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Updated: March 21, 2023
By Santorini Dave
Bloomsbury Square in central London.
Bloomsbury is an elegant, historic neighborhood located in central London, known for its beautiful garden squares, literary connections, and academic institutions. The area offers a more tranquil and relaxed atmosphere compared to other parts of central London while still providing easy access to popular attractions.
• Best Hotels in Bloomsbury & Fitzrovia: Montague On The Gardens • Kimpton Fitzroy • Mandrake • Holiday Inn Bloomsbury • Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street • DoubleTree by Hilton West End
History: Bloomsbury has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when the area was developed by the Russell family, who held the title of the Dukes of Bedford. They commissioned architect James Burton to design the elegant squares and streets that characterize the neighborhood. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Bloomsbury became a hub for intellectuals and writers, such as Virginia Woolf, E.M. Forster, and T.S. Eliot, who were part of the famous Bloomsbury Group.
Attractions: One of Bloomsbury’s main attractions is the British Museum, which houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon Marbles. The neighborhood is also home to several prestigious educational institutions, including University College London (UCL), the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).
Bloomsbury is known for its picturesque garden squares, such as Russell Square, Bloomsbury Square, and Tavistock Square, offering peaceful green spaces for relaxation. The area also has several notable literary landmarks, like the Charles Dickens Museum and the Virginia Woolf Building at King’s College London.
Dining and nightlife: Bloomsbury offers a variety of dining options, including traditional British pubs, cozy cafes, and international restaurants. While the neighborhood may not be as bustling as Covent Garden or Soho, it still offers a selection of bars and pubs for a quieter night out.
Shopping: The neighborhood has a range of independent bookshops, antique stores, and specialty shops, reflecting its literary and intellectual heritage. For more extensive shopping options, nearby areas like Covent Garden and Oxford Street are within walking distance or a short Tube ride away.
• Getting to Heathrow from Bloomsbury: Take the Piccadilly line direct from Russell Square Underground Station or take a bus or taxi to Paddington Station for the faster Heathrow Express Train. King’s Cross/St Pancras station is a 25-minute walk or is one underground stop from Russell Square.
• Getting to Gatwick from Bloomsbury: Take the Victoria Line from Warren Street Underground Station to London Victoria. Regular trains operate from here to London Gatwick Airport with a traveling time of around 40 minutes.
There are several tube stations in or near the Bloomsbury area of London, including:
• Russell Square: located in the heart of Bloomsbury and served by the Piccadilly Line.
• Holborn: situated at the border of Bloomsbury and the neighboring area of Holborn, and served by the Central and Piccadilly Lines.
• Tottenham Court Road: located at the southern edge of Bloomsbury and served by the Central and Northern Lines.
• King’s Cross St. Pancras: situated just north of Bloomsbury and served by multiple lines, including the Victoria, Northern, Piccadilly, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan Lines.
• Euston: located just northwest of Bloomsbury and served by the Victoria and Northern Lines.
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