Listen up, Londoners: we’re about to let you in on some of the city’s biggest (and… well – smallest) secrets. Tucked away in our loveable labyrinth of commuters, cabs, and coffee shops are some streets so slim, that you couldn’t even swing a cat in them if you wanted to (which hopefully you don’t).
Now, look – I know that some of these are alleyways and therefore not technically streets, but just humour me a moment, okay?
There are many contenders in the battle to be named the narrowest street of all, and it’s a debate that still hasn’t been firmly settled. So, if anybody fancies grabbing their tape measure and making their way through this list; we’d be very grateful.
1. Brydges Place, West End
This heart-racingly narrow alleyway connects two of London’s busiest streets, and certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted. With a width of just 15 inches at its narrowest point, Brydges Places is considered by many to be the narrowest alleyway in the city – but there’s some other history-packed passageways on this list that may well give it a run for its money.
2. Crawford Passage, Clerkenwell
Credit: @benterrett
Crawford Passage is just round the corner from Farringdon station, and it pretty notorious for these – quite frankly – laughable yellow lines. The distance between the two lines at this particular part of the road is just 5cm. I think we might have a winner, folks. A street with a level of thinness that is only rivalled by my patience, to be honest.
3. Lazenby Court, Covent Garden
Next up on our list of the narrowest streets in London is Lazenby Court; a passageway that you’ll certainly need to squeeze yourself down in single file. Standing at just 36 inches at its slimmest point, it’s not one for the claustrophobic – that’s for sure.
4. Emerald Court, Holborn
Another mildly panic-inducing passageway on the list; Emerald Court is Brydges Place’s biggest rival for the narrow street crown. This Holborn haunt is barely wide enough to fit a bike down, so cyclists – beware. Emerald Court was once called Green Street but was renamed in the 18th century to avoid any muddle up with other surrounding green-named streets. There’s a little fun fact for ya.
5. Artillery Passage, Spitalfields
This hustly bustly passageway is packed with restaurants, bars, tourists and locals. A charming pocket of history in the heart of our city, Artillery Passage doesn’t quite rival the likes of some earlier-on-the-list streets in size, but it’s still pretty flippin’ narrow.
6. Bengal Court, City of London
One of a few in a maze of narrow alleyways in the city, Bengal Court is a dimly-lit, atmospheric passageway, named after a historic nearby pub, Bengal Arms Tavern. Although I don’t know the exact measurements of this one (hence the need for a tape measuring volunteer), I think it’s surefire contender in the narrowest street in London competition.
7. Cardinal Cap Alley, Bankside
Last (but by no means leanest) on our list of the narrowest streets in London is Cardinal Cap Alley. Sandwiched between an industrial building and a terraced house, this alleyway used to be accessible to the public but is unfortunately now gated. However, if you’re in the area, it’s still worth having a little peek down!
So, there you have it – the narrowest streets (and alleyways) in London. Are there any others that you think are worth adding to the list?