Down Street, London
Down Street is a short, refined street in the heart of Mayfair, a prestigious district within the City of Westminster, London. Though modest in length, this street holds a fascinating past and provides a glimpse into one of the capital’s most exclusive and secretive corners.
Location and Layout
Running in a southeast-to-northwest direction, Down Street connects Piccadilly at its southeastern end to Hertford Street in the northwest. It is intersected at the midpoint by Brick Street. The street has an unusual traffic arrangement:
- Traffic from Piccadilly to Brick Street is two-way.
- From Brick Street to Hertford Street, the street is one-way northwestward.
- Brick Street itself is one-way in opposing directions either side of the Down Street intersection.
The immediate surroundings are dominated by period architecture, private residences, and discrete offices. Though quiet compared to neighbouring thoroughfares, Down Street is nestled amid a network of important roads, including Park Lane, Curzon Street, and Green Park.
History of Down Street
Down Street was laid out in the early 18th century as part of the westward expansion of London, when the Mayfair district began to be developed with high-end housing for the aristocracy. Its name likely derives from a family or landowner associated with the original plots, although historical records suggest that “Down” may refer more generically to the older English term for a slope or open hill, possibly referencing the slight incline from Piccadilly.
The street became prominent in the early 20th century with the construction of Down Street station, part of the London Underground network.
Down Street Underground Station: A Secret Past
One of Down Street’s most intriguing features is its disused Underground station, which opened in 1907 on the Piccadilly Line. It was closed in 1932 due to low passenger numbers, but its story didn’t end there.
During the Second World War, the station was repurposed as a secret underground bunker for wartime officials. It famously served as a secure shelter and operational base for Prime Minister Winston Churchill and the Railway Executive Committee. Tours of the station’s remnants are occasionally available through the London Transport Museum, offering a fascinating look into its wartime role.
Character and Atmosphere
Down Street exudes discretion. The absence of shops, heavy pedestrian footfall, or tourist distractions gives the area a hushed, almost clandestine quality. It is lined with elegant 19th-century brick buildings, many now converted into luxury residences or used as exclusive offices and embassies. The street has an understated charm, balancing historical weight with modern affluence.
Nearby Sights and Attractions
While Down Street itself is subdued, it is surrounded by some of London's most iconic destinations:
- Green Park lies just to the east, providing peaceful greenery and access to Buckingham Palace.
- Piccadilly Circus and its theatres and nightlife are just a 10-minute walk away.
- Bond Street and Oxford Circus are easily reachable for high-end shopping.
Property and Real Estate
As of early 2025, real estate prices on and around Down Street reflect its Mayfair address. Luxury apartments typically command prices starting at £2,800 per sq ft (£30,140 per sq m), with penthouses or historic conversions reaching above £4,000 per sq ft (£43,000 per sq m). A two-bedroom flat measuring approximately 1,200 sq ft (111 sq m) may be listed for £3.5 million or more.
Despite its subdued feel, the street is in high demand due to its quiet prestige, security, and proximity to major landmarks and business hubs.
Transport Connections
Nearest Underground Stations
- Green Park Station – served by the Jubilee Line, Piccadilly Line, and Victoria Line (though the Victoria Line page is not linked).
- Bond Street Station – on the Jubilee Line and Central Line.
Nearby Bus Stops
The closest bus stops are located on Piccadilly, just steps from the southeastern end of Down Street. These are served by multiple central London bus routes including the 9, 14, 19, and 38, providing easy access to Westminster, the West End, and beyond.
Fun Fact
Because of its wartime use, Down Street station was so secretive that even within Whitehall, its function was known only to a few. Churchill reportedly nicknamed it “The Barn” and used it during air raids before the Cabinet War Rooms were completed.
Quick Facts
- Location: Mayfair, City of Westminster, London
- Direction: Runs southeast to northwest from Piccadilly to Hertford Street
- Intersections: Intersected by Brick Street
- Traffic: Two-way between Piccadilly and Brick Street; one-way northbound from Brick Street to Hertford Street
- Historical Note: Former site of Down Street Underground station, repurposed as WWII bunker
- Nearby Sights: Green Park, Piccadilly, Bond Street, Oxford Street
- Nearest Tube Stations: Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria), Bond Street (Jubilee, Central)
- Bus Routes: 9, 14, 19, 38 (via Piccadilly)
- Character: Quiet, elegant, historically rich, and discreetly exclusive
- Average Property Prices (2025): £2,800–£4,000 per sq ft (£30,140–£43,000 per sq m)
- Fun Fact: Churchill used the closed Down Street station as a private wartime hideaway
Map of Down Street, London
Painting of Down Street, London