LowdowN

Snapshot

Each issue delve with us into a different postcode and see what makes London the best city in the world! This month it’s SW1 Westminster.

SW1

Westminster Council
Web: www.westminster.gov.uk
Phone: 020 7641 6000

About the Area
Situated in the London borough of Westminster, SW1 covers the area of central London on the north bank of the River Thames, roughly between Hungerford Bridge and Chelsea Bridge and covers the exclusive enclaves of Knightsbridge, Whitehall, Belgravia, plus parts of Pimlico and Brompton.

SW1 is packed full of some of the most recognisable, picture postcard sites in London including Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and 10 Downing Street. Home to Whitehall and recognised as the seat of power and centre of administration, SW1 also has a large concentration of the Capital’s government buildings and beautiful architecture; reflecting the area’s rich history.

Thanks to its central location, SW1 is fantastically placed for every imaginable amenity; the exclusive Sloane Street offers some of London’s premier shopping and is home to many flagships retailers and international fashion stores. The world famous department stores Harvey Nicholls and Harrods can also be found here, along with some of the best cafes and restaurants. The popular sights, shops, eateries and entertainment of The Strand, Trafalgar Square, and Covent Garden are close by and the shopping centres of Oxford Street and Bond Street are also within convenient distance.

The area is well served by parks; St James’ Park boasts 58 acres of open space in SW1 bordered by Buckingham Palace to the west, The Mall and St. James’s Palace to the North and Horse Guards to the east. The park has a small lake and offers great views of Buckingham Palace. Victoria Embankment is also on your doorstep and offers a pleasant riverside path with views of the South Bank across the Thames, and attractions such as HMS President and HMS Wellington and Cleopatra’s Needle.

Transport
Situated in Zone 1, SW1 is superbly connected; Westminster, St James Park, Victoria and Green Park tube stations are all within the area and represent amongst them nearly all of the major underground lines to whisk you to any part of the city.

The major rail termini of Victoria is located in SW1 and provides quick, convenient routes out of the city across the South East and to Gatwick Airport via the Gatwick Express.

Useful Links
SW1 on twitter: twitter.com/londonsw1
Guide to SW1: wwp.londonsw1.co.uk
Westminster Primary Care Trust: www.westminster-pct.nhs.uk
Knightsbridge Shopping Guide: www.streetsensation.co.uk/knights/kn_intro.htm
West End Shopping and Entertainment: www.westendlondon.com/Shopping/Shopping.aspx
St James’ Park Guide: www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/st_james_park/
Oxford Street online: www.oxfordstreet.co.uk
Sloane Street Guide: www.streetsensation.co.uk/knights/ss_west.htm
Voluntary Action Westminster: www.vawcvs.org
Westminster Freecycle: www.freecycle.org/group/UK/London/Westminster