Where to Stay in Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury is a refined and picturesque area, with stunning architecture and an abundance of parks and gardens. Whilst the entire area is easily walkable, anyone considering where to stay in Bloomsbury should consider the reason for their visit to London. For example, those looking to take in a show or two will find the south side of Bloomsbury is on the fringes of the West End theatre district, whilst to the west of the neighbourhood, shoppers will find the shops of Oxford Street and Regent Street are just a short walk away. Some of the most sought after properties are to be found around Russell Square, as this is a central location, close to the tube station and thus offering easy access to the wider city.
Facts About Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury is famous for being one of the world’s literary centres, giving its name to the famous Bloomsbury Group, a collective of influential artists who met in houses in the area during the early twentieth century. Today it is an important publishing hub and home to an inordinate number of museums. Below are a few other interesting facts about Bloomsbury:
- Bloomsbury Square used to be called Southampton Square when it was first laid out in 1660.
- Famous former residents of Bloomsbury include Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolfe and Ricky Gervais.
- Bloomsbury is home to the first council tower block, opened in May 1949.
- Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, the Russian revolutionary leader, stayed in a house on Bloomsbury’s Tavistock Place in 1908.
- Bloomsbury is described in the 1086 Domesday Book as an area with vineyards and "wood for 100 pigs”.
Things to Do in Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in London. Not only is it home to several of the city’s best museums, but it also has a wealth of cultural and educational landmarks, as well as plenty of family-friendly attractions. If that weren’t enough, Bloomsbury is also within walking distance of many of London’s most famous landmarks. As such, those staying locally will find they are never at a loss for something to do.
What is there to do in Bloomsbury?
Bloomsbury is a fantastic place for lovers of literature and progressive thought. There are numerous galleries, museums and sites of historical importance to explore. In fact, one popular thing to do is to hunt the plethora of blue plaques in the neighbourhood and follow in the footsteps of the Bloomsbury group.
Are there many outdoor attractions in Bloomsbury?
Whilst many of Bloomsbury’s top attractions are strictly indoor affairs, there are also a few things to see in the open air. The area is famed for its architecture and famous houses, so walking tours are extremely popular. There are also several picturesque green spaces, which are ideal for doing a little people watching during the summer months.
What are some free things to do in Bloomsbury?
One of the best things about London is that many of its most famous museums are completely free to enter. This includes the iconic British Museum - which is, of course, to be found in Bloomsbury. The aforementioned blue plaque hunt is also a great way to enjoy the local sights free of charge.
Are there many family-friendly attractions in Bloomsbury?
Bloomsbury is the perfect location for families, as it has such an abundance of educational and family-friendly attractions. Most museums cater to all ages and there are plenty of leisure and entertainment facilities in the area that offer children’s entertainment.
Places to Visit in Bloomsbury
Given that Bloomsbury is particularly famous for its educational and cultural heritage, it will be of little surprise that most of the popular places to visit locally are museums and galleries. However, thanks to its central location, anyone staying in Bloomsbury will find they have easy access to any of central London’s attractions. However, below is a selection of the main sights to see in Bloomsbury itself:
- The British Museum - the UK’s premier museum of antiquities, housing ancient arte facts from around the world.
- Russell Square - the heart of Bloomsbury, Russell Square showcases some of the areas most iconic buildings as well as having a stunning park.
- The Charles Dickens Museum - a museum dedicated to the literary heavyweight that is Charles Dickens in the writer’s former home.
- Pollocks Toy Museum - a museum dedicated to toys and children’s games. A great attraction for all ages.
- Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology - not quite on the same scale as the British Museum, but an important site nonetheless. Dedicated to England’s most fabled archaeologist.
- The Horse Hospital - once a centre for equine medicine, the Horse Hospital has been repurposed into a fashionable live events venue.
- The Crypt Gallery - fashionable art gallery housed in a genuine crypt, with exhibits that change throughout the year.
Places to Eat in Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury offers some fantastic places to dine out - as one may expect from a central London neighbourhood. From contemporary fine dining to traditional pub food, those looking for places to eat in Bloomsbury will find that all tastes are catered for.
Anyone looking for more sophisticated dining will find plenty on offer locally, including:
- The Blue Door Bistro.
- Cosmoba.
- Noble Rot.
- The Montague on the Gardens.
Alternatively, there are also several superb gastro pubs in the area:
- The Norfolk Arms.
- Marquis Cornwallis.
- The Northumberland Arms.
- The Harrison.
Finally, those with a more adventurous palate looking to try some international cuisine have plenty of choices. Some popular eateries being:
- Kibele Restaurant.
- Woburn Tandoori.
- The Chambeli Indian Restaurant.
- Wahaca Charlotte Street.
Street Food in Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury isn’t all upmarket restaurants and gastro pubs, the area also offers a surprising amount of street food vendors. Most of these are found on the western side of the neighbourhood - particularly down towards Great Russell Street and Tottenham Court Road.
Some popular places include:
- Hiba Street Food.
- Scoff & Banter.
- Bloomsbury Farmers Market.
- Tortilla Russell Square.
Shopping in Bloomsbury
Visitors to Bloomsbury will never be found wanting when it comes to places to shop. For one thing, the neighbourhood is within easy walking distance of Oxford Street and Regents Street - London’s top shopping high streets. It also houses plenty of its own independent artisan stores, as well as a few specialist markets. However, those seeking a more traditional retail experience can also head to one of several nearby malls, including:
- The Brunswick Centre.
- Thomas Neals Centre.
- Ropa.
- Plaza Shopping Centre.
- Phoenix Centre.
Transportation in Bloomsbury
Being well within central London’s urban area, Bloomsbury is part of the city’s extensive public transport network and therefore offers plenty of access to the wider city as well as to other parts of the UK. For trips within the city, the London Underground is usually the quickest and most cost-effective mode of transport. The stations local to Bloomsbury include:
- Russel Square.
- Goodge Street.
- Euston Square.
- Warren Street.
- Tottenham Court Road.
Tube journeys can be paid for using the Oyster card system or by purchasing a daily travel card, both of which offer discounted rates over multiple journeys and are also valid on London buses. Bloomsbury is served by several bus routes as well as six-night buses. The closest mainline station is Euston, which offers fast services to Liverpool, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.
Weather in Bloomsbury
London weather is generally mild and without extremes. The city experiences seasonal weather, with warm summers and cold winters. The hottest months are, typically, July and August when temperatures can exceed 30°C, whilst the winter months of December and January can occasionally see temperatures drop below freezing. May is one of the most popular times to visit, as the weather is pleasantly warm and there is a relatively low chance of rain. Of course, the weather can be unpredictable and anyone visiting London should always be prepared for the chance of rain. Autumn is also a popular time to visit England’s capital, especially towards the beginning when temperatures begin to cool after the summer months.
