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London/Mayfair-Marylebone - area of central London, England

Location of the Mayfair-Marylebone area in London Mayfair and Marylebone are districts of central London. Together they cover a large area of western central London, encompassing the whole of Mayfair and Piccadilly to the south and the area from Oxford Street through Marylebone to Regent's Park and the border with St John's Wood to the north.

Understand

Mayfair is named after a fortnight-long May Fair held from 1686 until banned from that location in 1764. (Previously, the May Fair was held in the Haymarket; after 1764, it moved to Fair Field in Bow). The area was owned by the Grosvenor family and much is still held by the Grosvenor Estate, having been originally developed for residences from the late 17<sup>th</sup> century. Mayfair is an extremely well-heeled district, as symbolised by its appearance as the most expensive property on the London Monopoly board, followed closely by one of its main thoroughfares, Park Lane. The district includes several major up-market shopping streets, including Bond Street, Regent Street, Jermyn Street.

Oxford Street Dividing the two districts is Oxford Street, considered by many to be the 'high street', (i.e. main shopping street) of London. Here are to be found a number of sizeable department stores, including the famous Selfridges, as well as shopfronts for all the major brands.

Marylebone, to the north of Oxford Street, is larger and less grand than Mayfair but still home to some very desirable housing, as well major tourist attractions such as Madame Tussaud's Wax Works Museum, Baker Street and the fictional haunt of Sherlock Holmes, and—to the north—the wide open green spaces of Regent's Park (including London Zoo).

Get in

By Tube

There are many Tube stations in the area, making these districts extremely easy to access, with all sites of interest a maximum of 10-15 minutes walk from any Tube station:

The Tube is the best way to reach Oxford Street; although there are plenty of buses serving the area, the traffic congestion is pretty bad, and the wait can be lengthy. The Central Line runs pretty much directly beneath Oxford Street at this point, with four stations along its length: Marble Arch, Bond Street (also served by the Jubilee Line), Oxford Circus (also served by the Bakerloo and Victoria lines), and Tottenham Court Road (also served by the Charing Cross branch of the Northern Line). If you want to shop, go to either Marble Arch or Tottenham Court Road station and walk the length of Oxford Street to experience all it has to offer.

If possible, avoid Oxford Circus Tube Station, as its layout is confusing and it's also very busy; at times it can be difficult to get out of the station at all due to pedestrian congestion outside and access to the station is frequently closed on a temporary basis during the evening rush hour.

By train

By bus

Both the 7 and 23 buses travel up Edgware Rd and on towards Bayswater & Notting Hill.

See

Landmarks

  • Marble Arch, 51.5131762°, -0.1589692°. This enormous arch was built in front of Buckingham Palace. In 1851 the expansion of the palace meant the arch could no longer remain where it was, so it was moved to this point on Hyde Park. It now stands rather sadly on a large traffic island, but the subway beneath the roads mean you can stop off at the Marble Arch on your way from Oxford St to Hyde Park.

Regent's Park

  • Regent's Park, 51.5304528°, -0.153594°, +44 20 7486-7905, regents@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk. Large open space very popular with Londoners and less visited by tourists than the other great city parks. A number of lovely lakes, an open air theatre, regular puppet shows, various sporting activities and some splendid ancient trees. There is also a cafe and play area next to the boating pond. 2017-09-05
    • {{see | name=ZSL London Zoo | alt=London Zoo | url=http://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/ | email= | address=Outer Circle, Regent's Pk, NW1 4RY | lat=51.534911 | long=-0.1538086 | directions=tube: . Regent's Park station is a very long walk away. | phone=+44 20 7722-3333 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10AM-4PM, closed 25 Dec | price=Pre-booked: £24 adults, £17.50 under 15s, under 3 free. Gate prices slightly higher | wikipedia=London Zoo | wikidata=Q270263 | lastedit=2017-09-05 | content=London's main zoo located in the northern reaches of Regent's Park. Takes a very conservation-driven approach these days and always has great exhibits aimed at children. Opened in 1828 for scientific study, then to the public in 1847. }}
    • London Central Mosque (Regent's Park Mosque), 146 Park Rd NW1, 51.5288909°, -0.1647949°, info@iccuk.org. Islamic Cultural Centre and the main mosque in London. Visitors are welcome but must be suitably attired. The Mosque runs classes, prayers, talks and events.
  • Wellington Arch, Apsley Way, Hyde Park Corner, W1J 7JZ (tube: ; in the centre of the Hyde Park Corner roundabout), 51.5025°, -0.1508°. Interior access daily: Apr–Sep 10AM–6PM; Oct 10AM–5PM; Nov–Mar 10AM-4PM. A neoclassical triumphal arch, designed by Decimus Burton and first erected in 1826 as a grand entrance to Buckingham Palace. From 1846 onwards, the arch was topped with a massive equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington - a major road widening of Piccadilly in 1882 was the opportunity to finally remove the over sized statue to Aldershot. The present magnificent statue Peace Descending on the Quadriga of War was placed on top of the Arch in 1912, and remains today the largest bronze sculpture in the United Kingdom, spectacularly lit at night. During the 1950s, the arch served as the smallest police station in the city, when it was occupied by ten constables, two sergeants and a cat! The arch was opened to the public for the first time in April 2001 after a £1.5 million restoration by English Heritage. (Wellington Arch is also available for corporate and private events - with dramatic views down Constitution Hill and across central London from the Arch's spacious balconies, Wellington Arch is a novel and unique place to impress your guests). £4.20 adult, £3.80 concessions, £2.50 child
  • Grosvenor Square, 51.5115202°, -0.1514268°. Nicknamed Little America, it was the long-time home of the American Embassy (which in 2018 moved to Nine Elms across the river), and a statue of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Museums and galleries

Sherlock Holmes Museum

  • Apsley House (The Wellington Museum), 149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, London, W1J 7NT (tube: ), 51.503474°, -0.151738°, +44 20 7499 5676. W-Su 11AM-5PM. The London residence of the Dukes of Wellington, which now acts as a museum for the inaugural and most famous holder of the title. It boasts an impressive collection of paintings, sculpture, medals and swords. Perhaps the most bizarre item in Wellington's collection is a nude statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, commissioned by the emperor himself and bought by the British government following his defeat as a gift for the duke. Adult £11.30, child £6.80, concession £10.20
  • Handel & Hendrix in London (Handel House Museum), 25 Brook St W1K 4HB (tube: ), 51.512991°, -0.145985°, +44 20 7495-1685, mail@handelhouse.org. M-Sa 11AM-6PM. Home to the baroque composer George Frideric Handel from 1723 until his death in 1759. Some of the greatest classical music ever composed was done so at this address. The museum charts Handel's life and works and offers recitals of music in the magnificent setting of the period rooms. By contrast, next door was home to Jimi Hendrix when he lived in London in 1969, and entry to this top floor flat is included. £10 2017-09-13
  • Madame Tussauds, Marylebone Rd, NW1 5LR (tube: ), 51.52279°, -0.15517°, +44 871 894 3000. M-F 10AM-5:30PM, Sa Su 9:30AM-5:30PM. Madame Tussauds is a world famous waxwork museum, best known for its Grand Hall, with a collection of international royalty, statesmen and world leaders. Visitors generally report that the entrance fee does not warrant the selection of waxworks on show, which rarely resemble the celebrities. Also, there is usually a long queue stretching down the road. £10-20 (pricing depends on time of visit, price decreases as closing time approaches, and whether visitors wish to pass through the Chamber of Horrors) 2017-01-23
  • The Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly (tube: ), 51.509227°, -0.139695°, +44 20 7300-8000, tickets@royalacademy.org.uk. W-Su 11AM-5PM. The Royal Academy no longer has a permanent exhibition space, instead hosting art exhibitions. Notable exhibitions have included the paintings of Monet, contemporary art associated with the theme of apocalypse, and Aztec art. Each Summer, the Royal Academy plays host to a Summer Exhibition, displaying 1,200 new works by established and new artists selected by the academy, most of which are available for visitors to buy. Each member has to donate a work of art, so over the years, the academy has built a sizable collection. Exhibitions are invariably excellent, and it is worth paying for audio guides, if they are not included. Visitors should book tickets in advance, as exhibitions are often very popular - particularly shortly after opening. Some exhibitions free, others vary £8-£22 2020-09-10
  • Sherlock Holmes Museum (Also known as 221B Baker St), 239 Baker St, NW1 6XE (Tube: ), 51.52376°, -0.15851°, +44 207 9358 866. 9:30AM-6PM daily. Discover mementos of the famous fictional detective. In reality, this was a lodging house used in the late 1800s and has three floors. The first floor contains Sherlock Holmes' study with Watson's desk, and has bullet holes spelling the initials VR (for Victoria Regina, Latin for Queen Victoria) much to the chagrin of the landlady Mrs. Hudson. Next to that is Holmes' bedroom with a rogues' gallery containing photographs of several notable Victorian-era murderers including Lizzy Bourdain. The remaining rooms upstairs have waxwork figures and artifacts referencing the novels, as well as their adaptations to stage and screen.20px Photography allowed, though filming requires permission. Prebooking is recommended to circumvent long queues. £15 adult, £10 child 2022-04-03
  • Wallace Collection, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN (tube: ), 51.51734°, -0.15298°, +44 20 7563-9527. Daily 10AM-5PM. The Wallace Collection is one of the world's finest private art collections, the best known of which is Frans Hals's work The Laughing Cavalier. Other artists on display include Rembrandt, Titian, Poussin, and Reynolds. Well worth escaping to after the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. Free

