Burlington Arcade is a Regency-era covered shopping arcade at 51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ, running between Piccadilly and Burlington Gardens in Mayfair. Opened in 1819 and built for Lord George Cavendish, later Earl of Burlington, it remains one of London’s most distinctive luxury destinations, with specialist watch dealers, jewellers, perfumers, shoemakers and fashion houses under a glazed roof. Travelers come for the architecture, the old-world etiquette and some of the capital’s finest vintage timepieces.
What to Expect at Burlington Arcade
The arcade is a single straight passage about 180 metres long, lined with 72 small shop units on both sides beneath a glass roof. Its architectural identity comes from a Regency scheme designed by Samuel Ware, with original period detailing, elegant window displays and mahogany-framed shopfronts. It was conceived to offer shopping sheltered from the weather and the muddy streets outside, and that sense of calm still sets it apart from nearby Piccadilly and Bond Street.
Tradition is part of the experience. The Burlington Arcade Beadles, dressed in top hats and frock coats, are among the oldest private police forces in Britain and have patrolled here since the arcade’s early years. Historic house rules traditionally discouraged whistling, singing, hurrying and carrying large parcels or open umbrellas. Today the mix of tenants runs from heritage names to contemporary ateliers, and the arcade’s own programme of seasonal events and collaborations, such as pairings between its tea room and perfumers, adds to the draw.
- Vintage and fine watches: The Vintage Watch Company at No. 24 and neighbouring dealers have made the arcade a recognised destination for collectors of vintage timepieces.
- High jewellery: ANANYA at Nos. 10-11 offers bespoke high jewellery created with private clients, and Susannah Lovis Jewellers at Nos. 56-57 trades in antique and fine pieces.
- Luxury footwear: Manolo Blahnik at Nos. 32-33 is one of the arcade’s best-known fashion tenants.
- Perfumery and lifestyle: ROJA Parfums at No. 51 and Globe-Trotter at Nos. 60-61 add fragrance and luxury luggage to the mix.
- Art and tailoring: Gladwell & Patterson at No. 50 sells art, and J&M Davidson at No. 6 offers leather goods and accessories.
Burlington Arcade at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ, United Kingdom |
| Neighborhood / Area | Mayfair, between Piccadilly and Burlington Gardens |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Friday 8AM-7PM; Saturday 9AM-7PM; Sunday 11AM-6PM (individual shop hours vary) |
| Admission / Price Range | Free to enter; luxury price tier ($$$$) for most purchases |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 90 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Green Park and Piccadilly Circus Underground stations; paid parking in nearby Mayfair car parks |
| Official Website & Phone | burlingtonarcade.com; +44 20 7493 1764 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Weekday mornings are the quietest time, when you can browse unhurried and talk with the specialist dealers. Saturday afternoons are busiest, and Sunday trading hours are shorter, so check the official website or individual shops before visiting. Many boutiques welcome browsing, though some jewellery and watch ateliers prefer appointments for bespoke or high-value enquiries. Green Park station (Victoria, Jubilee and Piccadilly lines) is about a 5-minute walk, and Piccadilly Circus is roughly 8 minutes away.
The arcade is a level, covered passage, which suits wheelchair users and strollers, though individual shop doorways are narrow and some have small thresholds. Combine your visit with the Royal Academy of Arts next door at Burlington House, the antique shops and galleries of Cork Street, and the Georgian shopfronts of Jermyn Street, all within a 5 to 10 minute walk. Fortnum & Mason and Bond Street’s flagship stores are about 10 minutes on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best time to visit Burlington Arcade?
The arcade is open Monday to Friday 8AM-7PM, Saturday 9AM-7PM and Sunday 11AM-6PM, though individual shops set their own hours. Weekday mornings are calmest, while late afternoons around the holiday season are the most atmospheric and the busiest.
Is there an admission fee or do I need a reservation?
Entry is free and no reservation is needed to walk through or browse. Prices in the shops sit firmly in the luxury tier, and bespoke jewellery or rare watch consultations are usually best arranged in advance with the individual boutique.
How long should I spend at Burlington Arcade?
Allow 45 to 90 minutes to walk the full length, browse the watch and jewellery windows and step into a few shops. Collectors or anyone planning a tea stop or appointment may want closer to two hours.
Is Burlington Arcade accessible and suitable for families?
The covered passage is level and stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, though some shop entrances are narrow. Families are welcome, but the arcade’s quiet, refined atmosphere and fragile displays make it better suited to older children who can browse calmly.
When planning your London travel guide or browsing verified shopping in London, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Waldorf Hilton, London, Paladar, The Restaurant at St Martins Lane, and Royal Arcade (0.2 km away).
