Constitution Hill, Westminster: A Regal Route in the Heart of London

Where is Constitution Hill?

Constitution Hill is a short but significant road located in the City of Westminster, central London. It connects two iconic locations: Hyde Park Corner and the gates of Buckingham Palace. Running alongside Green Park, this road offers a scenic route steeped in royal history and ceremonial importance.

How Long is Constitution Hill?

Constitution Hill stretches for approximately 0.4 miles (around 650 metres). Despite its short length, it plays a vital role in royal processions and state occasions, forming part of the ceremonial route between Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade.

Historical Background

Constitution Hill has roots in 17th-century London, when it was merely a track through what was then open countryside. It was later formalised as a roadway in the 18th century to facilitate royal movement between Westminster and the royal parks.

How Did Constitution Hill Get Its Name?

The origin of the name "Constitution Hill" is debated. One theory is that it referred to the health-promoting walks, or "constitutionals," enjoyed by royalty and aristocrats in the adjacent parkland. Another possibility links it to the political "constitution" of Britain, as the road leads to the seat of monarchy.

Map of Constitution Hill, London

Roads Connecting to Constitution Hill

Constitution Hill links directly with:

Hyde Park Corner to the west
The Queen Victoria Memorial roundabout and Buckingham Palace to the east

From there, it feeds into The Mall and Birdcage Walk, forming part of the ceremonial processional route through Westminster.

The Character of Constitution Hill

This road is not commercial or residential in nature. Instead, it's characterised by:

Open green spaces
Historic monuments
Royal associations

Its peaceful, tree-lined setting makes it a popular path for walkers, joggers, and tourists.

What Can You See on Constitution Hill?

While the road itself is not lined with shops or buildings, notable sights include:

Green Park, which runs along the north side
The Memorial Gates at the Hyde Park Corner end, commemorating soldiers from the British Empire
The Canada Gate, a striking wrought-iron gate that leads into Green Park
Views of Buckingham Palace and the Queen Victoria Memorial

Nearest London Underground Stations

Two convenient Underground stations serve this area:

Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line)
Green Park (Victoria, Jubilee, and Piccadilly Lines)

Fun Fact

In 1840, Constitution Hill was the site of a failed assassination attempt on Queen Victoria. A young man named Edward Oxford fired two shots at her carriage as it travelled along the road - but both missed. Queen Victoria was unharmed and remained composed, which earned her great admiration from the public.

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.