London area of WC1 guide

What to do and where to stay in London's WC1 neighbourhood

The WC1 district covers the modern Bloomsbury area of central London, just north of Holborn. On Great Russell Street lies the British Museum, a collection of human history and culture, and the area is also home to landmarks such as Russell Square, Tavistock Square and Coram's Fields, as well as the legal district of Gray's Inn. Bloomsbury is known for its literary connections (Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster were key components), its large number of garden squares and numerous medical institutions - Great Ormond Street Hospital, the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College Hospital and the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital can all be found in WC1. There are also strong educational links in the area with the main library of the University of London, The Bloomsbury Colleges, University College London and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art all situated within the district. In recent years, estate agents have tried to rebrand the WC1 and WC2 areas of London as "Midtown" but it has yet to really catch on.

See our recommended nearby WC1 Hotels, and Pubs.

Holiday Inn London Bloomsbury
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
Coram Street London, WC1N
This is a smart, modern hotel located in one of the Capital's oldest and most beautiful areas. Bloomsbury is a great place to stay since it's ... More

 

 

Hotel Russell
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
Russell Square, WC1B5BE
The Hotel Russell is a huge Victorian pile with stately art deco reception rooms and luxurious accommodation. The opulent public areas have recently undergone a £20 ... More

 

 

The Fairway Hotel
London > Hotels > Budget Chain Hotel
13-15 Argyle Street, WC1H
This budget hotel, centrally located just two minutes from King's Cross Tube and train station, will suit travellers looking for affordable but clean accommodation. The thirty ... More

 

 

Hotels in WC1

 

Queens Larder Restaurant & Pub
London > Nightlife > Pubs
1 Queen's Square, Bloomsbury, London, WC1, London WC1N
... More

 

 

Duke (of York)
London > Nightlife > Pubs
7 Roger Street, London, WC1, London WC1N
... More

 

 

Cafe Kick
London > Nightlife > Pubs
43 Exmouth Market, London, WC1, London EC1R
The original Kick bar and a local landmark, Cafe Kick is a tiny continental-style cafe bar with terrace tables and an endearingly insalubrious interior, has three ... More

 

 

Pubs in WC1