Pimlico, located in the City of Westminster in south west London, is famous for its serene streets, picturesque garden squares, and Regency architecture.
The Pimlico grid is a residential area comprised of elegant white-stuccoed buildings that were constructed in the 19th century by Thomas Cubitt, a significant figure in the development of London. Cubitt was instrumental in building several iconic districts in the city, including Belgravia, Bloomsbury, and Finsbury Circus.
Pimlico enjoys a prime location in central London, situated near several of the city’s most renowned attractions. Visitors can easily access iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, The London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. The area is also blessed with proximity to the royal parks of St James’s, Hyde Park, and Green Park, offering ample green spaces for leisure and relaxation.
The neighbourhood itself is a delightful microcosm of London life. Pimlico boasts an eclectic mix of independent shops, catering to various tastes and needs. Estate agents‘ offices line the streets, a testament to the area’s desirable residential status. Food enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse array of delicious restaurants, while those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere can enjoy the neighbourhood’s charming pubs. Beautiful public gardens scattered throughout Pimlico contribute to its appealing inner-city village ambience.
For those with an interest in history, architecture, or culture, Pimlico presents an enticing destination. The area’s Georgian and Victorian buildings offer a glimpse into London’s rich architectural heritage. Moreover, its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the broader cultural offerings of the capital.
Conveniently situated adjacent to Victoria, one of London’s major transport hubs, Pimlico is easily accessible. This prime location, coupled with its abundant hotel options, has established Pimlico as a popular choice for tourist accommodation. The wide range of lodging available caters to various budgets and preferences, further cementing Pimlico’s status as a hotspot for visitors to the city.
Whether you’re planning an extended stay or just a brief visit, Pimlico’s blend of convenience, charm, and cultural appeal makes it a neighbourhood well worth exploring.
Best of Pimlico
Warwick Way, a bustling thoroughfare cutting across Pimlico from east to west, offers a lively mix of shops and eateries. The eastern end, near Victoria Station, is a particular hotspot. Visitors and locals alike can explore a variety of charity shops, diverse restaurants and cafes, and convenient supermarkets like Tesco and Waitrose. The area’s vibrant atmosphere is further enhanced by the lively Tatchbrook Street food market.
Wilton Road, branching off Warwick Way to the east, adds to the area’s vibrancy with a diverse culinary scene and a large Sainsbury’s supermarket. From Mediterranean and Brazilian flavours to Mexican and Chinese, there’s something to tantalise every palate. Popular chains like Nando’s sit alongside traditional British favourites, such as fish and chips and pizza, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.
Further west along Warwick Way, still on the eastern side of Pimlico, the road intersects with Belgrave Road. This intersection marks a significant change in the area’s character, as Belgrave Road is renowned for its concentration of hotels. The street is lined with a variety of accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly options to more upscale establishments, catering to the diverse needs of visitors to London.
Belgrave Road itself is a major thoroughfare in the area, stretching from Pimlico station in the south to Victoria station in the north. This strategic location makes it an ideal base for tourists, offering easy access to London’s public transport network. The road’s length and position between these two important stations contribute to its popularity as a hotel district, providing convenient lodging options for travellers exploring the capital.
To the west of Pimlico lies Pimlico Road, an affluent area known for its upscale character and unique offerings. This charming thoroughfare is home to a variety of high-end antique shops and designer boutiques, making it a favourite destination for interior design enthusiasts and collectors.
At the heart of Pimlico Road is Orange Square, a delightful public space that comes alive every Saturday with the Pimlico Road Farmers’ Market. This weekly event showcases an array of premium local produce and artisanal goods. Visitors can peruse stalls offering freshly picked flowers, hand-made preserves, fresh pasta, and artisan bread, alongside a selection of fruit and vegetables, free-range and organic meat, poultry and eggs, and an assortment of cheeses and dairy products. The market caters to a discerning clientele, providing high-quality ingredients for weekend meals and beyond.
Pimlico Road’s strategic location places it within easy reach of other notable London areas. It’s a short walk from Sloane Square, a hub of luxury retail and dining. The iconic King’s Road, famous for its fashion boutiques and trendy cafes, is also nearby. This proximity extends to the upscale neighbourhood of Chelsea, known for its elegant townhouses, high-end shopping, and cultural attractions such as the Saatchi Gallery.
The area surrounding Pimlico Road seamlessly blends historical charm with contemporary luxury, offering visitors a glimpse into one of London’s most sophisticated districts.
Public and Private Gardens
St George’s Square is a prestigious and elongated garden square in Pimlico. Unlike other private residential gardens in the area, this one is public. It features landscaped gardens and a church in its central area. Near the northern acute angle, the square is intersected by Lupus Street. Pimlico tube station is a mere 3-minute walk away.
Pimlico Gardens is situated by the River Thames at the southern end of St George’s Square. This small riverside park is adorned with trees and grass, offering seating areas and a drinking fountain. It houses John Gibson’s 1836 marble statue of William Huskisson MP, the first railway fatality, erected here in 1915. The garden also features ‘The Helmsman’, a bronze statue by Andre Wallace from 1996.
Warwick Square is another notable garden square in the Pimlico district. The buildings fronting it, save for a church, are listed Grade II on the National Heritage List for England. The private gardens at the centre of the square are also Grade II listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
Eccleston Square, a private garden, is named after Eccleston in Cheshire, part of the Duke of Westminster’s estates. Originally a low-lying swamp, it was drained in the early 17th century and designed in 1828 by Thomas Cubitt.
Nearby Attractions
Pimlico is within walking distance of some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square.
The closest attraction to Pimlico is Tate Britain, a prestigious art museum showcasing British art from the 16th century to the present day.
To the west of Pimlico, you’ll find Battersea Power Station and Battersea Park, both of which are within walking distance. The former is a recently redeveloped iconic landmark, while the latter offers a spacious green retreat along the Thames.
Tate Britain
Tate Britain, located in Millbank, is one of London’s most prestigious art galleries and a cornerstone of British culture. Housed in a stately neoclassical building on the banks of the Thames, it showcases an unparalleled collection of British art from the 16th century.
The gallery is home to an extensive array of works by J.M.W. Turner, including his bequest to the nation, displayed in the purpose-built Clore Gallery. Visitors can also explore masterpieces by other renowned British artists such as William Blake, John Constable, and the Pre-Raphaelites.
Tate Britain is approximately a 5-minute walk from Pimlico underground station.
Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station, an iconic London landmark, has been transformed from a derelict industrial relic into a vibrant mixed-use development. This Grade II* listed building, with its distinctive four chimneys and art deco design, once supplied a fifth of London’s electricity.
After decades of disuse, the power station has undergone an extensive renovation, reopening in 2022 as a unique destination on the south bank of the Thames. The redevelopment preserves the building’s architectural heritage while repurposing it for modern use.
Today, visitors can explore a variety of high-end shops, restaurants, and cafes housed within the former turbine halls. The site also includes office spaces, residential apartments, and a rooftop garden with panoramic views of London.
The surrounding area has been rejuvenated with new public spaces, including a riverside park and piazza. The addition of a new Underground station has improved accessibility, making Battersea Power Station a popular destination for both locals and tourists.