Nearby attractions around Criterion Theatre - London

How to use this guide around your Criterion Theatre show

Criterion Theatre. London sits at 218 Piccadilly, close to Piccadilly Circus, so you have a dense cluster of sights within a few minutes on foot. This guide focuses on named attractions, memorials, artwork and small parks that you can realistically fit in before or after a performance based on walking distance alone. For each place, check opening arrangements, ticket requirements and any age guidance directly with the attraction before you commit it to your schedule, as these details are not listed here and can change.

Landmarks and photo stops right by the theatre

If you only have a short window before curtain up, several well-known landmarks are close enough to visit without straying far from the theatre entrance. These are useful for quick photos or a brief stroll while you wait to meet your group.

• Piccadilly LightsAround 60 m from the theatre at Piccadilly Circus, a large illuminated advertising screen that serves as a prominent local landmark and meeting point.
• The Horses of HeliosRoughly 70 m away at Piccadilly Circus, a sculptural fountain featuring four rearing horses, suitable for a short detour on your way to or from the theatre.
• Swiss GlockenspielAbout 230 m from the theatre in Swiss Court, a clock and bell installation associated with Switzerland, close enough for a quick look when you are already walking near Leicester Square.

Interactive and entertainment attractions within a short walk

If you are planning several hours in the area, you can pair your theatre tickets with other entertainment-focused attractions close by. Because these venues manage their own admission, you should confirm showtimes, ticket options and any age or booking requirements directly with them before you go.

• The Crystal Maze LIVE ExperienceAround 140 m from the theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, an indoor attraction themed around the Crystal Maze television format. Its proximity makes it a candidate for a separate timed booking earlier in the day, provided you leave enough time to return for your performance.
• Chinatown GateRoughly 220 m away on Wardour Street, a decorative gateway marking an entrance to London’s Chinatown, which you can easily pass through on a pre- or post-show wander without needing a ticket.

Public art and sculpture near Piccadilly Circus

Several pieces of public art lie within a few hundred metres of Criterion Theatre. London. These are outdoors and can be viewed briefly as you move between the theatre, nearby streets and other attractions, without needing to build in extra ticketed time.

• Group by Tony CraggApproximately 160 m from the theatre in Denman Place, a sculptural artwork you can pass while walking between Piccadilly Circus and nearby streets such as Shaftesbury Avenue.
• Waterloo PlaceAbout 260 m away, featuring sculpture and memorial elements that you can view during a slightly longer stroll towards the St James’s area.
• Terza RimaRoughly 260 m from the theatre on Sackville Street, another artwork that can be combined with a walk towards the Mayfair side of Piccadilly.

Memorial plaques and historic figures around the West End

Streets around Criterion Theatre. London contain several memorials and plaques linked to named individuals. These are suitable if you enjoy spotting specific addresses and historic references while walking to or from the show, rather than as stand-alone long visits.

• Plaque: Sir Simon MiltonRoughly 100 m from the theatre on Eagle Place, a memorial plaque that can be included on a short detour along Piccadilly.
• Dr. William HunterAbout 160 m away on Shaftesbury Avenue, a memorial site you might pass if you head towards Soho from the theatre.
• Lord Delfont of StepneyAround 160 m from the venue on Oxendon Street, a memorial that can be seen on the way towards Haymarket.
• Tom CribbApproximately 180 m away on Panton Street, marking another named figure close enough to fold into a short pre-show circuit.
• Nancy AstorAround 200 m from the theatre at St James’s Square, a memorial that pairs naturally with a loop through the surrounding square.
• WPC Yvonne FletcherRoughly 230 m away in St James’s Square, a memorial that can be visited as part of the same walk as Nancy Astor.
• Willy ClarksonAbout 240 m from the theatre on Wardour Street, a memorial you may notice while walking towards Soho and Chinatown.
• John William PolidoriApproximately 250 m away on Great Pulteney Street, reachable if you extend your walk towards the Soho side of Piccadilly.
• Richard DaddAround 250 m from the theatre on Suffolk Street, a memorial that fits into a route heading towards Trafalgar Square and the galleries in that direction.
• Joshua ReynoldsRoughly 260 m away on Leicester Square, a memorial you can look for while passing through the square on your way to or from the theatre.
• Pitt, Derby, GladstoneAbout 270 m from the venue at St James’s Square, a memorial grouping that can be combined with other plaques in the same square.

