, and other key London neighbourhoods.
Fun Fact: A Hidden Royal Connection
While Buckingham Place itself is not open to public tours or often featured in guidebooks, it’s sometimes used by visiting dignitaries or members of the press covering events at Buckingham Palace. The street's discretion and proximity to power make it an interesting footnote in the story of modern royalty.
Another curiosity is that despite its name, Buckingham Place is not part of the palace grounds or even directly visible from them—a reminder of how London's royal history permeates many corners of the capital in unexpected ways.
Quick Facts
- Street Name: Buckingham Place
- Borough: City of Westminster
- Connects: Palace Street and Catherine Place
- Length: Approx. 130 metres (425 feet)
- Established: Mid-19th century
- Name Origin: Named after nearby Buckingham Palace
- Character: Quiet residential with Georgian/Victorian architecture
- Property Prices (2025): £1.2M–£2.5M
- Property Sizes: 800–1,200 sq ft (74–111 sq m)
- Nearest Tube Stations: Victoria (Victoria, District, Circle); St James’s Park (District, Circle)
- Nearby Bus Routes: 11, 24, 148, 211, 507, C1, 38, 390, 73
- Fun Fact: Used occasionally by visiting dignitaries due to proximity to Buckingham Palace
Map of Buckingham Place, London
Painting of Buckingham Place, London (View image in full size)