Moreton Terrace, London
Moreton Terrace, Pimlico SW1
Moreton Terrace is a short, elegant residential street located in the heart of Pimlico, within the City of Westminster in central London. It runs south from Moreton Place, with which it shares architectural character and historical context. The southern end of Moreton Terrace connects to Moreton Street. There used to be a junction to Lupus Street that has since been severed. Moreton Terrace sits just a few blocks from the River Thames to the west and is within walking distance of Victoria Station to the north.
Length and Layout
Moreton Terrace is approximately 100 metres (328 feet) long, making it one of Pimlico’s smaller residential streets. It consists mainly of classic Georgian-style terraced houses, laid out on either side of the street with short front gardens and uniform façades. The road has very little through-traffic, giving it a peaceful, almost village-like atmosphere in the middle of bustling London.
History of Moreton Terrace
The development of Moreton Terrace dates back to the mid-19th century, during the broader expansion of the Pimlico area. The land was originally part of the Grosvenor Estate, which oversaw much of the area's planning and construction under the direction of master builder Thomas Cubitt. Cubitt’s vision shaped Pimlico into a district of elegant white stucco terraces, and Moreton Terrace is a fine example of this.
Origin and Pronunciation of the Name
The name "Moreton" likely derives from a rural English place name, commonly interpreted as meaning “settlement by a marsh” or “moor town.” It's consistent with the tradition of naming Pimlico streets after locations outside London, often with aristocratic or gentrified overtones.
Pronunciation: "Moreton" is typically pronounced ‘MOR-t'n’, with the "e" often silent. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is written as /ˈmɔːtən/ 
.
The Character of Moreton Terrace
Moreton Terrace retains a strong residential and community-oriented character. It is quieter than some surrounding roads, with limited commercial activity, making it a popular choice for those seeking a calm yet central location. The architecture features white-painted stucco façades, sash windows, and decorative cornices, characteristic of Cubitt's influence. The street is well-maintained and has a timeless elegance that appeals to both long-time residents and newcomers.
Sights and Attractions Nearby
While Moreton Terrace itself is residential, its proximity to notable landmarks makes it an appealing location:
- Tate Britain – Just a 10-minute walk away, this renowned gallery houses works by Turner, Blake, and other British masters.
- Pimlico Gardens – A tranquil green space on the Thames embankment, perfect for a riverside stroll.
- Eccleston Yards – A nearby hub for shopping, dining, and wellness tucked away behind Victoria Station.
- St George's Square – A leafy residential garden square just a few blocks south.
Property and Real Estate Prices
As of May 2025, homes on Moreton Terrace are among the more desirable in Pimlico. A typical terraced house here sells for between £2.2 million and £2.8 million, depending on condition and layout. Flats within subdivided buildings range from £700,000 to £1.5 million.
These prices are above the London average, reflecting the street's prime location and historical charm. Most properties range in size from 800 to 1,600 square feet (approximately 74 to 149 square metres), with some entire houses exceeding 2,000 square feet (186 sq m).
Nearby Tube Stations
Moreton Terrace benefits from excellent transport connectivity. The nearest London Underground stations are:
- Pimlico Station (Victoria Line) – About a 5-minute walk to the southeast.
- Victoria Station (Victoria, Circle and District Lines, plus National Rail) – About a 10-minute walk north.
Local Bus Stops
Several bus routes serve the surrounding streets:
- Warwick Way / Belgrave Road – Bus routes 24, 11, and 211.
- Vauxhall Bridge Road – A major thoroughfare served by buses to Westminster, the West End, and South London.
Fun Fact
Moreton Terrace once appeared as a filming location in a 1990s BBC drama, which showcased its timeless Georgian architecture. Its uniform rows of white townhouses have made it a popular stand-in for “quintessential London” in film and television.
Quick Facts
- Location: Pimlico, City of Westminster
- Connecting Streets: Moreton Place
- Length: Approx. 100 metres (328 feet)
- Built: Mid-19th century (c. 1850s)
- Name Origin: Likely from "moor town"; pronounced "MOR-t'n" (/ˈmɔːtən/)
- Character: Quiet, residential, Georgian-style terraces
- Nearby Sights: Tate Britain, Pimlico Gardens, Eccleston Yards
- Property Prices (2025): £2.2M–£2.8M for houses; £700K–£1.5M for flats
- Property Sizes: 800–2,000 sq ft (74–186 sq m)
- Nearest Tube Stations: Pimlico (Victoria Line), Victoria (Victoria, District, Circle)
- Bus Stops: Warwick Way, Vauxhall Bridge Road
- Fun Fact: Used as a filming location in a 1990s BBC drama
Map of Moreton Terrace, London
Painting of Moreton Terrace, London (View image in full size)