Noel Street, London
Noel Street is a small yet vibrant street located in the heart of Soho, in the London West End. It extends from Wardour Street in the east to Poland Street and Great Marlborough Street in the west, and offers an intriguing mix of old-world charm and contemporary appeal.
Overview and Layout
Noel Street is a one-way street between Wardour Street and Berwick Street, with westbound traffic. From Berwick Street westward to Poland Street and Great Marlborough Street, it becomes a two-way street. Though modest in length, Noel Street serves as an important link in Soho's street grid, threading through an area rich in entertainment, dining, and creative industries.
Bordered by notable streets and lanes, Noel Street is surrounded by an energetic atmosphere, with Wardour Street and Poland Street forming important axes of movement and commerce in this district.
History of Noel Street
Noel Street first appeared on maps during the late 17th century, as the area of Soho developed into a fashionable residential district following the Great Fire of 1666. The name “Noel” likely derives from a prominent landowning family or possibly commemorates an individual, but the exact origin remains uncertain. The pronunciation follows typical English rules: ‘Noel' is pronounced as NOH-əl /ˈnəʊ.əl/.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, Noel Street had transitioned from residential use to commercial and industrial purposes, including workshops and print houses. Today, many of the buildings reflect 19th-century architecture, with mixed-use developments housing offices, residences, and retail spaces.
Street Character and Attractions
Noel Street offers a uniquely Soho experience. The buildings on the street are mostly low-rise, with red-brick facades, refurbished Georgian and Victorian architecture, and occasional modern infill developments. Ground floors often house creative agencies, boutique shops, and cafes, while upper floors are either office spaces or small apartments.
Within walking distance are some of London's most notable landmarks including:
- Oxford Street – One of Europe's busiest shopping streets, just a short walk to the north.
- Carnaby Street – A historic fashion and lifestyle destination.
- Soho Square – A tranquil garden square located just southeast of Noel Street.
- Liberty London – An iconic department store situated nearby on Great Marlborough Street.
Street art is another defining feature of Noel Street, often reflecting the creative pulse of Soho and contributing to its visual interest and cultural vibrancy.
Real Estate and Property Market
As of July 2025, property on Noel Street commands a premium due to its prime central location in London. Residential flats in the area typically range between 500 and 1,000 square feet (46–93 sq metres). A 650 sq ft (60 sq metre) apartment may fetch around £1.1 million for sale or rent for approximately £3,500 per month1.
Commercial rents in Noel Street are also relatively high, especially for street-level retail units, which benefit from both local foot traffic and proximity to Oxford Street. Prices remain competitive with nearby streets like Wardour and Poland Street, reflecting a strong demand for limited space in Soho.
Public Transport Connections
Noel Street is conveniently located near several London Underground Stations, making it easily accessible by public transport:
- Oxford Circus Station – Serviced by the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines (approximately 5 minutes' walk north).
- Tottenham Court Road Station – Serving the Central, Northern, and Elizabeth lines (about 7 minutes' walk east).
- Piccadilly Circus Station – Served by the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines (10 minutes' walk south).
Several Transport for London (TfL) bus routes stop nearby along Oxford Street and Regent Street, offering connections to destinations across the capital. There are bus stops along Great Marlborough Street and Oxford Street just a few minutes' walk away.
Interesting Fact
Noel Street once hosted part of the historic Berwick Street Market's periphery during the mid-20th century. Although not a market street itself today, it maintains the character of Soho's commercial past through its eclectic businesses and independent establishments.
Quick Facts
- Location: Soho, City of Westminster, London
- Length: Approximately 200 metres
- Traffic Flow: One-way from Wardour Street to Berwick Street; two-way from Berwick Street to Poland Street and Great Marlborough Street
- Nearest Underground Stations: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Piccadilly Circus
- Underground Lines: Bakerloo, Central, Victoria, Northern, Piccadilly, Elizabeth
- Nearby Attractions: Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Soho Square, Liberty London
- Average Property Prices (2025): £1.1M for 650 sq ft (60 sq m) flats
- Monthly Rent: Approximately £3,500 for 650 sq ft (60 sq m) flats
- Pronunciation: NOH-əl /ˈnəʊ.əl/
- Character: Mixed-use, boutique retail, creative agencies
References
Map of Noel Street, London
Painting of Noel Street
Painting of Noel Street
Page Details
This page was created on 7 July 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?
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