Floral Street, London
Floral Street is a narrow yet historically rich thoroughfare in the City of Westminster, nestled in the vibrant heart of London’s West End. It stretches from Garrick Street in the southwest to Bow Street in the northeast, running parallel to the southern boundary of the famed Covent Garden piazza.
Overview and Surrounding Streets
Floral Street is a charming, cobbled road characterised by its narrow width and elegant façades. It has long attracted attention for its boutique fashion outlets, cultural institutions, and proximity to major theatre venues. The street runs a short length but is bordered by some of Covent Garden’s most picturesque and iconic streets, including Russell Street to the north and Wellington Street further south. Pedestrian activity is high due to the street’s location in a high-footfall tourist area.
History of Floral Street
Originally known as Hart Street, the thoroughfare was renamed Floral Street in the late 17th century, a nod to the Covent Garden Flower Market that once dominated the area. The name “Floral” evokes its past association with flower sellers, a key feature of Covent Garden’s character in previous centuries. The pronunciation is straightforward: FLAW-rəl [ˈflɔː.rəl] in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
The area developed during the expansion of Covent Garden in the early 1600s. Although Floral Street never hosted the flower market directly—located just around the corner in the central piazza—the name persists as a tribute to that era. The change from Hart Street to Floral Street reflected a deliberate effort to align the street’s branding with the market’s growing popularity.
Attractions and Notable Buildings
One of Floral Street’s most notable attractions is the Royal Ballet School’s Bridge of Aspiration, a futuristic, glass-paneled walkway that links the school to the Royal Opera House across the street. This striking architectural feature is a visual metaphor for movement and flexibility—echoing the spirit of ballet.
In addition to the ballet school, Floral Street is well known for high-end fashion. Brands like Paul Smith have had flagship stores here, taking advantage of the area’s affluent foot traffic. The compact street offers an elegant contrast to the busier Covent Garden Market, making it an appealing stop for shoppers and wanderers alike.
Nearby cultural landmarks include the Royal Opera House, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and the London Transport Museum. These are all within easy walking distance, adding to the street’s cultural cachet.
Property and Real Estate
Real estate on Floral Street is extremely limited and highly sought after. As of mid-2025, residential properties average between 600 and 1,000 square feet (56 to 93 sq metres). A one-bedroom flat measuring 700 sq ft (65 sq metres) might be listed for sale at around £1.3 million, while monthly rental costs can exceed £4,000, depending on finishes and amenities. This places Floral Street well above average London prices, especially given its desirable central location and historical charm.
Transport Links
London Underground
Floral Street enjoys excellent connectivity via the London Underground. The closest station is Covent Garden Station, located just a couple of minutes’ walk away and served by the Piccadilly Line. Also within walking distance are Leicester Square Station (Northern and Piccadilly Lines) and Holborn Station (Central and Piccadilly Lines), offering broader access across the city.
Bus Services
Nearby bus stops are available along Strand, Aldwych, and Kingsway. Key routes serving these stops include:
- Route 6 (Aldwych to Willesden)
- Route 11 (Fulham to Liverpool Street)
- Route 23 (Westbourne Park to Aldwych)
- Route 139 (Waterloo to Golders Green)
These routes connect Floral Street with major hubs across central and west London.
Fun Fact
Floral Street was once home to the studio of famed English painter J.M.W. Turner in the early 19th century. Though little remains of the original space, the street’s artistic lineage continues today with its many galleries and creative enterprises.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Connects: Garrick Street (SW) to Bow Street (NE)
- Nearby areas: Covent Garden, West End
- Historical name: Formerly Hart Street; renamed Floral Street in the 17th century
- Name origin: References Covent Garden’s historic flower market
- Pronunciation: FLAW-rəl [ˈflɔː.rəl]
- Notable sites: Royal Ballet School’s Bridge of Aspiration, fashion boutiques
- Nearest Underground: Covent Garden Station (Piccadilly Line)
- Other nearby stations: Leicester Square, Holborn
- Nearest bus routes: 6, 11, 23, 139
- Average flat size: 600–1,000 sq ft (56–93 sq metres)
- Sale price (2025): ~£1.3 million for a 700 sq ft flat
- Rent (2025): ~£4,000/month for similar property
- Fun Fact: Once home to the painter J.M.W. Turner
Map of Floral Street, London
Painting of Floral Street, London