Last Updated on 27 February, 2023
Regent Street is a street with a rich history. Regent Street, located between Mayfair and Soho. It is among the first streets developed in London. There were many medieval streets during its development, so the designers wanted to create something to bring order to the confusing streets.
John Nash is the architect behind the design, he was one of the foremost British architects of the Georgian and Regency eras.
Nash’s best-known solo designs are the Royal Pavilion in, Brighton; Marble Arch; and Buckingham Palace. His best-known collaboration with James Burton is Regent Street and his best-known collaborations with Decimus Burton are Regent’s Park and its terraces and Carlton House Terrace.
John Nash designed streets, public spaces and distinguished thoroughfares. A lot of iconic buildings in London can be attributed to his genius.
A little History of Regent Street
Before the final designs of Regent Street, John Nash wanted the street to have a straight boulevard similar to that found in France, but because of land ownership issues, that did not happen as planned. In 1813, construction began after the final design was adopted.
Before construction could occur, demolishing existing buildings had to come first. Construction began, and within a short period. Regent Street is now a major shopping street in London’s Westend.
It is named after George, the Prince Regent and runs from Waterloo Place in St James’s at the southern end, through Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus where you will find Oxford Street. From there it leads to Langham Place and Portland Place continues the route to Regent’s Park. The street’s layout was completed in 1825 and was an early example of town planning in England.
Completed in the 19th century, and business began earnestly. Some buildings not demolished during construction began to look out of shape. This was because of the new buildings set up in the place, were modern compared to the old designs. Redevelopment of the buildings was needed but took time to approve.
By the time the 99-year lease ended, it was time for redevelopment. The old-fashioned buildings were destroyed and new ones set up. There were also major and minor renovations on newer buildings to make things as uniform as possible.
The result is the beautiful London street that you see today.
Things to Do in Regent Street
Regent Street is surrounded by amazing cafes, restaurants, theatres, night entertainment, shopping malls, and department stores all in a lively setting that draws tourists and Londoners.
We have covered the many cool and fun things to do in Mayfair and Soho in addition to the popular Carnaby Street just a street or two behind Regent Street.
Below are a few things to do in Regent Street in addition to those covered in linked posts.
Shopping On Regent Street
There is everything you could possibly need, lining the street are amazing stores like Cos, Apple Store, Longchamp, H&M Home, Microsoft, Hamley and many more, in addition to cafes, clubs and other entertainment. Approximately 7.5 million tourists visit this place annually to have unique shopping experiences.
Savile Row
Savile row is all about shirts and men’s bespoke clothing. If you love to rock on beautifully tailored shirts and suits, this is a stop shop just a street behind Regent Street. Opened in 1938, Savile Row has the experience and knowledge going back hundreds of years so you know you will be get the perfect fit.
Kingly Court Food Court
Right behind Regent Street, you can find Kingly Court food court. If you are looking for places to eat near Regent Street then check this place out. There is a wide range of eateries all under one roof featuring cuisines from around the globe.
Oxford Street
Oxford Street is one of those streets where you can find anything you want, whether you are looking for cheap places to shop in London or after the ultimate luxury. You can find it all side by side. Fashion, technology, and lifestyle are center-forward, with many fashion boutiques lined up well on the street. You can find everything from cosmetics, clothing, shoes, jewellery and accessories to arcades, museums, bars and restaurants.
See a Theatre Show in London West End
Seeing a theatre in London’s West End is another thing you might consider near this street. Catch the best shows at an affordable price. Book and get your ticket in advance as some sell out weeks in advance.
Royal Academy of Arts
Art is something even the most discerning person can love. The Royal Academy of Arts and hosts world-leading exhibitions from talented artists from around the globe.
Afternoon Tea At Fortnum and Mason Store
Another one of London’s famous department stores. Fortnum and Mason has five shopping floors full of amazing products in addition to cafes, restaurants and grocery stores. One thing not to miss out on though is the famous Fortnum and Mason afternoon tea.
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus was built in 1819 as a junction to connect Piccadilly and Regent street. This is a lively place to hang out. Nearby is Shaftsbury Avenue where you can find many of London’s theatre. You also have plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment. I liken it to New York’s Time Square but on a much smaller scale.
Visit Liberty Department Store
Liberty Department store is another one of London’s world-famous department stores and all about affordable luxury brands. The store was built over a century ago with exciting features you need to check out. You will find everything from beauty products, jewelry, men’s and women’s clothes, fabrics, and accessories.
Notable Shops On Regent Street
- North Face – 290 Regent St., London W1B 3AP
- Longchamp – 229-247 Regent St., London W1B 2EG
- Pinko Boutique – 100 Regent St., London W1B 5SR
- UNIQLO – 103-113 Regent St., London W1B 4HL
- AllSaints – 240 Regent St., London W1B 3BR
- Maje -149-151 Regent St., London W1B 4JD
- Burberry – 121 Regent St., London W1B 4HT
- & Other Stories – 256-258 Regent St., London W1B 3AF
- Reiss – 172 Regent St., London W1B 5TH
- ARKET – 224 Regent St., London W1B 3BR
- Anthropologie – 158 Regent St., London W1B 5SW
- Hamleys – 188-196 Regent St., London W1B 5BT
- L’Occitane en Provence – 74-76 Regent St., London W1B 5RL
- Mulberry – 100 Regent St., London W1B 5SR
- Tumi – 128, 130 Regent St., London W1B 5SE
- Karl Lagerfeld – 145-147 Regent St., London W1B 4JB
- Tommy Hilfiger – 138 Regent St., London W1B 5SG
- Abercombie & Fitch – 150 Regent St., London W1B 5SJ
- Watches of Switzerland – 155 Regent St., London W18 4AD
- Gymshark – 165 Regent St., London W1S 3BE
- Massimo Dutta – 156 Regent St., London W1B 5SN
- Michael Kors – 179 Regent St., London W1B 4JQ
- Levi – 176 Regent St., London W1B 5TJ
- Calvin Klein – 170 Regent St., London W1B 5TB
- Gant – 184-186 Regent St., London W1B 5TW
- H&M Home – 208 Regent St., London W1B 5BD
- Camper – 207/209 Regent St., London W1B 4HB
- Cos – 222 Regent St., London W1B 5BD
- H&M – 224 Regent St., London W1B 3BR
- Canada Goose – 244 Regent St., London W1B 3BR
- Omega – 260 Regent St., London W1B 3AG
- Microsoft Experience Centre – 253-259 Regent St., London W1B 2ER
- Apple Store – 235 Regent St., London W1B 2EL
- Calzedonia – 266/270 Regent St., London W1B 3AH
How To Get To Regent Street
Regent Street runs right from Piccadilly Circus and all the way past Oxford Circus. This means that you have several options on how to get to Regent Street.
The closes stations to Regent Street are Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus but you are also a short walk from Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street stations too.
You also have plenty of bus routes passing through Regent Street and Oxford Street with plenty of options from all across London. So transportation to the Westend and Regent Street in particular are abundant.
