Aylesford Street, London
Aylesford Street is a quiet residential road in the heart of Pimlico, located within the City of Westminster. It runs in a generally north–south direction, linking Lupus Street in the north to Grosvenor Road in the south. It also branches eastwards into St George’s Square Mews, a small, cobbled lane typical of the area’s historic mews network.
Location and Layout
Aylesford Street is situated just a few minutes’ walk from the River Thames and is part of the well-ordered grid plan of streets that characterises Pimlico. The street is approximately 200 metres (about 656 feet) in length. Traffic flows two way between Lupus Street and Grosvenor Road, which runs parallel to the Thames Embankment.
History and Etymology
Aylesford Street was laid out in the mid-19th century as part of Thomas Cubitt’s grand development of Pimlico. The entire area was transformed from marshland into elegant terraces of stucco-fronted homes during the Victorian building boom. Aylesford Street retains much of this original character.
The street takes its name from the Earl of Aylesford, a title in the Peerage of Great Britain. It was likely named during the early years of the neighbourhood's development, in the 1840s or 1850s, consistent with nearby streets named after peers and aristocrats.
Aylesford is pronounced AYLZ-fuhd, and in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is /ˈeɪlz.fəd/ 
.
Character of the Street
Aylesford Street is predominantly residential in nature. It features classic Victorian terraced houses, most of which are painted white or cream, with traditional iron railings and small front gardens or lightwells. The overall impression is peaceful and elegant, with limited commercial activity and very little through traffic.
The street is popular with professionals and families alike, offering a combination of period charm and proximity to central London amenities.
Nearby Sights and Attractions
- St George’s Square: Just a short walk east, this large, green garden square is one of Pimlico’s most attractive communal spaces.
- Thames Path: Grosvenor Road gives access to the Thames Embankment and its riverside walking and cycling path.
- Tate Britain: Located nearby on Millbank, the gallery houses a major collection of British art.
- Pimlico Gardens: A small riverside park at the southern end of St George's Square, perfect for quiet strolls.
Real Estate and Property Details
As of May 2025, property prices on Aylesford Street reflect Pimlico’s strong position in the London market. A two-bedroom flat here typically sells for around £1.1–£1.3 million, while terraced houses can exceed £2.5 million depending on size and condition.
Properties tend to be generously sized for inner London. A typical two-bedroom flat measures around 900 sq ft (84 sq m), while a full house may span 2,000–2,400 sq ft (186–223 sq m).
Compared to central London as a whole, Pimlico offers relatively good value considering its proximity to Westminster, Victoria, and the Thames.
Transport Links
London Underground
The closest station is Pimlico (Victoria line), located about 6 minutes’ walk to the northeast. Victoria Station, served by the Victoria, Circle, and District lines, as well as National Rail, is around 10–12 minutes’ walk away.
Bus Connections
There are bus stops along Lupus Street and Grosvenor Road, both of which are served by several routes including:
- Bus 24: Hampstead Heath – Pimlico
- Bus 360: Elephant & Castle – Royal Albert Hall
- Bus C10: Canada Water – Victoria
Fun Fact
Although it’s not a well-known street, Aylesford Street appeared briefly in the 1990s British TV drama “Capital Lives” as a fictional character’s address—selected for its quietly upmarket feel without being flashy.
Quick Facts
- Location: Pimlico, City of Westminster
- Connects: Lupus Street (north) to Grosvenor Road (south)
- Length: Approx. 200 metres (656 ft)
- Traffic: Two ways
- Nearby Mews: St George’s Square Mews
- Built: Mid-19th century (c. 1840s–1850s)
- Name origin: Named after the Earl of Aylesford
- Pronunciation: AYLZ-fuhd /ˈeɪlz.fəd/
- Street character: Quiet, residential, elegant Victorian terraces
- Nearby sights: St George’s Square, Thames Path, Tate Britain
- Real estate prices: £1.1M+ for flats, £2.5M+ for houses (May 2025)
- Average flat size: 900 sq ft (84 sq m)
- Nearest stations: Pimlico (Victoria line), Victoria (multiple lines and National Rail)
- Nearest bus routes: 24, 360, C10
- Fun fact: Briefly featured in a 1990s British drama as a character’s home
Map of Aylesford Street, London
Painting of Aylesford Street, London (View image in full size)
