Gower Street, Central London

 

Despite the steady stream of traffic, Gower Street feels like a throwback to London's heyday.  The west side of the street is lined by a lengthy row of grade II-listed terraced houses, between Bedford Square and UCL Medical School, built between 1780 to 1820.  Many of the houses retain window detailing, the frontage railings, stucco banding and parapets, chimney stacks and pots. 

The Bloomsbury Conservation Area report notes that whereas the street was originally entirely residential, it now houses University College London halls of residence, hotels and offices. While a few townhouses have been converted to flats,  some have been returned to single family dwellings. 

Montague Street, Central London

 

Montague Street is lined with elegant early nineteenth century terrace houses, which are grade II listed. These four-storey properties are still adorned with cast iron railings and balconies on the first-floor windows.  Although some have been converted into hotels or offices of the British Museum,  a few properties remain in residential use.  On the east side, a gap between the two terraces is filled by some decorative iron gates dating from 1899, that give access to a private communal garden behind. 

Lancaster Place, Central London

 

After crossing Waterloo Bridge from the south you wait at traffic lights where Lancaster Place meets the Strand, from where you will get plenty of time to admire the striking period buildings that act as a gateway to Wellington Street.

Museum Street, Bloomsbury, Central London

One of the narrow pedestrianised thoroughfares running up to the British Museum, Museum Street is lined with touristy restaurants, cafes, pubs and the odd souvenir tat shop. Despite the obvious commercialisation, it retains an elegant period vibe.

The Rooftops of Huntley Street, Central London

 

From the waiting area of the Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, you get a great birds' eye view of the surviving period properties on Huntley Street.

Bedford Square, Central London

Dating from 1775, Bedford Square is one of the most significant and complete examples of a Georgian square in London, according to the Bloomsbury Conservation Area report, which notes that all the townhouses fronting the square are grade I listed. 

The Roebuck, Trinity Street, South London

When the sun is shining, the outside tables of the Roebuck pub are well positioned to catch the rays and are far removed from the traffic.

Peckham Road, South London