North Row, London
North Row is a relatively short but historically significant one-way street in the City of Westminster, located just south of Oxford Street within the upscale district of Mayfair. Running east to west, it connects Park Lane in the west with Balderton Street in the east, serving as a quieter parallel route to the bustling Oxford Street just to its north.
Overview and Surroundings
North Row is lined with a mix of modern commercial buildings, hotels, residential flats, and offices. Despite being located just steps away from the traffic-heavy Oxford Street, the street maintains a calm and orderly atmosphere thanks to its one-way layout and limited retail frontage. The architecture along North Row is predominantly mid-to-late 20th-century, though some older façades are retained in parts.
To the south, North Row runs parallel with Oxford Street, with direct pedestrian cut-throughs like North Audley Street and Balderton Street offering access. To the west, the street is bordered by the expansive green spaces of Hyde Park and the luxury hotels and apartment buildings facing Park Lane.
Historical Background
The name North Row dates back to at least the early 18th century, when the street was originally laid out as the northernmost boundary of the Grosvenor Estate’s initial developments in Mayfair. The name simply reflects its position as a “row” of buildings on the northern edge of the then-newly developed Mayfair area. It was once lined with elegant Georgian townhouses, several of which survived well into the 20th century before being replaced or redeveloped.
North Row’s strategic position near the edge of Hyde Park and Park Lane gave it a prominent location throughout the Victorian and Edwardian eras, although it gradually became more commercial in use through the 20th century.
Points of Interest and Attractions Nearby
Although North Row itself is not known for major attractions, its surroundings are packed with notable sights. Within walking distance are:
- Hyde Park – One of London’s most iconic green spaces, just steps away across Park Lane.
- Grosvenor Square – A historic square in Mayfair, a short walk northeast via Duke Street or Park Street.
- Selfridges – The world-famous department store is located a few blocks southeast on Oxford Street.
- The Dorchester Hotel – A landmark hotel on Park Lane, only minutes away from the west end of North Row.
There are also several elegant private residences and discreet embassies in the surrounding streets, as well as upscale boutiques and restaurants serving affluent locals and visitors.
Property and Real Estate
Real estate on North Row primarily consists of a mixture of premium flats and commercial units. As of May 2025, prices for residential flats average around £2,400 per square foot (approx. £25,833 per sq metre), placing the street well above the London average but slightly below the most expensive corners of Mayfair such as Mount Street or Grosvenor Square.
Typical properties range from 850 sq ft (79 sq m) one-bedroom apartments to 2,000 sq ft (186 sq m) two- and three-bedroom flats in newly refurbished blocks. Commercial leases are also active along the street, especially on the ground floor of larger buildings.
Transport and Accessibility
Underground Stations
The nearest London Underground stations to North Row are:
- Marble Arch Station (Central Line) – located at the western end of Oxford Street, just a 3-minute walk from North Row.
- Bond Street Station (Central and Jubilee Lines) – around 7 minutes' walk to the east, via Oxford Street or North Audley Street.
These stations provide fast access to central and outer areas of the city, making North Row highly accessible by public transport.
Bus Connections
Numerous bus routes pass nearby on Oxford Street and Park Lane, including:
- Routes 7, 10, 98, and 390 on Oxford Street
- Routes 2, 16, 36, and 148 on Park Lane
Several bus stops are located within a 2–3 minute walk from the street, allowing convenient daytime and nighttime service across London.
Fun Fact
Although not widely known, North Row was once home to several grand 18th-century residences that housed diplomats and aristocrats. One of the houses was later converted into the staff quarters of a nearby Mayfair club, reflecting the gradual shift in the area's use and class profile. The street also features in Victorian directories as a fashionable address of the time.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, Mayfair, London
- Type: One-way street running west to east
- Endpoints: Connects Park Lane (west) to Park Street (east)
- Nearest Underground Stations: Marble Arch (Central Line), Bond Street (Central & Jubilee Lines)
- Nearby Bus Routes: 2, 7, 10, 16, 36, 98, 148, 390
- Nearby Sights: Hyde Park, Selfridges, Grosvenor Square, The Dorchester Hotel
- Property Prices (May 2025): Approx. £2,400 per sq ft (£25,833 per sq m)
- Typical Property Size: 850–2,000 sq ft (79–186 sq m)
- Historical Era: Established in the 18th century
- Street Character: Mix of residential flats and commercial buildings
Map of North Row, London
Painting of North Row, London