Exeter Street, London
Exeter Street is a relatively short, one-way road situated in the heart of the City of Westminster, London. This compact yet historically rich street runs southwest from Catherine Street and terminates at the Strand, one of the city's most iconic thoroughfares. Nestled within the West End and just moments from Covent Garden, Exeter Street is steeped in the character and rhythm of London's theatre district.
Street Layout and Surrounding Area
Exeter Street is one-way, running from northeast to southwest, and flanked by Catherine Street at its northeastern end and the Strand at its southwestern exit. It runs parallel to Tavistock Street and Burleigh Street, with Wellington Street and Exeter Place forming nearby connecting lanes. The street is compact and largely dominated by commercial and mixed-use buildings, though it retains a calm, tucked-away feel compared to the bustle of the Strand just metres away.
Neighbouring Streets
- Burleigh Street – runs parallel and connects the Strand with Tavistock Street.
- Catherine Street – leads north to Covent Garden and Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
- Strand – a major road connecting Trafalgar Square with Fleet Street and the City.
- Wellington Street
History of Exeter Street
Exeter Street's origins trace back to the 17th century when the area was being developed around the estate of the Earls of Exeter, who owned significant plots in the vicinity. The street was named after the noble family and their former residence, Exeter House, which once stood on the Strand. Exeter Street became formalised in the urban plan as part of the growth of Covent Garden and the rise of London's West End as a cultural and entertainment hub.
Origin and Pronunciation of the Name
The name “Exeter” is derived from the Earls of Exeter, particularly linked to Thomas Cecil, the 1st Earl of Exeter. The street's name commemorates the aristocratic family's presence in the area. It is pronounced EX-uh-tuh (/ˈɛksətə/), with the “-ter” pronounced softly and often elided in casual British English. This pronunciation mirrors that of the city of Exeter in Devon.
Notable Sights and Attractions Nearby
While Exeter Street itself is quiet and unassuming, it lies within walking distance of numerous West End attractions. Theatres, cultural institutions, and dining spots abound.
- The Lyceum Theatre – Located at the junction with Wellington Street, it's home to the long-running production of *The Lion King*.
- Covent Garden – A bustling piazza with market stalls, shops, and street performers just a few minutes north.
- Somerset House – A historic arts venue on the Strand, a short stroll from the southwestern end.
- St Mary le Strand Church – One of the finest Baroque churches in London, easily accessible from the Strand.
Transport Links
London Underground
Exeter Street is ideally located between two London Underground stations:
- Covent Garden Station (Piccadilly Line) – 5 minutes' walk.
- Temple Station (District and Circle Lines) – 10 minutes' walk via the Strand.
Bus Services
Several Transport for London (TfL) bus routes serve nearby stops along the Strand, including:
- Routes 6, 11, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139, and 176
These routes provide easy access across central London, including destinations such as Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street, and Waterloo.
Property and Real Estate on Exeter Street
Due to its central location, real estate along Exeter Street is premium-priced. While the street is predominantly commercial, there are some mixed-use buildings with upper-floor flats or short-let accommodations catering to visitors and professionals. As of Q2 2025, residential properties in this part of Westminster average £1,600 per square foot (£17,222 per sq m) for purchase.
Typical one-bedroom flats range from 500 to 650 sq ft (46–60 sq m), selling for between £800,000 and £1.05 million. Rental prices for the same type of property hover between £3,000 and £4,200 per month, reflecting the convenience of the location and proximity to cultural hotspots and public transport.
Fun Fact
Exeter Street is featured in the 19th-century directories of London as home to the office of the famous theatrical newspaper The Era, which catered to the city's booming entertainment industry during the Victorian era. The street thus had strong ties to the press and theatre culture that continue to define the West End to this day.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Connects: Catherine Street (northeast) to Strand (southwest)
- Orientation: One-way street running northeast to southwest
- Nearby attractions: Lyceum Theatre, Covent Garden, Somerset House
- Nearest Underground stations: Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line), Temple (District & Circle Lines)
- Bus services: Available on the Strand, including routes 6, 11, 15, 23, and more
- Pronunciation: EX-uh-tuh (/ˈɛksətə/)
- Average property price (2025): £1,600 per sq ft (£17,222 per sq m)
- Rental prices: £3,000–£4,200/month for 1-bedroom flats
- Historic note: Once home to the offices of The Era, a major theatrical newspaper
References
- Rightmove UK Property Listings – Central London, Q2 2025
- Transport for London – Bus Route Maps and Timetables
- British History Online – Survey of London
Map of Exeter Street, London
Painting of Exeter Street, London
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