Gordon Square: Literary Bloomsbury’s Tranquil Garden Oasis
A peaceful Bloomsbury garden square steeped in literary history and adorned with commemorative sculptures.
Gordon Square is a serene public garden square nestled in Bloomsbury, London, part of the historic Bedford Estate. Known for its winding gravel paths, mature London plane trees, and seasonal flowerbeds, the square offers a peaceful green retreat amid the city bustle. It holds rich cultural heritage as the former home of the Bloomsbury Group, including Virginia Woolf and John Maynard Keynes, and features commemorative sculptures honoring notable figures such as Rabindranath Tagore and Noor Inayat Khan.
A brief summary to Gordon Sq
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the bronze statues of Rabindranath Tagore and Noor Inayat Khan to appreciate the square’s cultural commemorations.
- Take time to explore the blue plaques marking homes of Bloomsbury Group members like Virginia Woolf and John Maynard Keynes.
- Enjoy a peaceful break on one of the many benches along the winding gravel paths surrounded by mature trees and flowers.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as the British Museum and Tavistock Square for a full Bloomsbury cultural experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Central or Piccadilly Line to Russell Square station, approximately a 5-minute walk to Gordon Square. Trains run frequently, and the station is fully accessible. A single fare costs around £2.50 with an Oyster or contactless card.
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Bus
Several bus routes, including the 10, 24, and 29, stop near Gordon Square along Woburn Place and Tavistock Place. The bus journey times vary from 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic, with fares around £1.75 using contactless payment.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop you off directly at Gordon Square. Travel times from central London locations range from 10 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares from £8 to £15.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in Bloomsbury or Holborn, walking to Gordon Square is pleasant and takes about 10 to 20 minutes over mostly flat, paved streets. The area is pedestrian-friendly with good lighting and sidewalks.
Gordon Sq location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Gordon Sq
A Green Haven in the Heart of Bloomsbury
Gordon Square is a distinguished garden square located in the Bloomsbury district of London, within the London Borough of Camden. Developed in the early 19th century as part of the Bedford Estate, it was designed as a companion to the nearby Tavistock Square. Unlike the formal Georgian layout of its twin, Gordon Square’s garden boasts an informal, relaxed design with serpentine gravel paths weaving through open grassy areas and clusters of mature London plane trees. Seasonal flower beds add vibrant color throughout the year, creating a tranquil urban oasis cherished by locals and visitors alike.Historic Roots and Architectural Character
The square was masterfully developed by Thomas Cubitt in the 1820s, with many of its surrounding buildings now owned by the University of London. The architecture ranges from elegant Georgian terraces to some later 19th-century additions, including buildings housing academic departments of University College London and Birkbeck’s School of Arts. The west side is marked by the listed Christ the King church and the adjacent Dr Williams's Library. The square’s name honors Lady Georgiana Gordon, the second wife of the 6th Duke of Bedford, linking the location to the aristocratic Bedford family legacy.Bloomsbury Group’s Intellectual Legacy
Gordon Square is famed for its association with the Bloomsbury Group, a collective of influential writers, artists, and intellectuals. Notable residents included Virginia Woolf and her siblings, the economist John Maynard Keynes, and biographer Lytton Strachey. Their former homes are marked by blue plaques, and the square’s atmosphere still resonates with the spirit of literary and philosophical discourse that once flourished here. The area remains a cultural landmark reflecting London’s rich intellectual history.Commemorative Sculptures and Memorials
Visitors to Gordon Square will find two significant bronze sculptures installed in recent years. One is a statue of Rabindranath Tagore, the Indian poet, philosopher, and Nobel Laureate, unveiled by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2011. The other is a memorial bust of Noor Inayat Khan, a World War II SOE agent and heroine, unveiled by HRH The Princess Royal in 2012. These artworks add layers of historical and cultural depth to the square, honoring figures of global significance.A Welcoming Public Space for Reflection and Leisure
Now owned and managed by the University of London, Gordon Square’s gardens are open to the public at all times. Numerous benches line the winding paths, inviting visitors to pause and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The informal garden design encourages a sense of calm and reflection unusual for central London. The square’s proximity to Russell Square tube station and other Bloomsbury landmarks makes it an accessible and refreshing retreat for those exploring the city.Local Connections and Surrounding Attractions
Gordon Square sits amidst a rich network of cultural and academic institutions, including the Warburg Institute and the Institute of Archaeology. Nearby attractions like the British Museum, Bloomsbury Theatre, and Tavistock Square complement the square’s historic and intellectual ambiance. The surrounding streets bear names linked to the Bedford Estate’s Devon and Scottish properties, reinforcing the area’s aristocratic heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Tavistock Square
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St Pancras New Church
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Euston War Memorial
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Bedford Square & Montague Pl
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Statue of Thomas Coram
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Fitzroy Square
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Goodge St
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1 Queen Square
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Hasdan
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Sicilian Avenue
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Smallest Street in London
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1 Soho Place
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190 High Holborn
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Denmark St
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Unmissable attractions to see
Torrington Square
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University College London
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Woburn Walk
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Euston Square Gardens
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Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Gallery
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Russell Sq
0.5 km
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Curzon Bloomsbury
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Pollocks Toy Museum
0.6 km
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Brunswick Square Gardens
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Foundling Museum
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The British Museum
0.6 km
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Bedford Square Gardens
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Queen Square
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The British Library
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Fitzrovia
0.8 km
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Essential places to dine
The Ninth
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Portland
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Noble Rot Soho
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Sussex Bar & Restaurant
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Inamo
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Blanchette
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Quo Vadis
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Circus
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La Bodega Negra Restaurant
1.2 km
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Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
1.2 km
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Hoppers Soho
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Margot
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Social Eating House
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Hawksmoor Seven Dials
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Gauthier Soho
1.3 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fancy That of London
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Oxford Street Gift Shop
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Souvenir Shop
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Radha's Boutique
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Goldsmith Vintage
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Forbidden Planet London Megastore
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Cool Britannia Oxford Street
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House of secrets
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Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
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Pop Boutique
1.2 km
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Good
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not just a shop
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Rokit Covent Garden
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Urban Outfitters
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Pop Up 38
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Fitz's Russell Sq.
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Cosy Cocktail Bar
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The Coral Room
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The Black Horse - Pub & Cocktail Bar
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Punch Room
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The Duke
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Simmons Bar | Kings Cross
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NQ64 Soho
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The Little Scarlet Door
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Thirst Bar Soho
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Simmons Bar | Soho
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Henson's Bar and Social
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Swift Soho
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Basement Sate
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Bar Termini
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
