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We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with the incredible charity, Rays of Sunshine! At Georgian House, we believe in the power of giving, and we are beyond excited to formalise our partnership with this amazing charity. Rays of Sunshine brings so much joy to children facing serious and terminal illnesses by granting magical wishes and going above and beyond to continue their efforts, spreading sunshine across hospitals, hospices and in the community.

We are excited to play a small part in this sunshine journey and help make young children’s wishes come true, while also supporting Rays of Sunshine with their wider fundraising efforts. Whether that’s granting wishes for the ultimate wizard-themed weekend at Georgian House or helping raise vital funds to enable Rays of Sunshine to continue supporting their 75 partner hospitals and hospices throughout the UK, we are honoured to be involved.

We chose to work with Rays of Sunshine over other wish-granting charities because we truly believe they go above and beyond in offering exceptional support throughout the wish-granting process. Beyond fulfilling wishes, they provide incredible care and ongoing assistance after the wishes are granted. The funding and support Rays of Sunshine offer have had a profound impact on children aged 3 to 18 facing life-changing circumstances. In 2023 alone, they created 358 magical moments for children whose lives have been overshadowed by hospital stays and treatment.

Serena von der Heyde, founder of Your Place Hotels said:
“As parents, we know how fleeting and precious childhood is. It’s easy to forget to pause and truly appreciate the time we have with our children. For those of us who work here, many of us are parents ourselves, and we understand the importance of cherishing these moments. It is especially poignant to know that some children don’t have the same opportunities to experience the joy of childhood or to look forward to adulthood.

That’s why it means so much to us to be able to offer these magical experiences at Georgian House Hotel for the Rays of Sunshine charity. Many of our team members, who are working mothers or have fond memories of their own childhood, have wholeheartedly volunteered their time and energy to make these stays truly special.

Supporting Rays of Sunshine, as our first step beyond the world of hospitality charities, is a cause close to our hearts. We are incredibly proud to work with this organisation and to be a part of making a positive difference in the lives of these children.”

Nicola Aquila, Major Gifts and Partnerships Lead at Rays of Sunshine, said:
“The families we have sent to Georgian House over the years have all been blown away with their amazing offering, so we are absolutely thrilled to have made our partnership with them official.

“We’re so pleased to be working with such an amazing team to deliver our mission of brightening the lives of even more seriously ill children and their families.”

Looking for the best area to stay in London? Pimlico offers the perfect central location, combining peaceful Victorian streets with easy access to London’s top attractions.

As a family-run boutique hotel in this historic neighbourhood, we’ve spent decades helping guests discover why where you stay matters as much as what you see in London.

Let us guide you through London’s most captivating districts, sharing insider knowledge that goes beyond typical tourist recommendations.

Pimlico

Pimlico combines prime central London location with peaceful Victorian streets, just minutes from major attractions.

Our Grade II listed Georgian House Hotel sits within these historic streets, where famous residents like Winston Churchill and Laura Ashley once called home. We offer individually designed rooms, from classic accommodations to our unique Wizard Chambers, set in a neighbourhood known for its white stucco townhouses and historic character.

St George’s Square Gardens provides a peaceful Victorian garden square just 4 minutes from our door, perfect for morning walks or afternoon relaxation. Looking for nightlife? You’re in the right place. Take a look at our Pimlico nightlife guide for inspiration.

Transport and Key Attractions

• Victoria Station: 7-minute walk, connecting to all London destinations
• Buckingham Palace: 20-minute walk
• Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey: 20-minute walk along the Thames
• Tate Britain: 12-minute walk (open 10 AM – 6 PM, free admission)
• Harrods: 15 minutes via Victoria Line
• Elizabeth Street boutiques: 8-minute walk

Local Dining and Experiences

Within 5-10 minutes’ walk:

• Cambridge Street Kitchen: Artisanal dining (7:30 AM – 10 PM)
• Marquis of Westminster: Historic pub (11 AM – 11 PM)
• Wild by Tart: Restaurant in converted power station (8 AM – 11 PM)
• Pimlico Fresh: Local café favourite (7 AM – 5 PM)

Covent Garden

Covent Garden centres around its historic market piazza, serving as London’s leading entertainment district. The area combines major theatres, luxury retail, and diverse dining within a compact, walkable neighbourhood.

