Cranbourn Street, London
Cranbourn Street is a short but lively street in the City of Westminster, situated in the heart of the West End of London. It runs one way from a complex six-point junction—where Great Newport Street, Upper Martin's Lane, Long Acre, Garrick Street, and St Martin's Lane all converge—southwest to its terminus at Charing Cross Road. Despite its modest length, the street plays a significant role in connecting major pedestrian and entertainment zones near Leicester Square Station.
Street Overview and Surroundings
Cranbourn Street is paved with wide sidewalks and often bustling with foot traffic, thanks to its location just steps from Leicester Square. It hosts a mix of fast food outlets, souvenir shops, theatres, and historic buildings. On its northeastern end, the six-road intersection provides an energetic and slightly chaotic urban atmosphere, while the southwestern end flows directly into the busy Charing Cross Road, near theatres and bookstores.
The street’s strategic placement makes it a key pedestrian conduit between Leicester Square and Charing Cross Road. Nearby streets include Covent Garden to the east, Soho to the west, and Chinatown just to the north.
History of Cranbourn Street
Cranbourn Street was laid out in the mid-17th century, shortly after Leicester Fields (now Leicester Square) began to develop. It first appears in records from the 1670s. The street was likely named after the title of the Earl of Cranborne, a title in the peerage of England held by the Cecil family, who were influential landowners and political figures at the time.
The street originally formed part of the Earl of Leicester’s estate plan for the area and was intended to enhance access between Leicester Fields and the newly emerging road that would become Charing Cross Road. Over the centuries, the street has evolved with the city—first lined with elegant houses, then converted to shops and theatres during the Victorian period, and finally adapted to 20th- and 21st-century commercial needs.
Attractions and Landmarks Nearby
While Cranbourn Street itself is modest in size, it sits amid some of London’s busiest attractions:
- Leicester Square – Just a few steps away, this famous plaza is home to cinemas, street performers, and events such as movie premieres.
- Hippodrome Casino – On the corner of Cranbourn Street and Charing Cross Road, this entertainment venue is housed in a historic former theatre building.
- Garrick Theatre – A short walk along Garrick Street, this venue has showcased West End productions since 1889.
- Chinatown – Located just to the north, this area offers East Asian restaurants, bakeries, and cultural landmarks.
Real Estate and Property Prices
Given its location in the West End, residential properties on or near Cranbourn Street are extremely limited and primarily consist of upper-floor flats above commercial units. These flats are typically compact—measuring around 500–700 sq ft (46–65 sq m)—and priced at a premium due to the central location.
As of May 2025, typical asking prices for a one-bedroom flat here are in the region of £900,000 to £1.2 million, depending on condition and views. Rental prices are similarly high, with monthly rates ranging from £2,800 to £3,800 for one-bedroom units. These figures far exceed London’s average, reflecting the location’s desirability.
Transport Links
London Underground
Leicester Square Station is the nearest stop, located directly adjacent to the eastern end of Cranbourn Street. It is served by both the Piccadilly Line and Northern Line, providing quick connections to key destinations like King's Cross, Piccadilly Circus, and Waterloo. For more information, visit our guide to London Underground and browse London Underground Stations.
Bus Services
Several bus routes stop nearby along Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue. These include routes 14, 19, 24, 29, and 176. The area is well-served throughout the day and into the night, making public transport a convenient option for visitors and residents alike.
Fun Fact
Cranbourn Street was once home to one of London’s earliest electric lighting installations. In the late 1800s, it featured arc lighting as part of experiments in urban illumination—a novelty at the time, attracting visitors who came to see the street “glow” after dusk.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Length: Approx. 150 metres (0.1 miles)
- Direction: One-way from northeast to southwest
- Connects: Six-point junction at Leicester Square to Charing Cross Road
- Nearest Underground Station: Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern Lines)
- Nearby Bus Routes: 14, 19, 24, 29, 176
- Named After: Earl of Cranborne, title held by the Cecil family
- Local Sights: Leicester Square, Chinatown, Hippodrome Casino
- Typical Flat Size: 500–700 sq ft (46–65 sq m)
- Property Values (2025): £900,000 to £1.2 million
- Rental Prices: £2,800 to £3,800 per month
- Historic Note: Among the first streets in London to feature electric arc lighting
Map of Cranbourn Street, London
Painting of Cranbourn Street, London