Burlington Arcade is a covered shopping passage in Mayfair, running between Piccadilly and Burlington Gardens. Opened in 1819, it pairs Regency architecture, a glass roof and ironwork with small luxury shops. Look for jewellery, fashion, perfume and other specialist goods, or simply take in the window displays and the arcade’s calm, formal atmosphere. Beadles in traditional dress still patrol the passage, keeping its longstanding standards of decorum.
A shopping passage from 1819
Burlington Arcade opened in 1819 and stretches from Piccadilly to Burlington Gardens. Lord Cavendish commissioned it to prevent rubbish being thrown into the gardens beside Burlington House. The covered passage became part of London’s nineteenth-century arcade tradition, bringing shops into a sheltered walkway.
Its setting is as much a reason to slow down as the shops. The glass canopy covers a passage lined with mahogany-fronted storefronts. Wrought-iron lamps, restored ceilings and lights, and clusters of ferns and flowers add to its period character. Look up as you walk, then turn your attention to the window displays.
What to browse
The shops focus on luxury and specialist goods. Depending on what interests you, you can browse fashion, accessories, fine jewellery, perfume, confectionery and home furnishings. Some shops offer handmade pieces, and the arcade also has independent art galleries. It is a good place to window-shop if you are not planning to buy: the displays and the architecture can make a short walk worthwhile.
The arcade is not geared towards everyday low-cost shopping. Its boutiques deal in high-end goods, so treat browsing as the main draw if those prices are not for you.
The beadles and arcade etiquette
Beadles in traditional dress still patrol Burlington Arcade and maintain its standards of decorum. The custom is part of the passage’s identity, and you may see them as you walk through. Running and singing are not permitted, and visitors should not carry an open umbrella inside.
For a calmer visit, go on a weekday. The passage can be busier at weekends, when its shops and architecture draw more people. You can also combine the walk with nearby Green Park or Old Bond Street.
Perguntas frequentes
When did Burlington Arcade open?
Burlington Arcade opened in 1819. Lord Cavendish commissioned it to keep rubbish out of the gardens beside Burlington House.
What can you shop for at Burlington Arcade?
The shops include luxury fashion, accessories, jewellery, perfume and confectionery. There are also specialist stores, handmade goods and independent art galleries.
What are the rules inside Burlington Arcade?
Beadles patrol the passage and maintain its standards of decorum. Running, singing and carrying an open umbrella are not permitted.
When is Burlington Arcade quieter?
Weekdays are a quieter time to visit than weekends.
