Princes Street, London
Princes Street is a short and historic street in the heart of the City of Westminster, nestled in the elegant district of Mayfair. Though just a brief stretch in terms of distance, it offers a meaningful glimpse into the layered development of central London, particularly around Hanover Square and the adjoining Regent Street area.
Location and Layout
Princes Street begins at the eastern edge of Hanover Square, a garden square known for its historical elegance and high-end commercial presence. The street runs eastward and historically extended directly into Regent Street. However, that eastern end has since been pedestrianised, and vehicles can no longer pass through to Regent Street from Princes Street.
At the eastern end of the street, just before the pedestrianised section, is a small but notable junction with Swallow Place, a short lane that runs northwards to join Oxford Street. This point still affords pedestrians a view into the bustle of Regent Street even though vehicular access is now restricted.
Princes Street is approximately 100 metres (about 330 feet) in length. It is a two-way street allowing traffic to flow in and out from Hanover Square. Pedestrians can continue on foot to Regent Street via the walkway, making it a useful path for foot traffic between retail and office locations.
Hanover Square
Hanover Square is one of the oldest garden squares in Westminster, laid out in the early 18th century. It remains a prestigious address, surrounded by Georgian buildings that now house a mix of private offices, medical practices, and luxury boutiques. The square is particularly striking during spring and summer when its landscaped gardens are in full bloom, offering a rare green respite in the otherwise built-up West End.
Roads surrounding the square include Brook Street to the south, Harewood Place to the north, and Princes Street on the eastern side. Oxford Street lies a short distance to the north, making this a well-connected location.
Origin of the Name
The street takes its name from a royal connection, most likely named in honour of a prince from the Georgian or early Hanoverian period. While definitive documentation is scarce, many nearby streets—including Regent Street and Hanover Square—have similarly royal or aristocratic associations.
Princes Street is pronounced PRIN-sis street, not “Prince's.” In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): /ˈprɪnsɪs striːt/ 
History
Princes Street likely dates back to the early 18th century, developing alongside Hanover Square during the rapid expansion of Mayfair as a fashionable residential area. By the 19th century, the area had become a thriving commercial and professional hub, and this legacy continues today with many of the original buildings repurposed into offices or commercial spaces.
Character and Usage
The character of Princes Street is largely defined by commercial use. Most of the buildings here are offices or clinics, with some retail and gallery spaces, consistent with the business-oriented tone of Hanover Square. Despite its modest length, it is well-maintained and offers an elegant transition between the refined calm of Mayfair and the vibrant energy of Regent Street.
The pedestrianised portion at its eastern end further reinforces its hybrid use—encouraging footfall and preserving architectural continuity, while restricting heavy traffic.
Nearby Attractions and Amenities
While Princes Street itself is modest, it benefits greatly from its proximity to major shopping destinations and cultural attractions. These include:
- Regent Street – An iconic shopping boulevard with flagship fashion stores and beautiful architecture.
- Oxford Street – One of Europe's busiest retail corridors, just a short walk north.
- Royal Academy of Arts – Located nearby on Piccadilly, within easy reach for art lovers.
- Hanover Square Gardens – A calm and green place to sit or lunch in good weather.
Property and Real Estate
Real estate along Princes Street is primarily commercial, with many elegant period buildings converted into high-end office space. Prices for office rentals as of 2025 range from around £95 to £125 per sq ft per annum (approx. £1,022 to £1,345 per sq m), depending on amenities and lease terms1.
There are very few residential properties directly on Princes Street. However, nearby Mayfair flats average £2,000–£2,500 per sq ft (approx. £21,500–£27,000 per sq m) as of early 20252, well above the London average due to the area's prime location and prestige.
Nearest Public Transport
Princes Street is exceptionally well-connected by public transport. The closest London Underground stations are:
- Oxford Circus Station – Serving the Bakerloo Line, Central Line, and Victoria Line, located about a 4-minute walk to the northeast.
- Bond Street Station – A short walk to the west, serving the Jubilee Line and Central Line.
Multiple bus stops are located nearby along Oxford Street and Regent Street, providing routes to the City, St James's, and other parts of London.
Fun Fact
Despite its small size, Princes Street lies at the crossroads of several eras in London's urban evolution—from aristocratic 18th-century developments to modern pedestrian-friendly planning. Its juxtaposition of a quiet street leading into a bustling retail giant (Regent Street) is a metaphor for London's constant balancing act between tradition and innovation.
Quick Facts
- Location: Mayfair, City of Westminster
- Length: Approx. 100 metres (330 feet)
- Traffic: One-way, east to west; eastern end pedestrianised
- Pronunciation: PRIN-sis Street /ˈprɪnsɪs striːt/
- Named after: Likely a royal figure, probably from the Georgian or Hanoverian era
- Nearby Square: Hanover Square
- Connected streets: Hanover Square (west), Swallow Place and Regent Street (east)
- Underground Stations: Oxford Circus Station, Bond Street Station
- Bus Services: Available along nearby Oxford Street and Regent Street
- Character: Commercial, office-based, historic
- Nearby attractions: Regent Street, Oxford Street, Hanover Square Gardens
- Real estate: High-end commercial; Mayfair flats average £2,000–£2,500/sq ft (as of 2025)
References
- Knight Frank Commercial Property Research – Q1 2025
- Savills Prime London Residential Market Report – 2025
Map of Princes Street, London
Painting of Princes Street, London (View image in full size)
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