9 Of The Prettiest Streets To Visit In London

It seems like every man and his dog is in London at the moment, if online FOMO is anything to go by.

Now that international borders have reopened, and the UK has welcomed Aussie travellers with open arms, there’s no time like the present to explore London’s picturesque offerings.

From alleyways, to cobblestones, and everything in between — here are the must-see streets to stroll down in England’s coveted capital, and where to snap a sneaky pic (or five) for your grid.

Kynance Mews, Kensington

Britain is renowned for its mews — a row of former stables converted or split into housing, often with brightly painted doors to contrast their brick walls. Kynance Mews is a popular example, tucked away in South Kensington, close to Chelsea and Earl’s Court.

The cul-de-sac is beautiful regardless of season visited — peep the dangling red ivy leaves in Autumn, the lush purple wisteria flowering in Spring, the bric-a-brac pot plants glimmering in the summer sun, or watch it transform into a winter wonderland over Christmas.

Mews offer a peaceful snippet of the countryside amid the hustle and bustle of London, and can inspire awe in all cottagecore fanatics wanting a taste test of coziness.

A brisk 10 minute walk from the Natural History Museum, Kynance Mews is worth tacking on to your itinerary.

Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill

Fans of Paddington will recognise this curved street from a mile away as the filming location for the home of the wellied-up bear and his adopted family.

Chalcot Crescent is a line of pastel coloured terraces as bright as sherbet that front the idyllic Primrose Hill.

It would simply be impossible to be sad while standing on Chalcot Crescent. The road is surrounded by nearby organic shops, boutiques, and ample food venues to grab a bite while you gaze at the buildings in all their colourful glory.

The pretty crescent is the perfect backdrop for a photograph — extra props if you don a red hat and blue jacket with a marmalade sandwich in hand while there.

Neal’s Yard, Convent Garden

Described as the ultimate hidden gem, Neal’s Yard in Convent Garden is like a festive version of Diagon Alley from Harry Potter.

Where Chalcot Crescent evokes the softness of watercolours, Neal’s Yard is a slap in the face of neon fanfare — expect store fronts and window panes in bold oranges, greens, blues, and purples.

It’s easy to lose sense of time here between bakeries, wine bars, hair salons, and the famous Neal’s Yard Remedies, known for its alternative medicines and therapies over the last four decades.

Take a seat in the courtyard to absorb the enclave once you actually find it; Neal’s Yard is squeezed in between Shorts Gardens and Monmouth Street.

St Luke’s Mews, Notting Hill

With over 700 mews spaced around London alone, it was impossible not to include another on the list — especially when there’s another iconic movie tied to it.

St Luke’s Mews near Hyde Park and Kensington Palace boasts a modern spin on the equine houses — with Number 27 being at the heart of the scene in holiday flick Love Actually, where Keira Knightley’s character is serenaded with cue cards at her doorstep.

You can track down the mews in Notting Hill, where you might even find love like Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in their hit 1999 film bearing the same name as the West London district.

To paraphrase Mark in Love Actually: St Luke’s, “to me you are perfect”. Number 27 is pink by the way, if your memory of the film is a little outdated.

Camden Market, London

Camden is the hotspot for all things trendy — think markets, food stalls, and ticking off the compulsory shot of Camden Lock Bridge.

One under-appreciated attraction you might blink and miss without being in the know is an alleyway which features a canopy of pink, red, and yellow umbrellas proudly marked on the panels.

You can find the alleyway at the rear end of Camden Market within The Stables, lining a series of vintage and alternative stores to peruse after all your pics are taken.

If you get lost, simply ask anyone to point you in the direction of the colourful umbrella street. And hey, if it rains, it’s probably the best place to be both in and under.

Bywater Street, Chelsea

The next best thing to come out of this affluent West London area, after the football club, and hit show Made In Chelsea, is the stunning Bywater Street.

Opting for more sorbet-themed colours, every time a house pops up on the market there, it turns into international news. The highly photographed cul-de-sac is the photography go-to spot for both Insta stories and full blown fashion shoots.

Any fan of John Le Carré’s books will know fictional character George Smiley — the intelligence officer that could rival James Bond, who is best known for being at the heart of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, also lived at Number 9 Bywater Street.

Catch the street right off King’s Road if you feel like trying your hand at the espionage lifestyle for a hot second.

Wardour Street, Soho

It’s impossible to miss the visually striking and dynamic Chinatown Gate on Wardour Street. The entryway welcomes an estimated 17 million people annually, and is popular with locals and tourists alike.

There’s much to discover in London’s Chinatown, but most notable is of course the ample food options on offer: including dim sum, Japanese cakes, and Shaxian delicacies.

Interestingly, the first iteration of the city’s Chinatown was actually established in the East End by 18th century settlers, before shifting over to the West End of London in the 1950’s.

The main gateway is actually relatively new. It was crafted by Chinese artisans in the style of the Qing dynasty, and unveiled in 2016.

Shad Thames, Southwark

Transport yourself to Victorian England by visiting Shad Thames, a riverside cobblestone street filled with converted historic warehouses.

The Bermondsey landmark in Inner London is situated right near the River Thames — known for its two city connectors, the London Bridge and the Tower Bridge. It’s the latter site where you’ll find the Shad Thames, a former industrial hub turned Instagram must-see.

While once the perfect storage space for sugar, coffee, tea, spices, and grains — delivered to and from Butler’s Wharf pier — it’s now home to a burgeoning arts hub, reportedly even hosting the likes of English painter David Hockney at one point.

Look up and you’ll see the sun speckle through overhead gantries between buildings that feel as if Sherlock Holmes once walked the very same street. It’s even more spectacular if you catch the sun setting through it at the right time.