Its cobbled streets house everything from the Royal Opera House to hidden speakeasy bars, making it a natural hub for both culture and shopping.

Key Locations and Times

• Royal Opera House: Daily performances, booking essential
• London Transport Museum: 10 AM – 6 PM, £24.50 adults
• Market Building: Open daily 10 AM – 5 PM, housing luxury and unique brands
• Seven Dials: Independent shopping quarter with seven interconnecting streets
• Neal’s Yard: Hidden courtyard with independent eateries and shops

South Bank

The South Bank stretches along the Thames from Westminster Bridge to London Bridge, offering London’s best riverside walking route. This pedestrianised cultural quarter houses major institutions like the National Theatre and Tate Modern, while providing spectacular views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament.

The area truly comes alive on weekends when food markets and street performers line the riverside walkway. Take a look at our Westminster guide for more information.

Main Attractions

• National Theatre: Performances Tuesday-Sunday
• Tate Modern: 10 AM – 6 PM, free entry
• London Eye: Daily 11 AM – 6 PM
• Borough Market: Wednesday-Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM
• Shakespeare’s Globe: Tours daily, performances seasonal

Shoreditch

Shoreditch represents London’s creative transformation, where Victorian warehouses now house tech startups, art galleries, and innovative dining concepts. The area’s street art changes weekly, while independent boutiques and vintage markets attract fashion-conscious locals.

At night, the neighbourhood transforms into one of London’s main nightlife districts, with venues ranging from cocktail bars to underground music clubs.

Cultural Highlights

• Brick Lane: Sunday market 10 AM – 5 PM, focus on vintage and street food
• Spitalfields Market: Daily 10 AM – 6 PM, covered market with independent traders
• Columbia Road Flower Market: Sunday 8 AM – 2 PM
• Street Art Tours: Best viewed early morning before crowds
• Boxpark: Pop-up mall open daily 11 AM – 11 PM

The City

London’s oldest district blends Roman walls with contemporary skyscrapers. The Square Mile empties of office workers on weekends, making it ideal for exploring historic sites without crowds. Medieval churches and ancient guildhalls sit beside modern architectural landmarks like The Gherkin and Sky Garden, creating London’s most dramatic architectural contrasts.

Key Sites and Times

St. Paul’s Cathedral: Monday-Saturday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, £25 adults
Museum of London: 10 AM – 5 PM, free entry
Tower of London: Tuesday-Saturday 9 AM – 4:30 PM, £34.80 adults
Sky Garden: Free entry, must book online
Leadenhall Market: Shops open Monday-Friday, limited weekend hours

Mayfair

Mayfair’s exclusive streets house London’s finest art galleries, luxury boutiques, and Michelin-starred restaurants. The area retains its 18th-century layout with elegant squares and mews houses, while offering some of London’s best green spaces in Grosvenor Square and Berkeley Square. Hidden passages reveal historic arcades and traditional craftsmen still working in centuries-old workshops.

Notable Locations

• Bond Street: Luxury shopping, most stores open 10 AM – 6 PM
• Royal Academy of Arts: Daily 10 AM – 6 PM
• Mount Street Gardens: Dawn to dusk
• Shepherd Market: Historic square with boutique dining
• Cork Street Galleries: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM

Marylebone

Marylebone maintains a distinct village feel despite its central location. The neighbourhood centres around Marylebone High Street, where independent boutiques and cafes create a more intimate shopping experience than nearby Oxford Street. Its quiet squares and mansion blocks house some of London’s most interesting small museums and galleries.

Area Highlights

• Wallace Collection: 10 AM – 5 PM, free entry
• Marylebone Farmers’ Market: Sunday 10 AM – 2 PM
• Daunt Books: Monday-Saturday 9 AM – 7 PM, Sunday 11 AM – 6 PM
• Madame Tussauds: Daily 10 AM – 4 PM
• Regent’s Park: 5 AM – dusk, hosts open-air theatre in summer

Notting Hill

Notting Hill balances bohemian energy with sophisticated living. Famous for its antique markets and pastel-coloured townhouses, the area offers London’s best vintage shopping alongside high-end boutiques. The neighbourhood retains its artistic spirit while providing elegant garden squares and independent cinemas, creating a unique mix of culture and comfort.

