City of Westminster

Westminster is a borough in central London that runs from the Thames northward to Oxford Street, taking in government offices, shopping areas, and theaters. The area stretches from Covent Garden in the east to Hyde Park in the west, covering neighborhoods like Mayfair, Soho, and Marylebone.

In the 11th century King Edward the Confessor built Westminster Abbey and a royal palace, turning the area into a seat of power. Parliament met here over the following centuries, and the place grew into the center of national government.

Theaters around the West End stage performances nearly every evening, and visitors gather in the surrounding streets before curtain time. Parks like St James's fill with office workers during lunch breaks, turning green spaces into temporary refuges from city routines.

Four main railway terminals sit within the borough: Victoria, Paddington, Charing Cross, and Marylebone, linking travelers to different parts of London and the rest of Britain. Many landmarks lie within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore on foot once you arrive.

Charing Cross marks the official point from which distances from London are measured, functioning as the city's geographic center. A monument stands here, and all road distances across the country reference this spot.

Location: Greater London

Inception: April 1, 1965

Capital city: Westminster

Shares border with: London Borough of Camden, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London Borough of Brent, London Borough of Lambeth, London Borough of Wandsworth, City of London

Website: https://westminster.gov.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.49750,-0.13722

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:04