Catherine Place, London
Catherine Place is a quiet residential street located in the heart of the City of Westminster, central London. Forming an inverted "L" shape, it links Palace Street in the south with Wilfred Street to the north.
The street lies just a short walk from Buckingham Palace, nestled in the desirable enclave between Victoria and St James’s Park. Its centrality makes it ideal for both locals and visitors seeking a peaceful corner of London with easy access to major landmarks.
Length and Layout
Catherine Place measures approximately 175 metres (575 feet) in total length. The street starts at Palace Street, runs northward for around 100 metres, then bends sharply eastward for another 75 metres before meeting Wilfred Street.
This L-shaped route gives the street a distinctive form, with low traffic and a peaceful atmosphere throughout.
Historical Background
Catherine Place was laid out in the early 19th century during a period of residential development in Westminster. It was part of the broader urban expansion that catered to the growing middle and upper-middle classes during the Georgian and early Victorian periods.
The surrounding area has strong royal and ecclesiastical associations, including nearby Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, both of which helped shape the street’s character and desirability over time.
Origin of the Name
The street is thought to be named in honour of Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese wife of King Charles II. She was queen consort of England, Scotland and Ireland from 1662 to 1685.
While the exact date the name “Catherine Place” was adopted remains unclear, historical maps indicate that the name was firmly in use by the mid-1800s. The association with royalty reflects the area's broader historical ties to the monarchy.
Character of the Street
Catherine Place is a quiet, residential street with a refined and understated charm. It features a mix of early-19th-century townhouses, many of which have been converted into flats or boutique residences.
Architecturally, the buildings showcase period detailing such as stucco-fronted façades, ironwork balconies, and sash windows. The ambience is peaceful, elegant, and quintessentially Westminster.
Property Prices and Sizes
As of May 2025, property prices in Catherine Place remain high due to the street’s proximity to Buckingham Palace and Westminster’s prestige. According to real estate data, two-bedroom flats here typically sell for between £1.4 million and £2 million, depending on condition and floor space.
Average sizes for properties include:
- 2-bedroom flats: 900–1,200 sq ft (84–111 sq m)
- 3-bedroom maisonettes: 1,400–1,800 sq ft (130–167 sq m)
These prices are well above the London average, reflecting the exclusivity and central location of the area.
Nearest Underground Stations
Catherine Place is conveniently located between two London Underground stations:
- Victoria Station (Circle, District, and Victoria lines) — approximately 5 minutes’ walk to the southwest.
- St James’s Park Station (Circle and District lines) — about 6 minutes’ walk to the east.
Both stations offer fast connections to major destinations across London, including the West End, South Bank, and City.
Nearby Bus Stops
The nearest bus stops are located on Palace Street and Victoria Street. These stops are served by several routes including:
- Route 11 — Liverpool Street to Fulham Broadway
- Route 24 — Hampstead Heath to Pimlico
- Route 148 — White City to Camberwell Green
This makes Catherine Place highly accessible by public transport for commuters, residents, and visitors alike.
Fun Fact
Despite its modest appearance, Catherine Place has occasionally attracted attention from film crews and location scouts due to its classic London townhouse backdrop. It has reportedly featured in scenes for several British television dramas and documentaries focusing on royal or political themes.
Its proximity to Buckingham Palace and its quiet, unspoiled atmosphere make it a go-to spot for capturing the charm of Westminster on screen—without the crowds.
Quick Facts
- Location: Westminster, Central London
- Connects: Palace Street to Wilfred Street
- Shape: Inverted “L”
- Length: Approx. 175 metres (575 feet)
- History: Developed in the early 19th century
- Name Origin: Named after Queen Catherine of Braganza
- Character: Quiet, elegant, largely residential
- Property Prices (May 2025): £1.4M–£2M for 2-bed flats
- Average Size: 900–1,800 sq ft (84–167 sq m)
- Nearest Tube: Victoria (Victoria, District, Circle) and St James’s Park (District, Circle)
- Nearby Bus Routes: 11, 24, 148
- Fun Fact: Sometimes used as a filming location for British period dramas
Map of Catherine Place, London
Painting of Catherine Place, London (View image in full size)