Area Highlights

• Portobello Road Market: Main market Saturday 9 AM – 7 PM
• Electric Cinema: One of London’s oldest working cinemas, daily screenings
• Westbourne Grove: High-end shopping and dining strip
• Golborne Road: Antiques and world food, market Friday/Saturday
• Holland Park: 7:30 AM – 30 minutes before dusk

Planning Your Perfect Stay

There are a few elements to consider when planning your London stay, to ensure you have the perfect trip.

Essential Transport Tips:

• Night Tubes run on weekends on major lines
• River buses offer scenic alternatives to the Underground
• Most attractions open at 10 AM – plan early morning walks to see the city wake up
• Black cabs can use bus lanes, often making them faster than private cars

Seasonal Considerations

London transforms with each season, affecting where you might want to base yourself:

• Spring (March-May): Notting Hill and Marylebone shine with cherry blossoms and garden squares in bloom. The Chelsea Flower Show in May makes west London especially vibrant.
• Summer (June-August): Areas with green spaces like Pimlico offer welcome respite from the heat. Our location near St James’s Park and the Thames Path provides cool morning walks.
• Autumn (September-November): The South Bank’s tree-lined walks turn golden, while Covent Garden’s covered market offers shelter from occasional rain.
• Winter (December-February): Central areas like Pimlico place you close to Christmas lights and festive markets, with excellent transport links if weather turns challenging.

London with kids doesn’t have to be chaotic. We see families master London trips every day from our spot in Pimlico. It’s all about smart planning and an even smarter home base.

Skip the tourist traps and busy hotel districts. Central London works better when you stay somewhere like Pimlico – a peaceful neighborhood that puts you minutes from everything.

At Georgian House Hotel, we’ve spent years helping families crack the code to stress-free London stays. Our Grade II listed Victorian building sits in the heart of Pimlico, London, just 7 minutes’ walk from Victoria Station.

Here, each family gets something special. Our rooms range from cosy doubles perfect for parents to expansive family suites that sleep four.

Key Takeaways

• Stay near Victoria Station – it connects directly to both Gatwick (30 mins) and Heathrow (45 mins)
• Book within walking distance of major sites – Buckingham Palace is 15 minutes from Pimlico
• Choose quiet neighborhoods for better sleep – our Victorian streets quiet down after sunset
• Get the Family & Friends Railcard – saves 33% on train trips
• Under 11s travel free on London transport with a paying adult
• Visit Buckingham Palace at 10am – catch the guard change without peak crowds
• Book with us directly and get a complimentary full breakfast worth £20 per person each day (not included for apartment rates)

Where to Stay: Making the Right Choice

Location changes everything when traveling with kids. Pimlico works because it combines central convenience with residential calm. Our Victorian streets quiet down after sunset, but you’re still just seven minutes from Victoria Station – London’s transport hub.

The Victoria Line whisks you to Oxford Street in 15 minutes, while bus routes 2, 36, and C10 stop practically at our door, perfect for museum trips.

Families need practical conveniences, not just tourist attractions. Within five minutes of Georgian House Hotel, you’ll find three supermarkets for late-night snack runs and emergency supplies. The Horseferry Playground sits nearby, featuring slides, swings, and public restrooms. It is wheelchair accessible, making it a convenient choice for families – ideal for burning off energy before bedtime.

We know that the secret to a fantastic breakfast is all about top-notch suppliers—from award-winning coffee to scrumptious small-batch jams! That’s why we’re super picky about where we source our goodies, making sure we work with suppliers that match our core values sustainability goals.

Breakfast is served everyday in the Pimlico Pantry:

07:00am-10:00am Monday-Friday
07:30am-10:30am Saturday-Sunday & on bank holidays

We’ve got solid partnerships with old favourites like Musk’s Sausages and have recently teamed up with newer brands like Jam Packed. Together, we’re on a mission to kick food waste to the curb while delivering only the best products!

Smart family rooms matter just as much as location. Look for space that works for your whole family – our rooms fit up to four without feeling cramped. We’ve got a 24-hour reception because we know kids don’t always stick to schedule. Need a pharmacy? Boots is four minutes away. Forgotten toothbrush? The local Tesco Express stays open late.