Parks and quieter corners near the theatre

For a brief break from the surrounding streets before or after a performance, there are small green or open spaces within walking distance of Criterion Theatre. London. These can be useful if you want to sit for a short time or step away from nearby roads before heading into the auditorium.

• Southwood GardenApproximately 240 m from the theatre in Mayfair, a park area that offers a change of pace compared with the busy streets around Piccadilly Circus.
• St James’s SquareWithin roughly 200–270 m depending on the side you enter, a formal square that also contains several of the memorials listed above, allowing you to combine green space with a short historical walk.

Planning your time around nearby attractions

Because so many attractions sit within roughly 300 m of Criterion Theatre. London, you can decide how much to add to your schedule based mainly on how long you have before or after the show. For very short gaps, landmarks like Piccadilly Lights or The Horses of Helios work as quick stops close to the theatre entrance. If you have more time, you can plan a loop that links Chinatown Gate, Leicester Square memorials and the pieces in St James’s Square or Southwood Garden. For any attraction that operates as a separate venue, such as The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, confirm session times, ticketing and age suitability directly with the operator, and allow enough walking time back to the theatre so you are not rushed before the performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest attractions to Criterion Theatre. London for a quick visit?

Several named attractions are very close to Criterion Theatre. London. Piccadilly Lights is around 60 m away at Piccadilly Circus, making it easy to see on your way to or from the theatre. The Horses of Helios, a sculptural fountain at Piccadilly Circus, is roughly 70 m from the venue. Within about 100 m you can also reach the Plaque to Sir Simon Milton on Eagle Place. All of these can be visited in a short time window without needing to travel far from the theatre.

Can I fit in another attraction before a show based on walking distance alone?

Yes, several attractions are close enough that walking time is the main factor. The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience on Shaftesbury Avenue is about 140 m from the theatre, and Chinatown Gate on Wardour Street is roughly 220 m away. Public artworks such as Group by Tony Cragg in Denman Place and memorials in St James’s Square are also within a few hundred metres. If you plan to book timed activities, check their schedules directly and allow enough time to walk back to the theatre before the performance begins.

Are there parks or quieter spaces near Criterion Theatre. London?

Southwood Garden in Mayfair is about 240 m from Criterion Theatre. London and offers a park environment compared with the surrounding streets. St James’s Square, which is within roughly 200–270 m depending on your route, also provides a more open setting and includes several memorials such as Nancy Astor, WPC Yvonne Fletcher and Pitt, Derby, Gladstone.

Do I need tickets for the nearby attractions listed here?

Many of the places near Criterion Theatre. London, such as Piccadilly Lights, The Horses of Helios, Chinatown Gate, Southwood Garden and the various memorial plaques and sculptures, are public spaces that you can see while walking without a ticket. However, some attractions, including The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, operate as separate venues with their own admission rules. Always confirm ticket requirements, any age restrictions and current visiting arrangements directly with the attraction before you go.

How should I plan time between nearby attractions and my theatre performance?

Use walking distance as your starting point. Landmarks within about 60–100 m of the theatre, such as Piccadilly Lights, The Horses of Helios and the Sir Simon Milton plaque, can usually be seen quickly on the way to the venue. Attractions within roughly 150–300 m, including The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, Chinatown Gate, Southwood Garden and the memorials in St James’s Square, are better suited to a longer pre- or post-show window. For any attraction with timed entry or its own opening arrangements, check details directly and allow enough time to return to Criterion Theatre. London without rushing.