Things to Do in Marylebone: London’s Most Charming Neighbourhood

Last Updated on 9th February 2026 by Charlotte Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.

Marylebone is one of London’s most iconic districts. Home to stunning architecture, historic green spaces, and world-famous gems such as the Wallace Collection, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed afternoon in The Big Smoke. In this travel guide, we’ll be revealing to you all the best things to do and see in Marylebone, so that you can make the most of a visit to London’s most charming neighbourhood!

Where is Marylebone?

While it feels almost a world apart, Marylebone is just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street in the heart of London. This affluent area is tucked away in the City of Westminster and the West End, bordered by the following streets: Oxford Street, Marylebone Road, Edgware Road, and Great Portland Street.

Origin of the name Marylebone

Marylebone was once an ancient hamlet, home to around 50 residents or so. During the 12th century, the area had become synonymous with public executions, as the Tyburn gallows were located here. Eager to remove themselves from this, the neighbourhood instead named itself after the new church and stream that ran past it, St Mary-burne (the stream of St Mary).

The medieval church, St Mary’s, can still be found along the eastern banks of the Tyburn River. While you can no longer see the river flow through, it is still very much there, but is entirely enclosed, flowing underground through Victorian brick-lined sewers and conduits.

There’s also often a wide debate about how to actually pronounce Marylebone. If you look online, it suggests you say it: (maa·luh·bn), but to be honest, I think everyone says it slightly differently, and there are definitely a few accepted variations!

How long do you need in Marylebone?

Marylebone is characterised by its compact and intimate nature, and so you’ll find that one day or even a long afternoon is plenty of time to get a feel for this charming London neighbourhood. But, to see all of the main sights the district has to offer, I recommend allowing at least 6 to 8 hours of exploring (this includes time to sit in a café etc).

Best things to do in Marylebone

Visit the Golden Eagle Pub

Of course, no trip to Marylebone would be complete without visiting one of London’s historic pubs. Nestled in the heart of the district is the iconic landmark, the Golden Eagle pub, which has been serving the locals for over thirty years. This family-run traditional boozer is tucked on the corner of Marylebone Lane, and it’s one of the oldest ‘locals’ in the area.

Old school and timeless, this pub is particularly well known for its vibrant community atmosphere and lively, piano-led singalong nights. They serve a great selection of real ales and interchanging guest ales, and the owner also says that British singer, Engelbert Humperdinck, is in fact a regular patron of the pub!

Daunt Books

This is probably one of my favourite literary locations in London, of which there are countless! Step inside Daunt Books and you’re immediately greeted by stunning Edwardian architecture, brightly lit shelves, creaky floorboards, and that all too familiar and comforting bookish smell.

There are actually six dedicated locations of Daunt Books dotted throughout the capital. The bookshop based in Marylebone was opened by Jame Daunt himself in 1990, and it has remained a cornerstone of the district ever since.

One thing that’s really special about Daunt Books is that they cater and specialise particularly towards travel and travel writing! Wander in at any given moment, and you’re sure to find plenty of travel books; these include memoirs, phrase books, fiction and history, each collection grouped and organised by country.

Go shopping

The main thoroughfare through Marylebone is Marylebone High Street, and here, you’ll find a surprising number of French brands! In fact, it is considered one of the best places to go shopping in London, as this area is home to a wide range of high-end shops, independent boutiques, unique wares, and swanky designer brands.

Visit the Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection is easily the most famous of all the museums found in the local area. The museum houses decorative arts from the 15th to 19th centuries, with a particular focus on 18th century french paintings.

Set within Hertford House, the former townhouse of the Seymour family, Marquesses of Hertford, this collection was established in 1897 from the private collection of Richard Seymour-Conway, 4th Marquess of Hertford. The collection opened for public view in 1990, with one condition, that no object should ever leave the collection, even for loan exhibitions.

Entry to the permanent collection is completely free to explore, and the museum is open every day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm.

Enjoy a sandwich at Paul Rothe & Sons

This shop has been a Marylebone staple since August 2nd, 1990, spanning four generations. After meeting Paul, he shared how his grandfather had moved from Germany and founded the business as a Deutsche delicatessen, importing most of its products directly from Germany.

Today, you can enjoy your food in the shop or takeaway, and the place has barely changed over the years, giving the feeling of stepping back in time. They offer any combination of sandwiches you can imagine; if you can think of it, they probably have it!

Beyond that, they serve traditional English fare alongside a selection of foreign provisions, from jams and chutneys to fresh cheeses, and all the regular delicious delicatessen treats you can expect to find.