Work

  • Mayfair Point, 34 South Molton St, +44 20 7344-9700. Located just above Bond Street tube station, Mayfair Point provides office services, from single desk hire through to contracted large office space ideal for small businesses wanting to work in a prestigious location in London. From £60pm

Do

  • Curzon Mayfair, 38 Curzon St, 51.506537°, -0.148049°, +44 20 7495-0500. Retro 1970s decor, a relaxing bar area and comfortable seating combine with a great art-house billing, easily one of the best cinemas in London.
  • London Friday Night Skate. F 8PM. Group street skate every Friday night.
  • Sunday Stroll. Su 2PM. Group street skate.
  • {{do | name=Regent's Park Open Air Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.openairtheatre.org/ | email= | address= | lat=51.5286 | long=-0.155 | directions=tube: | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Regent's Park Open Air Theatre | image=Regent's Park Open Air Theatre Auditorium.JPG | wikidata=Q1817506 | content=During the summer, a perfect afternoon can be had by taking a picnic in Regent's Park followed by seeing a production at the Theatre. }}

Buy

Mayfair

Mayfair has 3 boundaries of major shopping streets: Oxford Street (to the north), Piccadilly (to the south) and Regents Street (to the West). In the centre is Bond Street and the first indoor shopping centres called arcades, full of exclusive shops.

Oxford Street

Oxford Street, which has been a shopping mecca and London's primary shopping street since 1908, will max out your credit card and will provide you with a store for anything you need. Many major British retail chains have their flagship branches along Oxford Street, although some have closed in this high-rent district due to shoppers' increasing preference for online shopping. Be especially careful of the tourist traps that have sprung up in their wake, such as brightly-coloured so-called American candy stores that have "neglected" to post the price for most of the merchandise. You could end up paying £10 for a single stale chocolate bar.

Piccadilly

Regent Street

Intersecting Oxford St proper is Regent St, which houses the famous Liberty department store, again worth a visit for fabrics and home furnishings. Also interesting is the House of Fraser (formerly Dickins & Jones) department store.

  • Hamley's, 188-196 Regent St, W1B 5BT (tube: ), 51.5128°, -0.1402°. Largest toy store in England, and the World, with over seven floors. One could spend hours here. 2019-10-27
  • Liberty, Great Marlborough St, W1B 5AH (tube: , the main frontage is on Regent St despite the address), 51.51383°, -0.140183°, +44 20 7734-1234, info@liberty.co.uk. The flagship, original store of the world famous British brand. Lovely old building and great fun to browse in Liberty even if you are not going to buy something! 2018-11-20

West and parallel to Regents St is Savile Row synonymous with perhaps the highest quality men's suits in the world. There are many bespoke tailors to chose from, most of whom are behind quite discreet shop fronts. If you feel like really treating yourself, nothing could be more London than a suit from Savile Row and a shirt from Jermyn St.

  • Cad & the Dandy (Men's Suits Tailors & Shirtmakers), 12 Savile Row, W1S 3PR, 51.511078°, -0.14016°, +44 20 7283-1975. Remarkable bespoke & made to measure suit tailors for men. Fine English fabrics. Also offer men's wedding suit tailoring. Design your suit using their online designing tool. £450

On the corner of Oxford St and Regent St. is the Microsoft Experience Store.

