Newton Street, London
Newton Street is a modest yet historically significant thoroughfare in the City of Westminster, a central borough of London. This short street runs in a generally north–south direction, linking High Holborn in the north to Great Queen Street in the south. Despite its size, Newton Street is an integral part of the local urban network, providing access to key destinations in the West End and beyond.
Street Layout and Access
Newton Street is approximately 160 metres (525 feet) long and is segmented into two distinct one-way traffic sections. The dividing point is Parker Street, which intersects Newton Street roughly three-quarters of the way from its northern junction with High Holborn. From Parker Street:
- The northern section allows traffic to flow one-way towards High Holborn.
- The southern section flows one-way towards Great Queen Street.
However, motor vehicles are not permitted to enter Newton Street from Great Queen Street—this section is restricted to bicycles, preserving a quieter, more pedestrian-friendly environment near the southern end.
Surrounding Streets and Connectivity
Newton Street sits amid an intricate web of historic and modern streets. It lies just east of Drury Lane and runs parallel to the major arterial Kingsway. The nearby Long Acre and Great Queen Street are notable for their commercial activity and historic significance. The street’s location makes it an important corridor for pedestrian movement between the entertainment-rich West End and the quieter legal and academic quarters to the east.
History of Newton Street
Newton Street is believed to have been laid out during the Georgian or early Victorian era, likely in the late 18th or early 19th century. Though its precise date of construction is difficult to pinpoint, it formed part of the broader urban expansion occurring in the Holborn and Covent Garden areas during that period. The area’s development was spurred by proximity to the legal district around Lincoln’s Inn and the theatrical scenes around Drury Lane.
Origin of the Name
The name "Newton Street" most likely honours an individual or family named Newton, a common naming convention during that era. However, there is no definitive record of whom the street was named after. The name is pronounced NEW-tuhn, rendered phonetically as /ˈnjuːtən/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
Attractions and Nearby Points of Interest
While Newton Street itself is largely residential and subdued, several cultural and architectural landmarks are located within walking distance:
- Freemasons’ Hall – A Grade II* listed Art Deco building located on Great Queen Street, serving as the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England.
- Lincoln’s Inn Fields – The largest public square in London, just a short stroll east of Newton Street, ideal for quiet walks and historical exploration.
- Drury Lane Theatre – One of the West End’s oldest theatres, famed for musicals and dramatic performances.
The street is also close to major shopping areas like Covent Garden and cultural destinations such as the British Museum.
Transport and Accessibility
London Underground Stations
Newton Street is conveniently located within reach of several key London Underground stations:
- Holborn Station (served by the Central and Piccadilly lines)
- Covent Garden Station (Piccadilly line)
- Chancery Lane Station (Central line)
- Tottenham Court Road Station (Central and Northern lines, and the Elizabeth line)
Bus Services
Several Transport for London (TfL) bus routes stop on nearby Kingsway and High Holborn. These routes offer direct connections to the City, Bloomsbury, and the West End.
Real Estate Overview
Newton Street features a mix of older Georgian and Victorian buildings, many of which have been converted into flats and boutique offices. As of mid-2025, the average sale price for a one-bedroom flat on or near Newton Street is around £675,000, with two-bedroom flats typically ranging from £950,000 to £1.2 million. Rental rates average £2,700 per month for a one-bedroom unit and around £3,800 per month for a two-bedroom property.
Property sizes vary, with most residences ranging between 500 to 900 square feet (approximately 46 to 84 square metres), making them ideal for professionals or couples working in central London. Compared to other streets in the West End, Newton Street’s residential offerings are relatively affordable, though prices remain high by Greater London standards.
Fun Fact
Though not widely known, Newton Street once bordered the now-lost Clare Market area, a once-bustling 17th-century bazaar cleared during the development of Kingsway in the early 20th century. The name "Clare Market" still appears in some historical documents and can be seen in plaques in nearby streets.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, central London
- Route: Connects High Holborn (north) to Great Queen Street (south)
- Traffic: One-way sections, with bicycle-only entry from the south
- Nearby Streets: Parker Street, Drury Lane, Kingsway
- Nearby Attractions: Freemasons’ Hall, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Drury Lane Theatre
- Pronunciation: NEW-tuhn (/ˈnjuːtən/)
- Underground Stations: Holborn, Covent Garden, Chancery Lane, Tottenham Court Road
- Bus Stops: Located nearby on Kingsway and High Holborn
- Property Prices (2025): ~£675,000 for 1-bed, £950,000+ for 2-bed
- Fun Fact: Once bordered Clare Market, a historic London bazaar
Map of Newton Street, London
Painting of Newton Street, London