Palace Street, City of Westminster
Where Is Palace Street?
Palace Street is located in the City of Westminster, a central borough of London renowned for its government buildings, royal sites, and vibrant city life.It runs southward from Buckingham Gate near the Royal Mews and ends at the junction with Victoria Street, just steps away from Victoria Station.
Length and Character
Palace Street is a relatively short street, measuring around 300 metres in length. Despite its size, it plays a significant role in connecting key points around Buckingham Palace and Victoria.Historical Background
The area now known as Palace Street has existed in some form since the early 18th century, evolving with the urban development surrounding the growing importance of nearby royal residences. As the area became increasingly populated and developed, Palace Street took shape as a formal road in the 19th century, during the Victorian era.Map of Palace Street, London
How Palace Street Got Its Name
The name "Palace Street" reflects its proximity to Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the monarch. The road's position near the Royal Mews and the palace itself made the naming both logical and symbolic.Palace Street officially became part of the A3214 road network in the 20th century, serving as a minor but strategic route in Westminster's one-way system.
Connected Roads
Palace Street connects with several notable roads, including:- Buckingham Gate
- Buckingham Palace Road
- Buckingham Place
- Castle Lane
- Catherine Place
- Stafford Place
- Warwick Row
- Wilfred Street
- Victoria Street
Painting of Palace Street (View full-size image here)
Major Buildings and Landmarks
On the east side of Palace Street, you'll find:- Queen's Gallery - part of Buckingham Palace's public art exhibition space
- The Rubens at the Palace - a luxury hotel with royal views
- St. James Theatre (now called The Other Palace) - an intimate venue for musicals and theatre
- Residential and office buildings in Edwardian and post-war styles
Nearest London Underground Stations
Palace Street is just a few minutes' walk from Victoria Station, which serves several key lines: The station also serves National Rail, making the area highly accessible from across London and beyond.Fun Fact for Visitors and Locals
A quirky detail that delights many visitors is the view from some of the buildings on Palace Street - you can catch glimpses of the Royal Mews' horses from certain vantage points, especially early in the morning.Additionally, The Rubens at the Palace hotel offers a Royal Afternoon Tea experience, popular among both tourists and Londoners looking for a regal treat.