Carlton House Terrace, London
Carlton House Terrace is one of the most elegant and historically significant streets in central London. Situated just off Pall Mall, it is accessed from the south via Carlton Gardens and Waterloo Place. The road enjoys a commanding position overlooking The Mall and St James’s Park, and is home to neoclassical terraces, diplomatic buildings, and learned societies.
Overview and Road Layout
The road consists of two curved terraces – known as the eastern and western sections – that flank a small private cul-de-sac in the centre. The total length of Carlton House Terrace is approximately 280 metres (920 feet). The road is relatively quiet, with one-way traffic running west to east. Vehicular access is limited, maintaining a tranquil and exclusive atmosphere. Pedestrian access leads northwards into Waterloo Place and southwards to The Mall, with excellent connectivity to the wider Westminster area.
History of Carlton House Terrace
Carlton House Terrace stands on the site of the former Carlton House, the London residence of the Prince Regent, who later became King George IV. After the building fell into disrepair, it was demolished in 1829, and the site was redeveloped by architect John Nash, known for his work on Regent Street and Buckingham Palace.
The terraces were completed in the 1830s, featuring grand stucco-fronted houses with neoclassical facades. The buildings originally served as aristocratic residences and now house a mix of embassies, cultural institutions, and private homes.
Name and Pronunciation
The name Carlton House Terrace derives from Carlton House, the aforementioned royal residence. The pronunciation is: CARL-ton House Terrace (ˈkɑːltən 
), with the "Carlton" often pronounced with a silent “r” in British English.
Character of the Street
Today, Carlton House Terrace retains a serene, exclusive, and historic character. The terraces are among the finest examples of early 19th-century neoclassical townhouses in the capital. The buildings feature imposing columns, symmetrical facades, and ornate detailing. Large iron gates and mature trees line the pedestrian path that runs parallel to the road, giving the area a sense of refinement and privacy.
Points of Interest and Nearby Attractions
- The Mall – This iconic processional route lies just below the terrace and leads directly to Buckingham Palace.
- St James’s Park – One of London's most picturesque Royal Parks, ideal for leisurely walks and views of the lake.
- The Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) – Located at No. 12 Carlton House Terrace, this is a hub for modern art and film.
- The Royal Society – Based at No. 6-9, the UK’s national science academy and one of the world’s oldest scientific institutions.
- British Academy – Located at No. 10-11, promoting the humanities and social sciences.
These institutions frequently host exhibitions, public lectures, and special events, making the street not only residential but also intellectually vibrant.
Property Prices and Real Estate
Carlton House Terrace is among the most prestigious addresses in London. As of 2025, properties here are rarely sold publicly, but when they do appear, prices exceed £25 million for freehold homes. A notable example was a townhouse listed in 2023 for over £30 million, with around 11,000 sq ft (1,022 sq m) of interior space1.
Many of the buildings are now used as corporate headquarters or embassies, but a few have been converted into luxury apartments. Prices per square foot typically range from £2,500 to £3,500, well above the London average of around £800 to £1,000 per square foot.
Transport Links
Nearest Underground Stations
- Charing Cross Station (Bakerloo and Northern lines) – about 5 minutes’ walk to the northeast.
- Piccadilly Circus Station (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines) – about 8 minutes’ walk to the northwest.
- Green Park Station (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines) – about 10 minutes’ walk to the west.
Nearby Bus Stops
- Bus stops on Pall Mall and Regent Street serve numerous routes, including:
- Route 12 (Oxford Circus to Dulwich Library)
- Route 88 (Camden Town to Clapham Common)
- Route 453 (Deptford Bridge to Marylebone)
Fun Fact
During World War II, British intelligence and special operations used some of the buildings along Carlton House Terrace. In particular, No. 4 was said to be occupied by the Political Warfare Executive, which coordinated propaganda and psychological warfare efforts against Nazi Germany2.
Quick Facts
- Location: Westminster, just off Pall Mall
- Length: Approx. 280 metres (920 feet)
- Traffic: One-way (west to east)
- Historic Origins: Built in the 1830s on the site of Carlton House
- Architect: John Nash
- Pronunciation: “CARL-ton” (ˈkɑːltən)
- Architectural Style: Neoclassical terraces
- Key Institutions: Royal Society, British Academy, ICA
- Property Prices (2025): £25–£30+ million; ~£2,500–£3,500/sq ft
- Nearest Stations: Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus, Green Park
- Nearby Bus Routes: 12, 88, 453 via Pall Mall
- Fun Fact: Used for secret wartime operations during WWII
References
- Evening Standard: Carlton House Terrace property listing
- The National Archives: Political Warfare Executive
Map of Carlton House Terrace, London
Painting of Carlton House Terrace, London (View image in full size)
