Downing Street

Downing Street is a short street in the City of Westminster, London, hosting the official residence and offices of the UK Prime Minister at No. 10 and senior ministerial residences at Nos. 11 and 12.

From publicly accessible points on Whitehall visitors can view the black-painted frontages of No. 10 and the surrounding terrace, and see ceremonial activity and official vehicles when present. The street itself is secured and not open to casual pedestrian access; nearby public spaces provide the usual viewpoints.

Built in the late 17th century by Sir George Downing, the terrace became government property in the 18th century and No. 10 has been associated with the office of the Prime Minister since that period. The houses have been adapted over time to combine residential and official functions.

Located off Whitehall in central London, Downing Street sits within the Westminster government district immediately west of the Houses of Parliament and a short walk from Trafalgar Square.

• Security and access: Public street access is restricted by security barriers; views of the official entrances are available from Whitehall and nearby pavements but the street itself is closed to general traffic.
• Origins: Downing Street was developed in the late 17th century by Sir George Downing and has been associated with senior government offices since the 18th century.

What to See #

• No. 10 Downing Street: The official residence and office of the UK Prime Minister, located in a terraced townhouse that forms part of a larger 18th-century building complex on the street.
• No. 11 Downing Street: Home to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and part of the governmental offices, this neighbouring house is linked to No. 10 internally for official use.
• No. 12 Downing Street: Part of the same terrace of 18th-century townhouses, it houses ministerial offices and shares security and access arrangements with Nos. 10 and 11.