Queen Street, London
Queen Street is a minor yet elegant street nestled in the heart of Mayfair, part of the City of Westminster in London. Running one way from Curzon Street in the south to Charles Street in the north, it epitomises the quiet refinement and historic charm that define this prestigious neighbourhood.
Overview and Location
Queen Street is located just east of Park Lane, within one of London’s most desirable residential quarters. Though short and relatively narrow, this one-way thoroughfare carries a dignified atmosphere, with period townhouses, embassies, and private clubs gracing its edges. It serves as a connector between two notable Mayfair streets—Curzon Street to the south and Charles Street to the north—both of which are lined with important Georgian and early Victorian buildings.
The street is within walking distance of Green Park Station, making it easily accessible from the Piccadilly Line, Jubilee Line, and Victoria Line. Several nearby London bus stops on Curzon Street and Park Lane serve routes connecting Mayfair with the West End and beyond.
Historical Background
Queen Street was laid out in the early 18th century as part of the extensive urban development of Mayfair, which was transformed from open fields into a fashionable residential area by aristocratic landowners. The name "Queen Street" is believed to honour Queen Caroline of Ansbach, the wife of King George II, and likely dates from the early 1720s or 1730s. Many streets in the area took royal names as a symbol of favour and prestige.
The buildings along Queen Street predominantly date from the 18th and early 19th centuries, showcasing restrained yet elegant Georgian architectural styles. A few properties have been sensitively modernised inside while retaining their classical façades. The character of the street has remained largely intact over the centuries, with a notable absence of commercial premises or heavy traffic.
Character and Streetscape
Today, Queen Street is characterised by its tranquility and exclusivity. Though centrally located, it is noticeably peaceful due to its one-way layout and lack of through traffic. The properties here are primarily used as private residences, diplomatic offices, or high-end serviced apartments. Some feature gated front entrances and discreet security details, reflecting the street’s appeal to affluent, often international, residents.
Queen Street features neatly maintained stone pavements, subtle lighting, and classic iron railings. It provides an intimate setting, perfect for those seeking centrality without exposure to the hustle and bustle of nearby thoroughfares like Piccadilly or Park Lane.
Nearby Sights and Attractions
The street’s enviable position means that some of London’s most iconic sights are just a short walk away:
- Green Park – A peaceful Royal Park, ideal for strolling or relaxing under mature trees.
- Shepherd Market – A charming enclave of boutique shops, pubs, and eateries hidden just off Curzon Street.
- Berkeley Square – Known for its plane trees and luxury car dealerships, just to the northeast.
- Royal Academy of Arts and Piccadilly – A cultural and commercial stretch reachable within 10 minutes on foot.
Also nearby are famed London Underground Stations such as:
- Green Park Station – Served by the Jubilee Line, Piccadilly Line, and Victoria Line.
- Bond Street Station – Served by the Central Line and Jubilee Line.
- Piccadilly Circus Station – Served by the Bakerloo Line and Piccadilly Line.
Real Estate and Property Market
Queen Street is among the most sought-after residential streets in Mayfair, reflecting high demand for centrality, discretion, and elegance. As of early 2025, properties here command premium prices. A typical three-bedroom Georgian townhouse may be priced around £6.5–£8 million depending on interior condition and amenities. This reflects prices in the range of £4,000–£5,500 per sq ft (approx. £43,000–£59,000 per sq m), placing it significantly above the London average1.
Properties are typically spacious, ranging between 1,800 to 3,000 sq ft (167 to 279 sq m), and often include amenities such as private lifts, staff quarters, and climate control. Lettings, when available, can start from around £3,500 per week for a 2–3 bedroom unit with luxury finishes1.
Transport Connections
Queen Street benefits from close access to London Underground services at:
- Green Park Station – 4 minutes’ walk.
- Bond Street Station – about 10 minutes’ walk.
- Oxford Circus Station – approximately 12 minutes by foot.
Local bus routes include stops on Curzon Street, Piccadilly, and Park Lane, with services to Oxford Circus, Trafalgar Square, Knightsbridge, and Victoria Station. Nearby bus routes include routes 6, 9, 14, 19, 22, 38, and 73, among others.
Fun Fact
Although Queen Street itself is often overlooked by tourists, it has been quietly home to several aristocrats, diplomats, and noted financiers throughout its history. Some townhouses are rumoured to have housed secretive negotiations during both World Wars, although little has been officially confirmed2.
Quick Facts
- Location: Mayfair, City of Westminster, Central London
- Length: Short street connecting Curzon Street and Charles Street
- Character: Quiet, elegant, residential with diplomatic presence
- Historical Era: Early 18th century, named after Queen Caroline
- Nearby Attractions: Green Park, Shepherd Market, Berkeley Square
- Transport: Closest tube is Green Park Station (Piccadilly, Jubilee, Victoria Lines)
- Bus Routes: Access via nearby stops on Park Lane and Curzon Street
- Property Prices (2025): £4,000–£5,500 per sq ft
- Typical Property Size: 1,800–3,000 sq ft (167–279 sq m)
References
- Rightmove – London Property Market (Accessed May 2025)
- British History Online – Survey of London: Mayfair
Map of Queen Street, London
Painting of Queen Street, London