Transportation Tips That Actually Work

From Georgian House Hotel, you’ve got choices – and that’s what parents need most. Victoria Station sits seven minutes from our door, connecting you to everywhere. But here’s what guidebooks won’t tell you: the 24-hour Victoria Line is a family travel game-changer. Skip crowded tube stations like Leicester Square. Use Victoria instead – it’s got lifts and escalators that make life easier with strollers.

Getting here from airports? Gatwick Express lands you at Victoria in 30 minutes. Heathrow? The underground might be cheaper, but with kids, we recommend pre-booking a family car service. It costs about £65 but saves you juggling luggage on the tube. Our front desk arranges reliable drivers who provide child seats.

From our location, reach Buckingham Palace in 15 minutes along quiet Belgravia streets. Tate Britain’s just 12 minutes away, with plenty of cafes for pit stops.

Family-Friendly Timing Strategies

Timing transforms London with kids. Start at major attractions when they open. Westminster Abbey at 9:30 AM feels different from 2 PM – shorter queues, calmer atmosphere, more space. The London Eye? Book the first slots (10 AM) or pre-dinner (4 PM) when crowds thin out. Our guests save hours by following simple timing tricks.

Restaurants need strategy too. Eat lunch at 11:30 or after 2 PM – you’ll get better service and often better deals. Local family favorites like About Thyme offer early bird specials perfect for kids. Rather eat in? We know local takeaways that deliver proper family portions. Simply ask one of our friendly team members and they will assist you with getting this organised and will also provide plates and cutlery for you to use. Alternatively, during weekends we offer a delightful afternoon tea if you’re looking for something a bit more special.

Jet lag hits kids harder than adults. We see it daily and help families adjust. Need a breakfast? We’ll arrange it! Upon request, we can also provide a takeaway breakfast option for you. Can’t sleep? Our night team knows which local stores stay open late. We’ve even got a stash of board games for those wide-awake-at-midnight moments.

Money-Saving London Secrets

London’s expensive reputation? It’s negotiable. Start with attractions – many offer family tickets that save up to 25% when booked online. The Tower of London costs £100 for a family of four online, but it can cost me on the door with some places. Natural History Museum? Completely free, and it’s a 12-minute direct bus ride from our door.

Here’s what experienced London families do: book accommodations with extras included. Our direct bookings include late checkout (worth £45, please request in advance), tea & coffee making facilities, superfast, complimentary Wifi, and flexible cancellation.

Planning Perfect Daily Itineraries

Smart families pick one area per day. From Georgian House Hotel, we recommend this tested approach: Start with the Westminster day. Walk 15 minutes to Buckingham Palace for the 11 AM guard change, then stroll through St. James’s Park to see the famous pelicans at feeding time (2:30 PM). Westminster Abbey’s perfect for late afternoon when crowds thin.

Museums work differently. The Natural History Museum gets packed by 11 AM. Solution? Take our secret route: Bus 360 from outside the hotel at 9:15 AM, arrive for opening at 10 AM. Spend two hours with dinosaurs, then walk five minutes to the Science Museum when kids need a change. Both are free, so you can leave when attention spans run out.

Always build in flexibility. Rainy day? We’re eight minutes from Tate Britain, where kids can sketch in warm, dry galleries. Too much walking? Victoria Place Shopping Centre offers indoor entertainment and family-friendly restaurants just six minutes away. We’ve seen thousands of family itineraries – the best ones include backup plans.

What The Georgian House Hotel Can Offer Your Family

Our Victorian building does more than just look pretty. We’ve adapted our 45-room boutique hotel to really work for families. Need space? Our family rooms actually fit everyone – plus their luggage.

You can save 25% on your parking at Q-Park Victoria or Q-Park Pimlico! Pre-book online at www.q-park.co.uk. More parking information can be found here.

But hey, fair warning: We’re all about authenticity, which means no AC or fancy elevators here. We’re all about that authentic experience. But not to worry, fans are provided in each room and our friendly team are always on hand to assist with luggage. Please just let us know at the point of booking if you need a ground floor room and we will do our best to accommodate.

