Upper Wimpole Street, London
Upper Wimpole Street is a short but historically significant street located in the City of Westminster, within the distinguished neighbourhood of Marylebone in central London. Running from the junction of Wimpole Street and Weymouth Street in the south to the junction of Devonshire Place and Devonshire Street in the north, it is a residential thoroughfare known for its quiet elegance, grand Georgian façades, and proximity to many of London's major medical institutions.
Layout and Surrounding Streets
Upper Wimpole Street extends in a roughly north-south direction and lies parallel to Harley Street and Devonshire Place. Its southern junction at Weymouth Street leads directly into the more famous Wimpole Street, while the northern end merges into Devonshire Place, close to where Devonshire Street intersects. Nearby streets include Harley Street, New Cavendish Street, and Portland Place, all within the graceful grid layout characteristic of Marylebone.
The street is quiet and residential in nature, with relatively low traffic. Mature trees and period architecture give the street a timeless appeal. Sidewalks are broad, and many properties are converted into consulting rooms, luxury flats, or small clinics, contributing to the medical character of the area.
History of Upper Wimpole Street
Upper Wimpole Street dates from the early 19th century and was developed as part of the grand Marylebone Estate, originally owned by the Howard de Walden family. Much of the development in this part of Marylebone was shaped in the Georgian and Regency periods. The street was likely laid out in the 1820s or 1830s, around the same time as nearby Wimpole and Harley Streets.
The street's development coincided with the expansion of London northwards, and Upper Wimpole Street, like its neighbouring roads, was designed to cater to the rising middle and upper-middle classes seeking refined residences near the West End but slightly removed from its bustle.
Name and Pronunciation
The name "Upper Wimpole Street" is derived from Wimpole Street, itself named after Wimpole Hall, the ancestral seat of the Harley family in Cambridgeshire. The Harleys were key developers of the area. "Wimpole" is pronounced WIM-puhl /ˈwɪm.pəl/ in English pronunciation. The prefix “Upper” distinguishes it from the main stretch of Wimpole Street lying further south.
Architecture and Character
Properties on Upper Wimpole Street are primarily Georgian terraces, featuring white stucco or brown brick facades, tall sash windows, and ornate ironwork. Many buildings have retained their original features, including fanlights above doorways, cornices, and porticos. The architecture contributes to the genteel and timeless character of the street.
In more recent decades, many of these homes have been converted into private medical practices, embassies, or subdivided into luxury flats, in keeping with the trend seen throughout this part of Marylebone.
Attractions and Notable Sites Nearby
While Upper Wimpole Street itself is mostly residential, it lies just a short walk from many of London's cultural and historical landmarks. These include:
- Royal College of Physicians on nearby Regent's Park
- Wallace Collection on Manchester Square
- Madame Tussauds and Regent's Park to the northwest
- Wigmore Hall, a prestigious classical music venue
The area is also known for its medical heritage, being close to the Harley Street Medical District. Many consultants and clinics operate from addresses on and around Upper Wimpole Street.
Real Estate and Property Values
As of August 2025, residential properties on Upper Wimpole Street command premium prices due to their location, architecture, and medical zoning potential. A typical one-bedroom flat of around 600 sq ft (56 sq metres) is valued at approximately £1.2 million, while a larger three-bedroom flat of 1,500 sq ft (139 sq metres) can fetch upwards of £3.5 million. Full Georgian townhouses, where available, are extremely rare and may exceed £7 million.
Rental prices are equally steep. A two-bedroom flat of 1,000 sq ft (93 sq metres) rents for £6,500 to £8,000 per month, depending on condition and amenities. These values reflect the street's central location, heritage status, and proximity to institutions and hospitals.
Nearest London Underground Stations
Upper Wimpole Street benefits from close proximity to multiple London Underground Stations. The nearest stations include:
- Regent's Park Station – served by the Bakerloo line
- Baker Street Station – served by the Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, and Metropolitan lines
- Great Portland Street – also served by the Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines
Edgware Road Station is also within walking distance for those heading further west.
Bus Connections
There are multiple bus routes running along nearby Portland Place and Marylebone Road. Key bus stops include:
- Harley Street / Portland Place (routes 18, 27, 30, 205)
- Devonshire Street (routes 18, 453)
These provide convenient access to Oxford Circus, King's Cross, and Paddington, among other key destinations.
Fun Fact
Upper Wimpole Street has long been associated with the medical profession, but it also has a literary connection. In George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, the fictional address of Professor Henry Higgins is given as 27a Wimpole Street—likely inspired by this precise area. The story was later adapted into the beloved musical My Fair Lady.
Quick Facts
- Location: Marylebone, City of Westminster, London
- Orientation: Runs from Wimpole Street at Weymouth Street to Devonshire Place at Devonshire Street
- Neighbourhood: Residential and medical; part of Harley Street Medical District
- Architecture: Predominantly Georgian terraces with stucco or brick façades
- Property Prices (Aug 2025): £1.2M–£3.5M+ for flats; rentals £6,500–£8,000/month
- Nearest Underground Stations: Regent's Park (Bakerloo), Baker Street, Great Portland Street
- Nearby Bus Routes: 18, 27, 30, 205, 453
- Fun Fact: Referenced as home of Professor Higgins in George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion
Map of Upper Wimpole Street, London
Painting of Upper Wimpole Street
Painting of Upper Wimpole Street
Page Details
This page was created on 4 August 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?
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