In America, we’re used to wide roads, streets, paths, and alleyways. Oftentimes, an alley is used as the backend of a building, a place to keep the garbage bins, or just a pass through to another street. However, in London, alleyways take on a life of their own. They may include homes, shops, pubs, restaurants, and more. They are also some of the prettiest places in London. We’ve identified ten charming London alleys that you should check out the next time you visit.
Neal’s Yard
One of the most colorful alleyways in London, Neal’s Yard’s buildings, shutters, and doors, and painted in every color of the rainbow. It’s also filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes, so you can marvel at all the colors while you sit down for a cup of tea or coffee and a snack.
Goodwin’s Court
Goodwin’s Court is a perfect example of London’s alleys that are lined with shops. So perfect, in fact, that it’s said to be the basis for Diagon Alley in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Originally built in 1690, the shops and offices feature elegant windows, wood trimmings, and iron and brass fixtures that give Goodwin’s Court a classic look.
Craven Passage
Named for William Craven, Craven Passage is mostly a tunnel that goes under Embankment Station, but in the open-air portions, you can find the Ship and Shovel, a pub that’s been around since the 16th Century. Under the tunnel is The Arches Shopping Centre, which includes bars, restaurants, a comedy club, and a theatre.
Wine Office Court
Tucked away off Fleet Street, Wine Office Court is an alleyway that is home to one of London’s oldest pubs. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese was founded in 1538 and the current building constructed after the Great Fire of London, opening in 1667. The Cheese is a grand old traditional pub and the main attraction for Wine Office Court, but there are other monuments here to spy as well.
Ely Place
The only gated alley on this list, Ely Place is the last privately-owned street in London. It’s also home to another of London’s oldest pubs—Ye Olde Mitre. Mitre, of course, isn’t just a great classic pub for a drink and a traditional British meal, it’s also part of the Campaign for Real Ales even though the pub is owned by Fullers, but CAMRA members get an extra 15% off each pint.
Cecil Court
A great example of a Victorian alleyway, Cecil Court is lined with shops that were built during the period and is wide enough that the sunlight really lights up the street. It’s also the location of one of the city’s famous blue plaques, this one dedicated to composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who lived in the home of a barber with his family when he was eight years old on his tour of Europe. It’s also a place where many of London’s secondhand and antiquarian bookshops are located.
St. Martin’s Court
St. Martin’s Court is one of the more beautiful shopping alleys in London. It’s a little more modern than the others on this list, but it is decorated with greenery and art that help make it a top shopping destination. It’s also home to very high-class shops and restaurants like The White Company and Jamie’s Italian from famed chef Jamie Oliver.
Rope Walk
Running along the train lines in Bermondsey, Rope Walk is best known as the home of the Maltby Street Market. Lining the alleyway are old warehouses that have been turned into shops, wine bars, cafes, and restaurants that will make your trip down this not-so-secret path memorable. It may not be as pretty as the others, but it has its own certain charm.
St. Christopher’s Place
Another of London’s beautiful alley shopping centers, St. Christopher’s Place features a number of high-end shops and eateries. It’s also almost always decorated for some occasion or home to an event, be it a concert, charity drive, or public art exhibit. It’s arguably one of the most happening alleyways in all London, so you don’t want to miss it on your visit.
Dansey Place
In the heart of London’s Chinatown, Dansey Place brings the charm of the city’s Chinese community to London’s alleys. While part of Dansey Place resembles what we think of as a traditional alley, the rest of the alley is filled with Chinese art and architecture including pagodas, gateways, and paper lanterns. It is perhaps one of the best ways to see the Asian influence on the city by observing how different this alley is from its kin.
Author: John Rabon
John is a regular writer for Anglotopia and its sister websites. He is currently engaged in finding a way to move books slightly to the left without the embarrassment of being walked in on by Eddie Izzard. For any comments, questions, or complaints, please contact the Lord Mayor of London, Boris Johnson's haircut.
Londontopia is simply the website for people who love London. It was founded by Jonathan & Jackie Thomas from Anglotopia.net as a place to post articles solely focused on London and its environs. Keep up with all the latest London news at Londontopia! This site is geared towards people who love to visit London and our primary audience is North American but everyone is welcome!
It has been a pleasure to read and see all about Top ten London
There is an error; Craven Passage goes under Charing Cross, not Embankment.
I’ve been through several of these areas over the past years but I surely appreciate the info for all the ones I don’t know! THANK YOU! See you in a few months! I L????VE LONDON- my beloved Grandmothers birthplace! I’ve stood in front of her house -well house number. (I’m assuming that hasn’t changed…? ) I’m ecstatically in the UK each year. My dream would be to retired in the countryside in the UK. Thank you for your time and patience! PK
I’ve been through several of these areas over the past years but I surely appreciate the info for all the many many of ones I don’t know! THANK YOU! See you in a few months! I L????VE LONDON- my beloved Grandmothers home/birthplace! I’ve stood in front of her house!