Ready to make your London family trip stress-free? Contact us to find out what we can do for you. Book directly with us for the best family rates, flexible cancellation, and complementary full breakfast for all guests – because plans with kids need wiggle room.

Questions fréquemment posées

“What’s the best way to get from Heathrow with kids?”
Pre-book our family car service. It costs more than the tube (around £65) but includes child seats and door-to-door service. Worth every penny after a long flight.

“Can you store buggies and extra luggage?”
Storage at Georgian House Hotel is available on request. Most families leave strollers with us between outings – saves dragging them upstairs.

“Are there good takeaways nearby?”
Several that deliver until late. About Thyme does excellent takeaway, and local Pizza Express delivers family deals. We partnered with the Papyon app for quick local food deliveries to your door – please ask our team for more information.

“What if kids wake up hungry at odd hours?”
Tesco Express stays open until midnight, just two minutes away. Our night team can also provide emergency snacks and drinks.

“Is the area safe at night?”
Pimlico’s residential nature makes it one of central London’s safest areas. Well-lit streets and 24-hour shop access add extra security.

Choosing to stay near Buckingham Palace at Georgian House Hotel puts you at the heart of London’s royal heritage. Every iconic sight sits within easy reach – from Westminster Abbey to St James’s Park, from world-class dining to boutique shopping. With Victoria Station just minutes away, you’re perfectly placed to explore both royal London and the city’s hidden gems.

From morning ceremonies with guards in bearskin hats to afternoon tea in historic cafes, this neighbourhood offers experiences unique to royal London.

Let’s explore the landmarks, hidden corners, and local favourites that make this area truly special.

Key Takeaways

• Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Royal Mews form the area’s historic heart
• Two royal parks offer peaceful breaks between sightseeing: St James’s and Green Park
• Belgravia’s streets hide some of London’s finest restaurants and boutique shops
• The Victoria Station transport hub connects directly to all major London attractions

Iconic Landmarks and Royal Attractions

Buckingham Palace
The King’s official London residence welcomes visitors for most of the year. Inside the magnificent State Rooms, you’ll discover priceless paintings from the Royal Collection, ornate French furniture, and Sèvres porcelain that still graces State banquets today. Each room reveals stories of royal ceremonies that continue within these walls.

Essential visiting information:

• Buckingham Palace is open daily 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM from July to September
• Adult entry to the State Rooms is £32, Children over 5 – £16, Under-5s free
• Book tickets through the Royal Collection Trust website
• Audio guides included in multiple languages
• Security checks on entry – arrive 15 minutes early

The famous Changing of the Guard ceremony brings the palace forecourt alive on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM. Guards in their distinctive red tunics and bearskin hats perform this historic handover, accompanied by military bands. Position yourself by the Victoria Memorial’s golden gates by 10:30 AM for perfect views of this free spectacle.

Beyond the palace gates, the garden stretches over 39 acres, hosting royal garden parties and providing a haven for London wildlife. Garden Highlights Tours run during summer, offering glimpses into this usually private royal space.

Distance from Georgian House Hotel: 20 minutes walk or a 10-minute taxi ride (1 mile)

Victoria Memorial
The Victoria Memorial stands as London’s grandest tribute to Queen Victoria. Morning light transforms the memorial’s white marble, while evening sun turns the gold sculptures to flame. The surrounding Memorial Gardens offer peaceful benches beneath flowering trees, creating quiet moments away from the bustling palace gates. Visit early or late to capture photos without crowds when the changing light makes every angle picture-perfect.

Distance from Georgian House Hotel: 22 minutes walk or a 10-minute taxi ride (1 mile)

The Royal Mews
Behind Buckingham Palace’s gates, the Royal Mews reveals the magnificent carriages and horses that power royal ceremonies.

The highlight remains the Gold State Coach, used in every coronation since 1831. Its baroque gilded wood and painted panels tell stories of Britain’s maritime power, while modern glass cases let visitors examine every intricate detail.

Plan your visit carefully to make the most of this working royal stable:

• Open daily except Tuesday and Wednesdays, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Adult entry £17 in advance; £19 on the day
• Children aged 5-17 pay £8.50 in advance or £9.50 on the day
• Under-5s visit free

Book through the Royal Collection Trust website to guarantee entry during busy periods.

