Cumberland Street, London
Cumberland Street is a picturesque residential street located in the heart of Pimlico, within the City of Westminster, Central London. It runs in a generally north-south direction, linking Winchester Street at its northern end with Lupus Street to the south. This quiet and characterful street forms part of the renowned Pimlico Grid, known for its elegant 19th-century terraces and village-like atmosphere.
Streets connected to Cumberland Street
- Clarendon Street
- Gloucester Street
- Sussex Street
- Sutherland Row
- Winchester Street
Traffic Direction and Layout
Cumberland Street is approximately 320 metres long (about 0.2 miles) and is largely a two-way street. However, its traffic flow is restricted at both ends. At the northern end, beyond the junction with Cumberland Court, it becomes one-way northbound. Similarly, at the southern end, past the intersection with Gloucester Street, it becomes one-way southbound. The street also intersects with Clarendon Street and Sussex Street, and it branches off to Sutherland Row, providing additional local connectivity.
History of Cumberland Street
Cumberland Street was developed as part of the Pimlico estate in the mid-19th century, when the area was laid out by the landowner Thomas Cubitt, a prominent master builder of the Victorian era. Much of the surrounding housing was constructed during the 1840s and 1850s to accommodate London's growing middle class, and Cumberland Street still retains many of its original stucco-fronted townhouses.
Origin of the Name
The street is likely named after the Duke of Cumberland—a common practice in the Victorian period to name streets after members of the royal family or notable figures. The title "Duke of Cumberland" has been used several times in British history, and the name probably reflects patriotic sentiment of the time. The pronunciation of Cumberland is ‘CUM-ber-lənd’, and in the International Phonetic Alphabet, it is written as /ˈkʌmbərlənd/ 
.
Character of the Street
Cumberland Street exudes a charming, residential character, defined by Georgian-style terraces, small front gardens, and peaceful surroundings. It is a tree-lined street that reflects the architectural heritage of Pimlico, yet feels tucked away from the busier parts of Westminster. The area is popular among both long-term residents and younger professionals drawn by its central location and sense of calm.
Points of Interest Nearby
While Cumberland Street itself is primarily residential, there are several points of interest nearby:
- Pimlico Gardens – A peaceful riverside park at the southern end of Grosvenor Road.
- Tate Britain – Located a short walk west via John Islip Street, this world-famous gallery houses British art from 1500 to the present day.
- St George’s Square – A grand public square with a garden, just a few streets to the south.
- Pimlico Farmers' Market – Held weekly in nearby Orange Square, offering fresh produce and artisan food.
Real Estate and Property Prices
As of May 2025, property prices on Cumberland Street reflect the premium nature of Pimlico. One-bedroom flats typically start at around £625,000 for approximately 500 sq ft (46 sq m), while larger family homes with three or more bedrooms can range from £2 million to £3 million or more, depending on condition and garden space. The area remains more affordable than nearby Belgravia or Chelsea, but still commands a higher-than-average price for central London.
Transport Links
London Underground
The nearest tube stations to Cumberland Street are:
- Pimlico Station (Victoria Line) – About a 6-minute walk to the east.
- Victoria Station (Victoria, District and Circle lines, plus National Rail and Gatwick Express) – Roughly a 10-minute walk to the north-west.
Bus Services
Nearby bus stops are located on Lupus Street, Winchester Street, and Belgrave Road. These stops provide access to several routes, including:
- Bus 24 – Towards Hampstead Heath via Trafalgar Square
- Bus 360 – To the Royal Albert Hall and South Kensington
- Bus C10 – Connecting to Canada Water and Victoria
Fun Fact
Though Cumberland Street itself may appear modest, it's situated in a part of London used frequently in TV period dramas and historical films. The unspoiled 19th-century façades and uniform streetscape make it a popular location for production crews recreating Victorian London.
Quick Facts
- Location: Pimlico, City of Westminster, London
- Length: Approx. 320 metres (0.2 miles)
- Traffic: Two-way with one-way sections at each end
- Connected Streets: Winchester Street, Lupus Street, Clarendon Street, Sussex Street, Sutherland Row
- History: Built in mid-19th century as part of Pimlico estate by Thomas Cubitt
- Name Origin: Likely named after the Duke of Cumberland
- Pronunciation: 'CUM-ber-lənd' /ˈkʌmbərlənd/
- Character: Quiet, residential, historic Georgian terraces
- Nearby Sights: Tate Britain, Pimlico Gardens, St George's Square
- Property Prices (May 2025): £625k+ for flats, £2M–£3M+ for houses
- Nearest Tube Stations: Pimlico (Victoria Line), Victoria (multiple lines)
- Bus Routes: 24, 360, C10 nearby
- Fun Fact: Occasionally used as a filming location for period dramas
Map of Cumberland Street, London
Painting of Cumberland Street, London (View image in full size)