A Slice of England on the Upper West Side
Tucked between Broadway and West End Avenue, Pomander Walk feels like a portal to 16th-century England. This whimsical row of 26 Tudor-style cottages, adorned with flower boxes and gas lamps, was built in 1921 as a theatrical gimmick for a British play. Today, it’s a residential fairytale hidden behind iron gates—and one of NYC’s most enchanting secrets.
From Stage Set to Sanctuary
Originally built as temporary housing for actors in the play Pomander Walk, the cottages charmed New Yorkers so much they became permanent. Humphrey Bogart once lived here, and Taylor Swift filmed the Begin Again music video in its cobblestone lane. The tiny street’s name? Borrowed from a fictional London lane in the play.
Residents fiercely protect its privacy (no street signs, no Google Street View), but visitors can peek through the gates at 94th–95th Street.
How to Visit (Without Annoying the Neighbors)
Best Time: Weekday mornings, when foot traffic is light.
Photo Tip: Shoot through the gates at golden hour for a Dickensian glow.
Nearby: Grab a scone at Maison Kayser (86th & Broadway) to complete the British vibe.
Pro Tips from a Local Historian
Holiday Magic: In December, residents deck the cottages in wreaths and twinkle lights—subtle but magical.
Book Nook: The nearby Westsider Rare Books (2246 Broadway) has vintage copies of the original Pomander Walk play.
Quiet Respect: Don’t linger too long—this is a private street, not a tourist attraction.
Why Pomander Walk Matters
It’s proof that even in a city racing toward the future, pockets of whimsy still survive.
Visitor Intel
📍 Address: West 94th–95th St (btwn Broadway & West End Ave)
🚇 Closest Subway: 96th St (1/2/3 lines)
Note: View from outside gates only; respect residents’ privacy.
Ready to Time Travel?
Just don’t expect High Tea—this isn’t actually England.
Next up: An abandoned subway station with stained-glass ceilings…
