Holles Street, London
Holles Street is a short, one-way street in the City of Westminster, London. It runs from Oxford Street in the south to Cavendish Square in the north, acting as a connector between one of London's busiest shopping thoroughfares and a quieter, historical garden square. Holles Street is known for its proximity to major retail landmarks, particularly the John Lewis department store, and for its convenient access to transport links and central London amenities.
Location and Layout
Holles Street is situated in the City of Westminster, right at the edge of Marylebone and close to Fitzrovia. The street begins at Oxford Street, London's world-famous shopping avenue, and extends northwards to Cavendish Square. About halfway up its length, Holles Street intersects Great Castle Street, which branches off to the east.
The street itself is primarily one-way, allowing traffic to flow northwards from Oxford Street. Due to its short length and limited road space, Holles Street mainly serves as an access road for deliveries, taxi drop-offs, and visitors to the nearby shops and offices.
Historical Background
Holles Street dates back to the early 18th century. It was laid out as part of the Cavendish-Harley Estate development, which expanded into Marylebone and surrounding areas during that period. The name “Holles” comes from John Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle (1662–1711), who married Lady Margaret Cavendish. The Cavendish family owned large tracts of land in the area, and the Holles name was chosen to reflect this connection.
Pronunciation: Holles Street is commonly pronounced as “Holl-iss Street”, with the emphasis on the first syllable. In the International Phonetic Alphabet, it is written as /ˈhɒlɪs/.
Main Attractions and Landmarks
The most prominent building on Holles Street is the flagship John Lewis & Partners department store, occupying a large portion of the street's western side. John Lewis has been a landmark of Oxford Street shopping since the 1930s, though the current building was rebuilt after World War II damage and reopened in the 1950s.
Another key attraction near Holles Street is Cavendish Square Gardens, located at the northern end of the street. This elegant garden square provides a green respite from the bustling retail activity of Oxford Street. The square is surrounded by period buildings and is home to a number of medical practices and private clinics, as Harley Street is just a few minutes' walk away.
Within walking distance from Holles Street, visitors can also explore Regent Street, Bond Street, and Margaret Street, all of which are iconic parts of central London's urban fabric.
Real Estate and Property Market
Due to its location near Oxford Street and Cavendish Square, residential property on or around Holles Street is rare and highly desirable. Most of the buildings along the street are commercial, primarily retail and office spaces. However, nearby apartments—particularly those overlooking Cavendish Square—are some of the most exclusive in central London.
As of July 2025, residential properties in this part of the City of Westminster typically range from 500 to 1,500 sq ft (approximately 46 to 139 sq metres). The sale price for premium apartments starts at around £2,000 per sq ft (about £21,528 per sq metre), which means a 1,000 sq ft (93 sq m) flat could fetch about £2 million. Rental prices for similar properties are around £1,000–£1,200 per week, depending on size, amenities, and building services.
These prices are reflective of the area's status as a central London postcode, with immediate access to shopping, medical services, and transport hubs, placing it among the more expensive locations in London.
Transport and Accessibility
London Underground
The nearest London Underground Stations to Holles Street are:
- Oxford Circus Station – serving the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines. The entrance is just a short walk from Holles Street's southern end.
- Bond Street Station – serving the Central, Jubilee, and Elizabeth lines, located a few minutes to the west.
- Goodge Street Station – serving the Northern line, about a 10-minute walk to the northeast.
Bus Services
Several bus routes pass along Oxford Street and Regent Street, providing extensive connections across London. Bus stops near Holles Street include those serving the 10, 25, 55, 73, 98, and 390 routes, among others. These routes connect the West End to areas such as King's Cross, Paddington, and Hackney.
Fun Fact
A notable fun fact about Holles Street is its long-standing association with retail innovation. The John Lewis store on Holles Street was one of the first major department stores in London to introduce escalators and has been a pioneer of customer service, including the famous “Never Knowingly Undersold” policy.
