Queen Square: Historic Bloomsbury’s Medical and Cultural Oasis
A historic Bloomsbury square blending Georgian charm, royal ties, and a world-renowned medical heritage in tranquil garden surroundings.
Queen Square in London’s Bloomsbury is a historic garden square dating back to the early 18th century, originally built on the grounds of Sir Nathaniel Curzon’s house. Named after Queen Anne, it evolved from a genteel residential area with open views to a renowned medical hub, especially for neurology. Today, it blends tranquil gardens, historic architecture, and medical institutions, commemorating its rich past including Zeppelin raids and royal connections.
A brief summary to Queen Square
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the central garden to enjoy peaceful lawns and rose beds, perfect for a quiet break.
- Look for the plaque marking the 1915 Zeppelin bomb site, a subtle yet poignant historical reminder.
- Explore the nearby Queen’s Larder pub, linked to Queen Charlotte and royal history.
- Notice the statue of Queen Charlotte at the northern end of the square, often mistaken for Queen Anne.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Central Line to Holborn Station, approximately a 10-15 minute walk to Queen Square. The station is well-served with frequent trains. Walking involves some urban streets with occasional crowds during peak hours. No additional cost beyond standard Tube fare, which varies by zone and time.
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Bus
Several London bus routes, including routes 10, 17, and 188, stop within a 5-10 minute walk of Queen Square. Bus travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Buses accept contactless payment or Oyster cards with fares typically under £2.50.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London locations to Queen Square usually takes 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Costs range from £8 to £20. Note that traffic congestion and limited parking in Bloomsbury can affect travel times.
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Walking
If staying nearby in Bloomsbury or central London, walking to Queen Square can take 10-25 minutes. The terrain is flat and urban, suitable for most travelers. Walking offers an immersive experience of the historic neighborhood.
Queen Square 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 Queen Square
Origins and Early Development
Queen Square was laid out between 1706 and 1725 on the former gardens of Sir Nathaniel Curzon’s house. Named after Queen Anne, the square was originally built on three sides, leaving the northern side open to countryside views stretching to Hampstead and Highgate hills. This openness was a prized feature for the affluent residents who sought a blend of city convenience and rural air. The nearby church of St George the Martyr was constructed around the same time, serving the growing local population.Architectural and Social Evolution
Throughout the 18th century, Queen Square reflected Georgian architectural styles with elegant townhouses occupied by business and professional classes. The northern open view was eventually closed off by terraces and later developments, including hotels and flats. The square’s buildings transitioned in the 19th century from private residences to charitable and medical institutions, reflecting Bloomsbury’s growing reputation as a healthful and scholarly district.Medical Heritage and Institutions
Queen Square is famously associated with medicine, particularly neurology. It houses the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, among others. This concentration of medical expertise dates back to the Victorian era when many charitable organizations and hospitals established themselves in the area. The square’s medical legacy is commemorated by plaques and memorials, including benches dedicated to local doctors lost in historic events.Historical Events and Cultural Significance
The square witnessed significant events such as the Zeppelin bombing raid in 1915, marked by a discreet plaque where a bomb fell without casualties. Queen Charlotte, after whom a statue in the square is named, visited to tend to her husband, King George III, linking the site to royal history. The Queen’s Larder pub nearby is reputed to have stored food for the king during his illness. The square also features commemorations for literary figures and local community icons.Gardens and Atmosphere
Queen Square’s central garden offers a peaceful retreat with lawns, rose beds, and mature trees, providing a tranquil environment for hospital visitors and locals alike. The garden is a green oasis amid London’s urban bustle, with seating areas and floral tributes enhancing its charm. It remains open to the public during daylight hours, maintained by Camden Council and owned by local trustees.Contemporary Role and Legacy
Today, Queen Square balances its historic charm with modern medical and community functions. It stands as a testament to London’s layered history—combining royal connections, medical advancements, and urban development. The square continues to serve as a hub for healthcare professionals while offering a serene space that reflects Bloomsbury’s cultural and historical richness.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sicilian Avenue
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Discover Sicilian Avenue, a serene Edwardian pedestrian street in London blending Italianate architecture with charming shops and tranquil ambiance.
Statue of Thomas Coram
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A seated bronze tribute to the philanthropist who saved thousands of abandoned children from London's streets.
190 High Holborn
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A modern office landmark in central London, blending contemporary design with strategic connectivity near historic Holborn.
St Pancras New Church
0.8 km
A majestic Greek Revival church in London, blending ancient Athenian design with rich history and vibrant community life.
Denmark St
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Britain's legendary Tin Pan Alley where rock and roll history was written in every studio, café, and guitar shop.
Plaque: Tin Pan Alley & La Giaconda cafe
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Discover the legendary Tin Pan Alley and La Giaconda Cafe at 9 Denmark Street, the historic heart of London’s music scene and creative spirit.
