Charlwood Street, London
Charlwood Street, Pimlico: A Hidden Gem in Westminster
Where is Charlwood Street?
Charlwood Street is located in the charming district of Pimlico, within the City of Westminster, in central London. It's a primarily residential street, tucked away from the busier thoroughfares, offering a more tranquil atmosphere while still being incredibly well-connected to the rest of the city.
Disjointed Segments and Length
Interestingly, Charlwood Street is not a continuous road but comprises two distinct, disjointed segments. The southwestern segment runs from its junction with Lupus Street in a northeasterly direction until it meets Denbigh Street. After a short break formed by other buildings and streets, the northeastern segment resumes from Denbigh Street and continues northeastwards until it intersects with the major Vauxhall Bridge Road.
Estimating the total length of both segments combined is approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 kilometers). While not a long street, it plays a significant role in the local fabric of Pimlico.
History and Naming
A Look Back in Time
The development of Pimlico, including Charlwood Street, largely took place during the 19th century, under the vision of master builder Thomas Cubitt. The area transformed from marshland into elegant residential streets and garden squares, characterized by grand stucco-fronted houses. Charlwood Street likely emerged during the mid to late 19th century as part of this significant urban expansion.
The Origin of the Name
Charlwood Street takes its name from the Charlwood family, who were significant landowners in the area. This naming convention was common during the Victorian era, where developers and landowners were often commemorated in the street names of the new estates. The street was likely named sometime in the mid-19th century as the area was being developed.
Pronunciation Guide
To pronounce Charlwood correctly, the common spelling breakdown is CHARL-wood. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it would be represented as /ˈtʃɑːl.wʊd/. 
Intersections and Junctions
Connecting Streets
Charlwood Street forms junctions and intersects with the following streets along its two segments:
- Southwestern Segment:
- Alderney Street
- Lupus Street (southwestern terminus)
- Cambridge Street
- Claverton Street
- Denbigh Street (northeastern terminus of the first segment and southwestern terminus of the second)
- Northeastern Segment:
- Belgrave Road
- Charlwood Place
- Denbigh Street (southwestern terminus of the second segment)
- St George's Drive
- Moreton Place
- Tachbrook Street
- Vauxhall Bridge Road (northeastern terminus)
Character of the Road
A Blend of Residential Charm and Urban Convenience
Charlwood Street primarily exudes a residential character, with a mix of well-maintained period properties, often Victorian or Edwardian in style. The atmosphere is generally quieter and more local compared to the larger surrounding roads. However, its central location means that residents and visitors benefit from excellent access to amenities and transport links. You'll find a blend of traditional townhouses and converted flats, contributing to a diverse yet cohesive community feel.
Interesting Sights and Nearby Attractions
Exploring the Vicinity
While Charlwood Street itself might not be home to major tourist attractions, its location in Pimlico places it within easy reach of several notable sights:
- Tate Britain: A world-renowned art gallery housing a vast collection of British art from the 16th century to the present day, located a short walk to the south along Millbank.
- Pimlico Garden Squares: The area is famous for its beautiful garden squares, such as Eccleston Square and Warwick Square, offering tranquil green spaces.
- Westminster Cathedral: A stunning neo-Byzantine Catholic cathedral, a short walk to the north.
- Houses of Parliament and Big Ben: Iconic London landmarks situated a pleasant walk or short bus ride away across Vauxhall Bridge.
- River Thames: The Embankment is easily accessible, offering scenic walks and river cruises.
- Local pubs, restaurants, and independent shops contribute to the area's charm and provide convenient amenities.
Real Estate Prices
Property Market in Charlwood Street (May 2025)
Real estate in Charlwood Street, like much of Pimlico, commands a premium compared to the average across London. The area's elegant architecture, central location, and excellent transport links make it a highly desirable place to live.
As of May 2025, average property prices in Pimlico can range significantly depending on the size, condition, and type of property. For flats on Charlwood Street, prices can vary from approximately £500,000 to over £1,500,000. These might typically range in size from around 500 sq ft (46 sq metres) for a smaller one-bedroom apartment to over 1,000 sq ft (93 sq metres) for a larger two or three-bedroom property.
Townhouses, which are less frequently available, can command prices well in excess of £2,000,000, often offering upwards of 1,500 sq ft (139 sq metres) of living space.
It's important to note that these are indicative figures and the actual price of a property will depend on numerous factors, including its specific features and the current market conditions.
Nearest London Underground Stations
Tube Connections
Charlwood Street benefits from its proximity to several key London Underground stations, providing excellent connectivity across the city:
- Pimlico Station (Victoria Line): Located a short walk to the south, offering fast and frequent services across London.
- Victoria Station (Victoria, Circle, and District Lines): A major transport hub within easy walking distance, providing access to numerous Underground lines, as well as National Rail services and Gatwick Express.
- Vauxhall Station (Victoria Line): Situated to the east, near the junction with Vauxhall Bridge Road, offering Victoria Line services, National Rail connections, and bus services.
Nearby Bus Stops
Bus Services
Numerous bus routes serve the area around Charlwood Street, providing convenient access to various parts of London. Key bus stops can be found on the intersecting streets, including Lupus Street, Denbigh Street, St George's Drive, and Vauxhall Bridge Road. These routes connect to destinations such as Westminster, Chelsea, Victoria, and beyond.
Fun Fact
A Literary Connection?
While not definitively confirmed, some local historians speculate that the quiet, residential nature of streets like Charlwood Street in Pimlico may have provided inspiration for the settings of some classic British novels. The area's genteel atmosphere and architectural charm evoke a sense of old-world London that has often been depicted in literature.
Quick Facts: Charlwood Street, Pimlico
- Location: Pimlico, City of Westminster, London SW1.
- Layout: Two disjointed segments: Lupus Street to Denbigh Street, and Denbigh Street to Vauxhall Bridge Road.
- Approximate Length: 0.3 miles (0.5 kilometers) combined.
- Built: Likely mid to late 19th century during the development of Pimlico.
- Named After: The Charlwood family, local landowners.
- Pronunciation: CHARL-wood (/ˈtʃɑːrlwʊd/).
- Intersecting Streets: Lupus Street, Claverton Street, Denbigh Street, St George's Drive, Vauxhall Bridge Road.
- Character: Primarily residential, quiet, well-maintained period properties.
- Nearby Sights: Tate Britain, Westminster Cathedral, Houses of Parliament.
- Real Estate (May 2025): Premium prices compared to London average; flats £500,000+ (46+ sq m), townhouses £2,000,000+ (139+ sq m).
- Nearest Tube Stations: Pimlico (Victoria Line), Victoria (Victoria, Circle, District Lines), Vauxhall (Victoria Line).
- Nearby Bus Stops: Located on intersecting streets.
- Fun Fact: May have inspired settings in classic British literature.
Map of Charlwood Street, London
Painting of Charlwood Street, London (View image in full size)