Old Burlington Street, London
Old Burlington Street is a short but historically significant road situated in the heart of London’s prestigious Mayfair district, within the City of Westminster. Connecting Boyle Street in the northwest to Burlington Gardens in the southeast, this elegant street exudes a quiet charm and refined character, reflective of its Georgian origins.
Location and Layout
Old Burlington Street runs approximately 250 metres (820 feet) in length. It begins at Boyle Street near the rear of the Royal Academy of Arts and descends gently southeast until it meets Burlington Gardens, just a stone’s throw from the bustle of Regent Street. It is intersected midway by Clifford Street.
Traffic along Old Burlington Street flows in a southbound one-way direction from Clifford Street to Burlington Gardens. North of Clifford Street, it permits two-way access. The road’s traffic-calming features and discreet signage help preserve its serene residential and commercial character.
History and Etymology
Old Burlington Street was laid out in the early 18th century, around the 1720s, as part of the grand development of Mayfair. Its name is derived from the adjacent Burlington House, once the residence of the Earls of Burlington. Burlington House still stands nearby and now houses the Royal Academy of Arts.
The street’s name is pronounced BUR-ling-ton, with the phonetic spelling being /ˈbɜː.lɪŋ.tən/.
The use of "Old" in the street name distinguishes it from the nearby New Burlington Street, which was constructed later in the 1730s.
Character and Atmosphere
Old Burlington Street possesses a tranquil elegance typical of Mayfair side streets. While it may lack the grand façades of neighbouring Savile Row or the retail glamour of Bond Street, it offers a sense of exclusivity with its historic buildings, private clubs, and discrete luxury offices. The architecture largely retains its Georgian and early Victorian character, punctuated by refined red-brick terraces and sash windows.
Notable Buildings and Nearby Attractions
Among the key sights and points of interest:
- Burlington House – A few steps southeast of the street, housing the Royal Academy of Arts and five learned societies.
- Clifford Street – Intersects Old Burlington Street and features art galleries and bespoke tailoring establishments.
- Savile Row – Just around the corner, world-renowned for its traditional men’s bespoke tailoring.
- Royal Institution of Great Britain – Located nearby on Albemarle Street.
- New Bond Street – Home to luxury fashion boutiques and art dealers.
Real Estate
Old Burlington Street is located within one of the most exclusive real estate pockets in central London. Property here is extremely limited, with a mixture of converted Georgian townhouses, private offices, and boutique residences.
As of 2025, residential property prices in this area average £2,300–£2,800 per square foot (£24,750–£30,140 per square metre), significantly higher than the London average. Typical residences on the street range from around 1,200 sq ft to 2,500 sq ft (111–232 sq m), although bespoke developments may offer larger penthouse arrangements.
Rental rates for office space are also premium, averaging £110–£150 per square foot annually, reflecting the area’s proximity to the West End business and luxury retail corridors.
Transport Connections
Nearest Underground Stations
- Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines) – Approx. 6-minute walk
- Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines) – Approx. 9-minute walk
- Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines) – Approx. 10-minute walk
Nearby Bus Routes
Bus stops are easily accessible on Regent Street and Piccadilly. Routes serving these roads include:
- Bus 6, 13, 23, 88, 94, 139, 159, and 453 on Regent Street
- Bus 9, 14, 19, 22, and 38 on Piccadilly
Fun Fact
Old Burlington Street once hosted the famous Burlington Coffee House in the 18th century, a gathering place for writers, scientists, and members of London’s intellectual elite. This coffeehouse culture contributed to Mayfair’s reputation as a hub of Enlightenment thought and artistic exchange during that era.
Quick Facts
- Location: Mayfair, City of Westminster, London
- Length: Approx. 250 metres (820 feet)
- Traffic Flow: One way (southbound) from Clifford Street to Burlington Gardens
- Built: Early 1720s
- Name Origin: Named after Burlington House; "Old" distinguishes it from New Burlington Street
- Pronunciation: BUR-ling-ton /ˈbɜː.lɪŋ.tən/
- Character: Quiet, elegant, Georgian architecture, mixed-use (residential, commercial)
- Nearby Sights: Royal Academy of Arts, Savile Row, Bond Street, Clifford Street
- Property Prices (2025): £2,300–£2,800 per sq ft (£24,750–£30,140 per sq m)
- Underground Stations: Oxford Circus, Green Park, Piccadilly Circus
- Bus Routes: 6, 9, 14, 88, 94, 139, 159, 453 (via Regent St and Piccadilly)
- Fun Fact: Once home to the Burlington Coffee House, a favourite of 18th-century intellectuals
Map of Old Burlington Street, London
Painting of Old Burlington Street, London (View image in full size)
