Bloomsbury is one of the most central areas for inexpensive accommodation in London. It’s within walking distance of the West End, but has a sedate atmosphere and is surprisingly quiet, especially at night. There are a large number of formal garden squares and it’s home to many university colleges as well as the British Museum.
It’s a good area to stay if you want to be within easy access of St Pancras, King’s Cross or Euston train stations.
History
The area was developed in the 18th century and is famous for its literary, artistic and academic connections.
Places of interest within walking distance
- British Museum
- British Library
- Sir John Soane’s Museum
- Petrie Museum, Cartoon Museum
- Dickens House
- Wellcome Collection and a host of smaller museums
Accommodation information
There are two main areas for hotels in the area, Gower St and Cartwright Gardens. Gower St is one of the main traffic routes through Bloomsbury. Cartwright Gardens is a quieter area. As it’s such a central area, hotel prices are slightly more expensive than other budget areas.
See our pick of the best budget hotels in Bloomsbury.
Shopping
In the immediate area, The Brunswick shopping centre near Russell Square has clothes shops, restaurants & cafes.
Seven Dials, Covent Garden, Oxford Street & Tottenham Court Rd are all within walking distance.
Supermarkets
There’s a Sainsbury’s on Tottenham Court Rd and Waitrose in The Brunswick.
Transport
Underground
One major benefit of staying in the area is the number of Tube stations.
Southern and central Bloombsbury:
- Tottenham Court Rd – Central and Northern line
- Holborn – Central and Piccadilly line
- Russell Square – Piccadilly line
- Goodge St – Northern line
Northern Bloomsbury:
- Warren St – Victoria and Northern line
- Euston Square – Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City and Circle line
- Euston – Northern and Victoria line
- King’s Cross St Pancras – Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City, Circle, Northern, Victoria and Piccadilly line
Local buses
Image credits: Willwhitedc, Zemina, Michael Francis McCarthy