Clarendon Street, London
Clarendon Street is a residential street located in the heart of Pimlico, within the City of Westminster. Forming part of an elegant 19th-century grid, it connects Warwick Way at its northern end to Westmoreland Terrace in the south. The street is flanked by classic stucco-fronted townhouses, leafy intersections, and a tranquil character that embodies the charm of the Pimlico area.
Where Is Clarendon Street?
Clarendon Street runs north–south through Pimlico, starting at Warwick Way opposite Warwick Place North, and ending at Westmoreland Terrace, near Westmoreland Place. Along the way, it crosses or intersects the following streets:
- Alderney Street
- Cambridge Street
- Cumberland Street
- St George's Drive
- Sutherland Street
- Warwick Square Mews
- Winchester Street
- Westmoreland Place
- Westmoreland Terrace
- West Warwick Place
Street Length and Traffic Flow
Clarendon Street spans approximately 400 metres (around 0.25 miles) in length. The traffic system along the street is somewhat complex and varies across its length:
- Warwick Way to St George’s Drive: Two-way traffic
- St George’s Drive to Cambridge Street: One-way southbound
- Cambridge Street to Cumberland Street: Two-way (though very narrow, with parked cars requiring drivers to yield)
- Cumberland Street to Sutherland Street: One-way northbound
- Sutherland Street to Westmoreland Terrace: One-way southbound
History and Development
Clarendon Street was laid out during the 1840s as part of the broader development of Pimlico by the Grosvenor Estate under the direction of the famed builder Thomas Cubitt. The area was designed to offer fine yet modest housing for the burgeoning middle class in a rational grid layout south of Victoria Station. The buildings along the street were mostly completed by the early 1850s.
Origin of the Name
The street is named after Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon (1609–1674), a statesman and historian who served as Lord Chancellor under Charles II. The name "Clarendon" was a common choice for street names in the 19th century, signifying nobility and historical legacy.
One of the intersecting streets, Alderney Street, is often mispronounced. The correct pronunciation is "AWL-der-nee" (/ˈɔːldərni/ in IPA) 
.
Character and Atmosphere
Clarendon Street has a quiet, residential feel. It is lined with classic stucco-fronted terraces, small front gardens, and mature trees. The homes are well maintained and exude 19th-century elegance. Despite its central location, the street enjoys a peaceful ambiance with little through-traffic, making it highly desirable for those seeking urban living with a village-like feel.
Points of Interest Nearby
While Clarendon Street itself is primarily residential, it lies just a short walk from several notable sites:
- Warwick Square – a private garden square just north of the street, surrounded by grand homes.
- St Gabriel’s Church – a striking Gothic Revival church on Warwick Square.
- Pimlico Road – known for its antique shops and interior design boutiques, just 10 minutes away on foot.
- Victoria Station – a major transport and retail hub within 12 minutes' walk.
Property Prices
As of early 2025, property prices on Clarendon Street reflect its desirable location in central London. Freehold terraced houses typically range from £2.2 million to £3 million, depending on size and condition.
Most houses are between 1,800 to 2,400 square feet (167 to 223 sq metres), with some converted into flats. Smaller flats average £750,000 to £1.2 million. These figures are above London’s average, but relatively moderate compared to other prime Westminster addresses.
Public Transport
London Underground
Clarendon Street is within easy reach of several Underground stations:
- Victoria Station – served by the Victoria, District, and Circle lines (12 minutes’ walk)
- Pimlico Station – served by the Victoria line (10 minutes’ walk)
- Sloane Square Station – served by the District and Circle lines (18 minutes’ walk)
Bus Services
Nearby bus stops can be found on Warwick Way and St George’s Drive, providing regular service on the following routes:
- 24 – Pimlico to Hampstead Heath
- 11 – Fulham Broadway to Liverpool Street
- 211 – Hammersmith to Waterloo
- C10 – Canada Water to Victoria
Fun Fact
The grid layout of Pimlico, including Clarendon Street, was so precisely planned by Cubitt that many of the homes on opposite sides of the street align perfectly in architectural detail—a level of symmetry rarely seen in central London.
Quick Facts
- Location: Pimlico, City of Westminster
- Length: Approximately 400m
- Traffic: Mixed one-way and two-way sections
- Built: 1840s–1850s by Thomas Cubitt
- Name Origin: Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon
- Pronunciation of "Alderney": "AWL-der-nee" (/ˈɔːldərni/)
- Character: Quiet residential with stucco terraces
- Nearby Sights: Warwick Square, St Gabriel’s Church, Pimlico Road
- Property Prices (2025): £2.2M–£3M for houses, flats from £750k
- Nearest Tube: Victoria, Pimlico, Sloane Square
- Nearby Buses: 11, 24, 211, C10
- Fun Fact: Architectural symmetry across the street is Cubitt’s signature
Map of Clarendon Street, London
Painting of Clarendon Street, London (View image in full size)