
Tucked away in the bustling heart of London, Bloomsbury is safe haven for history buffs, literary enthusiasts, and culture vultures. This storied neighbourhood is famed across the capital for its marvellous museums, leafy squares, and gorgeous Georgian architecture, with the district shining a spotlight on yesteryear for a contemporary London. From The British Museum, where millennia of human history awaits, to unwinding on the serene Russell Square, there are so many incredible things to do in Bloomsbury for an awesome day out.
Its intellectual spirit is nurtured by the legendary Bloomsbury Group, a group of associated English writers and intellectuals like Virginia Wolf and Charles Dickens, still evident to this day through unmissable attractions, adorable bookshops, and beyond. So without further ado, here are some of the best things to do in Bloomsbury:
1. Get lost in history at the British Museum
Kick off your Bloomsbury adventure with a visit to (arguably) one of the most impressive museums in the world. The British Museum is a famed institution that houses an astonishing array of artefacts, from the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles.
With free entry, it’s a must-visit hotspot for history buffs and tourists alike, especially if you’re looking after the pennies and the pounds. You can expect insightful exhibitions and displays that span continents across the globe, and milleninia throughout time. Check out our all-encompassing guide to The British Museum, here.
📍 Find The British Museum at Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG.
2. Relax and unwind on Russell Square
All that history at The British Msueum is exhausting work, so take a leisurely stroll through Russell Square. This verdant oasis offers a peaceful respite from that iconic London hustle, perfect for a picnic or simply soaking up the weather when the sun is out.
Its well-manicured gardens provide a serene backdrop for some well-earned relaxation, whether you fancy reading a book underneath one of the park’s towering trees or spend an hour or two people watching by the fountain.
📍 Find Russell Square along Woburn Place, London, WC1H 0AQ.
3. Spend some hours exploring the British Library
Bloomsbury is home to the largest national library in the world. Home to over 170 million items, including the Magna Carta and original lyric scribblings from The Beatles, Bookworms will revel in the treasures of The British Library. Don’t miss their fantastic galleries, which house some of the library’s most prized possessions. It’s always worth checking what’s on too, with the library frequently playing host to unmissable exhibitions and events.
📍 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB.
4. Enjoy a candle-lit concert at Bloomsbury Baptist Church
For a unique evening of culture and beauty, experience the breathtaking Candlelight concerts at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church. Enjoy classical renditions of your favourite tunes, engulfed in gorgeous candlelight in an atmospheric setting. This magnetic concert series transforms iconic London locations into intimate concerts, and the church’s acoustics and alluring ambience make each performance a magical experience. Check out the full line-up of concerts at Bloomsbury Baptist Church by clicking here.
📍 Find Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church at 235 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8EP. Get your tickets here.
5. Discover unusual relics at Sir John Soanes Museum
Delve into the eclectic and whimsical world of Sir John Soane at his namesake museum in Bloomsbury. This quirky attraction, once the home of the neo-classical architect, is packed with art, antiques, and odditites. Each room at Sir John Soanes Museum tells a story, with architectural models, ancient artefacts, and Soane’s own creations displayed in this labyrinth of a house. For more information, check out our article.
📍 Find Sir John Soanes Museum at 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP.
6. Stock up on reading material at Gay’s The Word
A beloved cultural gem, Gay’s The Word is the UK’s oldest queer bookshop that’s so much more than that; it’s a community hub and a slice of literary history in the heart of London. Offering a carefully curated selection of books for gay, lesbian, bi, and trans+ people, it stands proudly as a testament to the power of community and inclusivity. For a full round-up of London’s queer-owned businesses, click here.
📍 Find Gay’s The Word at 66 Marchmont Street, London, WC1N 1AB.
7. Enjoy a brilliant brunch at Dalloway Terrace
Dalloway Terrace is undeniably one of London’s prettiest restaurants. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at this georgeous eatery, enveloped in its picturesque ambiance and immersive decor. We recommend heading here for a brilliant brunch, serving up Instagram-worthy dishes in a cosy, elegant setting. This restaurant even inspired none other than Virgina Woolf, who was once a Bloomsbury resident.
📍 Find Dalloway Terrace at 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN.
8. Get transported to Italy at Sicilian Avenue
No trip to Bloomsbury is complete without a wander down Sicilian Avenue, a charming pedestrian street lined with stylish shops and cafés. Its Mediterranean flair and historic charm make it a delightful detour for anyone who stumples across its magnificent grandeur. We recommend stopping by for a midday pick-me-up at one of the coffee shops, transporting you to Italy without that hefty pricetag.
📍 Find Sicilian Avenue in between Southampton Row and Bloomsbury Way, London, WC1A 2QH
9. Shop til’ you drop at the brutalist Brunswick Centre
From historic architecture to a brutalist beauty, head to the Brunswick Centre for some more retail therapy. This modernish shopping centre offers a mix of high-stret favourites, indie boutiques, and a wide-variety of dining options.
Its unique architectural design and open-air nurture make it a pleasant place to explore, shop, wine, and dine. For more information on the Brunswick Centre, check out our article rounding up all the must-visit brutalist buildings in London here.
📍 Find the Brunswick Centre at The Brunswick, London, WC1N 1BS.
10. Witness art and science collide at the Wellcome Collection
Explore an insightful intersection of science, medicine, life, and art at the Wellcome Collection. Boasting fascinating exhibitions and a though-provoking library (as well as a top-notch café), it’s a place to expand your mind and unwind among fascinating worlds that are often disconnected by other institutions and museums.
Their line-up of exhibitions invites visitors to think about the connection between health, art, and the human experience, truly setting themselves apart from the rest. For more information and their current exhibits, visit their website.
