Bridge Street, London

Bridge Street is a short but historically significant street in the heart of Westminster, Central London. As the name suggests, it lies directly at the western end of Westminster Bridge, forming an important connection between the South Bank of the Thames and the Palace of Westminster area. Despite its modest length - only about 175 metres (roughly 190 yards) - Bridge Street plays a key role in London's road layout and history.

Where It Is and What It Connects

Bridge Street runs west to east linking Parliament Street and St Margaret Street on its western end (adjacent to Parliament Square and Big Ben), to Westminster Bridge and Victoria Embankment on its eastern end (leading across the River Thames). It is part of the A302, a main route running through Westminster and into the City of London. It also forms a vital pedestrian and traffic artery connecting the South Bank (including the London Eye and Jubilee Gardens) with the ceremonial and political heart of the UK.

Origin of the Name

Bridge Street received its name in the mid-18th century, shortly after the construction of Westminster Bridge, which opened in 1750. Prior to that, no bridge crossed the Thames between London Bridge and Kingston, making Westminster Bridge a major new thoroughfare. The street directly leading from this new crossing naturally came to be known as Bridge Street.

Map of Bridge Street, London

What's on Either Side?

On the north side, you'll find part of the Portcullis House, a modern parliamentary office building opened in 2001. This side of the street also includes the Westminster Underground Station entrance and access to Victoria Embankment.

On the south side, the street is flanked by the iconic Houses of Parliament, specifically the corner of Elizabeth Tower, now more popularly (though incorrectly) known as Big Ben (which is actually the bell inside the clock tower). This side opens out into Parliament Square, with views of Westminster Abbey just around the corner.

More streets in London

To explore more streets across the capital, visit our Streets in London page, where you'll find an interactive map and a growing list of all the streets we've documented so far.

Map of Streets in London

View all the streets that I have documented on Google Maps in this Map of Streets in London.