Distance from Georgian House Hotel: 15 minutes walk (0.7 miles)

Beautiful Parks and Open Spaces

St James’s Park
St James’s Park offers London’s most spectacular royal views between Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade. Duck Island rises from the central lake, where resident pelicans have lived since the 1600s. Their daily feeding between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM draws crowds to the lake’s edge, while tree-lined paths offer peaceful walks away from city streets.

The park’s famous blue bridge provides perfect photos of Buckingham Palace reflected in the lake. Stop at St James’s Cafe for breakfast or afternoon tea overlooking the water, especially beautiful at sunrise when few tourists have arrived.

Distance from Georgian House Hotel: 22 minutes walk (1 mile)

Green Park
Green Park delivers a more natural escape than its formal royal neighbours. Ancient trees shade long meadows perfect for picnics, while clear paths create quiet shortcuts between Buckingham Palace and Green Park Underground station. Unlike other royal parks, Green Park keeps its wild charm with natural plantings and peaceful woodland walks.

Spring transforms these meadows with millions of daffodils, creating London’s most spectacular yellow carpet. Summer evenings bring locals for after-work relaxation, while mature trees offer shady spots during hot afternoons. The park stays open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM, perfect for early morning walks or watching the sunset paint the palace windows gold.

Distance from Georgian House Hotel: 23 minutes walk (1 mile)

Must-See Historical and Cultural Sites

Westminster Abbey
This magnificent gothic church has witnessed nearly every royal coronation since 1066. Its vaulted ceilings and intricate stained glass windows frame centuries of British history. Inside of Westminster Abbey, you’ll discover:

• Poets’ Corner, where great writers like William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters and Charles Dickens rest
• The Coronation Chair, used by monarchs since 1308
• Medieval cloisters perfect for quiet reflection
• The Chapter House with its original medieval floor

Visit Monday to Saturday between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM. Entry costs £30 for adults and includes an excellent multimedia guide. Sunday services welcome all for free worship.

Distance from Georgian House Hotel: 23 minutes walk (1 mile)

The King’s Gallery
The King’s Gallery showcases changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection’s vast treasures. Each carefully curated show brings together paintings, furniture, and decorative arts from royal palaces across Britain. Current exhibitions feature masterpieces ranging from Renaissance art to modern royal photography.

Book tickets online for £19 (adults). The gallery opens daily from 10:00 AM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. Look out for excellent talks and curator tours included with admission.

Distance from Georgian House Hotel: 18 minutes walk (0.8 miles)

Churchill War Rooms
These secret bunkers protected Winston Churchill and his war cabinet during World War II. The rooms remain exactly as they were in 1945, from the massive map room to Churchill’s private bedroom. Personal stories and original artefacts vividly bring the tension of wartime London to life.

Book ahead for Churchill War Rooms, especially during peak seasons. Tickets cost £32 for adults and include a fascinating audio guide. Open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry at 5:00 PM.

Distance from Georgian House Hotel: 28 minutes walk (1.2 miles)

Local Dining and Shopping Spots

Places to Eat and Drink
The Goring Dining Room creates elegant British dining in London’s finest family-owned luxury hotel. Book ahead for their famous eggs Drumkilbo or traditional afternoon tea served on silver stands. Smart casual dress required, and you’ll find it just 14 minutes from our door.

The Thomas Cubitt occupies a charming Belgravia townhouse 9 minutes away. Their ground floor pub welcomes relaxed drinks, while upstairs offers sophisticated seasonal British dishes. The Sunday roasts regularly sell out – book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Local favourites near the hotel include:

• Peggy Porschen: Award-winning cupcakes and coffee in a famous pink building (8 minutes away)
• Eccleston Yards: Modern food court serving artisan coffee, sourdough pizza, and healthy bowls (7 minutes away)

These hidden gems offer peaceful alternatives to busy tourist spots, letting you dine like a local in the heart of royal London.

Shopping Highlights
Elizabeth Street, just 8 minutes from the Georgian House Hotel, combines designer fashion with artisanal food stores and independent bookshops.

