Gillingham Street, London
Gillingham Street is a relatively short but notable street in the heart of Victoria, in the City of Westminster, central London. It runs from Vauxhall Bridge Road in the northeast to Eccleston Square in the southwest, placing it within a well-connected and bustling part of the capital.
Location and Orientation
Gillingham Street is located just a stone's throw from Victoria Station, in an area well known for its elegant garden squares and grand Victorian townhouses. The street runs in a southwest to northeast direction, with two-way traffic permitted along most of its length.
Length and Layout
The road measures approximately 260 metres (850 feet) in length. It serves as a minor thoroughfare for local traffic and provides access to various residential and commercial properties. The street is relatively narrow and lined with a mix of historic and modern buildings.
Streets connected to Gillingham Street
History and Origin of the Name
Gillingham Street was laid out during the mid-19th century, as part of the wider urban development of Pimlico and Victoria. It was named after the town of Gillingham in Kent—a common practice at the time, as developers often borrowed names from towns across Britain to lend a sense of place and identity to new streets in London.
The name Gillingham is traditionally pronounced "JILL-ing-um" /ˈdʒɪlɪŋəm/ 
, although regional accents may differ. The name derives from Old English and means "homestead of Gylla's people."
Character and Streetscape
Today, Gillingham Street has a mixed-use character. There are residential flats, small hotels, offices, and a few local shops along its length. The buildings tend to be four to six storeys high, many retaining their original 19th-century façades. The overall feel is relatively quiet, especially when compared to the major roads nearby, making it a pleasant side street in an otherwise busy area.
Nearby Sights and Amenities
While Gillingham Street itself is modest, it lies within a few minutes' walk of many popular sights and conveniences:
- Eccleston Square – A lovely private garden square with elegant residences.
- Victoria Station – One of London's major transport hubs.
- Apollo Victoria Theatre – Famous for long-running shows like Wicked.
- Pimlico Road – Known for its antique shops and interior design showrooms.
- Victoria Street – A retail corridor with restaurants, shops, and offices.
Property and Real Estate
Gillingham Street features a mix of flats, studio apartments, and converted townhouses. As of early 2025, one-bedroom flats typically range from £625,000 to £825,000, depending on size and condition. Floor sizes usually range between 500 to 700 sq ft (46 to 65 sq m).
This is slightly below the average per square foot price in prime Central London, making it a comparatively more affordable option in Westminster, especially for those seeking proximity to transport and amenities.
Transport Connections
Nearest Underground Stations
- Victoria Station – Served by the Victoria, District, and Circle lines.
- Pimlico Station – On the Victoria line, about a 10-minute walk away.
Nearby Bus Stops
- Vauxhall Bridge Road (Gillingham Street end) – Served by several routes including 2, 36, 185, 436, and C10.
- Warwick Way – One block away, served by additional local buses.
Fun Fact
Despite its small size, Gillingham Street has a surprising number of independent hotels and B&Bs—a legacy of its proximity to Victoria Station. The area has long catered to short-term visitors, with several Victorian houses converted for this purpose after World War II.
Quick Facts
- Location: Victoria, City of Westminster, London SW1
- Connects: Vauxhall Bridge Road to Eccleston Square
- Length: Approximately 260 metres (850 feet)
- Traffic Direction: Two-way traffic permitted
- Name Origin: Named after Gillingham in Kent; pronounced “JILL-ing-um” /ˈdʒɪlɪŋəm/
- Built: Mid-19th century
- Character: Mixed-use: residential flats, hotels, offices, shops
- Nearby Sights: Eccleston Square, Victoria Station, Apollo Victoria Theatre
- Property Prices: £625,000–£825,000 for 1-bed flats (as of early 2025)
- Transport: Nearest stations: Victoria (Tube & Rail), Pimlico (Tube); buses on Vauxhall Bridge Road
- Fun Fact: Known for its cluster of small hotels catering to tourists near Victoria Station
Map of Gillingham Street, London
Painting of Gillingham Street, London (View image in full size)
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