Carlisle Place, London
A quiet, historic street between Victoria Street and Francis Street, offering a glimpse into Victorian Westminster near the heart of modern-day Victoria.
Carlisle Place is located in the City of Westminster, in central London. It connects Francis Street in the south to Victoria Street in the north, running just west of Westminster Cathedral. The road sits within walking distance of Victoria Station, placing it in one of London’s most central and accessible districts.
This part of Westminster is known for its blend of civic institutions, historic churches, modern office blocks, and well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian buildings.
How Long is Carlisle Place?
Carlisle Place is a relatively short road, measuring approximately 165 metres (541 feet) in length. It runs in a generally north-south orientation and is one-way northbound from Francis Street until its junction with Ashley Place, where it becomes two-way.
History of Carlisle Place
The area around Carlisle Place began to be developed in the mid-to-late 19th century, following the construction of nearby Westminster Cathedral and Victoria Street. Carlisle Place emerged during this period of rapid urban transformation that reshaped the landscape around Victoria Station.
The buildings along Carlisle Place reflect the Victorian and Edwardian eras, with a mix of red-brick mansion flats, office conversions, and ecclesiastical architecture. One of its most prominent historic buildings is Ashley Place House, now known as Carlisle House, which served ecclesiastical and administrative purposes in the early 20th century.
Origin and Pronunciation of the Name
Carlisle Place is named after the English city of Carlisle, located in Cumbria near the border with Scotland. The name was likely chosen as part of a broader Victorian trend of naming streets after notable towns, cities, or aristocratic titles across the United Kingdom.
The name "Carlisle" is typically pronounced as CAR-lyle, with the IPA pronunciation: /ˈkɑː.laɪl/ 
.
Although the precise date of naming isn’t well-documented, it is believed that the street received its name in the 1870s or 1880s, shortly after the expansion of Victoria Street and the establishment of Westminster Cathedral.
Character of the Road
Carlisle Place is a quiet, dignified street with a refined and almost secluded atmosphere compared to the busier arteries surrounding it. It is lined with elegant brick buildings, including mansion blocks and some ecclesiastical offices, many of which retain their period charm.
The street has a calm, almost cloistered feel, aided by the presence of mature trees and relatively low traffic. It's a popular spot for residents seeking peace and privacy while still being within minutes of central London’s amenities.
Real Estate and Property Prices
As of April 2025, properties on Carlisle Place are highly sought-after, reflecting its prime Westminster location and character properties. Prices here tend to be above the London average, with mansion flats ranging from £1.2 million to £2.8 million depending on size and condition.
Typical flats range between 1,000–1,800 square feet (93–167 sq m). These are generally spacious two- or three-bedroom homes in period buildings with high ceilings and original features.
By comparison, the average flat price across London is currently around £530,000, making Carlisle Place a premium residential address. Rental prices also reflect the exclusivity, with two-bedroom flats averaging £3,800–£4,500 per month.
Nearest Underground Stations
The closest tube station to Carlisle Place is Victoria Station, located less than 300 metres to the north. It is served by the following lines:
- Victoria line (light blue)
- District line (green)
- Circle line (yellow)
This connectivity makes the street an excellent choice for commuters, offering direct access to central London, the West End, and the City.
Nearby Bus Stops
There are several bus stops conveniently located along Victoria Street, less than a 2-minute walk from Carlisle Place. Routes include:
- 11 (Liverpool Street – Fulham Broadway)
- 24 (Hampstead Heath – Pimlico)
- 148 (Camberwell – White City)
- 507 (Victoria – Waterloo, weekday service)
These frequent services connect to key destinations across Westminster and beyond.
Fun Fact
A lesser-known feature of Carlisle Place is its connection to the world of espionage. During the Cold War, several buildings on the street were discreetly used by intelligence-related personnel and organisations, owing to their proximity to government offices and embassies.
In recent years, the street has featured in period dramas and spy thrillers filmed in London, chosen for its timeless architecture and discreet location.
Quick Facts about Carlisle Place
- Location: City of Westminster, between Francis Street and Victoria Street
- Length: Approx. 165 metres (541 feet)
- Direction: One-way northbound from Francis Street to Ashley Place
- Named After: City of Carlisle in Cumbria
- Pronunciation: "CAR-lyle" (/ˈkɑː.laɪl/)
- Period: Developed in the late 19th century
- Character: Quiet, elegant, residential and institutional
- Property Prices (2025): £1.2M–£2.8M; ~1,000–1,800 sq ft (93–167 sq m)
- Nearest Tube: Victoria Station (Victoria, District, Circle lines)
- Nearby Buses: 11, 24, 148, 507 (via Victoria Street)
- Fun Fact: Linked to British intelligence history during the Cold War
Map of Carlisle Place, London
Painting of Carlisle Place, London (View image in full size)