The Strand, London

Oil painting of the Strand, London

The Strand is a major thoroughfare in the City of Westminster, running from the iconic Charing Cross in the west to Fleet Street in the east. The street, now a bustling commercial and cultural hub, connects various key areas of London and offers a mixture of history, shopping, and business. The Strand is home to numerous hotels, theatres, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.

Name Origins

The name "Strand" is derived from the Old English word "strand," meaning beach or riverbank. While the street once ran along the banks of the River Thames, the river has since been moved further south due to land reclamation. The name, however, remains as a reminder of the area's past proximity to the river.

A Commercial and Cultural Hub

Today, the Strand serves as both a commercial and cultural street. It is a popular shopping destination, home to iconic stores and boutique shops, as well as a notable area for hotels and entertainment. The street is particularly well-known for its theatres, many of which have become an integral part of London's West End.

Key Connections

The Strand connects several important streets and roads in the city. As you travel east to west, notable intersections and connecting streets include:
In addition to these vehicular connections, numerous pedestrianized alleyways and walkways also connect to the Strand, offering a wealth of side streets to explore. One notable feature is the section of the Strand near St. Mary le Strand Church, where traffic is diverted around a semi-circular pedestrian zone, making it an ideal space for pedestrians to walk and explore.

The Strand Underpass

The Strand Underpass is an important part of the road system, connecting the eastern portion of the Strand to the southern end of Trafalgar Square. It allows vehicles to bypass the busy intersections at street level and offers a smoother route through central London.

London Underground Stations and Access

The Strand is easily accessible via the London Underground, with several nearby stations:
Both stations are within walking distance, making it easy for visitors to reach the Strand and explore the area.

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.