  • Microsoft Experience Centre (formerly Microsoft Store), 253-259 Regent Street, W1B 2ER (Tube: ), 51.515058°, -0.142516°, +44 207 660 0308. In a similar vein to the Apple store, the "Microsoft Experience Centre" stores are dedicated to showcasing the latest Microsoft products and services. A good chance to try the latest Surface computers. The Xbox gaming lounge is closed due to COVID-19. 2021-11-24

The eastern boundary of the area is marked by Tottenham Court Road, which is London's famous area for specialist electronics, hi-fi and computer equipment shops - most of these are concentrated near the southern half of the road, whilst the northern half is famous for its furnishing stores.

Central Mairfair

If your taste is for mainstream designer label goods, try Bond Street (New Bond Street). Synonymous with international designers and luxury goods, it is a great way to experience London's finest at its best. The street is recognised as the premier location for designer shopping in London, and perhaps the world, featuring brands and labels recognised the world over.

Marylebone

Marylebone High Street and the side streets running off it have a range of upmarket specialised shops, in particular for food.

Eat

Budget

All the below are near Oxford Circus:

Mid-range

Splurge

Drink

Marylebone

  • The Volunteer, 245-247 Baker St, Marylebone, NW1 6XE, 51.52398°, -0.15858°, +44 20 7486 4091. A great pub for a relaxed evening. Great atmosphere and a minute walk from Baker Street Tube.
  • The Windsor Castle Pub, 98 Park Rd, Marylebone, NW1 4SH, 51.52639°, -0.16225°, +44 20 7723 9262. A local pub popular with the London Business School crowd.
  • Sam Smith Pubs, NA°, NA°. Sam Smith's pubs are some of the cheaper places to drink in Marylebone as they mostly sell their own beers brewed in Yorkshire. £2-4 per pint
    • The Angel in the Fields, 37 Thayer Street (tube: ), 51.51807°, -0.15140°. Visit on a sunny afternoon to enjoy the stained glass windows. 2015-11-10
    • {{drink | name=The Dover Castle | alt= | url= | email= | address=43 Weymouth Mews | lat=51.5201096 | long=-0.1461697 | directions=tube: | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q27080836 | lastedit=2015-11-10 | content= }}

Mayfair

Sleep

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

Stay safe

Whilst Oxford Street is one of the safest streets in central London, there are, however, a few things to be aware of:

Crowds Oxford Street is very busy most days of the week, and can be unbearably so during the weekends - the areas around the junction with Tottenham Court Road, Marble Arch and Oxford Circus in particular. If you are in a hurry, be a Londoner and avoid the crowds by diverting via the back streets which run parallel to Oxford Street - plus you have the advantages of stumbling upon little gems such as restaurants, cafes and bars that are off the beaten track! You should be careful though, as pickpockets do sometimes lurk in these streets.

Begging and "The Clipboard People" Most homeless people asking for money won't and don't usually physically accost you, however, you will see them selling the "Big Issue", which is a magazine published by a homeless charity. "The Clipboard People" are usually students who have been recruited by a charity to waylay passersby and ask if they want to sign up to their charity. Please remember that you are not obliged to purchase either product although "The Clipboard People" are usually far more persistent and will try and attract you in a more aggressive manner. To get rid of these people just say "No" firmly or ignore them.

Targeting If you are a young woman on her own you may become targeted by young men working in the t-shirt shops who wish to invite you for a meal and become quite persistent or young men saying that they have "seen you around" and want to know your name. Firmly tell them "No" and walk away, they should leave you alone. If you do have to pass by one of the shops where you have been targeted, usually expect nothing more than a cat-call. Remember if you do feel harassed, please call the Police.

Buses at night It is safer for the lone traveller to sit downstairs and towards the front. It is inadvisable to sit at either the back, (as these seats are monopolised by youths), or upstairs. If you must sit upstairs it is not recommended that you sit at the back.

Connect

Go next

  • East crossing Regents Street into Soho.
  • South crossing Piccadilly into Westminster.

Mayfair

Postal code:W1KW1JDate Time:Please wait...Timezone:Europe/LondonCoordinates:51.51, -0.15

Greater London

2nd-order administrative division

England

Primary administrative division

United Kingdom

gov.uk
Population:66.5 MDial code:+44Currency:Pound (GBP)Voltage:230 V, 50 Hz