William Street, London
William Street is a quiet, pedestrianised road located in the exclusive neighbourhood of Knightsbridge, within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Though modest in length, this elegantly paved street offers a charming and upmarket passageway between the bustling Knightsbridge thoroughfare and the residential calm of Lowndes Square. It is a route primarily designed for foot traffic, with only bicycles and authorised vehicles permitted entry.
Overview and Location
William Street runs roughly west to east, beginning at Knightsbridge and terminating at Lowndes Square. The street is approximately 110 metres (about 360 feet) in length. Traffic is one-way—or rather, pedestrian-only for the majority of use—and while the entry from Knightsbridge is restricted to non-motorised or authorised vehicles, it functions smoothly as a peaceful urban walkway amidst the busy surroundings.
Historical Background
William Street is thought to have been laid out during the mid-19th century as part of the wider development of Knightsbridge and Belgravia, both of which were experiencing rapid growth in response to London's expanding upper and upper-middle classes. Though exact construction dates are not easily pinned down, William Street appears on London maps by the 1870s.
The name "William Street" is believed to honour Prince William, Duke of Clarence, who later became King William IV of the United Kingdom (reigned 1830–1837). The pronunciation of William is standard: WILL-yum and in the International Phonetic Alphabet, it is rendered as /ˈwɪl.jəm/. 
Street Character and Ambience
Today, William Street is best characterised by its elegant calm. With no retail shops or heavy vehicle traffic, the atmosphere is almost entirely residential, with well-maintained pavements and subtle landscaping. The buildings flanking the street reflect a mix of early Victorian townhouses and later 20th-century developments, many of which have been converted into high-end apartments or remain single-family homes.
Though understated, the street forms part of a highly desirable neighbourhood and retains a discreet charm. The absence of retail signage and road noise gives it a secluded feel, despite being mere steps from one of London's busiest shopping districts.
Points of Interest Nearby
- Harrods: Just a 5-minute walk away, this iconic department store needs little introduction. Its luxury shopping and food halls draw millions annually.
- Hyde Park: One of London's largest green spaces, perfect for walking, boating, and events, located just north of Knightsbridge.
- Lowndes Square: At the eastern end of William Street, this quiet residential square offers tranquil garden views and a sense of old-money prestige.
- Embassy Quarter: Several embassies and diplomatic residences are located nearby, especially in Belgravia.
Real Estate on William Street
As of early 2025, property prices on William Street reflect the exclusivity of the surrounding Knightsbridge area. A typical apartment here may cost between £1.6 million to £3 million, with larger maisonettes or townhouses commanding significantly more. On average, properties range in size from 800 to 2,200 square feet (approximately 74 to 204 square metres).
Compared to the London average—hovering around £523,000 for flats in early 2025—William Street lies comfortably within the city's top 5% most expensive areas1. The demand is driven by the area's security, elegance, and proximity to premium shopping and cultural venues.
Transport Links
Nearest Underground Stations
- Knightsbridge Station (Piccadilly line): Approximately a 3-minute walk. This station provides direct access to Heathrow Airport and central London stops such as Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden.
- Hyde Park Corner Station (Piccadilly line): Around 10 minutes' walk westwards, useful for visitors staying in the Mayfair area.
Bus Stops Nearby
The closest bus stops are located directly on Knightsbridge, just a few metres from William Street. Frequent services include:
- Bus 9: Aldwych to Hammersmith
- Bus 10: King's Cross to Hammersmith (day service)
- Bus 52: Victoria to Willesden
These services ensure easy access to major transport hubs, including Victoria Station and Paddington Station.
Fun Fact
Despite its short length, William Street has made a number of appearances in literature and cinema as a backdrop for scenes set in “upper-class London.” Its genteel appearance and proximity to Harrods make it an ideal location for producers looking to capture the visual tone of quiet affluence.
Quick Facts
- Location: Knightsbridge, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
- Length: Approximately 110 metres (360 feet)
- Traffic: Pedestrianised; only bicycles and authorised vehicles permitted
- Nearest Tube Station: Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line)
- Nearby Sights: Harrods, Hyde Park, Lowndes Square
- Average Property Prices: £1.6M–£3M (as of early 2025)
- Property Sizes: 800–2,200 sq ft (74–204 sq m)
- Pronunciation: /ˈwɪl.jəm/ (“WILL-yum”)
- Nearby Bus Routes: 9, 10, 52
- Historical Note: Named likely after King William IV, street appears on 1870s maps
References
Map of William Street, London
Painting of William Street, London (View image in full size)
Page Details
This page was created on 21 May 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.
