Sardinia Street, London
Sardinia Street is a compact but historically significant thoroughfare located in the City of Westminster, in central London. Running east to west, it forms a direct connection between the bustling Kingsway and the tranquil expanse of Lincoln's Inn Fields, a well-known legal and architectural landmark. Despite its short length, Sardinia Street occupies an important urban niche, functioning as a gateway between the commercial and civic energy of Kingsway and the historical serenity of the legal district.
Location and Surroundings
Sardinia Street is situated just off Kingsway, one of central London’s major north-south arteries, and leads eastward into Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the largest public square in London. To the south, nearby streets include Drury Lane, while to the north lies Long Acre. The street lies within walking distance of Covent Garden, the Royal Courts of Justice, and several theatres and museums, placing it firmly within the West End area of the capital.
History of Sardinia Street
Sardinia Street has a rich past. Its name is thought to originate from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Sardinia, which was located nearby during the 18th century. The embassy was attached to the Sardinian Chapel in Duke Street, which is now incorporated into Sardinia Street’s current alignment. The chapel served the Roman Catholic community and was one of the few Catholic places of worship tolerated in London before Catholic Emancipation.
The street has undergone several transformations over the centuries. During the early 20th century, the creation of Kingsway as part of a large-scale urban renewal programme led to changes in Sardinia Street’s layout, aligning it more directly with the entrance to Lincoln’s Inn Fields. The modern iteration of Sardinia Street reflects both Edwardian planning and the legacy of earlier Catholic diplomatic presence.
Pronunciation and Spelling
Sardinia Street is pronounced as sahr-DIN-ee-uh /sɑːˈdɪniə/. The spelling derives from the historical Kingdom of Sardinia, an island territory that is today part of Italy.
By the way, if you are wondering whether Sardinia has anything to do with sardines, in fact, it's the other way around, in that sardines took their name from Sardinia! In ancient times, these fish were said to be found in abundance around the island of Sardinia.
Architectural and Cultural Landmarks
Although short, Sardinia Street is framed by elegant buildings with Edwardian and Victorian façades. Its eastern end opens onto Lincoln's Inn Fields, a site rich with architectural heritage including the Sir John Soane’s Museum and Lincoln’s Inn itself, a key institution of the British legal system.
To the west, Sardinia Street meets Kingsway, where large office buildings and transport infrastructure dominate the streetscape. This juxtaposition of old and new makes Sardinia Street a fascinating microcosm of London’s layering of historical epochs.
Transport Links
Sardinia Street is very well-connected via the London Underground. The closest London Underground stations are:
- Holborn Station (serving the Central and Piccadilly lines) – approximately 3 minutes' walk
- Chancery Lane Station (Central line) – approximately 8 minutes' walk
- Temple Station (District and Circle lines) – approximately 12 minutes' walk
Numerous bus routes also pass along Kingsway, providing easy access to other parts of central London. The nearest bus stops are located just outside Sardinia Street on Kingsway itself, serving routes that connect to Holborn, Waterloo, and the West End.
Real Estate and Property Insights
Sardinia Street is primarily surrounded by commercial office buildings and institutional properties, with limited residential stock. However, a few luxury flats and renovated apartments do exist in and around Lincoln’s Inn Fields. As of June 2025, real estate prices in the area are among the highest in central London. One-bedroom flats in the vicinity, measuring about 600 sq ft (55.7 sq m), typically sell for around £1.1 million, while two-bedroom units of 1,000 sq ft (92.9 sq m) may fetch between £1.8 and £2.2 million.
Rental prices are similarly premium. A one-bedroom apartment rents for approximately £4,200 per month, while larger two-bedroom flats can command monthly rents upwards of £6,500. These figures reflect the street’s proximity to cultural institutions, legal chambers, and financial districts.
Interesting Facts
A fun piece of trivia: the area near Sardinia Street was once the subject of religious tension due to the presence of the Sardinian Chapel. During the Gordon Riots in 1780, this Catholic chapel was damaged by Protestant rioters, reflecting the intense religious divisions of the time. Today, however, the street stands as a symbol of integration and historical continuity.
Another point of note is that the transition from the busy Kingsway to the calm Lincoln’s Inn Fields through Sardinia Street can be surprisingly abrupt, offering pedestrians a moment of calm just steps from one of London’s busiest thoroughfares.
Quick Facts
- Location: Connects Kingsway to Lincoln’s Inn Fields in the City of Westminster
- Historical Origin: Named after the Kingdom of Sardinia, referencing a former Sardinian embassy chapel nearby
- Pronunciation: sahr-DIN-ee-uh /sɑːˈdɪniə/
- Notable Sights Nearby: Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Sir John Soane’s Museum, Royal Courts of Justice
- Nearest Underground Stations: Holborn, Chancery Lane, Temple
- Bus Routes: Available on Kingsway, serving central London destinations
- Real Estate (June 2025): 1-bed flat ~£1.1M, 2-bed ~£1.8M–£2.2M; Rents £4,200–£6,500 per month
- Street Character: Short and quiet with access to commercial Kingsway and historical Lincoln’s Inn Fields
- Fun Fact: Site of religious history and unrest during the Gordon Riots
References
- Survey of London - Sardinia Street and Chapel
- Rightmove UK Property Listings - June 2025
- Transport for London - Tube Map and Bus Routes
Map of Sardinia Street, London
Painting of Sardinia Street, London