Sloane Square, London
Sloane Square is a distinguished public square and surrounding street network located at the western edge of Belgravia, straddling two prestigious London boroughs—the City of Westminster and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. This historic and fashionable area serves as a key gateway to Chelsea, renowned for its elegant architecture, luxury real estate, and cultural landmarks.
Location and Orientation
The square is situated at the junction of several notable roads, including King's Road, Lower Sloane Street, and Sloane Street. The area immediately around the square is often referred to as Sloane Square, though technically the square itself is part of the public realm rather than a single defined street. Traffic flows clockwise around the square, with several bus stops located on its perimeter. Pedestrian access is excellent, with wide pavements and seating areas, as well as a small central garden.
Historical Background
Sloane Square lies in what was once Hans Town, a planned 18th-century residential development initiated by architect Henry Holland in partnership with Hans Sloane's descendants. Hans Sloane (1660–1753) was a physician, collector, and benefactor whose bequest of his vast collections formed the basis of the British Museum. The square was named in his honour in the late 18th century, and the pronunciation is ‘Slown’, rhyming with "bone"—transcribed in the International Phonetic Alphabet as /sləʊn/. 
Character and Surroundings
The square epitomises affluent London, with an architectural character defined by late Georgian and Edwardian façades, white stucco terraces, and tasteful retail premises. It offers a blend of residential calm and commercial sophistication, making it a desirable location for locals and visitors alike. The square itself contains trees, benches, and the celebrated Venus Fountain—a bronze sculpture by Gilbert Ledward installed in 1953.
Key Sights and Attractions
- Royal Court Theatre – This Grade II-listed theatre on the eastern side of the square is famous for contemporary and experimental drama.
- Peter Jones Department Store – A flagship of the John Lewis Partnership, offering household goods, fashion, and furnishings with panoramic views from the top floor café.
- Sloane Square Gardens – A small landscaped public space at the square’s centre, featuring benches and the Venus Fountain.
- Sloane Street – Begins at the north of the square and leads to Knightsbridge, lined with high-end fashion boutiques and designer stores.
Real Estate and Property Values
Sloane Square and its immediate surroundings boast some of the highest property values in London. As of April 2025, average prices for flats in the area range between £2,300 to £3,500 per square foot (£24,750–£37,675 per square metre), depending on floor level and outlook. For instance, a two-bedroom flat measuring 1,200 sq ft (approximately 111.5 sq m) might command upwards of £3 million. This makes the square more expensive than most London neighbourhoods, on par with nearby Belgravia, Knightsbridge, and Mayfair.
Transport Connections
Underground
Sloane Square Station is located at the southeastern corner of the square. It is served by:
This offers quick access to Victoria, South Kensington, Embankment, and the City of London.
Bus Routes
Multiple bus routes serve the area, with stops conveniently positioned around the square. Common routes include:
- 11 – Liverpool Street to Fulham Broadway
- 19 – Finsbury Park to Battersea Bridge
- 22 – Oxford Circus to Putney Common
- 137 – Marble Arch to Streatham Hill
Fun Fact
The term "Sloane Ranger"—coined in the 1980s—originated from Sloane Square. It described upper-class or aristocratic young people, typically well-dressed and often seen frequenting the area. Princess Diana was often associated with this stereotype in her early years, further boosting the square's iconic status in British pop culture.
Quick Facts
- Location: Border of Belgravia and Chelsea; City of Westminster and Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
- Pronunciation: Slown (/sləʊn/)
- Named after: Hans Sloane, 18th-century physician and collector
- Transport: Sloane Square Tube (District and Circle lines); multiple bus routes (11, 19, 22, 137)
- Landmarks: Royal Court Theatre, Peter Jones, Venus Fountain
- Real Estate: £2,300–£3,500 per sq ft (£24,750–£37,675 per sq m) as of April 2025
- Traffic: One-way clockwise
- Character: Elegant, mixed-use, affluent
- Fun Fact: Birthplace of the “Sloane Ranger” term
References
- Survey of London – Hans Town and Sloane Square
- Historic England – Royal Court Theatre Listing
- Peter Jones - John Lewis Partnership
- Rightmove – Sloane Square Property Listings
- Transport for London – Sloane Square Bus Map
Map of Sloane Square, London
Painting of Sloane Square, London (View image in full size)