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Named named after George, the Prince Regent (1762–1830), who later became King George IV, Regent Street's layout was completed in 1825. It's one of London's most famous shopping streets and is known for several flagship retail stores, including Hamleys, the oldest and largest toy shop in the world, and the techy Apple Store.
Bond Street, named after landowner Sir Thomas Bond (1620–1685), is one of the West End's most exclusive streets, having housed many prestigious and upmarket fashion retailers since the 18th century. The luxury end of the street, where it connects with Oxford Street, is full of high-end fashion brands such as Chanel, Dior, and Versace.
London's colorful and vibrant Chinatown was established in the late 1960s as the epicenter of the capital's Chinese community. The ethnic enclave is announced by a grand tile-roofed and red-pillared gate. Street signs are in the Chinese script, and some of the most authentic Chinese and East Asian restaurants in the country are established here.
Shaftesbury Avenue was built between 1877 and 1886 and is named after Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury (1801–1885). The avenue is generally considered the heart of London's West End theater district, or "Theaterland," where the highest level of commercial theater in the English-speaking world is clustered. Famous venues include the Lyric, Apollo, Sondheim (formally the Queen's Theatre), and Gielgud theaters. Seeing a West End show is a common tourist activity in London.
One of the most significant landmarks in London, Trafalgar Square commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, which took place on October 21, 1805. The 51-m (167-ft) Nelson's Column is topped by a sandstone statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson, who was shot and killed shortly before his victory at Trafalgar, often regarded as Britain's greatest naval victory.
One of London's most famous addresses, 221B Baker Street in fact doesn't exist. And neither did the homeowner, Sherlock Holmes. No matter though, because the fictional detective created by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) lives on in over 25,000 stage adaptations, films, television productions, and publications featuring the super sleuth. A statue of the canny detective is set near his 'residence,' and can be admired by all. Incidentally, the street is named after builder William Baker, who laid out the road in the 18th century.
Running east of Regent Street is Great Marlborough Street, named for John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650–1722). The street is distinguished by the luxury department store Liberty, a vast mock-Tudor retail premises that sells a mix of high-end and emerging fashion brands and labels.
Overlooking Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery. With more than 2,300 European masterpieces in its collection, this is one of the world's great galleries. Just about every major artist from the 13th to the mid-20th century is represented, including Leonardo da Vinci, John Constable, and Vincent van Gogh.
Running from Hyde Park Corner in the south to Marble Arch in the north, Park Lane is flanked on its eastern side by some of the most sought-after private residences in the world. It also has a collection of historically important properties and hotels, including Grosvenor House and the Dorchester Hotel. Park Lane is all about wealth and fame, so don't be surprised to see the odd Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 (pictured) motoring along its length.
Similarly, Mayfair, an affluent West End area tucked in between Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly, and Park Lane, is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in London, and on the planet. The district is named for the annual "May Fair" that took place from 1686 to 1764.
Savile Row in Mayfair is a cut above the rest in that it's principally known for its traditional bespoke tailoring for men. Sharp-dressed celebrity clientele include Daniel Craig, Jude Law, Eddie Redmayne, and Charles, Prince of Wales. Meanwhile, No 3 Savile Row will strike a chord with music lovers. This is the home of the Beatles' Apple corporation and where the band gave their famous impromptu final live performance on the roof of the building, a gig included in the film 'Let It Be' (1970).
The name Strand, a major London thoroughfare, is derived from the Old English strond, meaning the edge of a river, as it historically ran alongside the north bank of the River Thames. It runs from Trafalgar Square eastwards to Fleet Street, inside the City of London.
The site of a celebrated wholesale fruit-and-vegetable market until 1974, Convent Garden is now mostly the preserve of visitors from around the world. The covered market interior houses a collection of cafés, restaurants, and artisan boutiques. For an idea of how the market once looked, check out the Alfred Hitchcock movie 'Frenzy' (1972), which was set in and around Covent Garden.
London's West End is teeming with historic public houses, or pubs, many of which serve traditional English ales. A notable establishment is The Cross Keys on Neal's Yard in Covent Garden. The pub is famous for the riot of flowers that decorate the exterior in spring.
Set at the north-east corner of Trafalgar Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields was completed in 1729, though there has been a church on the site since at least the medieval period. The crypt houses a café that hosts jazz concerts, the profits from which support the programs of the church, including the patronage of several charities.
Did you know that Marble Arch was originally designed to be the state entrance to Buckingham Palace? Designed by esteemed British architect John Nash in 1827, the monumental arch was moved to its present site at the junction of Oxford Street and Park Lane in 1851.
Flanking Burlington House, which is home to the Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington Arcade opened on March 20, 1819 and immediately garnered a reputation as one of London's most elegant and fashionable places to shop. The decorative precinct still caters to the wealthy, more discerning retail therapist.
