Long Acre, London
Long Acre is a prominent street in the West End of London, located within the City of Westminster. It stretches from the junction with Drury Lane and Great Queen Street in the northeast to a bustling six-way intersection where it meets Garrick Street, St Martin's Lane, Cranbourn Street, Great Newport Street, and Upper St Martin's Lane. Today, it is known for its blend of retail, commercial, and residential uses, as well as its proximity to theatres, Covent Garden, and other West End attractions.
Street Layout and Surroundings
Long Acre is an east–west thoroughfare that sits just north of Covent Garden. The eastern stretch near Drury Lane feels relatively calm and commercial, gradually becoming more vibrant as it approaches St Martin's Lane. The street itself is lined with a mix of modern buildings and heritage facades, housing everything from flagship retail stores and boutique fashion outlets to offices and residences above street level.
The area is pedestrian-friendly, with narrow pavements in some stretches and nearby pedestrianised zones, especially near the junctions closer to Leicester Square. Adjacent streets such as Neal Street, Endell Street, and Floral Street are popular with shoppers and visitors exploring Covent Garden.
Connecting Streets
- Arne Street
- Bow Street
- Cranbourn Street
- Drury Lane
- Endell Street
- Garrick Street
- Great Newport Street
- Great Queen Street
- Langley Street
- Mercer Street
- St Martin's Lane
- Upper St Martin's Lane
History of Long Acre
Long Acre has a rich history dating back to the early 17th century. It was laid out in 1612 following the acquisition of land from Westminster Abbey by John Russell, 1st Earl of Bedford. The street's name, Long Acre, is believed to have derived from the shape of a field or estate parcel that existed prior to its development—described as a "long acre" in traditional English land-measuring terms.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Long Acre became known for its coach-building trade, with numerous carriage makers operating on the street. This association lasted into the early 20th century, when the rise of the automobile led to car dealerships and showrooms replacing the older coachworks. Over time, Long Acre transitioned into a more retail- and office-oriented street, though hints of its industrial and commercial past remain visible in some surviving facades.
Points of Interest
While Long Acre itself is not home to major tourist sights, it sits at the heart of several key destinations:
- Covent Garden Market is just a short walk away to the south, offering shops, restaurants, and street performances.
- London Transport Museum is nearby, offering engaging exhibits about the city's transit history.
- The area is also close to the Noël Coward Theatre and St Martin's Theatre, both of which are popular with theatregoers.
- Street performers and pop-up markets are commonly found in adjacent pedestrianised areas, adding vibrancy to the neighbourhood.
Property and Real Estate
As of June 2025, residential properties along and just off Long Acre command premium prices, reflecting the street's central location and historic cachet. Modern flats in converted or mixed-use buildings typically range from 700 to 1,100 sq ft (65–102 sq metres). Prices for properties of this size are generally between £1.3 million and £2.1 million, depending on the building's amenities and views.
Rental prices in the area are equally steep, with one-bedroom flats averaging between £3,000 and £4,500 per month, and larger two-bedroom units fetching upwards of £6,000 monthly. These figures are significantly higher than the London average, though they are consistent with other premium addresses in the West End and Soho area.
Transport Connections
Nearest London Underground Stations
Long Acre is particularly well served by public transport. The closest London Underground Stations include:
- Leicester Square Station (Northern and Piccadilly lines) – located just to the west of Long Acre.
- Covent Garden Station (Piccadilly line) – situated on the south side of Long Acre, near James Street.
- Holborn Station (Central and Piccadilly lines) – approximately 7 minutes' walk to the northeast.
Bus Routes
Several Transport for London (TfL) bus routes serve nearby streets, including those along Drury Lane, Charing Cross Road, and Shaftesbury Avenue. Bus stops can be found on both ends of Long Acre, providing easy north–south and east–west access through central London.
Fun Fact
In 1906, Long Acre was the location of one of the city's first purpose-built motor car showrooms. A sign of the times, the street helped transition London from the age of horse-drawn carriages to the automobile era—cementing its role as a hub of transport innovation.
Quick Facts
- Location: West End, City of Westminster
- Connected Streets: Drury Lane, Great Queen Street, Garrick Street, St Martin's Lane, Cranbourn Street, Great Newport Street, Upper St Martin's Lane
- Historic Use: Coach-building, car showrooms
- Name Origin: Named after the shape of the land parcel ("long acre")
- Nearby Sights: Covent Garden Market, London Transport Museum, West End theatres
- Property Prices (2025): £1.3M–£2.1M for flats (700–1,100 sq ft / 65–102 sq m)
- Average Rent: £3,000–£6,000/month depending on size
- Nearest Tube Stations: Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Holborn
- Bus Access: Multiple routes via Drury Lane, Charing Cross Road
- Fun Fact: Home to one of London's earliest car showrooms in 1906
Map of Long Acre, London
Painting of Long Acre, London
Page Details
This page was created on 11 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.
