Where is the West End?
You’ve heard of it, but where is the West End exactly? Find out now.
When you hear the phrase "West End", you probably think of a show rather than a destination, which is entirely reasonable. Over the centuries, the small pocket of London has become synonymous with entertainment. But where is the West End?
A trip to see a play or musical often bears the moniker “going to the West End.” But that may not be entirely true. A theatre can’t just be within London boundaries to be classified as a West End theatre. It has to reach certain requirements to earn that illustrious title… most of the time. So discover what makes a West End theatre below.
What is the West End?
The West End is a district in London. Over the years, it has evolved and is now famed for its live performances, shops and restaurants.
Where is the West End in London?
Technically (but up for debate), the area known as the West End spans from the Strand to Oxford Street (south to north) and Regent Street to Kingsway (west to east). That is an area of approximately 2.18 square kilometres. Tiny, right?
If those streets are unfamiliar, think of Theatreland as the space between St Martins Lane, Charing Cross Road, Covent Garden, Covent Garden North, Shaftesbury Avenue and The Strand.
Another general way of describing where the West End is is west of the City of London and north of the River Thames.
It stands in the middle of Zone 1. Along with many theatres, it’s also home to some of the world’s best restaurants, shops and hotels.
How many theatres are in London’s West End?
This is where things get muddy. Though the West End is defined as that small slice of Central London, not all West End theatres sit within that space.
There are 39 official West End theatres. But a few - such as the Apollo Victoria - don’t sit within Theatreland.
Only commercial theatres count as official West End theatres. Venues such as the London Coliseum and Peacock Theatre sit in the middle of the West End but aren’t included in the official count as they are non-commercial spaces.
How many theatres are there in London?
Including the 39 commercial theatres in the West End, London has 241 performance spaces, according to the Society of London Theatre’s 2018 count. It's been a while since that number was announced, so the total is probably closer to 300 now.
How old is the West End?
Though London has been a hotspot for theatre for over 350 years, the term “West End” was first used in the 19th Century.
Britain's first playhouse dates back to 1576. It was called The Theatre and was located in Finsbury Fields. In 1663, London's oldest still-functioning theatre opened - the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
It wasn’t until the early 1800s - when small theatres and performance halls such as the Adelphi Theatre opened - did the West End become an entertainment destination. In 1843, the Theatres Act relaxed performance conditions and more theatres were added to the area. From then, more and more venues opened, and the area became renowned for entertainment.
Want to visit the West End?
Join the millions that have voyaged to the West End and see a show. There are so many incredible plays, musicals, operas and ballets. Find out more about what’s on in London and find out exactly where is the West End, now!
