London Area Guides
Our area guide to Westminster gives you a quick overview of the neighbourhood from its properties, public parks, local schools, council tax, public transport links to shopping and going out.
Postcodes covered by this area guide include SW1A, SW1H, SW1P
Westminster is in one of the most prestigious postcodes in London. Because of the House of Parliament much of the area is taken up with government buildings.
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Property Types & Architecture
Home to the Houses of Parliament, much of this City centre area is taken up with government and public buildings. Very little housing is found in the area, with the exception of some properties around Victoria Street and Vauxhall Bridge Road. The City of Westminster however covers many districts where residential properties of all types can be found, including Pimlico and Marylebone. Smaller flats can be found on the Millbank Estate, nearer the river, a stone's throw from the world-famous Tate Britain art gallery.
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Shopping & Entertainment
An area with a high number of visitor attractions in the heart of Westminster including Buckingham Palace and Westminster Cathedral, leaves litle room for a large number of shops, bars and restaurants, but with easy access to many well known areas including Sloane Street, Knightsbridge, Piccadilly Circus, Jermyn Street and Oxford Street, you don't have to travel far to find some of the best restaurants, shops and entertainment in London. Over the past few years much investment has been ploughed in to the Victoria Street shopping area, with a new cinema, many more restaurants, and its own theatre - St James's Theatre, just north of Victoria Street. Don't forget Tate Britain down near the river which houses fine examples of British art and sculpture.
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Parks & Commons
A vast array of London's best open spaces lie with The City of Westminster including Green Park, Hyde Park, St James' Park, Kensington Gardens and Regent's Park, all of which have a number of attractions and events running throughout the year. There are some nice places to walk along the embankment near the House of Parliament.
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Who lives here?
Districts in the City of Westminster include areas with some of the highest property prices in the country. Many leading global corporation Head Offices reside here and therefore properties are often snapped up by wealthy business owners or perhaps Members of Parliament, needing a pad in town. Smaller flats can be found on the Millbank Estate, nearer the river, a stone's throw from the world-famous Tate Britain art gallery. There are some lovely examples of mansion block flats to be found south of Victoria Street, in the vicinity of Westminster Cathedral.
Looking to live in Westminster?
If you are looking to buy or rent a property in Westminster use the links below to find the latest properties available.
Renting in Westminster
Let Property in Westminster
Sold Property in Westminster
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Schools in Westminster & Exam Results
Schools in Westminster fall under the Westminster Local Education Authority. Below is a comprehensive list of public schools in Westminster by type, together with full school details and the latest exam results.
Local schools within Westminster
Westminster Council Tax Rates
Council Tax is worked out by your local council who sets the Council Tax rates for each year. Your property postcode will determine which council you will need to pay. There are currently 1 councils covering the Westminster area.
Council tax rates for each Local Authority
| Council | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westminster | £521 | £608 | £695 | £782 | £956 | £1,130 | £1,303 | £1,564 |
| English Averages | £1,114 | £1,300 | £1,486 | £1,671 | £2,043 | £2,414 | £2,786 | £3,343 |
How much will I have to pay?
Each year, every local authority will set a rate of council tax for each valuation band. The amount you have to pay depends on the value of your property and the current rates for your local council. Not everyone will have to pay the full amount of council tax. There are three ways in which your council tax bill may be reduced.
Reductions in council tax
- Reduction scheme for disabled people
- Discounts (i.e. If only one person lives in a property they will get a 25% discount on the council tax bill)
- Council tax benefit and second adult rebate
Learn more about council tax at HM Revenue & Customs
Westminster Local Authorities
Westminster is represented by Westminster Council which holds the responsibility for delivering services in your area.
Council responsibilities
The council is responsible for all council services and duties, which include Social Services, housing, education and planning. If you’ve a specific question for this council, please visit their website to get contact details for key departments.
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