Tottenham Court Road, London
Tottenham Court Road: A Lively and Iconic Street in the Heart of London
Tottenham Court Road is one of the most vibrant and well-known streets in Central London, offering a mix of history, shopping, technology, and urban life.Where is Tottenham Court Road?
Tottenham Court Road stretches through both the London Borough of Camden and the City of Westminster. It runs in a generally north-south direction, linking two of the capital’s most dynamic areas.How Long is Tottenham Court Road?
Tottenham Court Road measures approximately 0.6 miles (about 1 kilometre) in length.It starts from St Giles Circus at its southern end, where it meets Oxford Street and Charing Cross Road, and extends north to Euston Road.
The History of Tottenham Court Road
The origins of Tottenham Court Road trace back to the 18th century.It developed along an ancient trackway leading out of London towards the village of Tottenham, although today the road does not reach the modern area of Tottenham, which lies much further north.
By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the road became known for furniture shops, and later for electronics and technology retailers during the 20th century, giving it a distinctive commercial character.
Map of Tottenham Court Road, London
How Did Tottenham Court Road Get Its Name?
Tottenham Court Road was named after the manor of "Tottenhall" or "Tothill," a medieval estate once situated in the area.The name “Tottenham Court” began to appear on maps by the mid-17th century.
Despite the name, the road itself has no direct connection with today's district of Tottenham, which lies several miles to the north in Haringey.
How to Pronounce "Tottenham"
"Tottenham" is typically pronounced as “TOT-nəm” by Londoners, dropping the middle syllable.The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) pronunciation is /ˈtɒt.nəm/.
Roads Connecting to Tottenham Court Road
Tottenham Court Road connects to several key roads, including:- Oxford Street (south end)
- Charing Cross Road (at St Giles Circus)
- Euston Road (north end)
- Gower Street (running parallel to the east)
- New Oxford Street (via St Giles Circus)
Painting of Tottenham Court Road (View full-size image here)
Major Buildings and Attractions on Tottenham Court Road
Several notable buildings and attractions line Tottenham Court Road:- Dominion Theatre – A grand 1920s theatre near St Giles Circus, famous for musicals and performances.
- Heal's Furniture Store – A London landmark and luxury furniture retailer founded in the early 19th century.
- University College London (UCL) buildings – Several UCL departments and facilities are close by.
- BT Tower – Although not directly on the road, the iconic BT Tower is visible from Tottenham Court Road and nearby side streets.
- Tottenham Court Road Station's Elizabeth Line entrance – A significant addition that revitalized the southern end of the road.
Real Estate Prices on Tottenham Court Road
As of early 2025, property prices around Tottenham Court Road are extremely high, reflecting its central location.According to market reports from February 2025:
- A one-bedroom flat near Tottenham Court Road can cost between £800,000 and £1.2 million.
- Commercial properties often command rates of £1,500 to £2,500 per square foot.
What is the Character of Tottenham Court Road?
Tottenham Court Road today is primarily a commercial street.It is particularly famous for its cluster of electronics shops, furniture showrooms, and technology retailers.
In recent years, redevelopment efforts and the opening of the Elizabeth Line have increased the street’s appeal for office spaces, luxury hotels, and retail outlets.
While it is mostly commercial, there are also small pockets of residential properties in adjoining streets.
Nearest London Underground Stations
Tottenham Court Road is very well served by London Underground stations:- Tottenham Court Road Station – served by the Central Line, Northern Line, and Elizabeth Line.
- Goodge Street Station – served by the Northern Line, located towards the northern end of the road.
- Warren Street Station – also served by the Northern Line and Victoria Line, a short walk away towards the northwest.
Fun Facts About Tottenham Court Road
Here’s a fun bit of trivia: Tottenham Court Road has been associated with technology shopping since the 1960s and 1970s, at a time when Londoners would come here to buy radios, televisions, and later, early computers.Even today, you can still find many technology-related shops, although the street has diversified significantly.
Another quirky fact — the area around Tottenham Court Road inspired parts of Neil Gaiman’s novel "Neverwhere", which reimagines London’s Underground stations as fantasy realms!