Staple Inn
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Explore Staple Inn, a historic Tudor building in London, showcasing stunning architecture and a serene courtyard amidst the city's vibrant life.
The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn
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Explore the rich history and serene beauty of The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn, a cornerstone of London's legal heritage.
Goodge St
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Discover the charm of Goodge Street in London, where history meets vibrant culture, shopping, and diverse dining options.
Seven Dials
0.9 km
A star-shaped Georgian quarter blending historic charm with contemporary culture, boutiques, and dining.
Historic Seven Dials
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Discover Seven Dials, a historic London quarter where seven streets meet at a unique sundial pillar, blending rich heritage with vibrant culture.
Bow St
0.9 km
Bow Street, a historic London street famed for pioneering policing, vibrant theatre, and rich cultural heritage in Covent Garden.
Euston War Memorial
0.9 km
A solemn 13-meter obelisk and bronze statues honor London’s railway workers who sacrificed their lives in World War I.
St. Peter's Italian Catholic Church
0.9 km
A basilica-style sanctuary where Italian faith, architectural brilliance, and community memory converge in historic Clerkenwell.
Soho Square Gardens
1.0 km
Explore the calming beauty of Soho Square Gardens, a lush park in the heart of London, perfect for relaxation and socializing.
Unmissable attractions to see
1 Queen Square
0.0 km
Historic Bloomsbury garden square renowned for medical heritage, tranquil gardens, and Georgian architecture.
Russell Sq
0.2 km
A peaceful Georgian garden square in Bloomsbury, blending historic charm with serene green spaces in central London.
Persephone books
0.3 km
Explore the unique literary treasures of Persephone Books, a London bookshop dedicated to uncovering forgotten works by women authors.
Curzon Bloomsbury
0.3 km
Discover world-class arthouse cinema and documentary premieres at Curzon Bloomsbury, nestled in the iconic Brunswick Centre.
The Lamb
0.3 km
Step into The Lamb on Lamb's Conduit Street, a Georgian gem with Victorian charm, famed for its snob screens, real ales, and literary heritage.
Bloomsbury Square Garden
0.3 km
Discover Bloomsbury Square Garden, London's serene historic square blending 17th-century heritage with tranquil green space in the heart of Bloomsbury.
Brunswick Square Gardens
0.3 km
Historic Bloomsbury garden where literary giants walked beneath ancient plane trees and bohemian dreams took root.
Coram's Fields
0.3 km
A historic seven-acre playground and community hub in London dedicated exclusively to children and young people.
Smallest Street in London
0.3 km
Discover Emerald Court, London’s famously narrow alley, a hidden passage steeped in history and architectural contrasts in Bloomsbury.
The Brunswick Centre
0.4 km
A Grade II listed modernist residential and shopping complex blending architecture, community, and culture in Bloomsbury, London.
The British Museum
0.4 km
Explore over two million years of human history and culture beneath the iconic Greek Revival façade and stunning Great Court of the British Museum.
Foundling Museum
0.4 km
Explore the Foundling Museum, where art, music, and history unite to tell the story of Britain’s first children’s charity and its enduring legacy.
St George's Church, Bloomsbury.
0.5 km
Discover St George’s Church, Bloomsbury, Hawksmoor’s last English Baroque masterpiece crowned by its iconic stepped spire and rich historical legacy.
Princess Louise
0.5 km
Experience the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of Princess Louise, a must-visit gastropub in London's Holborn district.
Charles Dickens Museum
0.5 km
Step into the Victorian world of Charles Dickens at his only surviving London home, where literary history and personal stories come alive.
Essential places to dine
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
0.7 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Margot
0.8 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Circus
0.8 km
Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
0.9 km
Lively Japanese izakaya in Covent Garden famed for its signature bao buns, vibrant atmosphere, and innovative pan-Asian small plates.
Sarastro
0.9 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
The Ninth
0.9 km
Michelin-starred modern French cuisine with Mediterranean flair in Fitzrovia’s chic and relaxed dining hotspot.
Inamo Covent Garden
0.9 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
0.9 km
Savor expertly grilled British steaks and vibrant seafood in a historic Covent Garden brewery setting with atmospheric charm and refined cocktails.
Noble Rot Soho
1.0 km
A Soho gem blending historic charm with modern European cuisine and an exceptional, accessible wine list in a cozy, clubby setting.
La Bodega Negra Restaurant
1.0 km
Experience daring Mexican cuisine and vibrant nightlife in Soho’s provocative La Bodega Negra, where edgy ambiance meets inventive flavors.
Balthazar
1.0 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Sussex Bar & Restaurant
1.0 km
A vibrant Soho bistro blending Sussex countryside flavors with London’s energy, featuring seasonal British dishes and curated wines.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
1.0 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Palm Court Brasserie
1.1 km
Experience authentic Parisian charm and classic French cuisine in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden at Palm Court Brasserie.
