If you are planning to live in London and you’re not sure exactly which neighbourhoods to investigate for properties, you’re certainly not alone. The UK capital is a sprawling metropolis with some 9 million inhabitants covering an area of 609 square miles (1,579 square kilometres), which makes it one of the largest cities in the world.

If your budget stretches to what estate agents call PCL (Prime Central London), you will have your pick of desirable residences in the areas surrounding Hyde Park in the boroughs of Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea, which includes Knightsbridge, Belgravia and Mayfair. And if you wish to invest in PCL real estate but prefer to live in a neighbourhood with a more village-y feel, you should take a look at Marylebone.

Where is Marylebone in London?

Marylebone is an area in the West End of London bordered by Oxford Street to the south, Edgware Road to the west, Great Portland Street to the east and St John’s Wood Road and Regent’s Park to the north. What makes it special is that it offers the best of both worlds: a superb location for city living but with plenty of green space for relaxing at home. Here’s a short video, courtesy of a local property agent, to introduce the area:

Has your interest been piqued? Are you curious to find out more about Marylebone to see whether this chic residential area could be the perfect London neighbourhood to move to? Let’s delve a bit deeper and look at reasons why you might like to live here.

1.      Great transport links

The excitement of Central London is easy to enjoy to its full extent when public transport is on the doorstep. In Marylebone, rail stations Paddington, Euston and Marylebone are all within easy reach. What’s more, there are a further five London Underground stations nearby – Baker Street, Great Portland Street, Regent’s Park, Bond Street and Oxford Circus – together with regular bus services through all main roads. With access to so much of the TfL (Transport for London) network, getting around without a car really couldn’t be easier.

2.      Lots of green spaces

Compared to many other urban neighbourhoods in the capital where green space is at a premium, Marylebone is truly blessed. Royal Parks Regent’s Park, Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’ Park are within easy walking distance, along with many smaller parks and garden squares, some of which are for the exclusive use of residents. Paddington Street Garden, Cavendish Square Garden and Portman Square and Manchester Square Gardens are among the best known. With so much choice on offer, escaping the city life and reconnecting with nature can become a daily habit.

3.      Beautiful period architecture

Marylebone’s elegant architecture plays a big part in the area’s appeal. Wealthy families owned much of the property in this neighbourhood in the 18th century, and Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco influences are easy to spot. More recently, many large family homes were converted into luxury apartments, though grand houses can still be found on some of Marylebone’s leafier streets such as the Georgian terraces on Manchester Street, Balcombe Street and Molyneux Street and beautiful period properties in Bryanston Square and Montagu Square.

4.      Bars and restaurants

Marylebone is home to a vast range of superb cafes, bars, gastropubs and eateries of every description including no less than five Michelin-starred restaurants to cater for the discerning local clientele. Whatever time of day or night, you’ll find an abundance of trendy places for anything from breakfast to late-night cocktails including celebrity hotspots such as the Chiltern Firehouse Hotel & Restaurant. Try the Wallace Restaurant for Afternoon Tea, or a Sunday Morning Coffee Concert at Wigmore Hall.

5.      Shopping local

The world’s biggest high street, Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regent’s Street are only a stone’s throw away, giving you all the luxury shopping you could wish for. But you can’t help but be impressed by Marylebone’s local shops on the High Street, around Chiltern Street, Moxon Street and St Christopher’s Place – there’s an eclectic mix of independent and larger retailers for everything from cheese and chocolate to chic boutiques, and even a weekly farmers’ market. Check out the amazing vaulted ceiling at Daunt Bookshop and the world’s oldest candle maker, Cire Trudon.

6.      Cultural pursuits

But Marylebone isn’t just a place to eat, drink and shop. When it comes to doing things in your downtime, take the kids to London at nearby Regent’s Park, visit the world-famous waxworks at Madame Tussauds, or explore the Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221b Baker Street. The Wallace Collection in Manchester Square hosts an exceptional collection of French paintings, artwork and furniture, while Wigmore Hall is a renowned internal home for chamber music. Play crazy golf at Swingers West End or classic table games at The Sportsman Casino.

7.      Marylebone Summer Festival

The highlight of the local community’s social calendar in this fashionable central London neighbourhood is the annual Marylebone Summer Festival which this year takes place on the weekend of 10th & 11th June. It’s a family-friendly street fayre with a strong community vibe, organised and funded by The Howard De Walden Estate in partnership with local charities and supported by the local business community. Marylebone High Street and the surrounding streets will be closed to traffic for this traditional village fete which will feature local food and drink, live music, arts and craft and entertainment. 

There is plenty more to say about Marylebone, this little village enclave in the middle of Prime Central London. The area is popular with young professionals and foreign residents, particularly among French and American visitors. But it’s also a perfect neighbourhood for families, with a selection of excellent private schools including Prince William and Harry’s old prep school. Indeed, celebrities have long been a fan of the area and many famous faces have called Marylebone home –Lord Nelson, Charles Dickens, John Lennon, Noel Gallager and Madonna are just some of the many artists and socialites who, at some point or other, lived in Marylebone’s quiet, elegant streets.