Sackville Street, London
Sackville Street is a short yet distinguished one-way street located in the heart of the City of Westminster, central London. It runs northwards from the historic thoroughfare of Piccadilly and terminates at Vigo Street, with traffic permitted to flow only in this northbound direction. Though compact in scale, the street plays an outsized role in London's rich urban tapestry, characterised by its Georgian elegance, exclusive premises, and central positioning.
Location and Layout
Sackville Street lies within the prestigious St James's district, connecting Piccadilly at its southern end to Vigo Street at the northern boundary. The street is approximately 140 metres long (about 460 feet), forming a short but prominent link between two significant roads. Being a one-way street, vehicles may only enter from Piccadilly and exit onto Vigo Street. The thoroughfare is lined by elegant buildings, many dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, and the street retains a refined, well-preserved appearance.
History and Etymology
Sackville Street was laid out in the early 18th century, during a period of significant development in the West End. It was created following the urban expansion that transformed the fields of St James's into a highly sought-after residential and commercial area. The street first appears on maps in the early 1720s.
The street is named after the Sackville family, a noble English lineage with deep roots in the aristocracy. The most prominent association is with George Sackville, 1st Viscount Sackville, a military officer and politician in the 18th century. The name is pronounced SACK-vill, and in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is rendered as /ˈsæk.vɪl/. 
Street Character and Architectural Style
The character of Sackville Street is one of refined tranquillity. It is relatively quiet compared to nearby arterial roads like Regent Street or Piccadilly. The buildings are mostly Georgian or early Victorian in style, with many having undergone careful restoration or sympathetic refurbishment. The street is home to several private offices, galleries, tailors, and boutiques, reflecting the area's heritage of bespoke craftsmanship and high-end commerce.
The Sackville Gallery, a former fine art gallery once located at No. 28, was known for displaying works by Old Masters and early 20th-century British artists. Today, the street still maintains an air of exclusivity and sophistication.
Nearby Sights and Attractions
Sackville Street enjoys a prime location near several of London's major cultural and retail destinations. Within walking distance, visitors will find:
- Royal Academy of Arts – located on Piccadilly, just a minute's walk away.
- Jermyn Street – famed for men's tailoring and traditional English shirtmakers.
- Fortnum & Mason – a historic department store established in 1707.
- Burlington Arcade – a luxurious, glass-roofed shopping arcade from the Regency era.
- Green Park – one of London's Royal Parks, located to the west of Piccadilly.
Real Estate and Property Information
Property along Sackville Street is considered premium real estate, consistent with its central location and elegant architecture. As of early 2025, commercial office space in the area typically commands upwards of £90 per square foot per annum, while residential values are estimated between £2,500 and £3,500 per square foot, depending on the condition and amenities offered.
This equates to roughly £26,900 to £37,700 per square metre. Residential flats tend to range between 1,000 and 2,500 square feet (approx. 93–232 sq m), with larger premises occasionally available in converted Georgian buildings. These figures place Sackville Street significantly above the London average, reflecting the exclusive nature of its location.
Transport Connections
Nearest Underground Stations
- Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly & Bakerloo lines) – approximately 5 minutes' walk to the east.
- Green Park (Piccadilly, Jubilee & Victoria lines) – around 7 minutes' walk to the west.
- Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Victoria & Central lines) – reachable within 10 minutes on foot.
Nearby Bus Stops
Several Transport for London bus routes serve Piccadilly, just at the south end of Sackville Street. Key routes include:
- Bus 14 – Putney Heath to Russell Square
- Bus 19 – Battersea Bridge to Finsbury Park
- Bus 38 – Victoria to Clapton Pond
- Bus 6 – Aldwych to Willesden
These connections make Sackville Street easily accessible for both tourists and professionals working in central London.
Fun Fact
A lesser-known detail about Sackville Street is its long history associated with bespoke tailoring and fine arts. In the 19th century, the street was home to several notable tailors who served members of the aristocracy and foreign dignitaries. The legacy of skilled craftsmanship continues to this day with a few discreet ateliers still occupying premises along the street, contributing to its genteel charm and upmarket ambiance.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, central London
- Length: Approx. 140 metres (460 feet)
- Traffic Direction: One-way northbound (Piccadilly to Vigo Street)
- Named After: The Sackville family, pronounced SACK-vill (/ˈsæk.vɪl/)
- Character: Georgian and Victorian architecture, quiet and elegant
- Nearby Sights: Royal Academy of Arts, Jermyn Street, Fortnum & Mason, Green Park
- Real Estate: £2,500–£3,500 per sq ft (2025); flats ~1,000–2,500 sq ft
- Underground Stations: Piccadilly Circus, Green Park, Oxford Circus
- Bus Stops: Served via Piccadilly by Routes 6, 14, 19, 38
- Fun Fact: Historically known for tailoring and art galleries
Map of Sackville Street, London
Painting of Sackville Street, 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.
