Sitting at the junction of Regent Street, Shaftsbury Avenue, Piccadilly and Haymarket, Piccadilly Circus is a hive of activity and testament to London as a city perpetually on the move. By night, crowds are drawn by the spectacle of the famous neon lights, and it is the perfect meeting point before heading off to the many attractions of London’s West End.
Created in 1819, Piccadilly Circus takes its name from the house of a tailor named Roger Baker who was famous for making and selling piccadils, a type of frilled collar, and it is called a “circus” due to the circular design, with traffic flowing around the central area. In this centre point, the statue of Anteros, the Greek god of requited love sits atop the Shaftesbury memorial fountain. Designed by Alfred Gilbert, and erected in 1893, this monument is now the perfect spot for a bit of people watching.
Once in Piccadilly Circus, you will have a dizzying choice of entertainment options. For a touch of drama, catch a show at the Piccadilly Theatre, the venue for the first-ever London performance of “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf”, or visit the Theatre Royal in Haymarket.
If you are in need of some serious retail therapy, Regent Street offers some of London’s premier retailers including the classically elegant department store Liberty. There are plenty of places to re-fuel in one of the many charming cafés and tea rooms.
Art lovers will be in for a treat at the Royal Academy of Arts, in Burlington House, Piccadilly. Founded in 1768, this artist-led institution is renowned for its collection focusing on British art from the 18th century onwards, as well as its excellent exhibition schedule, most notably the annual Summer Exhibition.
Situated in the heart of London, the easiest way to travel to Piccadilly Circus is on the Underground. The nearest station is Piccadilly Circus.
