Burlington Gardens, London
Burlington Gardens is a short, elegant street located in the prestigious district of Mayfair, in the City of Westminster, London. It connects New Bond Street in the west to the junction with Savile Row and Vigo Street in the east. Though only approximately 300 feet (around 90 metres) in length, Burlington Gardens has outsized significance due to its location, history, and the elite institutions and boutiques that line it.
Orientation and Layout
The road runs east to west, with traffic generally allowed to flow westbound only from Savile Row to New Bond Street, reflecting its relatively narrow width and the high pedestrian footfall in the area. The street is flanked by imposing stone buildings, some of which belong to academic, retail, and cultural institutions. Its pavements are wide and often bustling, especially with shoppers and tourists exploring Bond Street and Savile Row.
History of Burlington Gardens
Burlington Gardens was part of Vigo Street until it was renamed. It was laid out in the 18th century and originally formed part of the grounds of Burlington House, which fronts Piccadilly. The street takes its name from this grand aristocratic mansion. Burlington House, now home to the Royal Academy of Arts, was built in the 1660s for Richard Boyle, the 1st Earl of Burlington. As London’s West End developed into a fashionable district, the land behind Burlington House was divided and developed, with Burlington Gardens forming a distinct part by the early 19th century.
The name “Burlington Gardens” first appears officially on maps around the early 19th century. The street's name is pronounced BURL-ing-ton GAR-dens (/ˈbɜːlɪŋtən/ 
), with the stress on the first syllable of "Burlington" and the first of "Gardens".
Character of the Street
Burlington Gardens epitomises the refined character of Mayfair, blending high-end retail with academic institutions and historic architecture. Its compact size contrasts with the grandeur of its buildings. The facades are mostly neo-classical in style, echoing the taste of the 19th century, when the street matured into its current form. Today, the atmosphere is quiet and refined, with fewer crowds than neighbouring Oxford Street or Regent Street, yet equally steeped in prestige.
Points of Interest on or Near Burlington Gardens
- Royal Academy of Arts (via Burlington House, adjoining entrance): A major art institution with exhibitions, collections, and a rich educational programme.
- Abercrombie & Fitch (No. 7 Burlington Gardens): Housed in a grand former bank building with ornate interiors.
- University of Oxford’s London Campus (No. 1 Burlington Gardens): Part of the university’s outreach and international programme efforts.
- Bond Street boutiques: Luxury shops like Chanel and Cartier lie just steps away to the west.
- Savile Row: World-famous for bespoke tailoring, accessible directly from the eastern end of the street.
Real Estate and Property Values
Real estate on Burlington Gardens and in the immediate area of Mayfair commands exceptionally high prices. As of early 2025, commercial property leases are valued between £250–£300 per square foot£2,200–£2,800 per square foot (£23,680–£30,140 per sq m), depending on condition, amenities, and floor height.
Residential spaces are rare on Burlington Gardens itself, as the buildings are mainly commercial, institutional, or retail in use. However, nearby flats typically range in size from 900 to 2,000 sq ft (approximately 84–186 sq m), often in period buildings with high ceilings and heritage features.
Transport Links
London Underground
- Bond Street Station – 5 minutes' walk (Central and Jubilee lines, plus Elizabeth Line via the new Bond Street Crossrail platforms)
- Oxford Circus Station – about 8 minutes' walk (Bakerloo, Victoria, and Central lines)
- Green Park Station – 10–12 minutes' walk (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines)
Nearby Bus Stops
- Old Bond Street / Royal Academy (eastbound stop): Served by routes 14, 19, and 38
- Conduit Street / New Bond Street (westbound stop): Served by routes 22 and C2
Fun Fact
Burlington Gardens was home to the London branch of Abercrombie & Fitch, which made headlines in 2007 for being its first European flagship store. The store was renowned for its lavish interiors and signature perfume scent pumped into the air. While Abercrombie has since rebranded its image, the location remains a talking point for its early 21st-century cultural moment.
Quick Facts
- Location: Mayfair, City of Westminster, London
- Connects: New Bond Street (west) to Savile Row and Vigo Street (east)
- Length: Approx. 300 feet (90 metres)
- Traffic: Westbound only
- Name Origin: Named after Burlington House; appears in early 19th-century maps
- Pronunciation: /ˈbɜːlɪŋtən ˈɡɑːdnz/ ("BURL-ing-ton GAR-dens")
- Character: Historic, elegant, commercial with luxury retail and academic presence
- Nearby Sights: Royal Academy of Arts, Savile Row, Bond Street boutiques
- Real Estate: £250–£300/sq ft for retail; residential up to £2,800/sq ft (2025)
- Nearest Underground: Bond Street (Central, Jubilee, Elizabeth lines)
- Nearby Buses: Routes 14, 19, 22, 38, C2
- Fun Fact: Hosted Abercrombie & Fitch’s first European flagship in a grand bank building
Map of Burlington Gardens, London
Painting of Burlington Gardens, London (View image in full size)
