Marylebone

Marylebone is an area of Central London that is sometimes called the ‘Marylebone Village.’ Roughly, the area is bordered in the south by the Oxford Street, the Edgware Road to the west, the Marylebone Road to the north, and Portland Place to the east. The place-name was derived from a church known as St. Mary’s that was built on the bank of a bourn or a stream. The stream had now disappeared and the church is now known as the St. Marylebone Parish Church. Though mostly residential, Marylebone still has some parts that are surely worth visiting and exploring.

Sights & Activities:

One of its foremost attractions is the Sherlock Holmes Museum along Baker Street. Visitors will be glad to know that the museum building was constructed in 1815 and was chosen because of its similarities with the fictional abode of this famous character. The museum features Holmes memorabilia and wax figures displayed in rooms decorated according to period times.

Along Marylebone Road is the Madame Tussauds wax museum that is surely a must-see attraction in every visit to London. Numerous wax figures of famous and often notorious people are showcased in this unusual museum.

Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy strolling along the Marylebone High Street, where a number of retail outlets are located.

There are several public squares in Marylebone that are well-known outdoor destinations by locals and visitors alike. The Manchester Square was established in the 18th century and is a considered quite well-preserved. The public is welcome to make use of the garden situated in the center of the square. Around the square are several Georgian terraced houses that bespoke of the past grandeur of the city. On the northern part of the square is a mansion that used to be known as the Manchester House. It is now the home of the Wallace Collection, a museum of fine and decorative arts that date back from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Noteworthy items included in its collections are French and Old Master paintings, furniture, and porcelain. There is also a collection of armour and other art works from around the world. Visitors should also take the time in examining its displays of French furniture, some of which are quite elaborate and opulent in its designs. Afterwards, visitors can relax in the restaurant located in its inner courtyard.

Other outdoor spaces in Marylebone include the Cavendish Square, the Portman Square, and the Bryanston Square.

Eating Out:

There are far too many dining establishments to mention in Marylebone and suffice to say that no visitor will ever have to go hungry for a long time before finding a suitable place to eat. The restaurant located at the inner courtyard of the Wallace Collection is called the Café Bagatelle and is distinctive with its glass roof. When looking for exotic fare, try the Eastern cuisines found near Edgware Road. On Crawford Place is Patogh, which offers Middle Eastern dishes. The same kind of food can also be had at Safa situated on Nutford Place. Persian menu is available at Café Maroush while Indian cuisine is served at Chai Pani on Seymour Street and in La Porte Des Indes on Bryanston Street.

Marylebone is home to several pubs and bars where locals and visitors spend some of their nights in. Along Duke Street is The Moose while The O’Conor Don is a popular hangout on Marylebone Road. The famous All Bar One franchise has two establishments in Marylebone, one on Paddington Street and the other on Regent Street.