Corporate Accommodation in Farringdon
In terms of corporate accommodation there aren’t many better locations than Farringdon, especially for people who are looking to work in the City of London. It is literally a walk away. In fact, Farringdon is also home to many companies and offices itself.
For people that aren’t working in the City of London area, it is still ideally located thanks to the transport links available. The station at Farringdon gives numerous options, but the majority of London’s tube lines are within walking distance too.
There is another advantage for corporate travellers staying in Farringdon for the longer term. At the weekends it turns into a ghost town! All the hullabaloo of the working week has disappeared along with the people and sitting back and relaxing in the apartment, or finding a green space to stretch one’s legs in relative privacy is a valid option.
Holiday Accommodation in Farringdon
At first glance, Farringdon might not seem like the right option for people travelling to London on holiday, due to the fact that it is a very corporate area. However, there are lots of reasons why it is actually a fantastic option.
It’s well connected for a start. Staying in such close proximity to Central London means that all of the major sights are minutes rather than hours away.
Serviced apartments in Farringdon offer a great starting point for a day’s sightseeing. Not only is it well placed as a base from which all of London’s most obvious attractions can be easily ticked off. It also has a rich history itself, with plenty to see and do in the immediate vicinity.
Where to Stay in Farringdon
Farringdon itself is not a huge place though it might surprise many in that it is in fact split into two areas. These two areas are difficult to see in modern times as they are split by the London Wall which was built in London times.
These areas are denoted by the names Farringdon Within and Farringdon Without. They do refer to the part of Farringdon within the London Wall and the part of Farringdon outside it. But these wards weren’t designated until 1394. A long time after the Romans left Britain.
After a boundary change in 2003, Farringdon Within isn’t actually entirely within the boundaries of the wall either!
Facts About Farringdon
Farringdon is an old part of London, as can be seen from the Roman Wall that runs through it, effectively splitting it into the two wards that exist today. As such it has a decent history, and many interesting things to learn about it. Here are some to consider:
- Farringdon is split into two wards, Farringdon Within and Farringdon Without, roughly denoted by the ancient Roman wall.
- The historic locality in the City of London is actually a little bit south of what people actually refer to Farringdon as today. People nowadays consider Farringdon the area round the station, located in the London Borough of Islington.
- Farringdon means ‘fern covered hill’.
- Farringdon Station used to be known as Farringdon Street Station, before being renamed Farringdon & High Holborn and then simply Farringdon in 1936.
- The place that most people refer to as Farringdon is actually the north tip of Clerkenwell.
- The River Fleet flows close by but only underground. There are places in the area where it can be heard flowing.
- Lenin used to live in nearby Percy Circus and enjoy a pint in the local pubs.
Cost of Living in Farringdon
There is a big discrepancy between buying a property and renting one in the area. People looking to purchase can expect prices that are around 33% higher than anywhere else in London.
However, people looking to rent can expect monthly charges that are around 25% cheaper, when compared to the same areas.
A serviced apartment Farringdon is still a very attractive choice for people staying in the medium or long term considering the hassle and cost that a short term contract for a traditional rental property could entail.
With a combined population of 1,375 at the last consensus, the amount of people who call Farringdon a home is pretty small and the price of the property is definitely a factor.
As a location in Central London the overall cost of living has to be considered expensive, but the central location itself also has to be thought about. There’s a possibility of having no transport costs which can be significant in London.
Farringdon is full of furniture shops so decorating for people who have purchased property is not a problem. These furniture shops are seriously high end outlets but this probably doesn’t matter for anyone who can afford property in the area.
Bargains are possible in Farringdon when it comes to general shopping, but these have to be carefully sought out.
The accommodation is generally of a high standard. Modern apartments alongside trendy converted loft spaces are the preference of the young professionals here.
Tips for Visiting Farringdon
Farringdon offers a central location, close to the central business district but with the rest of the capital easily accessible.
It’s quiet on weekends, which can either be a good or a bad thing depending on who’s visiting, but a good time is certainly never far away. Here are a few tips as to how to make the most of a visit to Farringdon:
- Remember the City of London is a desolate place at weekends. Don’t arrange to meet friends in a favourite pub on a Saturday and Sunday without checking it’s open first. A lot of them aren’t!
- Try an Antipodean style brunch. There’s plenty of quirky little cafés to experience.
- There’s no High Street to speak of. The shops are scattered around the back streets and are made up of a very eclectic group of retailers. Hunt around for bargains as there are some eye-wateringly expensive places here.
- For people working in architecture or looking to work in creative agencies, Farringdon and nearby Clerkenwell have some big names to consider.
Things to Do in Farringdon
Owing to its central location, it’s safe to say that wherever people want to be in London they can get there pretty easily from Farringdon.
