Harewood Place, London
Harewood Place is a short but prominent street in City of Westminster, central London, linking the elegant Hanover Square with the bustling Oxford Street. With a one-way traffic flow heading north from Hanover Square to Oxford Street and Holles Street, this street plays a functional role in the area's traffic circulation while offering food and convenience to locals and visitors alike.
Location and Access
Harewood Place begins at the northern edge of Hanover Square and proceeds in a straight northward direction to Oxford Street. Vehicles are only permitted to travel in this direction, making it a one-way conduit from the relative calm of Hanover Square into the vibrant retail artery of Oxford Street. On foot, the street is easily accessible from surrounding streets such as Princes Street and Holles Street, forming a key passage in the local network.
Pronunciation and Name Origin
The name Harewood is traditionally pronounced as Harwood, with the 'e' being silent. The correct pronunciation is HAR-wood /ˈhɑː.wʊd/ 
. The street takes its name from the title Earl of Harewood, a peerage created in 1790 for Edward Lascelles, whose family had substantial holdings in Yorkshire and connections to London estates. The naming likely coincided with early 19th-century developments in the area, when the surroundings of Hanover Square were laid out as part of the westward expansion of Mayfair.
History and Development
Harewood Place was built in the early 19th century as part of the wider urban planning effort to expand Mayfair and link it more directly with the newly developing commercial districts of Oxford Street. Over the years, the street has transformed from a fashionable residential route to a functional urban corridor with strong pedestrian and vehicular connectivity. Its proximity to both commercial and residential zones has helped it remain active and relevant.
Character of the Street
Today, Harewood Place is known for its utilitarian character. While it lacks the grandeur of nearby streets such as Regent Street, it compensates with its practical importance. The street is lined with several fast food outlets and convenience shops, catering to the high pedestrian traffic flowing between Oxford Street and Hanover Square. It is not uncommon to see delivery vehicles, tourists pausing for a quick bite, and office workers on lunch breaks here.
Nearby Sights and Attractions
While the street itself is compact, it lies at the crossroads of several major attractions:
- Hanover Square – A historic Georgian garden square with a central green area, often used for public seating and events.
- Oxford Street – One of London’s premier shopping streets, offering everything from high street fashion to flagship department stores.
- Regent Street – Just a few minutes’ walk away, this grand curved shopping boulevard adds architectural interest and upscale retail experiences.
- West End theatres – Located to the east and south, the West End is easily reachable on foot for those interested in seeing a show.
Real Estate and Property Value
Harewood Place lies within one of London's most valuable districts. However, the street itself features fewer residential properties compared to surrounding areas. Those that do exist, such as compact upper-floor flats above commercial units, command high prices due to the location. As of mid-2025, a one-bedroom apartment of around 600 sq ft (56 sq m) in the area could fetch upwards of £1.2 million, while commercial units are leased at premium rates due to footfall from Oxford Street. These prices are high even by Westminster standards, reflecting the desirability of a central London postcode.
Transport Links
Transport connectivity is one of Harewood Place’s key strengths. It lies mere steps from Oxford Circus Station, served by the Bakerloo Line, Victoria Line, and Central Line. In addition:
- Bond Street Station is about a 6-minute walk west, serving the Jubilee Line and the Central Line.
- Piccadilly Circus Station to the southeast offers access to the Piccadilly Line and Bakerloo Line.
- Green Park Station is also within walking distance for the Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria Lines.
Nearby bus stops on Oxford Street and Regent Street offer services connecting all parts of London, with routes such as the 25, 55, 73, and 390 operating regularly.
Fun Fact
Despite its small size, Harewood Place has appeared in several popular travel guides and urban sketches as a classic example of how London seamlessly merges commercial vitality with historical roots. Its name and function offer a snapshot of how London's roads have evolved: aristocratic in origin, practical in use today.
Quick Facts
- Location: Connects Hanover Square to Oxford Street, City of Westminster
- Length: Approximately 130 metres
- Traffic Direction: One-way, from Hanover Square to Oxford Street
- Pronunciation: HAR-wood /ˈhɑː.wʊd/
- Notable Nearby: Oxford Street, Hanover Square, Regent Street
- Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus Station
- Underground Lines: Bakerloo, Central, Victoria
- Character: Urban connector, fast food outlets, high foot traffic
- Property Prices (2025): ~£1.2M for a 1-bed flat (600 sq ft / 56 sq m)
- Nearby Bus Stops: Oxford Street and Regent Street with routes 25, 55, 73, 390
Map of Harewood Place, London
Painting of a rainy afternoon at Harewood Place, London (View image in full size)