Paul explained that the best part of the business is making people happy, which makes it all worthwhile. So, it’s no surprise that the shop has regular customers who have been visiting for years, drawn in by its charm, history, and warmth. I highly recommend stopping in for a sandwich as they’re simply delicious!

Paddington Street Gardens

This set of two small public gardens is located on either side of Paddington Street. Once upon a time, in the 18th century, the gardens were actually used as a burial site, serving additional burial ground for the nearby St Marylebone Parish Church. However, the majority of the tombs have since been removed, and now all that remains of that history are a few tombstones and a central mausoleum that sits in the south garden.

By 1814, the area was closed to burials. In 1885, it was decided to be opened as a public recreation ground, where landscape gardener Fanny Wilkinson (Britain’s first female professional landscape gardener) laid out the gardens.

The Brown Collection

This gallery collection is fairly new to the area, as it opened in 2022. It is owned and managed by contemporary British artist Glenn Brown. The collection found inside began in the late 90s to early 2000s, helping to inform Brown’s own artistic practice, which predominantly entails him remixing and appropriating others’ artworks. And so, the gallery features a mix of both Glenn Browns work alongside various other artists whom he has been inspired by over the years.

Brown sees the collection in itself as a work of art, exhibiting works in such a way that they speak to each other. Aside from the gallery space, there are also talks on art history, conversations with artists and various events hosted throughout the year. Entry to the collection is completely free, so you can visit any time without booking between Wednesday and Saturday, 10:30 am – 6 pm.

Visit the Handel Hendrix House

Not technically in Marylebone, but just across the road are two joined Georgian houses, 23 and 25 Brook St. This now museum was the former home to two familiar faces of popular culture, and it self-describes their living situation as – “separated by a wall & 200 years”.

On the exterior of number 25, you’ll see a blue plaque that states that the famed composer George Frideric Handel lived in the house from 1723 and died here. However, he wasn’t the only famous face on this street, as Jimi Hendrix, the most influential guitarist in the world, moved here in 1968. So, it really is a place where two worlds collide.

Today, both former homes have been transformed into living museums, where you can explore rooms preserved much as they would have been when the artists themselves lived there. From period furniture of the 18th century, to a more relaxed and casual 1960s vibe, it’s certainly a unique way to see how two very different musicians across ages and genres lived.

General admission costs £14.50, but I think it’s well worth visiting if you are a fan of one or both musicians. Their music is often played throughout the house, adding to the atmosphere and offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of two of the world’s leading musicians.

St Mary’s Parish Church

The church from which Marylebone takes it name sits on Marylebone Road and is the historic heart of the neighbourhood. Designed by architect Thomas Hardwick and built in the early 19th century, it’s actually the third church to serve the parish, following earlier versions closer to Oxford Street.

Something particularly unique about this church is its grand Corinthian portico that frames the entranceway, it was directly inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. 

Today, it remains a central landmark and is an active place of Christian worship. The church is open to visitors during daytime hours throughout the week, and it’s completely free to enter, though donations are always welcome.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum

If you’re a fan of London’s popular fictional character, then you may well want to pay a visit to one of the world’s most famous addresses,  221b Baker St. Despite the building actually being physically situated between 237-241 Baker, the museum fought a 15-year dispute with Abbey National (who owned 221 Baker) and eventually got granted permission to use it officially by 2005.

In the museum, you can see artefacts and furniture dating back to the Victorian era, along with  Holmes’s study, bedroom, deerstalker hat, and Dr Watson’s quarters. The entry fee for this is quite pricey at £19 for general admission, so unless you’re really invested, I recommend just viewing the outside. This is just one of the many Sherlock Holmes locations in London that you can visit!

Where to stay in Marylebone

There are a number of options when it comes to choosing where to stay in Marylebone, but it’s also worth noting that, as one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in London, it’s definitely on the more expensive side. Here are a few suggestions of where to stay based on web reviews:

voco London Marylebone by IHG – This delightful boutique hotel offers a reasonably priced stay. Guests have commented on the hotel being a convenient, modern and welcoming hotel. Check prices and availability here.

The Marylebone Hotel – A little more upmarket, considering the hotel itself is named after the affluent neighbourhood, this upscale hotel is a 7-minute walk from Bond Street station, 13 minutes’ stroll from bustling Oxford Street. Check prices and availability here.

Watch the travel guide

Enjoyed reading our guide to Marylebone? Pin this article now, and read it again later: