Things to do in Pimlico

Tate Britain is the big draw, and it earns it. Five minutes' walk from Millbank, it houses the world's largest collection of British art — from the 16th century through to now. The Turner rooms alone are worth the trip, and entry is free to the permanent collection.

The building itself is worth a look: a grand neo-classical facade that opens into surprisingly light, airy galleries. Come on a weekday morning and you'll often have entire rooms to yourself.

Pimlico's riverside stretch along Millbank is one of the quieter Thames walks in central London. Head south from Tate Britain towards Vauxhall Bridge and you get unobstructed views back towards Westminster and the Houses of Parliament.

St George's Square, just off the river, is one of Pimlico's set pieces: a long formal garden flanked by tall stucco terraces, very Belgravia-adjacent in feel but without the self-consciousness.

Pimlico Road is where the neighbourhood's independent spirit shows. It's a stretch of antique dealers, interior design shops, and small galleries that runs up towards Chelsea. Not a tourist drag — a real street that happens to be interesting.

The Thomas Cubitt at the northern end is the best pub in the area: a proper gastropub with a good wine list and food that takes itself seriously without being stuffy. Lunch on a quiet Tuesday is one of those unexpectedly good experiences.

It's a 15-minute walk from Pimlico, but Buckingham Palace and the surrounding parks are on your doorstep in the way they aren't for most visitors. St James's Park is genuinely beautiful — formal but not stiff, with the pelicans on the lake and good views back towards the palace.

The Mall on a quiet morning is one of those quintessentially London experiences. Worth doing at least once, ideally before 9am when it's still quiet.

Victoria Station is seven minutes on foot — giving you the Circle, District, and Victoria lines, National Rail connections, and the Gatwick Express. Pimlico tube station (Victoria line) is also walkable.

The bus network along Vauxhall Bridge Road is excellent for getting across the river or up towards Oxford Street.