St George's Drive, London
St George's Drive is a long, tree-lined residential street in the City of Westminster, running from Elizabeth Bridge in Victoria to Lupus Street in Pimlico. With its classic Victorian terraces and close proximity to major transport links, it is one of central London’s most desirable residential addresses.
Where Is St George’s Drive?
St George’s Drive runs north–south through the heart of Westminster, beginning near Elizabeth Bridge, adjacent to Victoria Station, and ending at Lupus Street in Pimlico. It lies within the SW1V postcode district and is part of the Pimlico Conservation Area.
Streets connected to St George's Drive
- Charlwood Street
- Clarendon Street
- Eccleston Square
- Elizabeth Bridge
- Gloucester Street
- Hugh Street
- Sussex Street
- Warwick Way
How Long Is the Road?
St George’s Drive is approximately 0.6 miles (1 kilometre) in length. It provides a straight and scenic route between Victoria and Pimlico, intersecting with several cross-streets including Warwick Way, Belgrave Road, and Gloucester Street.
History and Origins
The development of St George’s Drive began in the mid-19th century, as part of the wider expansion of Pimlico by the Grosvenor Estate. The area was laid out by the famous planner Thomas Cubitt, who transformed Pimlico into a grid of stately streets with elegant white stucco-fronted houses.
The name "St George’s Drive" likely reflects the area’s Victorian-era tradition of naming streets after saints and royalty. St George is the patron saint of England, and the name would have been chosen to evoke a sense of national pride and dignity, typical of Cubitt’s development ethos. The street was fully established by the 1860s.
Character and Architecture
St George’s Drive is known for its uniform rows of white stucco-fronted Victorian townhouses, many of which have been converted into flats. These buildings exhibit classical architectural elements such as tall sash windows, black iron railings, and porticoed entrances.
The street is predominantly residential and quiet, with mature trees lining both pavements. Some buildings remain single-family homes, while others have been subdivided into high-end apartments or guesthouses. Despite its central location, St George’s Drive has a peaceful and refined atmosphere.
Sights and Attractions Nearby
While the street itself is residential, it benefits from proximity to several major London sights:
- Victoria Station – a major transport hub with rail, bus, and Underground services
- Pimlico Gardens – a peaceful riverside green space at the southern end of Pimlico
- Tate Britain – one of London’s most important art museums, just a 10-minute walk away
- Eccleston Yards – a redeveloped courtyard with boutiques, eateries, and co-working spaces
- The Apollo Victoria Theatre – home to long-running West End productions, such as "Wicked"
Real Estate Prices
As of May 2025, properties on St George’s Drive command premium prices, reflecting its central location and historic charm. A typical one-bedroom flat (approximately 600 sq ft / 56 sq m) costs around £850,000. Two- and three-bedroom flats range from £1.2 million to £2.5 million, with larger maisonettes or whole townhouses fetching upwards of £4 million.
By comparison, the average house price across London is currently just over £700,000, making St George’s Drive significantly more expensive than average. Rental prices are also high, with one-bedroom flats letting for £3,000–£3,500 per month.
Nearest Transport Links
London Underground
- Victoria Station (Victoria, District, and Circle lines) – north end of St George’s Drive
- Pimlico Station (Victoria line) – 5-minute walk from the southern end of the road
Bus Services
There are several bus stops located near both ends of the street:
- Warwick Way (Stop P) – served by routes 24, 11, and 211
- Victoria Coach Station – served by numerous national and London bus routes
- Lupus Street – served by routes 24, 360, and C10
Fun Fact
St George’s Drive has often been used as a filming location for period dramas due to its well-preserved Victorian architecture. Its classic white façades make it a stand-in for various 19th-century London settings. Fans of British television may recognise parts of the street in shows like "Call the Midwife" or "Mr Selfridge."
Quick Facts
- Location: Westminster, SW1V
- Length: Approx. 0.6 miles (1 km)
- Established: Mid-19th century (c. 1860s)
- Named after: St George, patron saint of England
- Main character: Residential, Victorian architecture
- Nearby sights: Tate Britain, Victoria Station, Eccleston Yards
- Average flat price (2025): £850,000–£2.5 million
- Nearest tube stations: Victoria (Victoria, District, Circle), Pimlico (Victoria)
- Bus stops: Warwick Way, Lupus Street, Victoria Coach Station
- Fun fact: Street frequently used in TV period dramas
Map of St George's Drive, London
Painting of St George's Drive, London (View image in full size)