This two hour walk through
Bloomsbury starts at
[1] Russell Square tube station coming out onto Russell Square, one of the largest squares in London.
The Russell Hotel, built in 1898 but recently refurbished, is on the North-East corner. Note the magnificent Victorian facade.
Turn right into Woburn Place then left at Gordon, with
[2] Tavistock Square on your right. In the centre of the Square, amidst the well-kept gardens, is a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, unveiled in 1966 by then Prime Minister Harold Wilson. There is also a massive granite memorial commemorating the struggle of conscientious objectors, past and present.
Continue along to
[3] Gordon Square. This is where the
Bloomsbury Group took off, and number 46 can rightly be called it's place of conception. The Stephen siblings -- Vanessa, Virginia, Adrian and Toby Stephen -- lived here from 1904 to 1907. The Stephen sisters, better known under their married names of Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf, established themselves in British intellectual society, and left a legacy of art and literature that has been the subject of many books and films.
Continue along Torrington Place, then at Tottenham Court Road, cross to the other side and proceed South.
Heals, the up-market interiors store is now opposite. (Some husbands may want to thank the
Citiwalks (mostly male) team for that!) Further along Goodge Street is
[4] Goodge Street Station. Built in 1907, this is one of the few London tube stations that uses lifts (elevators), instead of escalators. Underneath is a World War II
deep level air raid shelter.
Turn right into Goodge Street then left into Charlotte Street, passing many interesting restaurants and galleries, to the
[5] Fitzroy Inn [16 Charlotte]. This Tavern was frequented by writers and poets in the 1930s and 1940s, including Wales' greatest poet, Dylan Thomas. The district around this area is referred to as Fitzrovia.
Turn left into Percy Street, crossing Tottenham Court Road to Bayley Street then
[6] Bedford Square. Built in 1775, this Georgian square has remained relatively untouched for over two centuries. Notice how each house fronting the square has its own distinctive entrance.
Continue along Bloomsbury Street and left into Great Russell Street where you will find the
[7] The British Museum, housing some of the world’s rarest treasures, including the Rosetta Stone and Elgin Marbles. This museum is a "must see" for almost any visitor to London.
Further along Great Russell is the
[8] Quinto Bookshop, [63 Great Russell Street], known for its collection of rare and second hand books, particularly military titles and gender studies. 50 or so metres past the bookshop is
[9] Bloomsbury Square. The seated stature in the middle of the garden is of Charles James Fox, an associate of the Dukes of Bedford, who owned land adjacent to the square. The square is most closely associated with the literary and artistic Bloomsbury Group. Individual blue plaques commemorating the members of this group can be seen throughout the area.
Follow Bedford Place to
[10] Russell Square, You may care to visit the cafe in the Square's garden before returning via the tube at
[1] Russell Square station.
