Chichester Street, London
Connecting Claverton Street and St George's Square in a peaceful part of Westminster, Chichester Street blends historical charm with riverside elegance.
Chichester Street is a short residential street in the Pimlico district of the City of Westminster, in Central London. It lies close to the north bank of the River Thames and runs east-west, connecting Claverton Street on the western end to St George’s Square on the eastern end. The street is located just south of Lupus Street and north of Grosvenor Road, putting it within easy walking distance of the Thames Path and Millbank.
Length and Layout
Chichester Street is a compact, tranquil street measuring approximately 0.1 miles (roughly 160 metres) in length. Although relatively short, it has a distinctive character, framed by residential blocks and proximity to one of Pimlico’s best-loved squares. The road is quiet and primarily residential, with well-maintained walkways and greenery on either side, making it ideal for pedestrians and cyclists.
History of Chichester Street
Origins and Development
Chichester Street forms part of the grand Pimlico estate laid out by Thomas Cubitt in the mid-19th century. The area’s development was closely tied to Cubitt’s vision of creating a middle-class district with wide streets, garden squares, and quality architecture. The street was built during the 1840s and 1850s, aligning with the broader development of the surrounding area.
How It Got Its Name
The street is believed to be named after the city of Chichester in West Sussex. This may have reflected a broader Victorian-era naming convention of using historic English towns and cities to evoke a sense of tradition and prestige. The name “Chichester” is commonly pronounced CHITCH-ess-ter, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) pronunciation is /ˈtʃɪtʃɪstə/ 
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The Character of the Street
Chichester Street has a distinctly quiet, residential feel, making it a popular choice for families, professionals, and retirees who want to live centrally without the hustle of a major road. The buildings on the street are mostly post-war low-rise blocks, often council-owned or mixed tenure, interspersed with a few private developments. There’s a noticeable absence of retail activity, contributing to the calm, neighbourly atmosphere.
Notable Sights and Nearby Attractions
While the street itself is primarily residential, Chichester Street benefits from its proximity to a number of key London landmarks:
- St George’s Square: A peaceful garden square at the eastern end of the street, with benches, lawns, and mature trees.
- River Thames: Just a short walk south, with access to riverside walks along Millbank and views toward Battersea Power Station.
- Tate Britain: A 10-minute walk north-east, housing one of the UK’s most significant collections of British art.
- Pimlico Gardens: A small, beautifully maintained riverside park with a statue of William Huskisson.
Real Estate Prices on Chichester Street
As of May 2025, property prices on Chichester Street reflect the premium of its central London location while remaining more accessible than nearby Belgravia. Typical properties include:
- 1-bedroom flats (approx. 500 sq ft / 46 sq m): £520,000–£600,000
- 2-bedroom flats (approx. 750 sq ft / 70 sq m): £750,000–£850,000
- Larger 3-bedroom units (approx. 1,000 sq ft / 93 sq m): £1.1M–£1.3M
These prices are slightly below the average for Westminster, making Pimlico a desirable yet relatively affordable alternative to Chelsea or Mayfair.
Transport Links
Nearest London Underground Stations
- Pimlico Station: Just a 5-minute walk north-east of Chichester Street. It is served by the Victoria line, providing fast connections to Oxford Circus, King’s Cross, and Victoria Station.
- Vauxhall Station: Located across Vauxhall Bridge, a 10-minute walk south-east. It offers access to the Victoria line as well as National Rail services.
Nearby Bus Routes
Chichester Street is served by several nearby bus stops on Lupus Street and Grosvenor Road:
- Bus 24: Hampstead Heath to Pimlico
- Bus 360: Elephant & Castle to Royal Albert Hall
- Bus C10: Victoria Station to Canada Water
Fun Fact
Chichester Street may be modest in length, but it has a curious distinction: it is one of the few Westminster streets that entirely avoids commercial use, despite being just minutes from central government offices and the bustling Victoria area. It offers a pocket of stillness in one of the world’s busiest capital cities.
Quick Facts
- Location: Pimlico, City of Westminster
- Length: Approx. 160 metres (0.1 miles)
- Connects: Claverton Street to St George’s Square
- Nearest Tube: Pimlico (Victoria line), Vauxhall (Victoria line + rail)
- Bus Routes Nearby: 24, 360, C10
- History: Developed in the 1840s–50s as part of the Cubitt estate
- Name Origin: Named after Chichester, West Sussex
- Pronunciation: CHITCH-ess-ter /ˈtʃɪtʃɪstə/
- Character: Quiet, residential, with mid-rise housing
- Nearby Sights: St George’s Square, Thames Path, Tate Britain
- Property Prices (2025): £520K–£1.3M for flats (500–1,000 sq ft)
- Fun Fact: One of the few fully residential streets near central Westminster
Map of Chichester Street, London
Painting of Chichester Street, London (View image in full size)