Pimlico Grid, London
The Pimlico Grid is a distinct residential area located in Pimlico, in the City of Westminster, central London. This part of Pimlico is instantly recognisable on maps due to its regimented network of rectangular residential blocks, earning it the nickname “the Grid.” The area is bounded by four main roads:
- Lupus Street to the south
- Sutherland Street to the west
- Belgrave Road to the east
- Warwick Way to the north
The Grid spans approximately 15 city blocks, forming a neat rectangle that stretches for roughly 0.4 miles (0.6 km) north to south and about 0.2 miles (0.3 km) east to west. Despite being only minutes away from the bustle of Victoria and the Thames Embankment, the Grid remains peaceful and characteristically residential.
History of the Pimlico Grid
The Pimlico Grid forms part of the broader Pimlico development by Thomas Cubitt, the master builder of 19th-century London. The Grid area was developed during the 1840s to 1860s as part of Cubitt’s grand vision for a new residential neighbourhood on reclaimed marshland south of Westminster. The land was owned by the Grosvenor Estate, who tasked Cubitt with the development.
The term “Pimlico Grid” is a modern colloquialism, widely used by estate agents and locals to describe this specifically ordered section of Pimlico. While the original Victorian developers did not use the term, its usage emerged in the late 20th century and has become widely recognised since the 2000s.
The Character of the Area
The Pimlico Grid is known for its uniform stucco-fronted terraces, tree-lined residential streets, and quiet charm. The majority of buildings were constructed as townhouses but have since been subdivided into flats. It is now a desirable neighbourhood that attracts young professionals, retirees, and international residents alike.
Though largely residential, the Grid includes:
- Small independent cafés such as those on Charlwood Street and Tachbrook Street
- Convenience stores and local supermarkets
- Short-term rental options, including Airbnbs, particularly in the summer
Urban Design Insight: The Grid That Slows You Down
The Pimlico Grid is a textbook example of early Victorian town planning — a neatly ordered network of residential streets laid out in a grid pattern during the mid-19th century, long before the arrival of the motor car. At the time, the design was intended to make life easier for pedestrians and the occasional horse-drawn carriage, with straight roads providing better light, air circulation, and walkability.
Fast-forward to today, and that same layout has a traffic-calming side effect. The frequent junctions and short blocks naturally force vehicles to drive more cautiously, reducing speed and enhancing safety for residents and visitors. While never designed for cars, the grid now doubles as a quiet and pleasant environment that suits both locals and tourists on foot.
The quiet atmosphere, architectural elegance, and central location make the Pimlico Grid appealing to both long-term residents and short-stay visitors.
Real Estate Prices in the Pimlico Grid
As of May 2025, flats in the Pimlico Grid range in price from around £525,000 for a one-bedroom flat (approx. 500 sq ft / 46.5 sq m) to upwards of £1.25 million for a spacious two- or three-bedroom property (850–1,200 sq ft / 79–111 sq m).
Rental prices vary but typically fall in the range of £2,300 to £3,500 per month for one- and two-bedroom flats. These rates are moderate by central London standards, offering relative value compared to Belgravia or Chelsea.
Transport Links
London Underground Stations
The Pimlico Grid is well connected by public transport. The nearest London Underground stations are:
- Pimlico Station (Victoria line) – located just to the south of the Grid on Bessborough Street
- Victoria Station (Victoria, Circle, and District lines, plus National Rail) – a 10-minute walk to the north
Bus Stops
Several Transport for London bus routes serve the Pimlico area, with stops on:
- Lupus Street (routes 24, 360)
- Belgrave Road (routes 24, 11, 507)
- Vauxhall Bridge Road (major corridor for north-south buses)
These bus routes provide direct access to Westminster, Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street, and Vauxhall.
Fun Fact
An unusual feature of the Pimlico Grid is that many of the buildings retain original boot scrapers by their entrances—small metal frames once used by Victorian residents to clean their shoes. This quirky detail gives a tangible link to the 19th-century lifestyle.
