Rampayne Street, London
Rampayne Street is a short but well-situated road in the heart of Pimlico, connecting Vauxhall Bridge Road to Bessborough Street, with close links to transport, residential life, and local history.
Rampayne Street is located in the City of Westminster, within the residential district of Pimlico. It runs in a curved line from Vauxhall Bridge Road at its northern end to Bessborough Street at its southern end. Tachbrook Street forms a T-junction to it. The street lies just west of the River Thames and is only a short walk from both Victoria and the Tate Britain.
Length and Layout
Rampayne Street is approximately 200 metres (about 656 feet) in length. Though modest in scale, it serves as a useful pedestrian and vehicle route through this part of Pimlico, and links larger traffic routes to smaller residential streets and estates. The road is straight and flanked by a mix of low-rise housing and modern apartment buildings, with wider pavements and cycle parking at intervals.
Historical Background
Rampayne Street emerged in the mid-20th century during the redevelopment of Pimlico following damage in the Second World War. The area saw substantial changes during the post-war years, and Rampayne Street was laid out as part of a coordinated effort to improve access and rebuild housing infrastructure.
Prior to its redevelopment, the land here was part of a densely built-up neighbourhood, with early 19th-century housing and Victorian-era industries. Most of this was cleared during slum clearance efforts and post-war urban planning projects in the 1950s and 1960s.
How Did Rampayne Street Get Its Name?
The street is named after Thomas Rampayne, a local property developer who was involved in construction projects around Pimlico in the 19th century. Though not a widely known historical figure, Rampayne's contributions to the area's development were commemorated in the naming of the street during the mid-20th century, when new urban infrastructure was introduced.
How to pronounce Rampayne
The street name Rampayne is typically pronounced as:
Common spelling: RAM-pain (like “ram” + “pain”)
IPA pronunciation: /ˈræm.peɪn/ 
The emphasis is on the first syllable: RAM.
Character and Atmosphere
Rampayne Street today has a quiet, residential feel, complemented by nearby greenery and walking paths. The area is part of a larger network of post-war estates, most notably the Churchill Gardens Estate, and has a distinctive modernist aesthetic. The atmosphere is calm and neighbourly, with a strong sense of community among residents.
Although not a high street, the road's proximity to central Pimlico and Vauxhall Bridge Road places it within easy reach of shops, cafes, and services. It also benefits from the nearby pedestrian access to the Riverside Walk along the Thames.
Sights and Places of Interest Nearby
While Rampayne Street itself is not a major sightseeing destination, it is ideally located for access to nearby attractions. Within a 5–10 minute walk, visitors can explore:
- Tate Britain – One of London's premier art galleries, home to the national collection of British art.
- Millbank Millennium Pier – A riverboat stop providing Thames Clipper services towards the City and Greenwich.
- Pimlico Gardens – A small but peaceful riverside park at the end of Grosvenor Road.
- Churchill Gardens Estate – A listed post-war housing estate notable for its architecture and design.
Property and Real Estate
As of May 2025, properties along or near Rampayne Street range in price depending on size and building type. One-bedroom flats typically range from £475,000 to £600,000, while two-bedroom flats can be priced between £700,000 and £850,000. Most properties here are flats of around 500 to 850 sq ft (46–79 sq m).
Compared to central London averages, Rampayne Street offers relatively affordable housing for such a central location, especially considering its proximity to the river and nearby transport hubs.
Nearest Underground Stations
The closest London Underground station is Pimlico Station, which is located just across Bessborough Street, at the southern end of Rampayne Street. Pimlico Station is served by the Victoria line, providing quick links to:
- Victoria (1 stop)
- Green Park
- Oxford Circus
- Euston
Additionally, Victoria Station is within a 10-minute walk to the northwest and offers National Rail services and connections to the Circle, District, and Victoria lines.
Local Bus Connections
Several bus stops are located along Vauxhall Bridge Road at the top of Rampayne Street, offering services on the following routes:
- Bus 2 – Marylebone to Norwood
- Bus 36 – Queen’s Park to New Cross
- Bus 185 – Lewisham to Victoria
These services provide easy access to central London, south London, and beyond. Night buses also operate along these routes, making the area well-connected at all hours.
Fun Fact
One of the most interesting features of Rampayne Street is the ventilation tower for the Victoria line, located near its southern end. It is a visible reminder of the extensive underground infrastructure beneath London’s surface. Not just a functional piece of engineering, the tower has also been painted in bright colours in past community art projects.
Quick Facts
- Location: Pimlico, City of Westminster
- Connects: Vauxhall Bridge Road (north) to Bessborough Street (south)
- Length: Approx. 200 metres
- Nearest Tube: Pimlico Station (Victoria line)
- Nearby Sights: Tate Britain, Millbank Pier, Churchill Gardens, Pimlico Gardens
- Bus Routes Nearby: 2, 36, 185
- Typical Property Prices (May 2025): £475,000–£850,000
- Property Sizes: 500–850 sq ft (46–79 sq m)
- Street Character: Residential, quiet, post-war urban layout
- Named After: Thomas Rampayne, 19th-century developer
Map of Rampayne Street, London
Painting of Rampayne Street, London (View image in full size)