Q. What are the most popular landmarks in Farringdon?
Although there’s plenty see all around London, sometimes it’s nice to stay close to home.
- Smithfield Market - a meat market in the traditional sense.
- The Charterhouse - 14th century buildings.
- Hatton Garden - London’s jewellery quarter.
- Museum of the Order of St John - tells the story of St John.
- St Etheldreda’s Church - one of only two London buildings that survive from the reign of Edward I.
- Holborn Viaduct - famous London point of interest.
Q. What are some free things to do in Farringdon?
London may be expensive but it’s also not too difficult to find something a little cheaper, or even free to do. The things listed above can all be free unless things are purchased. Hatton Garden is a good example where browsing can be free, but the alternative can be incredibly expensive. Other free things to check out include:
- Postman’s Park.
- The Cloister Garden at the Museum of St John.
- A browse through Leather Lane Market.
Q. Are there many excursions to be had from Farringdon?
Due to its location the list is pretty endless. If there’s something going on in London an excursion can be taken to it. There are plenty of tube stations within walking distance providing a huge number of lines with a huge number of options. The railway station provides a route outside of London for other excursions and bus routes fill in everything in between.
Q. What are the most family-friendly things to do in Farringdon?
At first glance, Farringdon is not a place for families. It’s very corporate and filled with young professionals scurrying about to, from or for work. This is, however, a misconception. There’s plenty of options for families around the area, most of which are just a stone’s throw away.
- The Postal Museum.
- The Charles Dickens Museum.
- Corams Fields.
- The Foundling Museum.
- Somerset House.
These are all family friendly places providing fascinating entertainment for kids and adults alike, as well as seasonal offerings at different times of the year. The ice skating at Somerset House in winter is a good example of this.
Places to Visit in Farringdon
The location of Farringdon gives visitors plenty of options when it comes to going out in the daytime or evenings. Here’s a few places to try.
- Bart's Pathology Museum - there are some pretty grotesque museums in London but this has to be one of the most morbid. See death and dying up close, not for the squeamish.
- Fabric - a giant of the London clubbing scene for nearly 20 years. Three rooms of quality electronica force.
- Smithfield Market - the largest meat market in the UK. Red meat only, opens from 2am, for the full range get there before 7am. Not vegan friendly.
- London Metropolitan Archives - for the unashamedly nosey or for those interested in history. There’s always an exhibition on here, check their website for details.
- The Charterhouse - a bloody history to rival that of the Tower of London. Only opened in 2017 so word hasn’t got round yet but well worth a visit before it does.
Places to Eat in Farringdon
Catering for the workers of the City, Farringdon has quite a large and varied selection of eateries. From top of the range fine dining to take clients along to or just somewhere to grab a wrap at lunchtime, there’s something to suit all tastes. Here’s a selection:
- Macellaio RC.
- Luca.
- St. John.
- Polpo Smithfield.
- Morito.
- Anglo.
- Ibérica Farringdon.
- Berber & Q Shawarma Bar.
Shopping in Farringdon
London is a mecca for shopping fans and Farringdon gives access to all of these riches. However, there are a few shopping options a little closer to Farringdon itself. Here are a few options of smaller boutiques and specialist shops in the area.
- Persephone Books - both a book shop and a publisher, this place specialises in writers that they consider to have been neglected by major publishers. Mainly women.
- Forest - think upmarket Ikea in a much more manageable format. Also, not just modern European, both the old and the new are appreciated here.
- Folk - a fashion boutique for both women and men. All hand-made, all British.
- Magma - artwork, prints and magazine and book covers. If in the market for art, well worth a look.
- Sublime - gift shop and Scandinavian fashion. Worth visiting to see what it’s all about.
- Antoni & Alison - cool and unique fashions closely associated with London.
Transportation in Farringdon
There’s plenty, in short. Connections on the doorstep or at least within a short walk, here are some examples. Underground Stations in the area that will get travellers around the city include:
- Farringdon (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan Lines - Zone 1).
- Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan Lines - Zone 1).
- Chancery Lane (Central Line - Zone 1).
- St Paul’s (Central Line - Zone 1).
Mainline Stations that will be closeby and take travellers further away from London to nearby destinations include:
- Farringdon.
- City Thameslink.
- Blackfriars.
There are numerous bus routes running through the area too.
Weather in Farringdon
The same as most of south east England except that it’s a couple of degrees warmer all year round, as London generally is. This is great in the winter but can be a little uncomfortable in the summer
London weather is unpredictable at best. A bright, warm day full of sunshine can turn into a rainstorm within minutes and vice versa.
The basic rule is thicker clothes for winter and thinner for summer but always bring plenty of layers, waterproofs, walking boots and an umbrella.
