Piccadilly Place, London
Piccadilly Place is a short, narrow alleyway tucked between two prominent London streets—Piccadilly to the south and Vine Street to the north. Despite its diminutive size and quiet nature, it is located in the heart of one of London's most celebrated districts, surrounded by cultural landmarks, luxury retailers, and historic addresses.
Location and Description
Piccadilly Place lies within the City of Westminster, just a short walk from landmarks such as Piccadilly Circus and Green Park. It functions as a pedestrian passage rather than a vehicular route and is primarily used as a convenient shortcut connecting the grandeur of Piccadilly with the more discreet Vine Street.
The alleyway measures approximately 50 metres (164 feet) in length and runs in a north-south direction. It is not open to vehicular traffic and is primarily surfaced for pedestrian use only. Given its location between two major roads, it serves more as a functional urban passage than a traditional street.
History of Piccadilly Place
There is limited recorded history specifically for Piccadilly Place due to its modest size and utility-focused nature. However, its presence is closely tied to the development of Piccadilly and the surrounding St James's area in the 17th and 18th centuries, when the West End began to emerge as a fashionable residential district.
The alley likely originated as a service passage or access route during the Georgian and Regency eras, used by tradespeople and staff servicing larger nearby establishments on Piccadilly. These kinds of passages are a common feature in older parts of London.
Name and Pronunciation
Piccadilly Place takes its name directly from the much larger and more famous Piccadilly, one of London's principal streets. The word "Piccadilly" is believed to derive from "piccadill," a type of stiff collar fashionable in the early 17th century, sold by a tailor named Robert Baker who lived in the area. The pronunciation is:
- Common English Spelling: Pick-a-dilly
- International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): /ˌpɪkəˈdɪli/
The suffix “Place” in this context typically refers to a small street or passage and is common across London's older neighbourhoods.
Character of the Street
Piccadilly Place is characterised by its narrow, enclosed feel. Flanked by the rear façades of buildings on either side, it lacks the polished elegance of Piccadilly itself. However, this understated setting gives it a certain hidden charm, particularly for those exploring the finer details of central London's urban fabric.
Because it is not lined with shops or cafes and has no vehicle access, Piccadilly Place often goes unnoticed by tourists. Nevertheless, it contributes to the hidden layers of the West End and represents a remnant of historical London still serving its original functional role.
Nearby Sights and Attractions
While Piccadilly Place itself has no prominent attractions, it is just steps away from numerous points of interest:
- Piccadilly Circus: The world-famous traffic junction and public space, known for its neon signs and statue of Eros.
- Royal Academy of Arts: Located on Piccadilly, this esteemed institution hosts major art exhibitions year-round.
- Fortnum & Mason: An iconic department store famous for luxury goods, teas, and hampers.
- St James's Market and Jermyn Street: Nearby hubs for fine menswear and gourmet dining.
Real Estate Overview
Due to its small size and functional character, Piccadilly Place has very few, if any, dedicated residential or commercial properties with a Piccadilly Place address. However, properties on adjacent Piccadilly and nearby streets command some of the highest prices in central London.
As of early 2025, the average price of residential property in the surrounding area is approximately £2,300–£2,900 per square foot (£24,757–£31,215 per square metre) for premium flats and penthouses.1 Apartments tend to range from 600–1,800 sq ft (56–167 sq m) depending on the building and level of luxury.
Transport Links
Underground Stations
Piccadilly Place is extremely well-connected, with several Underground stations nearby:
- Piccadilly Circus – served by the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines (approx. 3 minutes' walk).
- Green Park – served by the Jubilee, Victoria, and Piccadilly lines (approx. 7 minutes' walk).
- Charing Cross – served by the Northern and Bakerloo lines (approx. 10 minutes' walk).
Bus Connections
Numerous bus routes pass along Piccadilly and Regent Street, offering easy access to different parts of the city. The nearest bus stops are:
- Piccadilly Circus Station / Trocadero (Stop J)
- Regent Street / Piccadilly Circus (Stop H)
These stops are served by frequent day and night buses, including routes 9, 14, 19, 38, and 139.
Fun Fact
Did you know? Piccadilly Place, though barely known to most visitors, has occasionally appeared on walking tours and urban exploration blogs as an example of a London “cut-through”—a pedestrian-only lane still serving its centuries-old purpose as a link between major thoroughfares.
Quick Facts
- Location: Connects Piccadilly to Vine Street, City of Westminster
- Length: Approx. 50 metres (164 feet)
- Traffic: Pedestrian-only
- History: Dates to 18th century or earlier, likely a service alleyway
- Name origin: From "Piccadilly"; related to 17th-century fashion (piccadill collars)
- Pronunciation: /ˌpɪkəˈdɪli/ ("Pick-a-dilly")
- Nearby sights: Piccadilly Circus, Royal Academy of Arts, Fortnum & Mason
- Nearest stations: Piccadilly Circus, Green Park, Charing Cross
- Bus routes: 9, 14, 19, 38, 139
- Property prices nearby: £2,300–£2,900 per sq ft (2025 estimates)
- Character: Quiet alley with historical charm in central London
References
Map of Piccadilly Place, London
Painting of Piccadilly Place, London (View image in full size)
Page Details
This page was created on 24 May 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.