Premium shopping spots near us include:

• Pimlico Road’s antique dealers and art galleries
• Victoria Street’s modern shopping centres

Don’t miss Fortnum & Mason, London’s most famous food hall. Six floors of gourmet treats, luxury gifts, and rare teas make it perfect for souvenir shopping. Their wine department offers expert advice and unique bottles you won’t find elsewhere.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Little Ben Clock Tower
This charming miniature version of Big Ben stands proudly outside Victoria Station. Recently restored to its Victorian glory, the clock’s golden details shine against its deep blue face.

Unlike its famous big brother, Little Ben remains free to visit and photograph anytime. The surrounding area offers excellent spots for morning coffee or evening drinks while watching London life unfold.

Distance from Georgian House Hotel: 11 minutes walk (0.5 miles)

Chelsea Physic Garden
London’s oldest botanical garden, Chelsea Physic Garden, dates back to 1673, hidden behind high walls beside the Thames. This four-acre garden creates its own microclimate, allowing rare plants and historic medicinal herbs to thrive in the heart of London. Expert gardeners tend to over 4,500 plants, many with fascinating stories of their worldwide origins.

Essential visitor information:

• Open Sunday – Friday, 11 AM to 5 PM
• Adult tickets: £15
• Students and young people (5-21): £6.50
• Under 5s enter free

The garden hosts regular workshops on botanical art, medicinal plants, and garden photography. Book special events in advance through their website, especially popular summer evening openings.

Distance from Georgian House Hotel: 23 minutes walk (1 mile) or 10 minutes by taxi

Getting Around

Victoria Station sits at the heart of the area, offering excellent connections across London. The Underground’s Victoria, Circle, and District lines connect you to major attractions, while national rail services run to South London and Gatwick Airport.

Essential transport options near Georgian House Hotel:

• Underground: Victoria Station (5-minute walk)
• Buses: Multiple routes from Victoria Street
• Santander Cycles: Several docking stations nearby
• River bus: Millbank Pier (22-minute walk)

Walking proves easiest for nearby sights, with most attractions within 25 minutes of the hotel. Black cabs and ride-share services provide convenient options for longer trips or rainy days.

Best Photo Spots

Early morning offers the most magical photo opportunities around Buckingham Palace. The Mall lies peacefully empty at sunrise, while morning light perfectly reflects the palace in St James’s Park lake. The Victoria Memorial provides stunning shots anytime, but evening light transforms it into something special as the palace windows catch the setting sun.

Local photographers particularly love the blue bridge in St James’s Park, which frames both the palace and the London Eye. Visit during spring to capture daffodils carpeting Green Park or in autumn when fallen leaves create golden pathways through royal parks.

Stay at Georgian House Hotel

At Georgian House Hotel, we create memorable stays just moments from Buckingham Palace. Our Grade II listed Victorian townhouse combines boutique charm with an unbeatable royal London location.

Each room showcases a unique character, reflecting our building’s historic architecture. While we proudly maintain original features like our Victorian staircase, we also offer the modern comforts that today’s travellers expect. Yes, there’s no elevator – but our team happily helps with luggage, and the authentic touches make every stay special.

Beyond comfortable rooms and apartments, we’re known for distinctive experiences. Our wizard-themed chambers transport families to a magical world, while our famous breakfast menu starts days with healthy options and indulgent treats. Our team specialises in sharing local knowledge, helping you discover both famous landmarks and hidden gems around Buckingham Palace.

Are you ready to explore royal London? Get in touch with our team and book your stay near Buckingham Palace today!

FAQs

What is the area near Buckingham Palace called?
The area around Buckingham Palace spans several historic London districts. The palace sits in Westminster, while the surrounding streets include Belgravia, Victoria, and St James’s. Each neighbourhood offers its character, from Belgravia’s elegant boutiques to St James’s traditional gentlemen’s clubs.

Can you walk around Buckingham Palace for free?
Yes, the exterior of Buckingham Palace and its magnificent gates are always free to visit. The Victoria Memorial and palace forecourt welcome visitors throughout the year. While State Rooms require paid entry, you can enjoy excellent palace views from The Mall and nearby St James’s Park without charge.

What famous street is near Buckingham Palace?
The Mall, London’s ceremonial royal approach, stretches from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. This broad, tree-lined avenue hosts royal processions and provides one of London’s most photographed views of the palace. Constitution Hill and Birdcage Walk also offer historic routes around the palace grounds.