Burleigh Street, London
Burleigh Street is a short but historically notable street in the City of Westminster, forming a connection between Tavistock Street in the northwest and the Strand in the southeast. Located in the heart of London’s West End, it is intersected by Exeter Street and sits just a short walk from the bustling Covent Garden district.
Street Layout and Surrounding Area
Burleigh Street is a narrow, one-way street stretching in a southeast-northwest direction. It is situated in a highly walkable area, surrounded by a network of historic roads and lanes. Tavistock Street and the Strand mark its termini, with Exeter Street bisecting it perpendicularly.
This location places Burleigh Street amidst a lively cluster of theatres, restaurants, boutique hotels, and cultural landmarks. The surrounding district is synonymous with entertainment and leisure, making it a vibrant artery for both foot traffic and commercial activity.
Historical Background
Burleigh Street was laid out in the late 17th century during the urban expansion of the Strand area. It takes its name from *William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley*, an influential Elizabethan statesman whose surname was historically spelled “Burleigh.” The street was part of the development of the Bedford Estate, which also shaped much of nearby Covent Garden.
The name is typically pronounced as BUR-lee, phonetically transcribed as /ˈbɜːli/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
Local Attractions and Points of Interest
While Burleigh Street itself is relatively quiet, it provides direct access to a number of prominent London attractions. Just steps away is Covent Garden Market, a major shopping and entertainment hub. The Adelphi Theatre on the Strand lies at the southeastern end of the street and continues to draw West End audiences.
Also within walking distance are:
- The London Transport Museum
- Somerset House, a cultural venue and arts centre
- The Courtauld Gallery, home to significant art collections
In the nearby streets, you’ll find numerous dining options, ranging from casual eateries to Michelin-starred establishments. Theatres including the Vaudeville and Lyceum are also close at hand, adding to the street’s lively surroundings.
Real Estate and Property Market
As of June 2025, residential real estate on or near Burleigh Street is rare but in high demand due to the central location. Properties here are often apartments or converted period buildings with limited availability.
The average size of a two-bedroom flat is approximately 850 square feet (79 sq metres). A property of this size would typically sell for around £1.3 million, depending on the building and amenities. Rental rates for a similar flat range between £4,000 and £5,000 per calendar month. These figures reflect prices that are well above the average for Greater London, largely due to the street’s prime location in the West End.
Transport Connections
Nearest London Underground Stations
Burleigh Street is extremely well-connected by public transport. The closest London Underground stations are:
- Covent Garden Station – served by the Piccadilly Line
- Temple Station – served by the District and Circle Lines
From these stations, travellers can reach most parts of the capital with ease.
Bus Stops
Several bus routes serve the Strand, offering connections to destinations across London. The nearest stops are located along the Strand and Aldwych, with services including routes 6, 11, 15, 23, 87, 91, and 139. Night buses also operate through this corridor, maintaining 24-hour access to the area.
Fun Fact
Burleigh Street was once home to one of London’s earliest photographic studios. In the mid-19th century, pioneering photographer Richard Beard opened a daguerreotype portrait studio near the corner with the Strand, offering Londoners a chance to have their likeness captured by this new technology. It was part of a wave of scientific and cultural innovation taking place in the area during the Victorian era.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Connects: Tavistock Street (NW) to Strand (SE)
- Intersected by: Exeter Street
- Nearest Tube Stations: Covent Garden Station (Piccadilly Line), Temple Station (District & Circle Lines)
- Nearby Bus Routes: 6, 11, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139 and others
- Real Estate (2025): Flats average £1.3M for ~850 sq ft (79 sq m); rents £4,000–£5,000/month
- Nearby Attractions: Adelphi Theatre, Covent Garden Market, Somerset House
- Pronunciation: BUR-lee (/ˈbɜːli/)
- Fun Fact: Site of one of London’s first photographic studios in the 1800s
Map of Burleigh Street, London
Painting of Burleigh Street, London