When you think of Pimlico, what springs to mind? At first thought, maybe not so much… but think again. The truth is, there is a lot to do in this particular area of London, and no matter what you might be into, what you enjoy, what you would choose if you could do anything at all, it’s likely there will be something to suit. Here are just a few examples of the varied and wonderful things to do in Pimlico.
For any lover of a bargain, or anyone who enjoys rummaging around to find some new treasure, the Capital Car Boot Sale, which takes place in Pimlico every Sunday, is definitely for you. It’s an indoor and outdoor set up, meaning that even if it’s raining you can still go along. Every week the stall holders and sellers will be different (although of course there are some regulars) so you never know what you might find from one visit to the next; it’s an exciting way to spend a few hours.
Location: Pimlico Academy, Lupus St, Pimlico, London SW1V 3AT
Children need to be able to play, but not every child has access to toys, whether they be education or purely fun. That’s why the Pimlico Toy Library was set up. Here there are almost 2,000 different toys, along with a number of librarians who know exactly how they all work and which ones are going to be best for each child’s development. Children can join in playgroups or play alone, and they can mix and match the toys as they want to. There are even messy play days scheduled in too.
Location: 133A Lupus St, Pimlico, London SW1V 3EN
As the name suggests, the Victoria Apollo Theatre is located close to Pimlico, and right now – as it has been for the past 13 years – it is home to Wicked, a musical based on the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North (Glinda) from The Wizard of Oz. As musicals go it is a good one, with some belting ballads and rip roaring showstoppers, so when you’re in Pimlico, this is a good choice if you’re looking for an evening of entertainment, glitz, and glamour.
Location: 17 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London SW1V 1LG
For art lovers – or even those who don’t know much about art but who want to go somewhere interesting for a few hours, or perhaps longer, the Tate Britain is ideal. Part of the Tate network of museums, this is the oldest of them all, having originally opened in 1897. Here you can see art that dates back to the 1500s all the way up to the present day, giving you an invaluable and unique insight into the art scene and how it has changed through the centuries.
Location: Millbank, Westminster, London SW1P 4RG
Of course, first and foremost, Westminster Abbey is a church and as such there is always a chance to sit in on the services taking place there – it might even be your local and you might attend every week. No matter what you like to do, this church is always open to all. As well as being a living, breathing church, Westminster Abbey has a long and fascinating history, which you can learn more about when you visit. Coronations have taken place here as well as funerals for some of the most prestigious and well-loved people. With over a thousands years of stories to be told, there is much more to Westminster Abbey than might at first meet the eye.
Location: 20 Deans Yd, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA
For some, visiting the Houses of Parliament is a must-do, and for others it’s something they would rather avoid. This polarising of opinion is something that the MPs within the Houses of Parliament understand well, and it is this that makes what goes on behind those historic walls so interesting and important, and in some cases exciting. Access to the Houses of Parliament is limited, but you can still see and hear enough to feel properly involved in what is happening on the floor.
Location: Westminster, London SW1A 0AA
One of the royal parks (there are eight in total), St James’s park covers a surprising 57 hectares. It includes both Horse Guards Parade and The Mall, and from the park you can easily see Whitehall, Buckingham Palace, and Clarence House. The lake and fountain are famous and really rather beautiful, and the St James’s Café is the perfect spot to grab a snack and a drink and watch the world go by. Don’t miss the resident pelicans either; they (or rather their ancestors) have lived in St James’s Park for 400 years, even since the Russian Ambassador gifted some to Charles II!
Location: London SW1A 2BJ
Museums are seemingly everywhere in London, but some are far more worthwhile than others, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, close to Pimlico, is an example of one of the best. Admission is free, which is a great start, but even if you did have to pay something to get inside, the eclectic mix of exhibitions – both permanent and temporary – would be worth every penny. There are over 2.3 million objects in the museum and they span around 5,000 years of humanity. You can visit many times and not see the same things twice.
Location: Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL
Again, although a little outside Pimlico (around 1.5 miles away), London’s Southbank is a fantastic place to visit, and there is so much to do there that it really can be an entire day out. This, of course, is where the world famous Coca Cola London Eye is situated, where you can get an awe-inspiring view over London. Along the Southbank you will also find the Sealife Centre, the London Dungeon, and Shrek’s Adventure. Take a boat out onto the Thames and go for a tour of the city, or at least up to Tower Bridge and back, and don’t forget that this is where you can also see a plethora or street entertainers. From mimes to singers to acrobats to comedians, there is something for everyone, and a small donation is all you need to give.
Location: Black Prince Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 7HD