Quick Facts
- Holles Street is a one-way street in the City of Westminster, London.
- It runs from Oxford Street in the south to Cavendish Square in the north.
- The street is named after John Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle.
- Pronounced “Holl-iss Street” (/ˈhɒlɪs/).
- Main landmark: John Lewis & Partners department store.
- Nearby attractions include Cavendish Square and Margaret Street.
- Property prices: Around £2,000 per sq ft as of July 2025.
- Nearest Underground stations: Oxford Circus and Bond Street.
- Nearby bus stops provide connections across central London.
- Holles Street has a history linked to retail innovation.
References
- Survey of London: Cavendish Square Area
- John Lewis Partnership History
- Rightmove UK Property Prices (Accessed July 2025)
Map of Holles Street, London
Painting of Holles Street
Painting of Holles Street
Page Details
This page was created on 18 July 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Moving to London?
New to London and need a place to live? Read our Renting A Flat Guide. This guide covers everything you need to know about renting a flat in London, from viewing to signing.Streets of London
Come, let's explore and discover the streets of London together! Listed here afre the Streets of London that I have documented. Dive in and discover!Map of Streets in London
View all the streets that I have documented on Google Maps in this Map of Streets in London.Want to share your London travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?
Join the London Travel Tips Facebook GroupMore information for visiting London
Here are some related articles to help you get to know London better.- Cost of Living in London: Discover the true cost of living in London, including housing, transport, groceries, and more - plus tips for budgeting in one of the world's most expensive cities.
- Driving in London: Planning to drive in London? Learn about roads, car rentals, parking, tolls, and key tips for tourists and visitors from outside the capital.
- Driving Tips for Visiting London: Thinking of driving to London? Discover the best times to travel, congestion tips, parking apps, breakdown help, and petrol advice for a smoother journey.
- Evolution of London's Streets: Discover the fascinating history of how London's streets developed from ancient footpaths to today's complex network of roads across the capital.
- History of Immigration to London: Discover the rich history of immigration to London, from Huguenots to Bangladeshis, and how diverse communities have shaped the city's vibrant identity.
- How Big Is London Compared to Other World Cities?
- How London's Streets Measure Up: A Global Comparison of Road Widths
- How Streets of London are Named: Discover how London streets get their names, who decides them, and how historic, political, and public influences shape street naming in the capital.
- How the Grosvenor Family Came to Own Much of Mayfair, Belgravia and Pimlico: Explore how the Grosvenor family came to own much of Mayfair, Belgravia, and Pimlico, and learn about their historical connection (or lack thereof) with the British royal family and government.
- Living and working in London
- London's Quiet Collapse: How Living Standards Fell as Costs Skyrockted (1975-2025): Explore how London residents endured rising costs and falling living standards from 1975 to 2025 - from rocketing rents to wage stagnation and inflation.
- Marvel of the London Underground: Discover the history, challenges, and triumphs of the London Underground - the world's first underground railway and a vital transport lifeline for the UK capital since 1863.
- Moving to London: Expat Tips for Settling in Westminster: Essential advice for expats moving to London's Westminster: neighborhood insights, cost of living, transportation, housing, healthcare, schools, and tips to help you feel at home in the heart of the city.
- Places in London that aren't pronounced the way they're spelled
- Shopping in London: Discover London's diverse shopping scene
- Taking the bus in London: This is your complete guide to taking the bus when in London.
- The Anglican Faith: A Visitor's Guide to the Church of England: Learn about the Anglican faith and its deep ties to London's landmarks like Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
- Top 10 London Streets Every Visitor Must See: Discover London through its most iconic thoroughfares - 10 streets every visitor must experience. From historic Abbey Road to vibrant Camden High Street, explore culture, shopping, and hidden gems.
- Why are most roads in Central London so narrow? Learn why there are so few multi-lane roads and elevated highways in the heart of the city.
