Located in the London borough of Camden, visitors will find the beautiful area of Bloomsbury. The district may not be the most well-known to non-Londoners, but Bloomsbury has gained a reputation for being one of the best – if not the coolest – places to visit in London.
Bloomsbury has long been the educational, intellectual and literary mecca of the capital. There are a number of educational institutions within Bloomsbury's borders. It is home to the University of London, University College London and at least another half dozen schools, colleges or universities. Many of London's medical and healthcare institutions are also found in Bloomsbury.
Affluent and educated, Bloomsbury is one of the coolest parts of London visitors can stay and visit. There are a number of great hotels in Bloomsbury London and each offers a great base for travellers on a trip to the capital.
What to expect
Bloomsbury is a rather well-off area thanks to the many educational and healthcare institutions that reside in its borders. It gives the entire district a certain air that isn't found in other parts of the capital city. Bloomsbury isn't just home to English educational buildings and universities. The district is home to the British branches of some famed American universities too. The University of California and Florida State University both have their offices in Bloomsbury. The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts is also located in Bloomsbury, so chances are travellers may see tomorrow's theatre and film stars around the district and not know it.
The number of higher education facilities makes Bloomsbury a clever place. Visitors may find it to be a great area for pubs, cafes and other cool places to hang out thanks to its young, vibrant and smart residents.
What to do in Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury is a quiet world of its own that varies from the rest of the hectic city that is London. Some Londoners say that Bloomsbury and its residents have a different, more laid-back attitude than the rest of the city. This may be due to the eclectic cafes that dot the area. There are plenty of great cafes big and small to enjoy a drink at. Some even have outdoor space and on a beautiful London day, visitors can watch the world go by while sipping tea or coffee.
Visitors can book a stay at Regency House Hotel which is situated in the heart of Central London, and it is very close and accessible to all of London’s top museums and galleries. The British Museum is one of the top destinations for visitors to London. The museum is located in Bloomsbury on Great Russell Street and within its walls are countless ancient treasures waiting to be viewed. An entire day can be spent wandering the amazing museum, and even then, there may not be enough time to see everything.
One aspect of Bloomsbury that makes it much different than the rest of London is the green space. Look on a map, and the entire district is just one green rectangle. Although centrally located, there are plenty of green pockets throughout Bloomsbury. These green spaces – like Russell Square – are ideal for visitors who need to get away from their hotels in Covent Garden London and get a nature break.
Near Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury's location makes it a great place to stay or just visit. The district is a short tube ride from Soho and visitors can be in the West End in no time. There, holidaymakers can find theatres, musicals, pubs and restaurants, and other late-night activities to enjoy.
Torrington Place is near Tottenham Court Road and it is an ideal stop for food lovers. Not only is the area a great place to walk through, but visitors will find a great price on food and drinks at the cafes and restaurants.
Of course, a trip to London wouldn't be complete without seeing Buckingham Palace. Bloomsbury is just a little over three kilometres from the Queen's London residence. Visitors who fancy a walk will pass some of the coolest parts of the capital. Once at Buckingham Palace, travellers can enjoy the parks nearby and the gorgeous outdoor cafes.
Bloomsbury offers visitors the chance to see something completely different in London. Like a breath of fresh air, Bloomsbury is rejuvenating and revitalising. Visitors will also find plenty of great hotels near Oxford Street and a world of great adventure awaits them once they arrive.
Bloomsbury History
Bloomsbury was once an ancient village surrounded by lush fields then known as Lomesbury. During the middle ages, large residences started to appear in the form of the manor house. During the 17th century, the area really started to see development, and one of these existing developments is Bloomsbury Square, once known as Southampton square. It acquired its modern title from William Blemond’ whose Manor house was given the title of Blemondsi.
Bloomsbury became extremely well known in the 18th century popular with the wealthy and the place to be, or be seen it, was an ideal location for holidaying due to its proximity to the English countryside with many townhouses built for families who enjoyed its duel charm. Travellers every year snap up a great deal on hotels in Bloomsbury London.
Another large and influential change took place in 1847 with the construction of Oxford Street, making the easy passage between Bloomsbury and High Holborne it was at this point that Bloomsbury really developed, a University was built and museums, The most well known of these being the British Museum.
Famous for its High art, intellectualism, literature and philosophy owing to the 1907-1930 group of writers who named themselves the Bloomsbury Set.
The members of this group included Virginia Wolf, the tragic but brilliant writer whose most famous novels include To The Lighthouse, Orlando, and her Poignant Novel, a Room of ones own considered rather daring for the time dealing with the subject of the dismissal of women in art and society.
The group's meetings took place in the houses of Clive and Vanessa Bell, Vanessa being Virginia’s sister. Other members included the wonderful T. S. Elliot, E, M Forster Vita Sackville-West and Bertrand Russell the well-known philosopher, social critic, logician and essayist. The group were controversial and challenged the restrictions and views of the day fighting against the doctrines set by a Victorian age.
The group were not only highly intellectual but they were also very liberal in their views on sex and rights of freedom when homosexuality was a punishable offence often attending soirees of a hedonistic nature.
