Kemble Street, London
Kemble Street is a short yet significant street in the City of Westminster, nestled in the heart of London's West End. It runs southwest from Kingsway, a major arterial route, and meets the junction of Drury Lane and Russell Street, placing it at the edge of the bustling Covent Garden district.
Overview and Surroundings
Today, Kemble Street is a one-way street with modest pedestrian and vehicular traffic, reflecting a quieter atmosphere compared to nearby thoroughfares. It spans approximately 130 metres, bordered by a mix of mid-rise office buildings, cultural venues, and small businesses. Though not particularly long, the street's location makes it a connecting corridor between major streets of cultural and historical relevance.
The surrounding area is teeming with prominent theatres, shops, restaurants, and historic architecture. On its northeast end, Kemble Street connects directly to Kingsway, a grand Edwardian avenue. On the southwest end, it joins Drury Lane and Russell Street, placing it in close proximity to the Royal Opera House and Covent Garden Piazza.
Origin of the Name
The street is named after the famed 18th-century English actor-manager John Philip Kemble (1757–1823), a leading figure in British theatre. The naming commemorates his contributions to the dramatic arts, particularly at nearby Drury Lane Theatre. The name “Kemble” is pronounced KEM-bəl and transcribed in the International Phonetic Alphabet as /ˈkɛm.bəl/.
History and Development
Kemble Street was laid out in the 19th century as part of efforts to modernise the area around Kingsway and Holborn. The street appeared on maps from the late Victorian period and gained its current name in the early 20th century during the reconfiguration of surrounding streets under the London County Council's urban planning schemes. Originally part of a warren of narrow lanes, Kemble Street's creation provided a more orderly connection between Kingsway and Covent Garden.
Attractions and Landmarks Nearby
While Kemble Street itself is mostly occupied by office spaces and is relatively understated, it benefits from close access to several major sights within walking distance:
- Royal Opera House – One of the world's leading opera venues, located just off Russell Street.
- London Transport Museum – A popular attraction showcasing the city's transport history.
- Drury Lane Theatres – Including the Gillian Lynne Theatre and Theatre Royal Drury Lane, both within a few minutes' walk.
- Covent Garden Market – A hub for shopping, dining, and street performances.
The street's understated character makes it a convenient shortcut for those familiar with the area, connecting two dynamic zones of the West End.
Transport Links
Nearest London Underground Stations
Kemble Street is within easy walking distance of three major London Underground stations:
- Covent Garden Station – on the Piccadilly line, about a 5-minute walk away.
- Holborn Station – serving both the Piccadilly and Central lines, about 7 minutes on foot.
- Temple Station – on the District and Circle lines, approximately 10 minutes by foot.
Bus Services
Nearby bus stops along Kingsway and Aldwych are well served by Transport for London (TfL) routes including 1, 59, 68, 91, 168, and 188. These routes offer connections to major destinations such as Waterloo, Oxford Street, Euston, and the City of London.
Real Estate and Property Market
Kemble Street is primarily commercial in character, with a limited number of residential flats located above office or retail units. These properties tend to be compact, with one-bedroom flats typically ranging from 450 to 600 sq ft (42–56 sq m). As of May 2025, the average sale price for such flats is around £950,000–£1.2 million, depending on amenities and interior upgrades.
Rental prices for similar properties range from £2,500 to £3,500 per month. This is in line with prime central London values, though slightly below the most exclusive areas like Mayfair or Knightsbridge. The area's desirability is bolstered by its excellent transport links and cultural attractions.
Fun Fact
Although John Philip Kemble is honoured with the street's name, his sister, the renowned actress Sarah Siddons, is commemorated nearby with a statue on Paddington Green—one of the few statues of actresses in London.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, West End, London
- Connects: Kingsway (northeast) to Drury Lane and Russell Street (southwest)
- Named After: John Philip Kemble, 18th-century actor
- Pronunciation: KEM-bəl /ˈkɛm.bəl/
- Nearby Attractions: Royal Opera House, London Transport Museum, Drury Lane Theatres
- Nearest Tube Stations: Covent Garden (Piccadilly), Holborn (Central, Piccadilly), Temple (District, Circle)
- Bus Services: Routes 1, 59, 68, 91, 168, 188 along Kingsway and Aldwych
- Property Prices (2025): Flats average £950,000–£1.2M; Rentals £2,500–£3,500/month
- Property Size: 450–600 sq ft (42–56 sq m)
- Character: Commercial with mixed-use; quiet street in a busy district
Map of Kemble Street, London
Painting of Kemble Street, London
Page Details
This page was created on 14 June 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.
