Eccleston Square, London
Eccleston Square is a peaceful, prestigious garden square located in the Victoria area of the City of Westminster, central London. Surrounded by stately white stucco-fronted houses and mature trees, this handsome square offers a combination of historic charm, refined living, and convenient access to London’s transport network.
Location and Layout
Eccleston Square lies to the south of Belgrave Road and north of St George's Drive in Victoria, placing it within the SW1V postcode. Also connected to Eccleston Square is Gillingham Street. It is part of the Pimlico Grid but leans more toward the elegant Georgian and early Victorian character of nearby Belgravia.
The square itself is roughly rectangular and measures approximately 300 metres (984 feet) from north to south and around 80 metres (262 feet) across. It is primarily a one-way traffic loop, with vehicles entering from Belgrave Road and circulating clockwise.
History
Eccleston Square was developed in the early 19th century as part of the broader Thomas Cubitt-led development of Pimlico. The construction of the square began around 1835 and was largely completed by the 1840s. The area was designed with elegance in mind, featuring imposing terraces in the neoclassical style and a central private garden for residents.
Name and Pronunciation
The square is named after the village of Eccleston in Cheshire, near Eaton Hall, the country seat of the Grosvenor family, who owned much of the land in this part of London. The name was adopted in the early 19th century as part of the family's branding of its London estate developments.
The name Eccleston is commonly pronounced "ECK-uhl-stun", and in the International Phonetic Alphabet, it is rendered as /ˈɛkəlstən/ 
.
Character and Atmosphere
Eccleston Square exudes an air of refined tranquility. It is dominated by large white stucco-fronted terraced houses, many of which have been converted into luxury apartments. The central communal garden, accessible to residents only, adds a lush and peaceful core to the square. Despite being just minutes from busy Victoria Station, the square maintains a serene, residential atmosphere.
Nearby Attractions and Points of Interest
Within walking distance of Eccleston Square are several notable London sights and amenities, including:
- Victoria Station – one of London’s busiest transport hubs.
- The Apollo Victoria Theatre – home to long-running musicals.
- Eccleston Yards – a creative courtyard development with boutiques, cafes, and wellness studios.
- Pimlico Road – known for its antique shops and design boutiques.
- Westminster Cathedral – an architectural and spiritual landmark nearby.
Property and Real Estate
As of May 2025, properties in Eccleston Square are highly sought after and reflect the exclusivity of the area. A typical two-bedroom apartment measures around 1,000 sq ft (93 sq m) and is priced at approximately £1.5 million. Larger flats and entire houses, especially those with access to the garden, can command prices exceeding £3 million.
While average London property prices hover around £700,000, Eccleston Square represents a premium market, particularly due to its central location, architectural beauty, and private gardens.
Transport Links
Underground Stations
- Victoria Station – served by the Victoria, District, and Circle lines. It is located just a 5-minute walk to the north.
- Pimlico Station – on the Victoria Line, about 10 minutes' walk southeast.
Bus Services
Numerous bus routes run near Eccleston Square, especially along Belgrave Road and Buckingham Palace Road. Nearby stops include:
- Eccleston Bridge – served by routes 11, 44, 170, 211, C1, and others.
- Warwick Way – providing east–west connections across Westminster and Chelsea.
Fun Fact
Renowned garden designer Mary Spencer Watson was responsible for the design of the central gardens in Eccleston Square, which include rare and exotic plants that thrive due to the square’s unique microclimate. The gardens are listed and considered a horticultural gem in central London.
Quick Facts
- Location: Victoria, City of Westminster, SW1V
- Length: Approximately 300 metres (984 feet)
- Traffic Direction: One-way, clockwise
- Date Built: c.1835–1840
- Name Origin: Named after Eccleston in Cheshire; pronounced "ECK-uhl-stun" /ˈɛkəlstən/
- Character: Quiet, elegant, residential garden square
- Nearest Stations: Victoria (Victoria, District, Circle), Pimlico (Victoria)
- Bus Routes: 11, 44, 170, 211, C1, and others
- Average Property Price: ~£1.5M for 2-bed (as of May 2025)
- Nearby Sights: Victoria Station, Eccleston Yards, Westminster Cathedral
- Garden: Private, designed by Mary Spencer Watson with exotic planting
Map of Eccleston Square, London
Painting of Eccleston Square, London (View image in full size)