Kingsway, London
Kingsway is a major north-south thoroughfare in the City of Westminster, London, running from the junction of High Holborn and Southampton Row in the north to Aldwych in the south. This wide, formal boulevard stands as one of the grandest streets in central London, forming a key arterial route through the heart of the West End.
Street Overview and Surroundings
Kingsway is notable for its broad carriageways, separated central median, and prominent institutional buildings. The street spans approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) and is flanked by streets such as Kemble Street, Wild Street, Remnant Street, and Sardinia Street. It serves as a key connector between north and south, easing vehicular movement between Holborn and the Thames-side districts.
To the northeast lies Holborn Station, one of the area’s primary London Underground Stations, while Aldwych and Temple Station mark its southern proximity to the River Thames and the Embankment. Notable nearby streets also include Drury Lane and Long Acre.
History of Kingsway
Kingsway was built in the early 20th century as part of a major slum clearance and urban renewal project undertaken by the London County Council (LCC). The street officially opened in 1905, designed to improve north-south traffic flow through central London and modernise an area that had previously been a dense warren of alleys and courts.
This bold Edwardian intervention also included the construction of Aldwych and several surrounding government and commercial buildings. Beneath Kingsway, the LCC constructed the Kingsway Tram Subway, which was one of London’s earliest underground tram tunnels. Though trams no longer run, the tunnel’s entrance remains visible near Southampton Row.
Origin and Pronunciation of the Name
The name Kingsway was chosen to honour King Edward VII, under whose reign the project was completed. It reflects the street’s grandeur and importance. The word is pronounced as KINGZ-way, phonetically transcribed as /ˈkɪŋz.weɪ/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
Connecting Streets
- Aldwych
- Great Queen Street
- High Holborn
- Keeley Street
- Kemble Street
- Parker Street
- Portugal Street
- Remnant Street
- Sardinia Street
- Wild Court
Notable Landmarks and Attractions
- Bush House – Former headquarters of the BBC World Service, now part of King's College London.
- Peacock Theatre – A prominent performing arts venue operated by Sadler’s Wells.
- London School of Economics (LSE) – Just a short walk to the southeast, LSE maintains several buildings near Kingsway.
- Lincoln's Inn Fields – London’s largest public square, a peaceful green space located to the east of Kingsway.
Real Estate on Kingsway
As of mid-2025, residential properties on and around Kingsway are both rare and expensive, given the area’s commercial character. When available, flats typically range from 600–1,200 sq ft (56–111 sq metres). Prices hover around £1.3–2.1 million for two-bedroom units, depending on condition and building amenities.
Rental rates for similar properties range from £3,800 to £6,000 per month. This places Kingsway in the higher tier of central London property prices, comparable to other West End districts.
Transport and Accessibility
Nearest London Underground Stations
- Holborn Station – Served by the Central and Piccadilly lines, located at the northern end of Kingsway.
- Temple Station – A 10-minute walk to the south, on the District and Circle lines.
- Chancery Lane Station – Also accessible, located to the northeast on the Central line.
Bus Stops
Numerous bus stops line both sides of Kingsway, offering routes northbound to Euston and southbound towards Waterloo and the Embankment. Key routes include the 1, 59, 68, 91, 168, and 188, all of which provide regular services throughout the day and evening.
Fun Fact
The Kingsway Tram Subway, built beneath the road in the early 1900s, was one of the first of its kind in London. Though no longer in use, the southern entrance is still visible near the Aldwych end of the street. In recent years, the tunnel has been used for film shoots and training exercises, adding a hidden layer of intrigue beneath the surface of this busy boulevard.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Connects: Southampton Row and High Holborn to Aldwych
- Pronunciation: KINGZ-way (/ˈkɪŋz.weɪ/)
- First Built: Opened in 1905 as part of LCC urban renewal
- Named After: King Edward VII
- Nearest Tube Stations: Holborn, Temple, Chancery Lane
- Nearby Attractions: Bush House, Peacock Theatre, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, LSE
- Residential Prices (2025): £1.3M–£2.1M for flats of 600–1,200 sq ft
- Rental Rates: £3,800–£6,000/month for similar properties
- Fun Fact: Kingsway has a disused underground tram tunnel beneath it
References
- Survey of London: Holborn, Kingsway and Aldwych (British History Online)
- King's College London - Bush House Campus
- Rightmove: Properties for Sale on Kingsway
- London Transport Museum - Kingsway Tram Subway
Map of Kingsway, London
Painting of Kingsway, London