Thoughts on Pimlico area in London?

Is Pimlico safe? Well, yes… but what do you mean by “safe?” Are you perhaps infected with the current virus of “oh! cell phone snatchings! must beware gangs of scooter thieves!” that have been aired out so frequently on this board of late? Because if your question is not about that, then I wonder what you mean by “safe.”

Pimlico is a wonderful neighborhood. There are swanky bits, and yes, there is some social housing - bur mostly it’s lovely and residential, with a laid-back neighborhood feel. You should feel super-safe walking around and taking in the vibes and the sights.

So no need to be frightened. :-)

I can answer this question easily, having just spent a week in this neighborhood in June. Pimlico is a great neighborhood to stay in. It has many of the classic residential buildings that one often pictures when thinking about London neighborhoods. I don't know the exact location of the flat you are describing, but our flat was pretty much equidistant to Victoria and Pimlico tube stations and an 8 -10 minute walk to either. There are restaurants, groceries, bus lines all convenient to this neighborhood. I never felt unsafe in any manner while walking here day or night.

We were even able to walk to the Apollo Victoria Theatre and see Wicked one evening.

It was nice to return to a residential area each day and yet still be close to central sights and conveniences. I liked it so much, I already have reserved the same flat for September '25.

Pimlico is a good area to stay in. I like it. It's upscale enough to be nice, some great streets and garden squares, but not uber posh like Chelsea or Kensington. It's away from the hustle and bustle of Victoria, but still close if you want to take a train, tube or bus from there. Pimlico is a cool little tube station on the Victoria Line, which is a fast tube line up to the west end.

Tate Britain art gallery is the main attraction, just down by the river. It's an easy walk to Westminster, with the Abbey, Houses of Parliament and such, from there. Sometimes you can hear Big Ben chime from Pimlico in the evening.

We stayed in Pimlico on Tachbrook street and loved the experience. Lots of locals, few tourist and wonderful restaurants. We liked being a short walk to Victoria station and also enjoyed being able to walk to the Thames. Bus service was also convenient and made for great connections to the south bank attractions. Several times our public transport plan allowed using the Pimlico underground station as less crowded point of departure/arrival. We plan to return to this area on our next journey.

Thank you everyone!!!

And Volva, what I meant by safe was, "is it likely I'll get mugged walking to the Tube/won't feel safe walking around after dark" I mainly asked because it's a section of the city I've never been to, the closest I've been is Victoria station.

I stayed in Pimlico a few years ago and really liked it. It’s a peaceful area, and you’re close to Victoria Station for easy travel. I’ve also stayed around Sloane Square before, so I get where you’re coming from with comparing the two. Pimlico felt safe and convenient, and it’s a nice spot to explore London from.

Thanks, Kristi! Understood. :-)

You should feel safe as houses in Pimlico. Always bearing in mind that London is a huge city, and that anything can happen any time, of course. But I have wandered about Pimlico and felt very safe as a late-middle-aged woman with a spare tire and bad knees (that is, someone who is obviously not able to get very far very fast ;-)

Have fun!

Well the question was all for naught, I contacted the company renting the location and though their website stated "from £1395 per week" what they really appeared to mean was "this place is £1395 for one cold winter January week no one will ever visit, otherwise it's £2050 per week". Very disappointing, it had everything we were looking for, but I can't justify that price at the moment.

Back to the drawing board!

Have you taken time to check out the Premier Inn website?

If it must be an apartment see if the Vancouver Studio Apartments meet your criteria. Bayswater neighborhood.

https://vancouverstudios.co.uk/

You might also look at the various Marriot Resident Inn properties.

Claudia, thank you! I'll check out the Vancouver Apts!

It doesn't have to be an apartment, but since we're staying a week I'd prefer it to be. Just to have somewhere to store some food and a little space to get away from each other. I'll be traveling with my husband and 9 year old.

It's too bad it's just the three of us this time - last time my older brother and his family came too and we rented a GREAT place near Edgware Rd. It's actually available, but it's too big (and too expensive) for just the three of us. Perfect for 7 though!

Lola, a regular contributor to the forum, has talked about her stay at Locke At Broken Wharf. She mentioned it in another thread recently. Here's a link for you to take a look.

https://www.lockeliving.com/en/london/locke-at-broken-wharf

Sadly, as you are discovering, the best places go early. Up to a year early. It doesn't mean that you won't find a fine place to stay, but your choices would have been much greater earlier. Many of the 2 bedroom units in London that are well situated and reasonably priced are reserved up to a year ahead.

I realize that not everyone has the luxury of being able to plan when their vacation time will be that far out. However, forum readers who can do so should think about reserving their unit as far in advance if possible. I always get a unit that allows for free cancellation up to a few weeks prior to the trip. That way if my plans change, it does not cost me anything.

My very best wishes for a great trip for your family. I plan to be back in the UK this November as well.