Shelton Street, London
Shelton Street is a historic thoroughfare in the heart of the City of Westminster, situated within London’s vibrant West End. Running from West Street in the west to Arne Street in the east, the street is divided at the junction with Endell Street, resulting in two separate sections of one-way traffic flowing in opposite directions. Though modest in length, Shelton Street is surrounded by cultural landmarks, theatres, and heritage-rich architecture, making it a point of interest for both visitors and residents.
Street Layout and Surroundings
Shelton Street lies just south of Long Acre, parallel to this busier commercial street, and runs between West Street on one end and Arne Street on the other. Its midpoint intersects with Endell Street, where vehicular access becomes split. East of Endell Street, traffic flows westward, while west of Endell Street, it flows eastward. This layout prevents through traffic and contributes to Shelton Street’s quieter character compared to nearby busier routes.
The street is flanked by a mix of converted warehouse buildings, charming Edwardian facades, and modernised offices. It sits amidst a network of historic streets such as Drury Lane and Bow Street, placing it within walking distance of Covent Garden and Seven Dials.
Origin of the Name
The name "Shelton" is pronounced SHĔL-tən /ˈʃɛltən/. It likely derives from an Old English place name, meaning "shelf town" or a settlement near a ledge or hill. Shelton Street was named in the 19th century, possibly adopting the title from earlier landowners or geographical associations in the area. Prior to this, parts of the street formed a segment of Great Wild Street or may have had different local names reflecting the changing urban landscape.
History and Development
The area around Shelton Street was developed in stages from the late 17th to the 19th century as London expanded westward. Initially part of a semi-industrial district, the street saw significant changes during the Victorian era when it was gradually gentrified and integrated into the theatre district of Covent Garden. The west end of Shelton Street is notably close to the Cambridge Theatre and other entertainment venues, marking its role in the cultural life of the West End.
Many buildings along Shelton Street were once warehouses or small manufacturing sites and have since been refurbished into modern commercial spaces, co-working offices, and boutique retail premises, contributing to the area's ongoing gentrification.
Notable Sights and Attractions
While Shelton Street itself is relatively quiet, its central location means several major attractions lie just a stone’s throw away:
- Seven Dials: A historic junction with seven radiating streets, filled with boutique shops and restaurants.
- Covent Garden Piazza: A bustling square known for its street performances, market stalls, and the Royal Opera House.
- Cambridge Theatre: Located at the junction of Shelton Street and Earlham Street, home to long-running performances like *Matilda the Musical*.
- St. Paul’s Church (Actors' Church): A short walk away, offering cultural events and quiet garden spaces.
Transport and Accessibility
Shelton Street benefits from excellent transport links due to its central location. The nearest London Underground stations include:
- Covent Garden Station (Piccadilly Line) – approximately 4 minutes’ walk
- Holborn Station (Central and Piccadilly Lines) – around 7 minutes’ walk
- Tottenham Court Road Station (Central, Elizabeth, and Northern Lines) – about 10 minutes’ walk
Several Transport for London (TfL) bus stops can be found along Shaftesbury Avenue, Long Acre, and Kingsway, providing access to numerous routes serving the West End and greater London.
Property and Real Estate
Shelton Street, like much of Covent Garden, is highly sought after for both commercial and residential property. As of June 2025, residential flats in this area average around £1.4 million for a 900 sq ft (84 sq m) two-bedroom unit. Rental rates for similar properties range between £3,500 and £4,500 per month, depending on furnishing, floor level, and amenities.
Office and studio spaces in former warehouse buildings are also in high demand due to the area's proximity to Soho, Leicester Square, and legal districts such as Holborn. Prices here generally exceed average London rates, especially given the location’s prestige and accessibility.
Fun Fact
In recent years, Shelton Street has quietly become a hub for creative industries. Several design studios and film production companies have set up shop in converted office spaces along the street. This aligns with the area’s ongoing transformation into a hotspot for digital startups and boutique agencies within the creative sector.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, West End, London
- Route: Runs from West Street (west) to Arne Street (east), interrupted at Endell Street
- Pronunciation: SHĔL-tən /ˈʃɛltən/
- Nearby Landmarks: Seven Dials, Covent Garden, Cambridge Theatre
- Underground Stations: Covent Garden, Holborn, Tottenham Court Road
- Property Prices (2025): ~£1.4 million for a 900 sq ft (84 sq m) flat
- Bus Services: Accessible from Shaftesbury Avenue, Kingsway, and Long Acre
- Character: Mix of residential, creative commercial spaces, and retail
- Fun Fact: Popular among design studios and production firms
Map of Shelton Street, London
Painting of Shelton Street, London