Mayfair, London

Mayfair is a place in the City of Westminster. It was named after the yearly May Fair that was held there from 1686 until 1764, when it was banned from being held there any further. May Fair was held in Haymarket until 1686, when it moved to Mayfair, to the site that is Shepherd Market today, and from 1764, its venue moved to Fair Field in Bow.

Mayfair is bordered approximately by Hyde Park to the west, Oxford Street to the north, Piccadilly and Green Park to the south and Regent Street to the east. This area was an affluent residential district in the mid 17th and mid 18th century, but is now mostly commercial, with the offices occupying many of the converted houses. New buildings as well as luxurious hotels have sprouted here. Mayfair hold the distinction of having one of the highest rentals in London as well as anywhere in the world.

Getting there

Nearest Tube stations: Piccadilly Circus, Green Park, Oxford Circus and Bond Street Buses: Nos 10, 14, 15 and 453

What to see and do

Mayfair is one of the most expensive areas of London. Noted historical personalities lived here. Explore Mayfair and look for blue plaques on the walls of buildings; the plaques signify that a famous person had once lived there. Some shops bear royal crests, a honor given to establishment that supply to the royal family or household.

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