Known for its rich cultural heritage, boutique shops, and famous residents, Marylebone is an iconic London hotspot that offers plenty to its visitors.
This Marylebone area guide will explore what makes this district such a popular tourist spot in London, and where to go to make the most of Marylebone’s extensive cultural, retail and culinary offerings.
An Overview of Marylebone
Known in the 18th century for bear-baiting, dog fights and duelling, it's safe to say that Marylebone has undergone quite a transformation over the years. As Marylebone has become the upmarket borough we know today, it has been home to a number of famous residents, such as Lord Byron, John Lennon, Charles Dickens, and, of course, Conan Doyle’s fictional detective Sherlock Holmes.
With its distinct village feel and charming streets and buildings, Marylebone is renowned for its high-end artisanal shops, cultural landmarks and tasty food spots. If you’re looking to stay somewhere where you can peruse luxury independent shops in the morning, swing by a chamber concert in the afternoon, and grab some dinner at a Michelin star restaurant in the evening, Marylebone is the place to be.
Situated in the West End of London, just north of Oxford Street, Marylebone is well placed to escape the chaos that being in Central London often brings. It neighbours Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Regent’s Park and Soho, making it the perfect place to stay if you want to wander from one beautiful area to the next.
What to do in Marylebone
In terms of attractions, Marylebone is home to some of the best. Most notable is the original Madame Tussauds, the most famous wax museum in the world. Equally iconic is the Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes is a quintessential British icon, and in Marylebone you can visit the fictional home that has been reconstructed to match Conan Doyle’s book descriptions exactly.
Marylebone is renowned for its museums, galleries and recital rooms. Set in a beautiful 19th century mansion, the Wallace Collection in Manchester Square is home to world class displays of art from the 18th and 19th centuries. Complete with a charming courtyard cafe, the Wallace Collection is the perfect place to see some exceptional art and escape the London noise.
Equally, if you’re a fan of classical and chamber music, it's worth checking out what concerts are on at the Royal Academy of Music and Wigmore Hall. The Royal Academy of Music is one of the oldest and most prestigious music schools in the UK, while Wigmore Hall has remained one of London’s premier concert venues since the beginning of the 20th century.
What to see in Marylebone
Marylebone has a profound cultural lineage that makes it a compelling sightseeing destination. We’ve picked out a few spots that are worth taking a look at while you’re wandering around the area.
Portland Place is just a minute's walk from Regent’s Park tube station and offers an impressive mix of architectural styles. From original Georgian terraced houses that line the street to Art Deco buildings and the original BBC Broadcasting House which dates back to the early 1930’s, Portland Place is a great place to see if you’re interested in architecture. Portland Place is also home to the Royal Institute of British Architects where regular exhibitions are held.
Of course, another popular place to see is Regent’s Park, a 410-acre Royal park complete with Queen Mary’s Gardens and home to London Zoo. Regent’s Park is a grand green space easily accessible from Marylebone and is perfect to wander around on a sunny day.
Baker Street is another Marylebone must-see, considered the epicentre of England’s punk movement and home to The London Beatles Store. Baker Street is always bustling with tourists, but is still worth a visit as an iconic London street with a rich cultural history.
Where to eat in Marylebone
Marylebone has a host of food and drink options. If you’re looking for brunch, it's worth trying Fischer’s on Marylebone High Street. It's a classy cafe that serves an extensive array of Venetian-inspired breakfast and lunch items. Plus, if you’re there to celebrate a special occasion, you can browse the impressive by-the-glass selection of champagnes on offer.
If you’re still hungry by dinner time we recommend KOL. Trained at Noma Mexico, Santiago Lastra opened his debut restaurant on Seymour Street and gained a Michelin star within just a year of opening. KOL boasts an array of Mexican dishes using traditional British produce, serving menu items such as langoustine tacos and mole with chalk stream trout.
London is home to an abundance of pubs and Marylebone is no exception. For the traditional Victorian pub experience, the Golden Eagle tucked behind Marble Arch offers everything from cheap(ish) pints to packets of pork scratchings. For a modern up-market pub experience, The Marylebone on Marylebone High Street serves their specialty cocktails and quality wines in a high-end setting.
Where to stay in Marylebone
There is an abundance of boutique hotels and premium rentals in Marylebone, many being situated on and around Baker Street and Portman Square. The streets surrounding Regents Park are also extremely popular choices for tourists, conveniently located near Baker Street tube station, Madame Tussauds, the Sherlock Holmes Museum, and, of course, Regents Park.
Craving a truly luxurious stay in central London? Look no further than Luxury London Listings, your one-stop shop for exquisite self-catered rentals. We offer a stunning Marylebone Townhouse nestled in a prime location — just a stone's throw from Regent's Park and a convenient two-minute walk from Baker Street tube station. This townhouse boasts two bedrooms and two bathrooms, offering ample space and comfort.
For more information to discuss your rental needs, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@luxurylondonlistings.com.
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