London Area Guide – Marylebone
Want to discover another great London neighbourhood? Today we are highlighting another fantastic London neighbourhood, which is Marylebone in central London. Marylebone is one of my all time favourite areas for its beautiful mansion blocks, village vibe with sophisticated independent shops and central location.
Quietly tucked between the noise and bustle of Baker Street station and Marylebone Road to the north and Oxford Street to the south, this upscale neighbourhood has classic charm and character that is present throughout. The area dates back to medieval days when the original version of St. Marylebone Parish Church was built on the bank of a small stream called the Tyburn. That waterway has since been covered over but the curve of Marylebone Lane is the path of the original stream.
The major streets of Marylebone include Baker Street, Marylebone High Street, Gloucester Place, Wimpole Street, Harley Street and Portland Place with plenty of mews streets nestled in between. Harley Street is probably the most famous street associated with medical specialists and clinics in the world. Patients from across the globe travel to Harley Street to be seen by the most exclusive private specialists and consultants.
Marylebone’s Famous Landmarks
Some of Marylebone’s most famous landmarks and architecture includes Madame Tasaud’s, the Langham Hotel, Selfridges, Wallace Collection and Wigmore Hall. Daunt Books is a definite must visit as it is considered the world’s oldest custom-built book shop. This original store located on Marylebone High Street and dating back to 1912, has long oak galleries, a stunning skylight and a massive collection of travel books.
It’s a great example of what makes Marylebone really so special – that old world history that helps maintain a village vibe and today its streets are full of mostly independent shops, upscale restaurants, chic cafes and eclectic delicatessens.
Food Spots in Marylebone
One of my most favourite restaurants in all of London is Michelin starred Indian restaurant Trishna, located on Blandford Street. The space is deceptively casual but the food is utterly superb. The cuisine is a contemporary take on Indian coastal dishes which are expertly paired with wines from their extensive collection.
One of the most popular spots in Marylebone is Chiltern Firehouse which is a favourite stomping ground for celebrities. The Michelin starred restaurant is part of the boutique hotel where you may definitely run into an A list celebrity. I love coming to the lounge for a drink, but it would be difficult to show you pictures as you’re not allowed to take any due to the famous clientele.
If you stroll down the winding, cobblestone path of Marylebone Lane, one of the original streets of Marylebone, you’ll be transported back to olden days. As you walk, you will pass many lovely small shops, or can dine at The Ivy Café or 108 Brasserie, part of The Marylebone Hotel or have a drink at The Coachmakers Arms pub.
Housing in Marylebone
So what about housing? There are many Grade II listed buildings, including towering red brick mansion blocks as well as elegant Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian terrace homes bordering garden squares. Housing options include compact studios to lovely mews houses, expansive flats in the mansion blocks and some modern developments and apartment blocks. Given the location and the historic buildings, Marylebone is highly affluent.
Average price for properties for sale in Marylebone is £3M, with your average 2 bedroom flat is on the market at £2.2M and one bedroom for £1.17M. 93% of properties on the market for sale are flats with the rest being terraced, semi-detached or detached homes.
Many of the large mansion blocks will have dozens of flats that may share a communal garden or be accessible to a private square. One of the most prestigious is Park Crescent. On the edge of Regent’s Park, residents of the stunning white stuccoed terrace houses designed in a semi circle by architect John Nash have the exclusive use of the private park.
One of the most popular mews streets in Marylebone is Bentinck Mews in Marylebone Village.
Things to do in Marylebone
For something to do in Marylebone, you may be surprised to discover the Wallace Collection at Hertford House, a country house located at Manchester Square. Over the years it was home to the Spanish and French embassies before it became a gallery following the death of Marquess of Hertford in 1897. His extensive art collection includes pieces by Rembrandt, Poussain, Titain and Ruben. The gallery also hosts classes, workshops and lectures.
There’s also Madame Toussads wax museum where you can get up close and personal with all your favourite celebrities and historical figures. Named after Marie Tussaud, who had a travelling wax model collection in the late 18th century which eventually became a permanent collection on Baker Street, it’s a must-see spot if you’re living in the area – even if just for the photographs.
Green space in Marylebone
For green space, you have two majestic royal parks nearby – Regents Park in the northeast and Hyde Park in the southwest. Besides the many private squares and gardens, you also have Paddington Street Gardens and Garden of Rest open to the public.
Transportation in Marylebone
Finally, for transport, Marylebone is easily accessible to multiple tube stations including Baker Street, Marylebone, Great Portland Street and Oxford Street. The Marylebone station includes national rail trains that can transport you to Oxford, Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon.
So I hope you’ve found this article helpful in getting a closer view of Marylebone. If you want to discover more areas of London, make sure to download my London Guide where I highlight great things to do and places to live in London.
