Orange Street, London
Orange Street is a short but notable one-way street situated in the heart of the City of Westminster, London. It forms a strategic and cultural link between Haymarket and Charing Cross Road, intersected by Whitcomb Street and joined at a T-junction by St Martin’s Street. Though modest in length, the street boasts a rich history and is surrounded by several key London landmarks.
Street Overview and Traffic Direction
Orange Street is approximately 336 metres (about 1100 feet) long, forming a compact corridor within London’s bustling West End. It operates as a one-way street for vehicular traffic, running from Haymarket in the west to Charing Cross Road in the east. Pedestrians, however, may traverse it freely in either direction. Despite its brevity, the street plays a subtle role in linking major thoroughfares and easing inner-city traffic flow.
Historical Background
The origins of Orange Street date back to the late 17th or early 18th century. It was likely constructed as part of the urban expansion that followed the development of the St James’s and Leicester Square districts. The street’s earliest recorded appearances on maps suggest it was part of the infrastructure supporting London’s transformation into a modern metropolis following the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Name and Pronunciation
The name “Orange Street” is widely believed to be associated with the House of Orange, a royal dynasty that ruled over parts of Europe and played a significant role in British history, particularly following the Glorious Revolution of 1688. It may have been named in honour of William of Orange (King William III), who co-ruled with Queen Mary II. The name reflects the political sympathies and royalist sentiments of the time.
The name is pronounced as OR-inj (/ˈɒr.ɪndʒ/ 
in IPA), following standard British English pronunciation.
Character and Atmosphere
Orange Street has a quiet and somewhat tucked-away atmosphere, especially compared to the busier Haymarket and Charing Cross Road that flank it. Its character is defined by a blend of historic architecture, gallery spaces, and close proximity to the cultural and theatrical hub of the West End. While it is not heavily trafficked, the street enjoys steady pedestrian activity due to nearby attractions.
Points of Interest and Nearby Sights
Though Orange Street itself is compact, its location is rich in nearby landmarks and institutions:
- National Gallery – Just a short walk northward via Whitcomb Street.
- St Martin-in-the-Fields Church – Located on nearby Trafalgar Square.
- Leicester Square – A cultural and entertainment hotspot a stone’s throw away.
- Orange Street Congregational Church – Once located on this road, the original building no longer stands but the street retains a trace of its spiritual legacy.
- Galleries and Private Art Spaces – Orange Street is home to or adjacent to several small art galleries and studios.
Real Estate Prices
Due to its central location in the City of Westminster and its proximity to major attractions, real estate on or near Orange Street commands high prices. As of May 2025, flats in the area sell for approximately £1,800–£2,200 per square foot (£19,375–£23,680 per square metre), reflecting both the historic charm and prime location of the district.
For context, a 1-bedroom flat of around 600 sq ft (56 sq m) may sell for upwards of £1.1 million. These figures place Orange Street in the upper tier of London’s property market, on par with locations like Covent Garden and Soho.
Nearest London Underground Stations
- Leicester Square Station – Served by the Northern and Piccadilly lines, just a 2-minute walk away.
- Charing Cross Station – Served by the Bakerloo and Northern lines, plus National Rail services, located within 4 minutes on foot.
- Piccadilly Circus Station – Also nearby, on the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines.
Nearby Bus Services
Numerous bus routes operate on the surrounding roads. The closest bus stops are:
- Haymarket / Charles II Street – Routes include 6, 9, 15, and 23.
- Charing Cross Road / Trafalgar Square – Served by buses including 3, 11, 12, 88, 159, and 453.
These services provide quick connections to key locations across London, including Oxford Street, Waterloo, Victoria, and South Kensington.
Fun Fact
A historical curiosity: Sir Isaac Newton
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Length: Approx. 150 metres (490 feet)
- Traffic: One-way, west to east
- Connects: Haymarket to Charing Cross Road
- Intersections: Crossed by Whitcomb Street; T-junction with St Martin’s Street
- Pronunciation: OR-inj Street (/ˈɒr.ɪndʒ striːt/)
- Named for: House of Orange, likely King William III
- Nearby Sights: National Gallery, Leicester Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields
- Property Prices (2025): £1,800–£2,200 per sq ft (£19,375–£23,680 per sq m)
- Nearest Tube Stations: Leicester Square, Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus
- Nearby Bus Routes: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 15, 23, 88, 159, 453
- Fun Fact: Isaac Newton lived nearby in his later life
Map of Orange Street, London
Painting of Orange Street, London (View image in full size)
