Goodge Street: Historic Heart of Fitzrovia’s Urban Charm

Discover Goodge Street, a historic Fitzrovia street blending Georgian charm, wartime heritage, and vibrant urban life in central London.

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Goodge Street is a compact yet vibrant street in London’s Fitzrovia district, known for its Georgian architecture, historic significance, and proximity to cultural landmarks. Stretching about 300 metres, it blends residential, commercial, and creative spaces, anchored by the iconic Goodge Street Underground station and a hidden WWII deep-level air-raid shelter.

A brief summary to Goodge St

London, GB
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Mid ranged
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

Visit the Goodge Street Underground station to appreciate its original early 20th-century design and unique lift access.
Explore the street’s Georgian architecture, noting details like modillion cornices and pedimented windows.
Learn about the WWII deep-level air-raid shelter beneath the station, a significant historic site though not open to the public.
Enjoy independent eateries and boutique shops along Goodge Street for a quieter alternative to nearby Soho.

Getting There

London Underground

Take the Northern Line to Goodge Street station, located at the eastern end of the street. Trains run every 3–7 minutes, with a journey time of approximately 10–20 minutes from central hubs like King’s Cross or Leicester Square. The station uses lifts and stairs, with no escalators available.
Bus

Use bus routes along Tottenham Court Road or Gower Street, such as routes 24, 29, 73, or 390, which operate frequently throughout the day. From these stops, Goodge Street is a 5–10 minute walk. Bus fares start at £1.75 with contactless payment.
Walking

From Oxford Circus or Tottenham Court Road stations, walking to Goodge Street takes approximately 10–15 minutes on mostly flat, paved streets suitable for all abilities.

Goodge St location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Goodge St

A Central London Gem in Fitzrovia

Goodge Street lies at the core of Fitzrovia, within the London Borough of Camden. This short east-west street, approximately 300 metres in length, connects Mortimer Street in the west to Tottenham Court Road in the east. Its location just north of Oxford Street situates it amid a bustling urban fabric rich with history and culture. The street forms part of the A5204 road and serves as a vital pedestrian and vehicular link within this creative and academic neighbourhood.

Architectural and Historical Layers

The street is lined predominantly with low-rise Georgian buildings, many featuring modillion cornices and pedimented windows, showcasing 18th-century architectural details that have survived through decades of urban change. Originally part of estates owned by notable landowners like John Goodge, after whom the street is named, the area reflects a blend of historic charm and modern adaptation. Over time, the street has maintained a balance between residential flats, offices, retail shops, and eateries, preserving its mixed-use character.

The Underground Station and Wartime Legacy

At the eastern end of Goodge Street stands the Goodge Street Underground station, opened in 1907 and notable for its original Leslie Green-designed surface building. It remains one of the few London Underground stations still using lifts instead of escalators and retains separate entrance and exit areas. Beneath the station lies a deep-level air-raid shelter constructed during World War II, which played a critical role as a command post for Allied forces, including General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Though not open to the public, this shelter adds a profound historical dimension to the street.

A Cultural and Creative Hub

Fitzrovia, known for its bohemian roots, has long attracted writers, artists, and intellectuals. Goodge Street shares in this heritage, with nearby University College London and media firms contributing to its academic and creative atmosphere. The street’s quieter pace compared to Soho or Covent Garden makes it a distinctive enclave with independent eateries, pubs, and boutique shops, appealing to locals and visitors seeking a blend of tradition and contemporary urban life.

Connectivity and Urban Experience

Though Goodge Street itself lacks direct bus stops, it benefits from excellent transport links via the nearby Goodge Street Underground station on the Northern line and several bus routes along Tottenham Court Road and Gower Street. The street’s central location offers easy access to major London landmarks such as the British Museum, Regent’s Park, and Oxford Street’s shopping district, making it a convenient base for exploring central London.

Modern-Day Appeal and Property Landscape

Today, Goodge Street commands premium property prices, reflecting its desirability due to location, historic character, and transport accessibility. The street’s mix of period flats and modern apartments attracts a diverse community, from professionals to creatives. Its compact size, architectural uniformity, and rich history make it a unique and enduring feature of London’s urban tapestry.