Quick Facts: Pimlico Grid
- Location: Pimlico, City of Westminster, central London
- Boundaries: Lupus Street (S), St George’s Drive (W), Belgrave Road (E), Denbigh & Gloucester Streets (N)
- Character: Quiet, residential area with Victorian terraces, flats, cafés, and some short lets
- Size: Approx. 0.4 mi x 0.2 mi (0.6 km x 0.3 km)
- Development: Built in the 1840s–60s by Thomas Cubitt
- Transport: Nearest stations: Pimlico (Victoria line), Victoria (Victoria, Circle, District, and National Rail)
- Bus routes: 24, 360, 11, 507 and more
- Sales prices (May 2025): £525,000–£1.25m
- Rental prices: £2,300–£3,500 per month
- Notable detail: Original boot scrapers visible on many houses
Did You Know?
The Pimlico Grid is one of the only areas in London where the term “Grid” is widely used to describe a distinct part of the neighbourhood. While several areas like Belgravia, Fitzrovia, and Maida Vale also have grid-like street layouts, they are not commonly referred to as “grids” in name or usage. This makes Pimlico’s layout not just a product of clever Victorian planning, but a rare case where the design has shaped the identity of the area itself.
Painting of Pimlico Grid, London (View image in full size)
Page Details
This page was created on 12 May 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.List of Places in London, Map of Places in London
Want to share your London travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?
Join the London Travel Tips Facebook GroupMore information for visiting London
Here are some related articles to help you get to know London better.- Cost of Living in London: Discover the true cost of living in London, including housing, transport, groceries, and more - plus tips for budgeting in one of the world's most expensive cities.
- Driving in London: Planning to drive in London? Learn about roads, car rentals, parking, tolls, and key tips for tourists and visitors from outside the capital.
- Driving Tips for Visiting London: Thinking of driving to London? Discover the best times to travel, congestion tips, parking apps, breakdown help, and petrol advice for a smoother journey.
- Evolution of London's Streets: Discover the fascinating history of how London's streets developed from ancient footpaths to today's complex network of roads across the capital.
- History of Immigration to London: Discover the rich history of immigration to London, from Huguenots to Bangladeshis, and how diverse communities have shaped the city's vibrant identity.
- How Big Is London Compared to Other World Cities?
- How London's Streets Measure Up: A Global Comparison of Road Widths
- How Streets of London are Named: Discover how London streets get their names, who decides them, and how historic, political, and public influences shape street naming in the capital.
- How the Grosvenor Family Came to Own Much of Mayfair, Belgravia and Pimlico: Explore how the Grosvenor family came to own much of Mayfair, Belgravia, and Pimlico, and learn about their historical connection (or lack thereof) with the British royal family and government.
- Living and working in London
- London's Quiet Collapse: How Living Standards Fell as Costs Skyrockted (1975-2025): Explore how London residents endured rising costs and falling living standards from 1975 to 2025 - from rocketing rents to wage stagnation and inflation.
- Marvel of the London Underground: Discover the history, challenges, and triumphs of the London Underground - the world's first underground railway and a vital transport lifeline for the UK capital since 1863.
- Moving to London: Expat Tips for Settling in Westminster: Essential advice for expats moving to London's Westminster: neighborhood insights, cost of living, transportation, housing, healthcare, schools, and tips to help you feel at home in the heart of the city.
- Places in London that aren't pronounced the way they're spelled
- Shopping in London: Discover London's diverse shopping scene
- Taking the bus in London: This is your complete guide to taking the bus when in London.
- The Anglican Faith: A Visitor's Guide to the Church of England: Learn about the Anglican faith and its deep ties to London's landmarks like Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
- Top 10 London Streets Every Visitor Must See: Discover London through its most iconic thoroughfares - 10 streets every visitor must experience. From historic Abbey Road to vibrant Camden High Street, explore culture, shopping, and hidden gems.
- Why are most roads in Central London so narrow? Learn why there are so few multi-lane roads and elevated highways in the heart of the city.