One of Gower Street's most illustrious residents was English naturalist, geologist, and biologist Charles Darwin (1809–1882). Celebrated for his contributions to the science of evolution, Darwin lived at Upper Gower Street (later 110 Gower Street).
London's West End is the location for some of the capital's lesser-known but equally engaging museums. Among them is Sir John Soane's Museum, located next to Lincoln's Inn Fields in Holborn. John Soane (1753–1837) was an English architect, and his home is now a fascinating and atmospheric museum crammed with rare and valuable drawings, paintings, sculptures, and antiquities that he acquired over many years.
Some of the greatest creative minds in the world have studied at the Royal Academy of Arts. Based at Burlington House on Piccadilly, the academy preserves a vast collection of drawings, paintings, architectural designs, photographs, and sculptures by past and present Royal Academicians. The building and its precious portfolios can be admired by the public, and there's also an exciting program of temporary art exhibitions to tempt the arty.
This understated London gallery occupies sumptuous Hertford House in Manchester Square. It houses the private collections of Sir Richard Wallace (1818–1890) and generations of his family, a veritable treasure trove of 17th- and 18th-century paintings, porcelain, decorative artifacts, and furniture. Look out for the famous 'Laughing Cavalier' (1624) by Dutch painter Frans Hals.
Here's one for the kids, the wonderful London Transport Museum. Based in Covent Garden, the exhibition essentially preserves the heritage of London public transport, from horse-drawn omnibuses to the latest crimson red Routemasters. Youngsters will have great fun clambering through vintage underground (subway) carriages and old double-decker buses.
Pretend for a moment that you're super rich and looking for a place to stay in London's West End. Where do you go? How about the luxury Savoy Hotel in the Strand? Its doors opened in 1889, and famous guests have included Judy Garland, John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Barbara Streisand, and the Beatles.
On the other hand, how about puttin' on the Ritz? This ultra-plush property stands as the epitome of luxury and high society. It opened in 1906 and soon became the place to be seen in, welcoming the likes of playwright Noël Coward, Charlie Chaplin, and members of the British royal family, including the Queen Mother and Earl Mountbatten.
Soho Square consists of a leafy garden and a mock-Tudor cottage built in the 1870s as a gardener's hut. The space below it was used as an underground bomb shelter during the Second World War. Soho Square itself is the address of several well-known music, art, and other creative design businesses, including McCartney Productions Ltd. (MPL), the administrative center of former Beatle Paul McCartney's music empire.
The digital age and ubiquity of the mobile device has largely made the red telephone box redundant. But you can still see and use some of these iconic strawberry colored kiosks in London. Five of them are located on Broad Court in Covent Garden.
Famed English writer and social critic Charles Dickens (1812–1870), whose novels include 'Oliver Twist,' 'Great Expectations,' and 'A Christmas Carol,' lived at 48 Doughty St in Holborn from 1837 to 1839. His home is now a museum-house, the exhibits of which include the only known item of clothing worn by Dickens still in existence.
Leicester Square, laid out in 1670 and named for Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester (1595–1677), is the location of several well-known cinemas, including the Empire, built in 1884 originally as a variety theater. The Empire is known for hosting movie premieres and first runs. Another distinguished cinema venue is the Odeon Leicester Square, which has also hosted numerous world and European film premieres, including the annual Royal Film Performance.
Enjoying a long-standing connection with British royalty, this plush Mayfair hotel property also finds favor with celebrities, among them Alfred Hitchcock, Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, and, more recently, Brad Pitt, Mick Jagger, and Irish rock band U2.
Sources: (Business Today) (BBC) (Cinema Treasures) (Britannica) (Chinatown London) (GQ)
The West End is arguably the most compelling of London's numerous districts. Encompassing many of the UK capital's finest hotels, shops, and restaurants, the West End is also crammed full of iconic tourist destinations, landmarks that include Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, and Covent Garden. So, are you ready to explore London's famous commercial and entertainment hub?
Click through and take an eye-opening walk through the West End.
Europe's busiest high street was originally part of the Via Trinobantina, a Roman road between Essex and Hampshire via London. Today, Oxford Street, named after Edward Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer (1689–1741), includes Selfriges (opened in 1909) among its flagship department stores.
A walk through London's iconic West End
Discover its history and famous landmarks
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The West End is arguably the most compelling of London's numerous districts. Encompassing many of the UK capital's finest hotels, shops, and restaurants, the West End is also crammed full of iconic tourist destinations, landmarks that include Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, and Covent Garden. So, are you ready to explore London's famous commercial and entertainment hub?
Click through and take an eye-opening walk through the West End.