Semley Place, London
Semley Place is a short yet characterful street in the prestigious district of Belgravia, within the City of Westminster, central London. The road connects Ebury Street to the northwest with Buckingham Palace Road to the southeast, running past the south side of Ebury Square.
Location and Layout
Semley Place lies within walking distance of Victoria Station, nestled between the refined elegance of Ebury Street and the bustling traffic of Buckingham Palace Road. It runs approximately 230 metres (755 feet) in length and allows two-way traffic throughout, making it one of the more accessible roads in the area.
History and Origins
Semley Place was laid out during the mid-19th century as part of the Grosvenor Estate’s expansion of the Belgravia area. The road was originally known as Semley Grove and was renamed Semley Place by the early 20th century.
The name Semley is believed to derive from the village of Semley in Wiltshire, which historically formed part of the Grosvenor family estates. This naming convention reflects the wider pattern of street names in Belgravia, which often echo locations connected to the landowning aristocracy.
How to Pronounce "Semley"
Semley is pronounced “SEM-lee”, as in “semi” + “lee”. In the International Phonetic Alphabet, it is written as /ˈsɛm.li/. 
Character and Architecture
Semley Place combines period charm with modern elegance. While some buildings were redeveloped in the post-war era, the street retains an air of quiet affluence. You’ll find a mixture of:
- Low-rise apartment blocks
- Mid-century modern flats
- Luxury residential developments near Ebury Square
- Office spaces and small businesses, particularly at the Buckingham Palace Road end
Despite its proximity to the busy Victoria area, the road itself feels relatively serene, especially near the garden square.
Nearby Sights and Attractions
Semley Place benefits from its central location, with several notable places nearby:
- Ebury Square Gardens – a peaceful green space for residents and office workers
- Victoria Coach Station – a key hub for intercity and international travel
- Royal Mews and Buckingham Palace – just a short walk away
- Belgrave Road and Eccleston Square – areas of historic and architectural interest
Property and Real Estate
As of May 2025, flats along Semley Place typically range from £800,000 to £1.5 million, depending on size, condition, and proximity to Ebury Square. Studio and one-bedroom flats generally measure between 450 to 650 square feet (42–60 sq m), while larger two-bedroom units can exceed 900 square feet (84 sq m).
Property prices here are high compared to the London average, reflecting its Belgravia postcode and proximity to both transport hubs and elegant residential areas.
Transport Links
Underground Stations
The nearest London Underground station is Victoria Station, located just a few minutes’ walk from the southeast end of Semley Place. It is served by:
Bus Stops
Several bus stops are located along Buckingham Palace Road and nearby Ebury Street, offering access to routes that cover:
- Westminster and the West End
- Kensington and Chelsea
- South London (via Vauxhall and Battersea)
Fun Fact
Semley Place is one of the few streets in central Belgravia to have retained a two-way traffic flow, which has made it popular among drivers as a cut-through between Ebury Street and Buckingham Palace Road. It also once hosted a Michelin-starred restaurant at its Ebury Street corner—long gone now, but fondly remembered by locals.
Quick Facts
- Location: Belgravia, City of Westminster
- Length: Approx. 230 metres (755 feet)
- Traffic: Two-way throughout
- First laid out: Mid-19th century
- Named after: Semley village in Wiltshire
- Pronunciation: “SEM-lee” /ˈsɛm.li/
- Architecture: Post-war flats, luxury apartments, and small office spaces
- Nearby sights: Ebury Square, Victoria Coach Station, Buckingham Palace
- Property prices (2025): £800,000–£1.5 million
- Flat sizes: 450–900 sq ft (42–84 sq m)
- Nearest Tube: Victoria Station (Victoria, District, Circle lines)
- Bus routes: Stops nearby on Buckingham Palace Road and Ebury Street
- Fun Fact: One of the few two-way streets in Belgravia with historic restaurant links
Map of Semley Place, London
Painting of Semley Place, London (View image in full size)
