Winsley Street, London

Winsley Street is a compact yet centrally located one-way street in the City of Westminster, forming part of the intricate network of roads that criss-cross the West End of London. The street extends from Eastcastle Street in the north to Oxford Street in the south, with vehicular traffic flowing in that direction. It lies just to the west of Fitzrovia and to the east of Marylebone, placing it in one of the most dynamic parts of the capital.

Overview and Location

Winsley Street is a narrow, urban street typically used for delivery access, local vehicular movement, and pedestrian connectivity. It is lined with a mix of retail back entrances, office buildings, and a few hospitality outlets. It provides an important link between the more commercialised Oxford Street and the quieter lanes of Eastcastle Street and beyond.

The street is flanked by Great Titchfield Street to the west and Wells Street to the east. Nearby streets include Market Place, Riding House Street, and Mortimer Street, each contributing to the vibrant streetscape of this part of Westminster.

History of Winsley Street

Winsley Street appears on maps from the late 18th century, developing alongside the growth of the West End as London expanded westward. The street's layout likely followed landholdings and urban planning by estate developers, particularly during the Georgian and Victorian periods. By the 19th century, it had already established itself as part of the street grid connecting Oxford Street to the smaller streets of Fitzrovia.

Name Origin and Pronunciation

The name Winsley is believed to derive from Old English origins, possibly meaning "Wynn's clearing" or “pleasant meadow.” However, unlike many of London's older thoroughfares, no direct historical figure or prominent estate is immediately linked to the naming of the street. It is pronounced as WINZ-lee, and phonetically rendered in the International Phonetic Alphabet as /ˈwɪnzli/.

Transport Links

Nearest London Underground Stations

Winsley Street benefits from close proximity to major London Underground Stations. The nearest is Oxford Circus Station, just a short walk to the west, served by the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines. Also within walking distance is Tottenham Court Road Station (serving the Northern, Central, and Elizabeth lines) and Goodge Street Station on the Northern line.

Nearby Bus Stops

There are numerous bus stops along Oxford Street, offering frequent services across central and greater London. Routes include services toward Marble Arch, Tottenham Court Road, and Holborn, making Winsley Street easily accessible by both bus and tube.

Surrounding Sights and Amenities

Though Winsley Street itself is modest in scale, its location places it amidst some of central London's most visited areas. Within minutes, visitors can reach:

Additionally, Regent Street and Soho are within walking distance, offering a blend of shopping, dining, and nightlife.

Property and Real Estate

Winsley Street has very limited residential stock, as the area is dominated by commercial and mixed-use buildings. However, where flats are available nearby, they are typically compact, ranging from 500–800 sq ft (46–74 sq metres). As of mid-2025, residential properties in the vicinity fetch around £1,200,000 for a two-bedroom flat, while rental prices average £3,500 per month for a similarly sized unit.

This puts property values and rental rates on Winsley Street in line with the wider City of Westminster, which remains one of the most expensive boroughs in London.

Fun Fact

A fun and lesser-known fact: Winsley Street was once home to a branch of the BBC's sound and technical departments in the post-war period, which had facilities tucked discreetly behind the public-facing buildings of Oxford Street. Although long gone, its presence reflects the area's long-standing association with British media.

Quick Facts

Map of Winsley Street, London

Painting of Winsley Street

Painting of Winsley StreetPainting of Winsley Street

Page Details

This page was created on 26 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 Group

More information for visiting London

Here are some related articles to help you get to know London better.

 Latest Pages & Updates

Buy Me A Coffee

If you enjoy the information I provide and want to support the work I do, please buy me a coffee! I appreciate it immensely, thank you so much!
Support me here

 Backtrack | HOME | Latest Updates | London Streets & Sights