Winchester Street, London
Winchester Street is a quiet residential road in Pimlico, within the City of Westminster in Central London. It runs southeast from Warwick Way to Lupus Street, cutting across Clarendon Street and Sussex Street along its route.
The street is relatively narrow, and with residents' parking on both sides, it becomes tighter still, often requiring vehicles to yield to one another. On the northernmost portion, the street is one way northbound beyond the junction with Cumberland Street. The final portion of the road—between Gloucester Street and Lupus Street—is one-way southbound, except for bicycles, which are allowed to travel in both directions.
Street Length and Traffic
Winchester Street is approximately 230 metres (about 750 feet) in length. Though modest in scale, its layout is functional, with a one-way system easing the traffic flow toward Lupus Street in the southeastern portion. Pedestrian crossings are minimal, but the traffic is generally light, given the street's primarily residential nature.
Historical Background
Like much of Pimlico, Winchester Street was laid out in the mid-19th century as part of the Thomas Cubitt development of the area. Cubitt, a master builder and developer, created a grid-like street plan that gave Pimlico its distinctive character. Winchester Street was completed by the 1860s, featuring predominantly Victorian terraced houses.
Name Origin and Pronunciation
The street takes its name from the ancient English city of Winchester, the former capital of the Kingdom of Wessex. The name was likely chosen as part of a naming pattern in Pimlico that referenced British heritage and ecclesiastical or noble titles.
Pronunciation: Winchester is pronounced WIN-chess-ter, with the phonetic transcription: /ˈwɪn.tʃɛs.tər/ 
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Character of the Street
Winchester Street is a peaceful, residential road lined with three- and four-storey Victorian terraces, many of which have been converted into flats. The atmosphere is relaxed, with little commercial activity and a close-knit neighbourhood feel. Mature trees and period architectural details enhance the street’s charm.
Sights and Attractions Nearby
- Tachbrook Street Market – Just a short walk away, this open-air market offers food stalls and fresh produce.
- Pimlico Gardens – A riverside park with public art and seating, about 5 minutes' walk to the southwest.
- Tate Britain – Located just north of Pimlico, this national gallery of British art is under 15 minutes away on foot.
- St George’s Square – A leafy square that is one of Pimlico’s most picturesque open spaces, nearby to the south.
Real Estate and Property Prices
As of May 2025, property prices on Winchester Street reflect the desirable central location. A one-bedroom flat of around 550 sq ft (51 sq m) can sell for approximately £675,000, while larger maisonettes or full townhouses of around 1,500 sq ft (139 sq m) may command prices upwards of £2 million.
These figures are slightly below the average for prime Central London but higher than the London-wide average, due to Pimlico’s proximity to the river, Westminster, and excellent transport links.
Transport Links
London Underground
- Pimlico Station (Victoria Line) – Approximately 5 minutes’ walk from the southern end of the street.
- Victoria Station (Victoria, District, and Circle lines, plus National Rail) – About 12 minutes' walk to the northwest.
Nearby Bus Stops
Nearby bus stops are located along Lupus Street and Warwick Way, offering services on routes such as:
- Bus 24 – Pimlico to Hampstead Heath
- Bus C10 – Victoria to Canada Water
- Bus 360 – Elephant & Castle to Royal Albert Hall
Fun Fact
A curious quirk of Winchester Street is that, despite its modest size, it is often used as a scenic route for walking tours of Pimlico. The street’s intact Victorian façades and quiet ambiance make it a favourite for architectural photography and period film location scouts.
Quick Facts
- Location: Pimlico, City of Westminster, Central London
- Connects: Cumberland Street to Lupus Street
- Length: Approx. 230 metres (750 feet)
- Traffic: Two-way, with one-way southbound section at the end (except bicycles)
- Named After: City of Winchester
- Pronunciation: WIN-chess-ter /ˈwɪn.tʃɛs.tər/
- Character: Quiet, residential, Victorian terraced housing
- Nearby Sights: Pimlico Gardens, Tate Britain, Tachbrook Market
- Property Prices: From £675,000 for flats (as of May 2025)
- Nearest Tube: Pimlico (Victoria Line)
- Nearby Buses: 24, C10, 360
- Fun Fact: Occasionally featured in film shoots and walking tours due to its preserved 19th-century charm
Map of Winchester Street, London
Painting of Winchester Street, London (View image in full size)