Little St James's Street, London
Little St James's Street is a short and quietly dignified street nestled in the heart of St James's, one of London's most exclusive and historically rich neighbourhoods. Connecting St James's Street to the north and Cleveland Row to the south, this minor thoroughfare carries a discreet but significant presence amidst the grandeur of surrounding buildings and royal institutions.
Location and Layout
The street stretches for approximately 170 metres (roughly 557 feet), comprising two segments that form an inverted "L". At the corner of the two branches is the junction to Catherine Wheel Yard. Vehicular traffic is permitted to travel in a one-way southbound flow—from St James’s Street down to Cleveland Row. The road is relatively narrow, lined by a combination of historic brick façades and modernised residential and office premises, preserving a quiet elegance in keeping with the district’s character.
History and Etymology
Little St James’s Street dates back to the early 18th century, having evolved as part of the residential and commercial development that surrounded the royal precincts of St James’s Palace. The naming of the street reflects its geographic relationship to St James's Street—it was once considered a minor or ‘little’ extension of that main route. The name is pronounced ‘Little Saint James’s Street’, phonetically rendered as /ˈlɪtəl sənt ˈdʒeɪmzɪz striːt/ 
in the International Phonetic Alphabet.
Character and Atmosphere
This street retains the private, club-like feel that characterises much of the St James’s area. The surrounding architecture is an elegant mix of Georgian and post-war reconstructions, many of which are now used as high-end offices or discreet diplomatic premises. Despite its central location, Little St James’s Street remains a low-traffic, low-noise environment, which contributes to its refined, almost hidden character.
Points of Interest Nearby
While Little St James’s Street itself has few tourist attractions, its proximity to notable sites makes it a superb starting point for exploration. Within a few minutes’ walk, visitors can enjoy:
- St James’s Palace – A functioning royal palace and one of the oldest in London.
- Green Park – A Royal Park offering open green space and scenic walks.
- The Royal Society of St George – A patriotic society based nearby, adding to the street’s cultural fabric.
- Clarence House – Official residence of senior members of the royal family, just around the corner.
Property and Real Estate
Property along Little St James’s Street is rare and high-value. As of May 2025, residential property prices in this area typically exceed £3,500 per square foot (approx. £37,700 per sq metre), significantly above the London average of around £800 per square foot. Properties tend to be substantial, often ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 square feet (approx. 111–186 sq metres), though some modern conversions offer more compact flats.
Much of the street comprises freehold townhouses and mixed-use buildings, with a blend of diplomatic offices and high-end private residences. The exclusivity of this enclave keeps demand high and availability low.
Transport Links
Nearest London Underground Stations
- Green Park Station – Served by the Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines, just a 5-minute walk away.
- St James’s Park Station – Served by the District and Circle lines, roughly 10 minutes on foot.
Nearby Bus Stops
- Pall Mall (Stop S) – Serving routes such as the 9, 14, and 22, located approximately 200 metres away.
- Piccadilly (Stop H) – Accessible via Green Park and offering an array of central London routes.
Fun Fact
Little St James’s Street has a literary footnote: it has been featured as a discreet address for fictional clubs and embassies in various spy novels, thanks to its tucked-away yet elite position. Its real-life tranquillity makes it a natural choice for authors seeking a plausible, refined locale for espionage and diplomacy.
Quick Facts
- Location: St James’s, City of Westminster
- Length: Approx. 120 metres (400 feet)
- Traffic Direction: One-way southbound
- Pronunciation: 'Little Saint James’s Street' (/ˈlɪtəl sənt ˈdʒeɪmzɪz striːt/)
- Established: Early 18th century
- Nearby Sights: St James’s Palace, Green Park, Clarence House
- Real Estate: ~£3,500 per sq ft (as of May 2025)
- Property Size: 1,200–2,000 sq ft (111–186 sq m)
- Nearest Tube: Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria), St James's Park (District, Circle)
- Nearby Bus Stops: Pall Mall (Stop S), Piccadilly (Stop H)
- Fun Fact: Appears in spy novels as a fictional embassy location
Map of Little St James's Street, London
Painting of Little St James's Street, London (View image in full size)
