Grosvenor Crescent, London
Grosvenor Crescent is a short but prestigious street in the heart of Belgravia, London, linking Grosvenor Place in the west with Belgrave Square in the east. With its sweeping architecture and elite postcode, it is among the most exclusive residential addresses in the United Kingdom.
Location and Layout
Grosvenor Crescent is situated in the City of Westminster, within the affluent district of Belgravia. It runs approximately 274 metres (898 feet) from west to east. The crescent-shaped street curves gently as it connects Grosvenor Place to Belgrave Square, and has several side streets branching off it, including:
- Lanesborough Place – a short cul-de-sac to the north.
- Grosvenor Crescent Mews – a private gated mews to the south.
- Halkin Street – an arterial road leading southeast to Hyde Park Corner.
- Wilton Crescent
The street is one-way, with traffic flowing from east to west (i.e. from Belgrave Square towards Grosvenor Place). This helps to regulate the otherwise heavy vehicle movement expected near Hyde Park Corner and Buckingham Palace.
History of Grosvenor Crescent
Grosvenor Crescent was developed in the mid-19th century, during the height of Belgravia's transformation into a fashionable residential quarter. This transformation was largely led by the Grosvenor family, the Dukes of Westminster, whose vast landholdings included large areas of Mayfair and Belgravia.
The name "Grosvenor Crescent" reflects this aristocratic heritage. The term Grosvenor is pronounced GROH-vnər, and in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is transcribed as /ˈɡroʊvnər/.
The name has been in use since the road's construction, paying tribute to the family's ownership and influence over the area.
Character of the Street
The character of Grosvenor Crescent is quintessentially Belgravian—elegant, tranquil, and deeply refined. The buildings are primarily white stucco-fronted townhouses, many of which have been subdivided into luxury flats or repurposed as diplomatic residences. The atmosphere is calm and residential, despite the street's proximity to Hyde Park Corner, one of London’s busiest junctions.
Notable Landmarks and Nearby Attractions
Though the street itself is residential, there are several noteworthy sights within easy walking distance:
- Belgrave Square – a leafy garden square surrounded by grand embassies and period townhouses.
- The Lanesborough Hotel – a luxury five-star hotel on the corner of Hyde Park Corner.
- Hyde Park – one of London’s largest and most famous parks, located just a few hundred metres away.
- Apsley House – the former home of the Duke of Wellington, now a public museum.
- Buckingham Palace – less than 10 minutes' walk to the northeast.
Property and Real Estate
Grosvenor Crescent ranks among the most expensive residential streets in the UK. As of 2024, properties here often sell for £3,000 to £5,000 per square foot, depending on finish, aspect, and building history. For example, a 2,500 sq ft (232 sq m) apartment may command upwards of £10 million.
Most of the buildings are converted townhouses, offering large lateral apartments or entire multistorey homes. Interiors tend to be finished to ultra-prime standards, often with concierge services, private lifts, and underground parking. Compared to the wider London market, where the average property value stands closer to £750 per square foot, Grosvenor Crescent represents the very pinnacle of exclusivity.
Transport and Accessibility
Nearest London Underground Stations
- Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line) – approximately 3 minutes' walk.
- Victoria Station (Victoria, District, Circle lines + National Rail) – about 10 minutes' walk.
- Green Park (Jubilee, Victoria, Piccadilly lines) – 12 minutes on foot.
Nearby Bus Routes
Several bus routes stop at Hyde Park Corner, including:
- Route 2 – to Marylebone and Norwood.
- Route 16 – to Cricklewood and Victoria.
- Route 38 – to Clapton and Victoria.
- Route 148 – to White City and Camberwell.
These frequent services offer convenient access across central London for both residents and visitors.
Fun Fact
In 2017, Grosvenor Crescent was officially named the most expensive street in England and Wales, based on Land Registry data. The average property value that year was over £16.9 million1. The street has since retained its reputation for prestige and privacy, favoured by overseas dignitaries, global executives, and London’s elite.
Quick Facts
- Location: Belgravia, City of Westminster
- Length: 274 metres (898 feet)
- Direction: One-way, east to west
- Named After: The Grosvenor family (pronounced GROH-vnər /ˈɡroʊvnər/)
- Built: Mid-19th century
- Character: Residential, grand architecture, luxury apartments
- Side Streets: Lanesborough Place, Grosvenor Crescent Mews, Halkin Street
- Nearby Sights: Belgrave Square, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace
- Average Property Price (2024): £3,000–£5,000 per sq ft
- Nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line)
- Bus Routes: 2, 16, 38, 148 at Hyde Park Corner
- Fun Fact: England's most expensive street in 2017
Who Were the Grosvenors, and How Did They Acquire This Land?
If you're wondering why so many streets and squares in this area bear names like Grosvenor, Belgrave, Eaton, or Wilton, it's because much of this land once belonged to the powerful Grosvenor family. To find out how they came to own vast swathes of Mayfair, Belgravia, and Pimlico — and whether they had any ties to the government or the royal family — read our in-depth article here.
References
Map of Grosvenor Crescent, London
Painting of Grosvenor Crescent, London (View image in full size)