Three Kings' Yard, London
Three Kings' Yard is a small, gated private yard located in the heart of Mayfair, part of the prestigious City of Westminster in central London. Accessed via a discreet entrance from Davies Street, this secluded street is largely invisible to the public, adding to its air of exclusivity and historic intrigue. It connects through an archway to Beauchamp Place, which is likewise behind the gate. Though locked and not open to through-traffic, Three Kings' Yard remains a point of interest for urban historians and property enthusiasts alike.
Location and Surroundings
Three Kings' Yard lies just north of Grosvenor Square and is accessed from Davies Street, one of Mayfair’s principal thoroughfares. The surrounding area includes Brook Street to the east, Grosvenor Street to the south, and Upper Brook Street a short distance away. The yard is within walking distance of iconic Mayfair landmarks, luxury hotels, art galleries, and world-class shopping destinations on Bond Street and Oxford Street.
Character and Description
This charming yard retains its 18th-century proportions and scale, featuring cobbled paving, traditional London stock brick façades, and period architectural details. The buildings that line the yard are primarily converted mews houses, once used as stables and carriage houses for larger townhouses nearby. Today, they are a mix of luxury residences and discreet offices, shielded behind secure gates that preserve the site’s tranquillity and privacy.
History of Three Kings' Yard
The exact origins of the yard date back to the early-to-mid 18th century, a time when Mayfair was being developed as a fashionable residential district for London’s elite. While the specific naming of Three Kings' Yard is not definitively documented, it is likely to derive from a former coaching inn or public house that once bore the name “Three Kings.” Such inns were common throughout London and often lent their names to adjoining yards or alleyways. By the 19th century, the yard was firmly established, serving the mews and service buildings behind grand properties on Grosvenor Square and Davies Street.
Real Estate and Property Values
Three Kings’ Yard is known for its exclusivity, and property prices reflect that. As of 2025, a typical two-storey mews house in the yard, averaging around 1,500 sq ft (approximately 139 sq metres), can command prices exceeding £4.5 million. This places it significantly above the average for Greater London, where similarly sized homes might sell for around £1.5 million. Rental prices are equally steep, often exceeding £2,000 per week for short-let properties. The premium here comes not only from location but also from the privacy, heritage charm, and security that the yard affords.
Nearby Sights and Amenities
Although the yard itself is private, it sits within easy reach of some of central London’s most iconic destinations. Just minutes away are:
- Grosvenor Square – a historic garden square with American connections.
- The Royal Academy of Arts – for exhibitions and cultural events.
- Mount Street Gardens – a serene green space tucked behind Mayfair’s shops and restaurants.
- Oxford Street and New Bond Street – for world-famous retail therapy.
For dining and accommodation, the surrounding area features luxury options such as Claridge’s Hotel, Scott’s restaurant, and numerous exclusive members’ clubs and boutiques.
Transport Connections
Nearest London Underground Stations
Three Kings' Yard enjoys excellent access to several London Underground Stations:
- Green Park Station (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines) – approx. 8 minutes' walk.
- Marble Arch Station (Central line) – approx. 10 minutes' walk.
- Hyde Park Corner Station (Piccadilly line) – approx. 15 minutes' walk.
These connections provide fast and direct access to major destinations across London Underground including the West End, City of London, and Heathrow Airport.
Bus Routes
Nearby bus stops on Oxford Street and Park Lane serve a wide range of routes, including:
- Route 73 to Victoria and Stoke Newington
- Route 390 to Notting Hill and Archway
- Route 10 to Hammersmith and King’s Cross (limited service)
A Hidden Gem in Mayfair
Three Kings’ Yard is something of a local curiosity: a piece of preserved London history that remains largely unseen by the average pedestrian. Its seclusion and security make it ideal for those seeking a discreet urban retreat in one of the capital’s most desirable areas. The yard has retained its original footprint and many of its architectural features, offering a glimpse into Georgian-era service life behind Mayfair’s grand houses.
Fun Fact: Despite its small size and private status, Three Kings' Yard has occasionally featured in British period dramas and luxury property brochures, adding to its mystique and allure among enthusiasts of hidden London.
Quick Facts
- Location: Mayfair, City of Westminster, London
- Type: Gated private mews yard
- Access: Via Davies Street
- Historical Period: Established in the 18th century
- Name Origin: Likely from a former coaching inn named “Three Kings”
- Nearby Sights: Grosvenor Square, Claridge’s, Oxford Street
- Property Size: Approx. 1,500 sq ft (139 sq metres)
- Property Price (2025): £4.5 million and above
- Nearest Tube Stations: Green Park, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner
- Nearby Bus Routes: 73, 390, 10
- Fun Fact: Occasionally used in British period drama filming
Map of Three Kings' Yard, London
Painting of Three Kings' Yard, London