Quo Vadis
1.1 km
An iconic Soho dining destination blending refined modern British cuisine with elegant historical charm and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fancy That of London
0.5 km
Discover unique London souvenirs and charming keepsakes in a warm, inviting shop just opposite the British Museum on Great Russell Street.
not just a shop
0.6 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
0.8 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures from the 1920s to the 1980s in Covent Garden’s iconic Blackout II boutique.
Pop Boutique
0.8 km
Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
Primark
0.8 km
Discover unbeatable fashion and homeware bargains across multiple floors at Primark Oxford Street, London’s premier budget shopping destination.
Rokit Covent Garden
0.8 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
Good
0.9 km
Discover sustainable style with curated preloved vintage and designer fashion at Good London’s Seven Dials shop.
London Silver Vaults
0.9 km
The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
Oxford Street Gift Shop
0.9 km
A lively and colorful gift shop on Oxford Street offering quintessential London souvenirs with a vibrant atmosphere and a hint of retail adventure.
Urban Outfitters
0.9 km
Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
Goldsmith Vintage
0.9 km
Iconic Soho vintage shop since 1990: two floors of handpicked retro dresses, blazers, bags & accessories from decades past, with sales from £10.95.
Brandy Melville - Covent Garden
0.9 km
Trendy Italian-LA fusion on Neal Street: one-size-fits-most chic for the effortless Covent Garden style seeker.
Radha's Boutique
1.0 km
A small, curated Soho boutique offering tactile womenswear and accessories with friendly, personalised service in the heart of central London.
Foyles
1.0 km
London's legendary independent bookshop where literary heritage meets contemporary retail excellence.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
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Discover Japanese minimalism in Covent Garden: timeless clothing, sustainable homewares, and functional stationery for clutter-free, mindful living.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Fitz's Russell Sq.
0.2 km
Discover Fitz's Russell Square, a glamorous cocktail bar blending Victorian elegance with modern British cuisine in the heart of Bloomsbury.
The Duke
0.4 km
A classic Bloomsbury pub offering warm hospitality, traditional drinks, and hearty British fare in a cozy setting.
The Coral Room
0.7 km
Experience 1920s-inspired glamour and expertly crafted cocktails in the vibrant coral-hued heart of Bloomsbury Hotel.
The Escapologist Bar
0.9 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired underground bar in Covent Garden where theatrical cocktails and lively entertainment create unforgettable nights.
The Black Horse - Pub & Cocktail Bar
0.9 km
Experience the perfect blend of traditional pub charm and stylish cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife.
Be At One - Russell Street
1.0 km
Covent Garden’s vibrant cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, late-night parties, and unbeatable 2-for-1 happy hours in a stylish basement setting.
The Little Scarlet Door
1.0 km
Step through the scarlet door to a playful Soho loft bar alive with inventive cocktails, secret rooms, and a lively house party vibe.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Fitzrovia
1.0 km
A vibrant, punk-inspired basement bar in Fitzrovia serving inventive cocktails and lively nights with flair and fun.
Prelude by Oriole
1.0 km
A refined Covent Garden cocktail bar blending innovative drinks, Latin American fusion cuisine, and live music in a stylish Asian-inspired setting.
Thirst Bar Soho
1.0 km
Compact Soho cocktail bar by day, pulsing DJ‑led club by night—cheap cocktails, leather booths and a lively basement scene.
Swift Soho
1.0 km
Soho's split-level cocktail gem: aperitivo elegance upstairs, whisky-laced intimacy below, with live jazz and legendary mixes drawing night owls to Old Compton Street.
Bar Termini
1.0 km
An intimate Soho gem blending Italian cocktail artistry with a cozy, elegant atmosphere in London’s vibrant West End.
Simmons Bar | Soho
1.0 km
Soho's kitsch cocktail den with epic happy hours, retro karaoke vibes, and two floors of nostalgic nightlife fun.
The Spice Of Life
1.0 km
Historic Soho pub and live music venue blending traditional charm with vibrant nightlife and boutique hotel comforts.
Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
1.1 km
Glamorous Covent Garden cocktail haven pulsing with martini magic, bottomless brunches, and late-night DJ vibes under sparkling chandeliers.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Carwash Nightclub
0.7 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
0.7 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
The Roxy
0.8 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
0.9 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
La Capannina Club
1.0 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
Club49Soho
1.0 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
The Ivy Club
1.0 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
1.1 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
101 Nightclub London
1.1 km
Soho's raw Saturday night pulse: intimate beats, crowded floors, and unfiltered London club energy on Wardour Street.
Bordello London
1.1 km
Dive into Soho's seductive basement beats at Bordello London, where Wardour Street's nightlife legacy ignites late-night frenzy on weekends.
St Moritz Club
1.2 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
Sophisticats Soho
1.3 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
Zoo Bar & Club
1.3 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
Versity Camp Nightclub
1.3 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
The Box Soho
1.3 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
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
