Old Park Lane, London
Old Park Lane is a short yet significant street in the City of Westminster, part of central London. It runs from Piccadilly in the south to the Park Lane roundabout in the north, forming the eastern boundary of Mayfair. Despite its modest length, Old Park Lane is lined with upscale buildings and iconic institutions, offering a blend of history, grandeur, and modern luxury.
Layout and Location
Old Park Lane stretches in a north-south direction and serves as a key connection between Piccadilly and Park Lane. The street is one-way from Piccadilly up to Brick Street, after which it becomes two-way up to the Park Lane roundabout. It parallels the much larger Park Lane itself but remains relatively quieter in comparison, shielded by elegant buildings and greenery from nearby Green Park.
Adjacent roads include:
- Piccadilly – a major thoroughfare lined with hotels and clubs.
- Brick Street – a short connecting road off Old Park Lane.
- Park Lane – a famous traffic-heavy boulevard along Hyde Park.
Historical Background
Old Park Lane predates the modern Park Lane and originally marked the boundary of the royal Green Park. The name "Old Park Lane" became official in the 18th century, distinguishing it from the newer and broader Park Lane, which developed with increased traffic and the growth of Westminster in the Georgian era. The buildings lining the street evolved alongside the gentrification of the Westminster district, notably during the Victorian and Edwardian periods.
Historically, this part of London was dominated by aristocratic estates, and Old Park Lane fell under the influence of the Grosvenor Estate, one of the most prestigious landowning families in the capital. The proximity to Hyde Park and Green Park added to its desirability.
Character and Architecture
The character of Old Park Lane is stately and refined. The architecture is predominantly Edwardian with later 20th-century refurbishments. Key landmarks along the street include:
- The Hard Rock Café – the original flagship of the global restaurant chain, opened in 1971 and a magnet for tourists and rock music fans.
- The InterContinental London Park Lane – a luxury hotel that faces Hyde Park Corner and stretches partly along Old Park Lane.
- Apsley House – although not directly on the street, it is immediately accessible from its northern tip and is famous as the residence of the Duke of Wellington.
Due to limited frontage and historic protections, new development is rare, adding exclusivity to its real estate character.
Real Estate Overview
As of early 2025, property prices on Old Park Lane are among the highest in central London. A luxury flat in the vicinity can command upwards of £3,000 per square foot (£32,300 per sq m). For example, a 1,500 sq ft (approx. 139 sq m) apartment in a neighbouring building may list at £4.5 million, placing it well above the London average of approximately £800 per square foot (£8,600 per sq m) for the same period.
Much of the property on Old Park Lane is commercial or leased to embassies, clubs, and luxury hospitality venues, but the nearby streets of Mayfair offer freehold residences that appeal to ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
Transport Links
London Underground
The closest London Underground access point is Green Park Station, served by the Piccadilly Line, Jubilee Line, and Victoria Line. It offers quick and direct travel to Oxford Circus Station, Piccadilly Circus Station, and Bond Street Station.
Other stations within walking distance include:
- Hyde Park Corner Station – accessible via Park Lane, served by the Piccadilly Line.
- Marble Arch and Victoria Stations are also within 10–15 minutes' walk.
See our full guide to London Underground Stations for more travel tips.
Bus Services
Several Transport for London (TfL) bus routes pass nearby, particularly on Piccadilly and Park Lane. The closest bus stops are located at:
- Hyde Park Corner – served by routes 2, 9, 10, 16, 36, and others.
- Green Park Station – served by routes 8, 14, 19, 22, 38, and more.
Nearby Sights and Attractions
Old Park Lane lies within one of London's richest areas for sightseeing. Within a 5–10 minute walk are:
- Green Park – perfect for strolling, picnicking, or accessing Buckingham Palace.
- Hyde Park – one of London's largest and most popular green spaces.
- Wellington Arch and Constitution Hill – historical monuments with royal connections.
- Mayfair – with its designer boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining.
Fun Fact
The Hard Rock Café London on Old Park Lane opened on 14 June 1971 and was the very first in what would become a global chain. It became famous not only for its American-style food but also for its rock memorabilia, including guitars and outfits worn by legends like Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Length: Short street connecting Piccadilly to Park Lane roundabout
- Traffic: One-way from Piccadilly to Brick Street; two-way thereafter
- Nearest Tube: Green Park Station (Piccadilly, Jubilee, Victoria lines)
- Bus Stops: Green Park and Hyde Park Corner
- Main Attractions: Hard Rock Café, InterContinental Hotel, Green Park
- Real Estate: ~£3,000/sq ft (£32,300/sq m) as of 2025
- Character: Upscale, historic, commercial with luxury hospitality
- Historical Note: Name distinguishes it from Park Lane; dates to 18th century
Map of Old Park Lane, London
Painting of Old Park Lane, London
Page Details
This page was created on 1 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.
