King's Road, London
King’s Road is a major street in the affluent district of Chelsea in West London, located within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
It runs in a west-southwest direction from Sloane Square at the eastern end to Waterford Road and New King’s Road near Fulham at the western end. Although often associated with Chelsea, its westernmost stretch also touches parts of Fulham in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.
This vibrant road is a celebrated destination for locals and tourists alike, famed for its chic style and creative atmosphere.
How Long is King’s Road?
King’s Road is approximately 2 miles long, or about 3.2 kilometres, stretching from the boundary of Belgravia and Chelsea at Sloane Square to the edge of Fulham, where it merges with New King’s Road.
A Royal History: When and Why King’s Road Was Built
King’s Road dates back to the 17th century, when it was originally constructed as a private route for King Charles II. The road served as the royal carriageway linking the Palace of Whitehall to Hampton Court Palace.
At that time, the route was not open to the general public, and travel along it required a special permit from the monarch. This private usage continued until the mid-19th century when the road was eventually opened to all.
The name "King's Road" reflects its historic association with royal authority and exclusivity. Though no longer under royal ownership, the street still carries that regal air to this day.
Character of the Road: Shopping, Culture, and Style
King’s Road is now one of London’s most fashionable streets, known for its distinctive blend of high-end retail, bohemian charm, and historical character.
As a shopping destination, it offers an elegant mix of:
- Designer boutiques – including international labels and local fashion houses
- Homeware and interiors – with upscale furnishings and design stores
- Independent retailers – often showcasing handmade and artisanal goods
- Cafés, bakeries, and restaurants – from trendy brunch spots to gourmet establishments
The heart of the shopping action lies between Sloane Square and World’s End. This stretch is where the street truly comes alive, lined with elegant shopfronts, art galleries, and leafy side streets filled with period architecture.
King's Road was also a centre of the 1960s counterculture and later the 1970s punk movement, with iconic boutiques like Mary Quant's "Bazaar" and Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood’s "SEX" store defining fashion history from this very road.
Property Prices on King’s Road
As of 2024, real estate prices on King’s Road remain among the highest in London. The average property value is around £1,900 per square foot, or roughly £20,451 per square metre.
Properties here include a mix of Georgian and Victorian terraced houses, luxury flats, and purpose-built modern residences. A one-bedroom flat might be approximately 600 sq ft (56 sq m) and priced near £1.1 million, while larger townhouses exceeding 2,000 sq ft (186 sq m) can fetch well over £5 million.
The high value reflects both the prestige of the Chelsea postcode and the cultural cachet of King's Road itself.
Nearest London Underground Stations
King’s Road is not directly served by a Tube station along its entire length, but there are convenient Underground stations nearby at either end of the street:
- Sloane Square Station – Located at the eastern end, on the District and Circle lines. This is the most commonly used station for visitors to King's Road.
- Fulham Broadway Station – Located to the west, also on the District line, suitable for reaching the western end of the street near World’s End.
Additionally, numerous bus routes run along King’s Road, making it easily accessible from central London and the surrounding boroughs.
Fun Facts About King’s Road
King’s Road played a central role in defining London’s cultural identity during the 1960s and 70s. It was the birthplace of the mod fashion movement, and later became synonymous with punk culture.
British designer Mary Quant, who helped popularise the miniskirt, opened her iconic boutique "Bazaar" here in 1955. In the 1970s, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren opened the store "SEX" at 430 King’s Road, launching a fashion revolution that would influence the punk movement across the world.
Today, King's Road retains this creative spirit with many independent fashion brands, design-led retailers, and trendsetting pop-up stores.
A Walk Down King’s Road Today
Walking along King’s Road is a visual treat. You'll pass historic churches, leafy residential streets, and charming mews. The area is full of elegant architecture, from white stucco terraces to red-brick Victorian mansion blocks.
Popular stops include:
- Saatchi Gallery – A contemporary art museum near Sloane Square
- Duke of York Square – A lively open-air shopping and dining area
- Bluebird Chelsea – A restaurant, café, and lifestyle store in a converted Art Deco garage
Street markets, boutique cinemas, and seasonal events add to the road’s vibrant social life.
Conclusion: Why King’s Road is Worth Visiting
Whether you're in search of a high-end shopping spree, a stylish lunch spot, or a walk through fashion history, King’s Road offers an experience that blends London’s regal past with its ever-evolving creative future.
Its unique charm, accessibility, and cultural legacy make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the city — and a prized address for those lucky enough to call it home.
Quick Facts
- Location: Chelsea, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, SW3/SW10
- Length: Approximately 2 miles (3.2 km)
- Built: 17th century, originally a private royal route
- Named: After King Charles II in the 17th century
- Character: Trendy shopping street with boutiques, cafés, galleries
- Shops concentrated: Between Sloane Square and World’s End
- Average property price (2024): £1,900 per sq ft (£20,451 per sq m)
- Nearest tube stations: Sloane Square (District & Circle), Fulham Broadway (District)
- Fun fact: A hub of London’s 1960s counterculture and fashion scene
Map of King's Road, London
Square painting of King's Road, London (View image in full size)