Exploring Pimlico: Westminster's Hidden Village

One of a series of free walks from the Westminster Guides supported by Inside Out to celebrate open-air arts and culture in Westminster!
About this Event

Hidden behind Victoria, overshadowed by Vauxhall, often overlooked, Pimlico, its history, its people, its buildings, waits to be discovered.

Please meet at Pimlico Underground Station exit A on Rampayne Street (SW1V 2JA), where the walk finishes as well. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start time.

Pimlico emerged from marshland in the 19th century as South Belgravia, broadly along similar lines to its grander neighbour to the north, with garden squares, broad avenues, stuccoed Italianate terraces, the realisation of that master builder's, Thomas Cubitt's, vision. It has been significantly developed over the last 80 years to become what we find today – a blueprint for integrated inner city living. Driven by a spirit of post war optimism, award winning architects and enlightened planning, Pimlico really is that often evoked ideal, an urban village - and here it is right in the heart of the city.

On this walk you will encounter Pimlico's rich mix of characters, from London cabbies to theatre luvvies, aristocrats and Goths, spies, parliamentarians and sporting legends. Your reservations about local traffic neighbourhoods will be assuaged; you will be astonished by prescient energy conservation schemes; and, perhaps, your scepticism about epithets such as “urban utopia” and “people's paradise” somewhat mollified. While the rivers that shaped this area have long since disappeared underground, some of the Modernist monuments have been replaced and even the name continues to mystify, what remains of Pimlico – whether the people, the buildings, the story, the spirit of the place - is vibrant, fascinating, inspiring. Discover all this with me on the walk.

This is one of 25 "A Wander through Westminster" Walks offered by the City of Westminster Guides in conjunction with the Inside Out Programme that celebrates open-air art and culture in Westminster. Why not join in other Inside Out activities on offer: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure-libraries-and-community/arts-and-culture/experience-inside-out-westminsters-free-outdoor-arts-festival?

Some Practical Details:

Please dress for the weather, with light, breathable attire, a hat, sunglasses, fan, and sunscreen in the case of hot weather and an umbrella and rainwear should the weather be inclement. Wear sensible shoes or sandals and carry a bottle of water with you.

All walks are led by trained City of Westminster Guides who love to share their knowledge of the borough with residents and visitors. Please respect their time and efforts by cancelling your place should you not be able to attend to allow someone else to join.