Whittaker Street, London
Whittaker Street is a short, quiet residential street in the elegant district of Belgravia, located in the City of Westminster, Central London. It connects Holbein Place to Bourne Street, forming a tranquil link between two roads that lie just west of Sloane Square.
Overview and Traffic
Whittaker Street is approximately 100 metres (328 feet) in length. It is a two-way street with vehicular traffic permitted to enter from Bourne Street and Holbein Place. Its compact size and narrow width means drivers have to give way to oncoming traffic, reinforcing its character as a peaceful residential passage in contrast to the busier thoroughfares nearby.
History and Name
The street forms part of the grand 19th-century development of Belgravia by the Grosvenor Estate, which transformed this area of former marshland into one of London’s most exclusive residential enclaves. The area was developed following the success of nearby Eaton and Chester Squares in the 1820s and 1830s.
Whittaker Street was laid out in the mid-19th century, though it does not appear on earlier maps, suggesting it was established later than its more prominent neighbouring streets. The origin of the street’s name is not definitively recorded, but it is likely named after a person associated with the Grosvenor Estate or local governance. The name Whittaker is pronounced WITT-uh-kər, transcribed phonetically as /ˈwɪtəkə(r)/. 
Character and Streetscape
Whittaker Street is characterised by its Georgian-style terraced houses, modest in size compared to the grand villas found elsewhere in Belgravia, but no less charming. The façades are typically stuccoed or painted brick, with sash windows and elegant doorways that reflect the area’s refined architectural vernacular.
The street has a peaceful, almost hidden quality, despite its central location. Trees and private garden views lend it a sense of seclusion. The atmosphere is residential and dignified, with little commercial activity and minimal foot traffic.
Nearby Sights and Attractions
While Whittaker Street itself is understated, it lies within easy walking distance of some of London's most popular destinations. Notable sights within the vicinity include:
- Sloane Square – A fashionable public square with access to shopping, dining, and theatre at the Royal Court Theatre.
- King’s Road – Famous for its boutique shops and cultural history from the Swinging Sixties to today.
- Saatchi Gallery – A contemporary art museum housed in the Duke of York’s Headquarters, just a few minutes’ walk away.
- Ebury Square Gardens – A quiet green space ideal for locals seeking relaxation.
Property and Real Estate
As of April 2025, property values on Whittaker Street remain firmly in the luxury bracket, though more modest than the multi-million-pound mansions elsewhere in Belgravia. Terraced homes typically range from 1,000 to 1,800 square feet (approximately 93 to 167 sq metres), with asking prices between £2.1 million and £3.5 million, depending on size, interior upgrades, and outdoor space.
These figures are still well above the average for London, reflecting Belgravia’s status as one of the capital’s most prestigious postcodes. The rental market is similarly elevated, with a two-bedroom home commanding around £6,500 to £8,000 per month.
Transport Connections
Nearest Tube Stations
- Sloane Square Station – Located just 3 minutes’ walk from Whittaker Street, this station is served by the District and Circle lines, providing quick access to Westminster, Victoria, and South Kensington.
- Victoria Station – About 10 minutes away on foot, offering Victoria, Circle, and District lines, as well as mainline rail and the Gatwick Express.
Bus Stops
Several bus routes operate near Whittaker Street:
- Bus stops on Sloane Square and Lower Sloane Street – Served by routes 11, 19, 22, 137, 211, 360, and night buses N11 and N19, offering connections to Chelsea, Westminster, the West End, and beyond.
Fun Fact
Whittaker Street was featured in a 2014 British television drama that used the understated elegance of Belgravia’s backstreets to depict the residence of a fictional aristocratic family. Though the name was never directly mentioned, sharp-eyed locals recognised the backdrop immediately. The street’s quiet charm and preserved architecture make it a favourite for location scouts seeking a quintessentially “hidden London” look.
Quick Facts
- Location: Belgravia, City of Westminster, London
- Length: Approx. 100 metres
- Traffic Direction: One-way from Bourne Street to Holbein Place
- Architectural Style: Georgian-style terraced houses
- Nearest Tube Station: Sloane Square (District and Circle lines)
- Nearby Bus Routes: 11, 19, 22, 137, 211, 360, N11, N19
- Average Property Size: 1,000–1,800 sq ft (93–167 sq m)
- Property Prices (Apr 2025): £2.1M–£3.5M
- Nearby Attractions: King’s Road, Saatchi Gallery, Royal Court Theatre
- Name Pronunciation: WITT-uh-kər (/ˈwɪtəkə(r)/)
- Fun Fact: Used as a backdrop in a 2014 British drama series
Map of Whittaker Street, London
Painting of Whittaker Street, London (View image in full size)