Short's Gardens, London
Short's Garden is a historic and atmospheric street nestled in the City of Westminster, at the heart of London's famed West End. This short but culturally rich street runs from the iconic Seven Dials junction in the southwest to the ever-vibrant Drury Lane in the northeast. It sits within the Covent Garden neighbourhood, a district known for its theatres, boutique shopping, and lively urban character.
Street Layout and Surroundings
Short's Garden begins at the southwestern tip at Seven Dials, the unique circular junction where seven streets meet. From there, it extends northeastward, ending at Drury Lane. Along the way, it intersects with Neal Street and passes by charming pedestrian lanes and small courtyards. Its narrow width, classic brick façades, and eclectic mix of boutiques and residential units give the street a distinctively intimate and historic feel.
The surrounding streets—such as Earlham Street, Neal Street, and Long Acre—are filled with retail shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks. Together, they create a tightly woven urban tapestry that reflects the artistic and commercial spirit of Covent Garden.
Historical Background
The origins of Short's Garden date back to the late 17th century, during the period of rapid development following the Great Fire of London. The street formed part of the Seven Dials estate, designed by Thomas Neale in the 1690s as a bold urban experiment to create a residential and commercial hub centered around a seven-way junction.
The name “Short's Garden” is believed to derive from a person named Short, possibly a landowner or developer active during the area's initial planning. The term “Garden” in old London street names often referred to enclosed plots of land or former garden sites later converted for housing. The name is pronounced as /ʃɔːrts ˈɡɑː.dən/ ("shorts garden").
Sights and Attractions
Although a relatively modest street, Short's Garden is surrounded by notable sights:
- Seven Dials Monument: The historic sundial column at the junction where Short's Garden begins.
- Neal's Yard: A hidden colourful courtyard just off Short's Garden, filled with independent eateries and wellness shops.
- Donmar Warehouse: An acclaimed theatre located nearby on Earlham Street.
- Covent Garden Piazza: A short walk away, this popular tourist spot offers street performances, luxury retail, and dining.
Artisan cafés and boutiques populate the street itself, making it a delightful walk for those who enjoy discovering hidden gems.
Property Market and Real Estate Trends
As of June 2025, residential property on or near Short's Garden commands premium prices, reflective of its central location and boutique appeal. Typical one- or two-bedroom flats range between 500 to 850 square feet (approximately 46 to 79 square metres).
- Purchase Prices: Flats are valued at around £1.1 to £1.7 million, depending on size, floor, and renovation quality.
- Rental Prices: Monthly rents hover between £3,500 to £5,800.
These rates are considerably higher than average for London, placing Short's Garden firmly within the top tier of the capital's residential market.
Transport and Accessibility
Despite its quiet charm, Short's Garden is well-connected to the London Underground network:
- Covent Garden Station (Piccadilly Line) – about a 5-minute walk.
- Holborn Station (Central and Piccadilly Lines) – roughly 10 minutes on foot.
- Tottenham Court Road Station (Central, Northern, and Elizabeth Lines) – within a 12-minute walking distance.
Nearby London Underground Stations make commuting simple, while bus stops on Shaftesbury Avenue and High Holborn provide additional connections across the capital.
Fun Fact
One of the lesser-known quirks of Short's Garden is that it once hosted part of the 18th-century watchmaker's quarter. Several horologists set up shop near Neal Street, helping supply the growing number of clocks being installed in London homes and institutions. Today, though the watchmakers are gone, the street still pulses with artisanal creativity.
Quick Facts
- Street Name: Short's Garden
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Connects: Seven Dials (southwest) to Drury Lane (northeast)
- Nearest Tube Stations: Covent Garden, Holborn, Tottenham Court Road
- Nearby Bus Stops: Shaftesbury Avenue, High Holborn
- Property Prices (June 2025): £1.1–£1.7 million for flats; £3,500–£5,800/month for rent
- Residential Size: 500–850 sq ft (46–79 sq m)
- Attractions: Seven Dials, Neal's Yard, Donmar Warehouse, Covent Garden Piazza
- Historic Fact: Once part of a watchmaker's district in the 18th century
- Pronunciation: “Shorts Garden” /ʃɔːrts ˈɡɑː.dən/
References
- Seven Dials Official Website – History of the Area
- Rightmove UK – Property Prices in WC2
- Transport for London – Tube Map
Map of Short's Gardens, London
Painting of Short's Gardens, London
Page Details
This page was created on 16 June 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.
