Howick Place, London
Modern elegance in historic Westminster - Howick Place links Thirleby Road and Artillery Row with a unique mix of residences, offices, and fashion hubs.
Howick Place is located in the heart of the City of Westminster, just a short walk from Victoria Station. The street stretches between Thirleby Road on its western end and Artillery Row on the eastern side, with a T-junction connecting it southwards to Francis Street.
It lies within a largely pedestrian-friendly area filled with modern developments and proximity to key landmarks such as Westminster Cathedral and the Victoria Palace Theatre.
How Long is Howick Place?
Howick Place is relatively short, measuring approximately 110 metres (360 feet) in length. Despite its modest size, it plays an important role in connecting several busy streets and pedestrian pathways in Westminster's vibrant Victoria district.
History of Howick Place
Howick Place is part of a network of Victorian-era streets that were extensively redeveloped in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Originally laid out in the mid-1800s, it evolved alongside the development of Victoria Station and surrounding estates.
During the post-war period, many of the older buildings in the area were demolished or repurposed to accommodate office blocks. The area underwent a significant transformation in the early 2000s, introducing mixed-use developments that now characterise the street.
Origin of the Name
Howick Place is named after the Earl Grey family, specifically Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, whose family seat was in Howick Hall, Northumberland. Earl Grey served as Prime Minister of the UK from 1830 to 1834 and is remembered for the 1832 Reform Act and the tea that bears his name.
The street likely received its name during the Victorian era, reflecting the tradition of naming streets in the Westminster area after prominent aristocratic families and political figures of the 19th century.
Character of the Road
Howick Place has a distinctly modern and refined character. It features sleek glass-fronted office buildings, high-end residential flats, and notable fashion and creative industry headquarters.
The street is mostly pedestrian-friendly and exudes a calm, orderly atmosphere compared to the more hectic nearby roads like Victoria Street. There’s a quiet elegance to the architecture, marked by modern design with occasional preserved period façades.
Property and Real Estate Prices
As of May 2025, property prices in Howick Place reflect its central location and contemporary development. One-bedroom apartments here typically range between £1.1 million to £1.4 million, with unit sizes averaging around 750 sq ft (70 sq m).
Larger two-bedroom flats in Howick House or the nearby Westminster Green development often exceed £2 million and offer around 1,200 sq ft (111 sq m) of living space.
These values are above the average London property price (currently around £730,000), reflecting Westminster’s enduring desirability and Howick Place’s mix of luxury and convenience.
Nearest London Underground Stations
Howick Place is well-connected to the London Underground:
- Victoria Station (serving the Victoria, District, and Circle lines) is the nearest and lies just a 3-minute walk to the southeast.
- St. James’s Park Station (District and Circle lines) is about 8 minutes away on foot to the northeast.
These stations provide quick access to the West End, the City, and beyond, making Howick Place especially convenient for commuters and visitors alike.
Nearby Bus Stops and Services
The closest bus stops are located along Victoria Street, less than 150 metres from Howick Place. Key stops include “Westminster Cathedral” and “Victoria Station”.
- Buses serving these stops include: 11, 24, 148, 211, C1, C10.
These services offer excellent connectivity to key destinations such as Oxford Street, Parliament Square, Camden Town, Chelsea, and South Kensington.
Fun Fact About Howick Place
One of Howick Place’s most interesting features is that it’s home to Christopher Kane — the celebrated fashion designer — who headquartered his brand here. For several years, this street has attracted the creative industries, and it’s not unusual to spot industry insiders heading to nearby events or showrooms.
Also notable is the proximity to the former headquarters of New Scotland Yard, just a stone’s throw away, and the historic Westminster Cathedral, whose campanile can be seen rising above the streetline.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, Central London
- Connects: Thirleby Road (west) to Artillery Row (east), with T-junction to Francis Street
- Length: Approx. 110 metres (360 feet)
- History: Victorian origins; major modern redevelopment in early 2000s
- Name Origin: Named after Howick Hall, seat of Earl Grey (Prime Minister 1830–1834)
- Character: Modern, mixed-use; stylish offices and luxury residences
- Average Property Prices (May 2025): 1-bed from £1.1M; 2-bed up to £2M+
- Nearest Underground Stations: Victoria (Victoria, District, Circle), St. James’s Park
- Nearest Bus Stops: Westminster Cathedral, Victoria Station
- Buses: 11, 24, 148, 211, C1, C10
- Notable Fact: Former home of Christopher Kane's fashion HQ
Map of Howick Place, London
Painting of Howick Place, London (View image in full size)