📍 Find the Wellcome Collection at 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE.
11. Have a couple of pints at Bloomsbury’s best pubs
There are so many brilliant and historic pubs in and around Bloomsbury, that it’s deserving of a well-earned pub crawl. One of our absolute favourites is the Marquis Cornwallis, offering a classic pub experience with great ales and a cozy atmosphere.
Also, check out The Lamb, known for its historic interiors and rare ‘snob screens’. Finally, the Museum Tavern was a favourite haunt for Karl Marx, perfect for a pint with a story or two.
📍 Find the Marquis Cornwallis at 31 Marchmont St, London, London WC1N 1HE, The Lamb at 94 Lamb’s Conduit Street, London WC1N 3LZ, and Museum Tavern at 49 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3BA
12. Enjoy a cocktail (or two) at The Bloomsbury Club
If you’re always on the hunt for London’s best cocktail bars, enjoy a sophisticated evening at The Bloomsbury Club. This swanky hotspot offers a luxurious setting and expertly-crafted drinks that almost look too good to drink. Inspired by the literacy and artistic vibes that exuberate from Bloomsbury, the bar’s ambiance is a great way to immerse yourself in the area’s unmatched charm. Check out our article for more information.
📍 Find The Bloomsbury Club at 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN.
13. Bowl a strike at the brilliant Bloomsbury Lanes
Transport yourself back to a bygone era at Bloomsbury Lanes, a retro bowling alley inspired by the 1950s. This must-visit space is jam-packed with fun, offering not just bowling but karaoke, pool tables, and even a diner serving up drool-worthy pizza and milkshakes. It’s a great spot for group activities or a quirky night out with a side of nostalgia, and they even host unmissable events that have included club nights, live music, and even a fashion show.
📍 Find Bloomsbury Lanes at Tavistock Hotel, Bedford Way, London WC1H 9EU.
14. Stroll along the picturesque Woburn Walk
If you’ve yet to wander down Woburn Walk, then this is your sign to do so. This picturesque Georgian street is filled with boutique shops, cafés, and literary connections, making it perfect for some leasurely exploration and discovery. Its pedestrian-friendly set up and historic vibes make it a quaint escape from the nearby bustling streets of Camden and Kings Cross.
📍 Find Woburn Walk at Woburn Walk, Bloomsbury, London WC1H 0JJ.
15. Catch some risque performances at The London Cabaret Club
Life is a cabaret, old chum; and there’s no-where in London where that statement is more evident than The London Cabaret Club. Experience an unforgettable night at this fabulous space, blending high-end dining with spectacular cabaret performances.
From fabulously themed shows to the gourmet cuisine being served up from the kitchen, it’s a dazzling night out in the heart of Bloomsbury that delights all the senses.
📍 Find The London Cabaret Club at Southampton Row, Bloomsbury Square, Victoria House, London WC1B 3DA.
16. Visit one of the largest collections of Egyptian artefacts in the world
There’s a lesser-known museum tucked away in Bloomsbury that boasts an impressive collection of Egyptian artefacts. The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology allows you to step into the fascinating world of ancient Egypt, with over 80,000 pieces that include everything from intricate jewellery to fascinating pottery. This hidden gem offers an intimate and educational deep dive into the world’s most ancient civilisations. For more information, check out our article here.
📍 Find The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology at Malet Pl, London WC1E 6BT.
17. Learn more about Bloomsbury literary history
We’ve mentioned it a couple of times now, but Bloomsbury is the perfect place to immerse yourself in London’s literary history. You can visit several locations that inspired Virginia Woolf and her contemporaries with the Bloomsbury Group, which is a circle of artists, writers and intellectuals from the first half of the 20th century. Also, Charles Dickens’ home is nearby in Holborn, another fabulous muesum to explore, especially if you’re a bookworm.
18. Witness the building that inspired George Orwell’s 1984
While we’re on the topic of literary greats, most people remain blissfully unaware that one of Bloomsbury’s most striking buildings inspired George Orwell’s dystopian classic 1984. The Senate House is an iconic piece of Art Deco architecture that’s a part of the University of London. However, it played a significant role for Britain during WWII when it was taken over by a new government department, the Ministry of Information.
This inspired the ministries found within Orwell’s eerie novel, specifically the Ministry of Truth. For more information on Orwell’s inspiration, click here to read our article.
📍 You can find Senate House at Malet St, London WC1E 7HU.
19. Get cultured at The Horse Hospital
For lovers of the avant-garde, The Horse Hospital is a unique cultural space that showcases experimental art, film, and performance, so it’s always worth checking what’s on. Housed in a former Victorian-era stable, this independent venue has been a hub for alternative creativity since 1993 and remains a staple in the alt scenes throughout the capital. With its underground vibe, it’s the perfect place to dive into Bloomsbury’s edgier, and more artistic side.
📍 You can find The Horse Hospital at Colonnade, London WC1N 1JD.
20. Pay a visit to the Foundling Museum
To conclude this round-up of fantastic thing to do in Bloomsbury, we’re heading to The Foundling Museum. Uncover the poignant history of the UK’s first-ever children’s charity at this touching museum and public art gallery.
It offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of London’s most vulnerable children in the 18th century through exhibits and original artworks, all telling powerful stories of philanthropy and childhood.
📍 Find The Foundling Museum at 40 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ.
So there we have it; an all-encompassing guide to beautiful Bloomsbury. This must-visit district in the city centre seamlessly blends history, culture and contemporary charm. Whether you’re delving into the past at The British Musuem or grabbing some post-work cocktails with friends, there’s something for everyone in Bloomsbury, with something new to discover around every corner.