Great Newport Street, London
Great Newport Street is a short but historically rich thoroughfare in the City of Westminster, right in the heart of the West End of London. The street serves as a key connector between Charing Cross Road on the west and the vibrant junction where Upper St Martin's Lane, Long Acre, Garrick Street, St Martin's Lane, and Cranbourn Street all converge to the east. Despite its modest length, Great Newport Street plays an important role in the local urban fabric, with theatres, dining spots, art galleries, and excellent access to public transport.
Street Layout and Surroundings
Great Newport Street runs in an east-west orientation. On the western end, it opens onto Charing Cross Road, just opposite Leicester Square and close to the Garrick Theatre. Its eastern end feeds into a dynamic intersection that connects to several important streets, serving as a gateway to Leicester Square Station and the bustle of Covent Garden.
The street is lined with a mix of late 19th and early 20th-century buildings, many of which have commercial units on the ground floor and residential or office space above. Its central location puts it within easy walking distance of major cultural landmarks, such as theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue and the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square.
History and Origins
Great Newport Street dates back to the 17th century, first laid out as part of the wider development of the West End during that period. It was originally associated with Newport House, a now-demolished aristocratic mansion built by the Earl of Newport. The street name was formalised by the late 1600s.
The name Great Newport Street distinguishes it from a nearby, now-vanished Little Newport Street. It is pronounced as Great NEW-port Street, with emphasis on the first syllable of "Newport": /ˈɡreɪt ˈnjuːpɔːt/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
Local Sights and Amenities
Theatres and Culture
The street is known for its proximity to the West End’s renowned theatres. Notably, the Garrick Theatre and Wyndham’s Theatre are a stone’s throw away, making Great Newport Street a popular pre- and post-theatre spot. The Almeida at Great Newport Street, an extension of the famed Almeida Theatre in Islington, once operated here and contributed to the street's cultural reputation.
Dining and Art
Visitors will find several eateries and cafes on or near the street, offering pre-theatre menus and international cuisine. One of the best-known institutions is The Two Brydges, a private club for creatives and performers. In addition, the Coningsby Gallery, a small but influential contemporary art space, is situated on Great Newport Street and showcases both emerging and established artists.
Transport Connections
Great Newport Street is well-served by public transport. The nearest London Underground station is Leicester Square Station, accessible via a short walk eastward. This station is on the Northern and Piccadilly lines, making connections to the rest of the capital very convenient. Other nearby London Underground Stations include Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, and Charing Cross.
There are also several bus stops located along Charing Cross Road and St Martin’s Lane, served by routes including the 24, 29, and 176, all of which connect to various points across central London.
Residential and Property Market
Although primarily a commercial area, Great Newport Street and its surrounding lanes include a handful of residential flats, often converted from upper floors above retail units. As of mid-2025, properties on or near Great Newport Street typically range from 450 to 850 sq ft (42–79 sq m) in size. One-bedroom flats sell for around £900,000–£1.3 million, depending on condition and building heritage.
Rental prices are equally premium, with one-bedroom units commanding between £3,000 and £4,500 per month, reflecting the area’s centrality and popularity. Compared to the average London home price of around £530,000 (as of May 2025), Great Newport Street's real estate market is significantly higher, on par with other coveted West End locations1.
Fun Fact
Great Newport Street was home to one of London’s earliest art-house cinemas, the Newport Film School, which screened experimental and international films during the mid-20th century. Though long gone, its legacy contributed to the area’s bohemian and artistic appeal.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Direction: East–west from Charing Cross Road to St Martin's Lane junction
- First established: Late 1600s
- Name origin: From the now-demolished Newport House; name in use by the 17th century
- Pronunciation: /ˈɡreɪt ˈnjuːpɔːt/
- Notable nearby streets: Upper St Martin’s Lane, Long Acre, Garrick Street
- Closest Underground station: Leicester Square (Northern & Piccadilly lines)
- Nearby bus routes: 24, 29, 176 on Charing Cross Road and St Martin’s Lane
- Nearby sights: Garrick Theatre, Coningsby Gallery, Covent Garden
- Average property size: 450–850 sq ft (42–79 sq m)
- Property prices (2025): £900,000–£1.3 million (sale), £3,000–£4,500/month (rent)
- Fun fact: Site of a historic art-house cinema in the mid-20th century
References
Map of Great Newport Street, London
Painting of Great Newport Street, London