What Makes a London Street Famous?

A street’s fame can come from many places. Some have seen historic events that shaped London’s story, while others boast architectural charm or local legends. Certain streets become known through their cultural impact, housing influential writers, artists, or fashion innovators. Film or literature can also immortalise a road, lending it a special place in public imagination. These elements combine to give lesser-known streets a significance that’s worth experiencing in person.

Hidden But Famous: London Streets You Need to Visit

Doughty Street – Charles Dickens’s Last London Home

Located in Camden, Doughty Street holds London’s last surviving residence of Charles Dickens, now the Charles Dickens Museum. This Georgian terrace is where Dickens wrote some of his most celebrated works. The nearby Foundling Hospital, referenced in his novels, adds to the historical richness. The street has a quiet, refined charm that invites lingering visits.

• Walking distance: About 1.5 miles (2.4 km), roughly a 30-minute walk from Thistle London Piccadilly.
• Best time to visit: Mornings offer soft light for photography and a calm atmosphere.
• Nearby: Hunt for literary treasures along the street or explore nearby Bloomsbury’s Georgian squares.
• Further reading: Walks.com – Famous streets in London

Brydges Place – London’s Narrowest Lane with Cinematic Flair

Tucked just off St Martin’s Lane in Covent Garden, Brydges Place is famed for being London’s narrowest street. Its cobbled path and tight walls create an atmospheric passageway that featured in Last Christmas, making it a must-see for film buffs. The alley offers a striking contrast to the bustling West End theatres nearby.

• Walking distance: Around 0.5 miles (0.8 km), only a 10-minute walk from Thistle London Piccadilly.
• Visiting tips: Visit early to avoid crowds and capture the distinctive narrowness of this alley.
• Nearby attractions: The London Coliseum and Trafalgar Square lie within easy reach.
• Further reading: Travel Awaits – Unique alleys in London

Leather Lane – A Historic Market Street in Holborn

Leather Lane’s name is tied to its long history as a market street, located in Holborn. The daily market buzzes with traders selling food, vintage goods, and crafts, keeping a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. Despite its vibrancy, it remains less touristy than London’s better-known markets.

• Walking distance: Approximately 2 miles (3.2 km), around a 30-minute walk.
• When to visit: Lunchtime on weekdays delivers the fullest market experience.
• Local highlights: Pop into traditional pubs or soak in the lively atmosphere.
• Further reading: Living London History – Street names

Shoe Lane – Origins by Well and Commerce

Close to Farringdon Road in Holborn, Shoe Lane carries a name linked to a medieval well known as the ‘Sho Well’. The lane is a small but memorable example of London’s living history, with a mix of period buildings and modern offices. It’s less frequented by tourists, making for a quieter stop when exploring central London.

• Walking distance: Around 2.5 miles (4 km), slightly over a 30-minute walk.
• Why visit: A glimpse into London’s medieval naming origins and urban fabric.
• Nearby: Smithfield Market and the Charterhouse lie within easy reach.
• Further reading: Living London History – Street names

Cornhill – The Heart of London’s Financial History

Cornhill sits within the City of London and hosts landmarks like the Royal Exchange and St Peter-upon-Cornhill, one of London’s oldest churches. Nearby Change Alley was once home to famous 17th-century coffee houses Johnny’s and Garraway’s, hubs of early financial trading and gossip.

• Walking distance: Approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km), best reached by public transport.
• Why it matters: A street entwined with the city’s financial and trading past.
• Nearby: Bank of England and Mansion House.
• Further reading: History Hit – London’s historic streets

Famous Streets Just a Short Walk from Thistle London Piccadilly

Jermyn Street – The Elegance of British Menswear

Jermyn Street in St James’s is synonymous with bespoke men’s tailoring and classic British elegance. Lining the street are shops specialising in fine shirts, hats, and traditional gentlemen’s accessories. It’s a destination for anyone interested in craftsmanship and style.

• Walking distance: Under half a mile from Thistle London Piccadilly.
• Visiting tip: Explore during weekdays for attentive service and to browse without rush.
• Nearby: Royal St James’s Theatre and The National Gallery.

St James’s Street – London’s Gentleman’s Club Hub

This street is home to some of London’s oldest gentleman’s clubs, offering a window into a societal tradition stretching back centuries. Beyond its exclusive addresses, the street features independent shops and cafés, blending past and present.

• Walking distance: 0.5 mile or 10-minute walk.
• What to do: Pop into historic pubs or take in the architecture that lines this notable street.
• Nearby: Green Park and Piccadilly Circus.

Carnaby Street – Swinging Sixties Style Remains Alive

Carnaby Street has been a beacon for fashion since the 1960s when it defined London’s mod scene. Today it continues to host independent boutiques and vibrant eateries, retaining its trendsetting spirit.

• Walking distance: Just over half a mile, under 15 minutes’ walk.
• Best time to visit: Evenings and weekends when the street buzzes with energy.
• Nearby: Oxford Street and Soho.

Exploring London on Foot: The Joy of Walking to Discover Hidden Streets

Walking reveals London’s hidden corners in a way no other transport can. From Thistle London Piccadilly, you can step into quieter lanes and alleys, soaking up history with every turn. Many streets like Brydges Place and Doughty Street are best experienced without rush, allowing the atmosphere to seep in.

• Plan your route: Combine several nearby streets into a half-day walking tour.
• Use apps: Maps and walking guide apps include suggested routes for exploring central London on foot.
• Guided options: Local walking tours often shine a light on these pockets of culture.
• Photo opportunities: Early mornings capture streets before they fill with crowds.

Combining walking with short public transport rides can also help reach streets a little further out, like Cornhill, offering variety across your visit. Staying at Thistle London Piccadilly means these off-the-beaten-path strolls are comfortably accessible.

Where to Stay: Thistle London Piccadilly

Thistle London Piccadilly puts guests just a few steps from Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Covent Garden. It’s an ideal base for exploring London’s lesser-known streets on foot while staying close to vibrant theatres, shopping, and dining. The hotel pairs a central location with stylish rooms and easy transport links, letting visitors make the most of their urban adventure.

Whether discovering male fashion on Jermyn Street or wandering Dickens’s old stomping grounds on Doughty Street, Thistle London Piccadilly offers convenience and comfort in the heart of London.