Wood's Mews, London
Wood's Mews is a short, discreet street nestled in the prestigious Mayfair district of the City of Westminster, London. Running west to east, it links Park Lane on its western end to Park Street to the east, with Dunraven Street forming a T-junction on its north side. Although small in size, the mews offers a fascinating glimpse into the architectural and residential evolution of Mayfair, bridging past and present.
Layout and Traffic Flow
Wood's Mews features a dual character when it comes to vehicular traffic. The eastern section, from Park Street to Dunraven Street, supports two-way traffic, allowing for easy access between the internal streets of Mayfair. However, the western segment, from Dunraven Street to Park Lane, is a one-way westbound route. This configuration helps regulate flow while preserving the mews' calm, residential atmosphere.
Surroundings and Neighbouring Streets
Surrounded by stately Georgian and Victorian architecture, Wood’s Mews sits behind some of the grand houses that line Park Lane. Dunraven Street connects it northward, while Park Street and Park Lane flank it to the east and west respectively. Just a short stroll north lies Oxford Street, while to the south, Curzon Street and Shepherd Market are within easy walking distance. Despite its central location, the mews retains a quiet charm that distinguishes it from the surrounding thoroughfares.
History of Wood's Mews
Like many mews streets in Mayfair, Wood’s Mews was originally developed in the 18th and 19th centuries as a service lane to house stables and servants' quarters for the grand residences nearby. These stables were often discreetly positioned behind the main townhouses on Mayfair's grid layout, accessible from smaller streets like this one.
The exact date of the construction of Wood’s Mews is uncertain, but records suggest its presence by the early 1800s, appearing on maps from the early 19th century. Over the years, the mews properties have transitioned from equestrian and utilitarian uses into high-end private residences and modernised mews houses, now highly sought after by buyers who value privacy and exclusivity in the heart of central London.
Origin of the Name
The name "Wood's Mews" is thought to derive from either a former property owner or local figure named Wood, a common practice in naming London streets during the 18th and 19th centuries. However, detailed historical records of the individual remain sparse. The term "mews" itself comes from the royal stables that originally stood at Charing Cross in the 14th century, and it has since come to refer to any converted or original stable lane behind grand houses.
Points of Interest Nearby
While Wood’s Mews itself is primarily residential and quiet, several notable attractions are located nearby:
- Hyde Park – Just across Park Lane, this iconic green space offers open lawns, the Serpentine lake, and memorials like the Diana Princess of Wales Fountain.
- Shepherd Market – A charming and historic square filled with pubs, boutiques, and eateries, only a few minutes’ walk south.
- Marble Arch – Located to the northwest, this well-known monument marks the corner of Hyde Park and Oxford Street. Adjacent is Marble Arch Station.
Real Estate and Living in Wood's Mews
As of early 2025, properties in Wood’s Mews are among the most exclusive in the London market. A typical two- to three-bedroom mews house here ranges from 1,300 to 2,000 sq ft (approximately 120 to 185 sq metres), with prices varying between £4 million and £7 million depending on condition and amenities. These values are significantly higher than the average for Greater London, reflecting both the rarity and prestige of such properties in Mayfair1.
Homes often feature private garages, modern interiors behind historic façades, and high ceilings—blending traditional architecture with contemporary comfort. The discreet nature of the street appeals to both domestic buyers and international investors seeking privacy.
Transport Links
Nearest London Underground Stations
- Marble Arch Station (Central line) – approximately a 6-minute walk north.
- Green Park Station (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines) – about a 10-minute walk southeast.
These stations provide excellent access to the wider London Underground network and facilitate travel across the capital with ease.
Nearby Bus Stops
Several bus routes serve Park Lane and Oxford Street, including routes 2, 16, 23, 36, and 137. The closest stops are along Park Lane (Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch), offering direct connections to destinations across Central London, including Victoria, Paddington, and Notting Hill.
Fun Fact
Though now a tranquil enclave, Wood’s Mews has occasionally been spotted in the backdrop of British television dramas and fashion shoots. The blend of cobbled paving, mews-style garages, and flower boxes gives it a quintessential "hidden London" aesthetic that continues to charm creatives and visitors alike.
Quick Facts
- Location: Mayfair, City of Westminster, London
- Connects: Park Lane (west) to Park Street (east)
- Traffic: Two-way between Park Street and Dunraven Street; one-way westbound from Dunraven Street to Park Lane
- Nearest Tube Stations: Marble Arch (Central line), Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria lines)
- Nearby Attractions: Hyde Park, Shepherd Market, Marble Arch
- Property Size: 1,300–2,000 sq ft (120–185 sq m)
- Property Prices (2025): £4M–£7M
- Nearby Bus Routes: 2, 16, 23, 36, 137
- Character: Quiet mews street with historic charm and modernised homes
References
Map of Wood's Mews, London
Painting of Wood's Mews, London