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 justify the trip, and entry to the permanent collection is free.

The building is worth a look: a grand neo-classical facade that opens into surprisingly airy galleries. Come on a weekday morning and you'll often have entire rooms to yourself. On a sunny day, the walk along the Thames afterwards is one of the better things you can do in this part of London.

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 without the self-consciousness. It's largely residential and often almost empty, which is the point.

Pimlico Road is where the neighbourhood's independent spirit shows. It's a stretch of antique dealers, interior design shops, and small galleries running 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 London experiences.

It's a 15-minute walk from Pimlico, but Buckingham Palace and the surrounding parks feel genuinely on your doorstep in a way they don't for most visitors. St James's Park is 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 yours.

Victoria Station is seven minutes on foot: the Circle, District, and Victoria lines, National Rail connections, and the Gatwick Express all from one place. Pimlico tube station (Victoria line) is also walkable if Victoria is busy.

The bus network along Vauxhall Bridge Road is excellent for getting across the river or up towards Oxford Street without going underground. The 24 bus to Hampstead is a decent way to see the city from street level.