Art Deco Gems of Central London – Walking Tour
Discover the captivating allure of Art Deco architecture on our fascinating walking tour through the heart of London. Immerse yourself in the sleek lines, bold geometric patterns, and timeless elegance of iconic landmarks such as BBC Broadcasting House, Senate House Building, Daily Express Fleet Street, Strand Palace Hotel, The Savoy, The Adelphi on John Adams Street, 55 Broadway – the home of the London Underground, 26 Chapter Street, and Dolphin Square in Pimlico. Marvel at the architectural marvels that define the Art Deco era, as we guide you through a fascinating journey of design, history, and aesthetic brilliance. Join us and experience the vibrant spirit of Art Deco in the heart of London.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Start – BBC Broadcasting House
Start at BBC Broadcasting House (Portland Place, Marylebone, London – Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus) – Head southeast on Portland Place toward Langham Street, and you’ll find the impressive art deco facade of the broadcasting headquarters on your left. Take a moment to admire its cylindrical shape and intricate details.
From Broadcasting House, continue south on Portland Place and turn right onto Gower Street. Walk along Gower Street until you reach Malet Street. You’ll spot the towering Senate House Building on your left.
Senate House Building
Senate House Building (Malet Street, Bloomsbury, London) – Proceed to the Senate House, part of the University of London. Marvel at its imposing art deco style, characterised by its tall tower and elegant exterior.
Now, make your way to Fleet Street. Head east on Malet Street, and it will merge into Kingsway. Follow Kingsway until you reach the bustling Fleet Street. Look out for the former Daily Express Building, characterised by its streamlined design and prominent clock tower.
Daily Express Building
Daily Express Building (Fleet Street, City of London) – Continue along Fleet Street to the former Daily Express building. Take in the streamlined design and prominent clock tower of this art deco gem, which once housed the renowned newspaper.
Leaving Fleet Street, head southeast on Strand. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Strand until you reach the Strand Palace Hotel, situated on your left.
Strand Palace Hotel
Strand Palace Hotel (Strand, City of Westminster, London) – Walk down the Strand and pause at the Strand Palace Hotel. Appreciate its elegant art deco facade and imagine the stories that lie within its walls.
From the Strand Palace Hotel, continue walking east along the Strand. Soon, you’ll reach The Savoy on your right.
The Savoy
The Savoy (Strand, City of Westminster, London) – Just a short walk away, experience the grandeur of The Savoy. While primarily known for its Edwardian style, explore the Thames Foyer to discover the art deco elements hidden within this iconic London hotel.
After experiencing The Savoy, make your way to John Adam Street. From The Savoy, head northwest on Savoy Place toward Savoy Hill, and turn left onto John Adam Street. Look for The Adelphi, an art deco commercial building.
The Adelphi
The Adelphi (John Adam Street, Strand, City of Westminster, London) – Continue along John Adam Street to The Adelphi, an art deco commercial building. Admire its sleek lines, decorative reliefs, and stylish entrance.
Now, it’s time to explore the art deco beauty of London Underground. Head south on John Adam Street and turn left onto Great Peter Street. Continue until you reach 55 Broadway, the former headquarters of London Underground.
55 Broadway
55 Broadway (St. James’s Park, City of Westminster, London) – Head to 55 Broadway, the former headquarters of London Underground. Marvel at its impressive art deco facade and intricate carvings, symbolizing the golden age of transportation.
Leaving 55 Broadway, head west on Broadway and turn right onto Marsham Street. Follow Marsham Street until you reach Chapter Street. On Chapter Street, you’ll find 26 Chapter Street, a residential building showcasing art deco elegance.
26 Chapter Street
26 Chapter Street (Westminster, London) – Proceed to 26 Chapter Street, an art deco residential building. Take a moment to appreciate its elegant architecture and period features, blending seamlessly with the surrounding neighbourhood.
Finally, make your way to Dolphin Square Apartments in Pimlico. From 26 Chapter Street, head southwest on Chapter Street toward Vincent Street. Continue onto Rampayne Street, and then onto Dolphin Square.
Dolphin Square – End
Dolphin Square Apartments (Dolphin Square, Pimlico, London – Nearest Tube: Pimlico) – Conclude the tour at Dolphin Square Apartments, a stunning residential complex. As you arrive, take in the interconnected art deco buildings and admire the timeless beauty of this residential complex.
Enjoy the art deco charm of this one of a kind Art Deco mansion block.
Summary
Congratulations! You’ve completed the Art Deco Walking Tour of Central London, exploring some of the city’s most captivating architectural gems. Take a moment to soak in the surroundings and reflect on the artistry of the art deco era.
This walking tour will allow you to explore a variety of art deco buildings in Central London while staying within a timeframe of around 2 hours. Enjoy your tour!
Suggestions
Are you an avid admirer of Art Deco architecture in London? We’ve curated what we feel is a fantastic walking tour exploring some iconic Art Deco gems in the city. However, we’re always open to expanding and enriching our tour ideas. If you have any suggestions for other remarkable Art Deco buildings that should be included, we’d love to hear from you! Share your recommendations in the comments below and let’s create an even more comprehensive Art Deco exploration in London together.