Wells Street, London
Wells Street is a one-way thoroughfare located in Fitzrovia, within the City of Westminster in London. It stretches from Riding House Street in the north to Oxford Street in the south. The street is lined with a mix of office buildings, retail outlets, cafes, and residential apartments, reflecting the characteristic blend of commercial and residential life that defines Fitzrovia.
Location and Surrounding Streets
Wells Street is ideally situated in central London, providing a quiet parallel to the busy Oxford Street shopping district. To the north, it connects with Riding House Street, while to the south it meets Oxford Street at a bustling junction.
Nearby streets include Mortimer Street to the north-east—another important route in Fitzrovia—and Great Titchfield Street running parallel to Wells Street to the west. To the east is Berners Street, another historic street in the district. The area is part of the vibrant West End, close to Cavendish Square and Marylebone.
Connecting Streets
- Booth's Place
- Eastcastle Street
- Margaret Street
- Marylebone Passage
- Mortimer Street
- Oxford Street
- Riding House Street
History of Wells Street
Wells Street was laid out in the mid-18th century during the period of urban expansion in what is now Fitzrovia. The street originally formed part of the Portland Estate, developed by the Dukes of Portland who were major landowners in the area.
The name Wells Street is thought to derive from a family name associated with landownership or local history, although the precise origin remains unclear. It is pronounced as Wells, rhyming with "bells," and is rendered in the International Phonetic Alphabet as /wɛlz/.
Interesting Sights and Buildings
Although not a major tourist destination, Wells Street offers several points of interest:
- All Saints Church, Margaret Street – While technically on Margaret Street, this celebrated Victorian Gothic Revival church is just around the corner from Wells Street.
- Fitzrovia Chapel – A short walk away, this hidden gem is a stunning piece of late-Victorian architecture and regularly hosts art installations.
- Local Cafés and Eateries – Wells Street is home to small coffee shops and cafes popular with office workers and residents alike.
Real Estate Prices in Wells Street
As of July 2025, residential property prices on Wells Street reflect the premium associated with central London living. Apartments typically range from 500 sq ft (46 sq m) for a one-bedroom flat to over 1,200 sq ft (111 sq m) for a larger two or three-bedroom residence.
The average price for a one-bedroom apartment on Wells Street is approximately £950,000. Larger flats may command prices upwards of £2 million, depending on amenities and condition. For rental properties, expect to pay around £3,500 per month for a one-bedroom unit and £6,500 per month for a two-bedroom flat. These figures are significantly above the London average, reflecting Wells Street's prime West End location.
Nearest London Underground Stations
Wells Street is conveniently located near several London Underground Stations:
- Oxford Circus Station – Serving the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines. This is the closest tube station, approximately a 5-minute walk.
- Goodge Street Station – Located to the northeast of Wells Street, on the Northern line.
- Tottenham Court Road Station – Provides access to the Central, Northern, and Elizabeth lines.
Bus Services
Several bus routes serve Oxford Street and nearby Mortimer Street, providing connections to other parts of London. Key nearby stops include:
- Oxford Street / John Prince's Street stop – Serving routes such as 7, 10, 55, and 73.
- Margaret Street stop – Located close to Wells Street for additional bus options.
Fun Fact
Wells Street has a notable place in film history. In the 1920s, it was home to several small film studios and early post-production companies. This history is commemorated by plaques and historical records of the British film industry's early days in Fitzrovia.
Quick Facts
- Wells Street is a one-way street in Fitzrovia, City of Westminster.
- It connects Riding House Street in the north to Oxford Street in the south.
- The street was developed in the mid-18th century as part of the Portland Estate.
- Pronounced "Wells" (/wɛlz/), the origin of the name likely comes from a family surname.
- Nearby attractions include All Saints Church, Margaret Street, and Fitzrovia Chapel.
- Residential flats range from 500 to 1,200 sq ft (46 to 111 sq m).
- As of July 2025, property prices range from £950,000 to £2 million; rentals from £3,500 to £6,500 per month.
- Nearest London Underground stations: Oxford Circus, Goodge Street, Tottenham Court Road.
- Nearby bus stops are on Oxford Street and Margaret Street.
- Fun Fact: Wells Street played a role in the early British film industry during the 1920s.
References
- Zoopla - Wells Street Property Prices
- Survey of London – Wells Street and Surroundings
- London Remembers – Film Industry Plaque
Map of Wells Street, London
Painting of Wells Street
Painting of Wells Street
Page Details
This page was created on 19 July 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.
