Torrington Square: A Historic University Green in Bloomsbury
A tranquil university-owned garden square in Bloomsbury blending historic heritage with academic vibrancy and green respite.
Torrington Square is a tranquil, rectangular garden square in Bloomsbury, central London, owned and maintained by the University of London. Surrounded by notable university buildings including Birkbeck College, the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), and dominated by the iconic Senate House, it offers a peaceful green space with gravel paths, formal grass plots, and ivy. The square hosts a weekly farmers' market and commemorates the university’s rich academic heritage with a symbolic globe unveiled by Princess Anne.
A brief summary to Torrington Square
- Torrington Square, London, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on Thursdays to experience the lively weekly farmers' market offering fresh local produce.
- Take time to admire the symbolic globe outside Birkbeck College, commemorating the University of London’s external system.
- Explore nearby Bloomsbury squares like Gordon Square and Russell Square for a broader sense of the area’s historic charm.
- Look out for the legacy of notable residents such as John Desmond Bernal and the Picasso mural linked to Torrington Square’s cultural past.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Central Line to Holborn station, approximately a 10-15 minute walk to Torrington Square. The station is well-served and accessible, with frequent trains and no entrance fees.
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Bus
Bus routes 7, 8, 19, 25, and 38 stop near Russell Square or Tottenham Court Road, both within a 10-12 minute walk of Torrington Square. Single fares cost £1.75 with an Oyster or contactless card.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
A taxi or ride-hailing service from central London locations typically takes 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares around £8-£15. Note that parking is limited and traffic congestion common.
Torrington Square location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Torrington Square
Origins and Urban Development of Torrington Square
Torrington Square was developed in the early 19th century as part of the Bedford Estate’s expansion in Bloomsbury, London. Constructed between 1821 and 1828 by architect James Sim, it formed part of a broader urbanisation that replaced farmland with elegant terraces and garden squares. The square’s layout and street pattern have remained largely intact since the 1830s, reflecting the Georgian and early Victorian vision for a genteel residential quarter. Over time, the area transitioned from residential to institutional use, particularly with the University of London acquiring and redeveloping much of the square’s property.University of London’s Influence and Architectural Landmarks
Today, Torrington Square is predominantly non-residential, owned by the University of London. The southern end is dominated by Senate House, a landmark Art Deco building completed in the 1930s that was London’s first skyscraper and remains an iconic symbol of the university. Alongside Senate House, the square is flanked by Birkbeck College and SOAS, institutions known for their academic excellence and cultural diversity. The university’s presence has shaped the square’s character, blending historic architecture with modern educational facilities.Cultural Significance and Notable Residents
Torrington Square holds significant cultural history. Notably, John Desmond Bernal, a pioneering molecular biologist and communist, lived at No. 22, where Pablo Picasso painted a mural in 1950 during a visit en route to a World Peace Congress. This artwork is now part of the Wellcome Trust collection and was exhibited at Tate Britain. The poet Christina Rossetti also resided here until her death in 1894, adding literary heritage to the square’s legacy.Green Space and Community Activities
Despite its urban setting, Torrington Square offers a serene green oasis with gravel paths, formal grass plots, and ivy, evoking a subtle French garden atmosphere. The square is a popular spot for relaxation amid the city bustle and hosts a weekly farmers' market on Thursdays, fostering a community spirit. A symbolic globe on the lawn outside Birkbeck College commemorates the 150th anniversary of the University of London External System, unveiled by Princess Anne in 2008.Visitor Experience and Surroundings
Visitors to Torrington Square can enjoy a quiet retreat surrounded by academic vibrancy. The square’s proximity to other Bloomsbury landmarks such as Russell Square and Gordon Square enhances its appeal. Outdoor seating areas and nearby cafes provide comfortable spots to soak in the scholarly atmosphere. The blend of historic and modern elements, alongside cultural anecdotes, makes Torrington Square a unique urban green space within London’s intellectual heart.Preservation and Contemporary Role
While much of the original residential fabric has been replaced by university buildings, Torrington Square remains a protected and cherished green space. It serves as a reminder of Bloomsbury’s layered history—from Georgian urban planning to its role as an academic and cultural hub. The square continues to be a site of quiet reflection, cultural memory, and community engagement within central London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Pancras New Church
0.5 km
A majestic Greek Revival church in London, blending ancient Athenian design with rich history and vibrant community life.
Euston War Memorial
0.6 km
A solemn 13-meter obelisk and bronze statues honor London’s railway workers who sacrificed their lives in World War I.
Statue of Thomas Coram
0.7 km
A seated bronze tribute to the philanthropist who saved thousands of abandoned children from London's streets.
Sicilian Avenue
0.8 km
Discover Sicilian Avenue, a serene Edwardian pedestrian street in London blending Italianate architecture with charming shops and tranquil ambiance.
Denmark St
0.8 km
Britain's legendary Tin Pan Alley where rock and roll history was written in every studio, café, and guitar shop.
190 High Holborn
0.8 km
A modern office landmark in central London, blending contemporary design with strategic connectivity near historic Holborn.
Plaque: Tin Pan Alley & La Giaconda cafe
0.8 km
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.
Smallest Street in London
0.9 km
Discover Emerald Court, London's famously narrow 26-inch alley in Bloomsbury, a hidden historic gem weaving through Georgian and modern London.
covent Garden ,
0.9 km
Explore Covent Garden's vibrant atmosphere filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment in the heart of London.
Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
0.9 km
Discover Neal’s Yard, a colorful hidden courtyard in Covent Garden transformed from dereliction into a thriving hub of community, sustainability, and alternative culture.
Seven Dials
1.0 km
A star-shaped Georgian quarter blending historic charm with contemporary culture, boutiques, and dining.
Historic Seven Dials
1.0 km
Discover Seven Dials, a historic London quarter where seven streets meet at a unique sundial pillar, blending rich heritage with vibrant culture.
Self-Guided Audio Tour - London's Soho, Theatreland and Chinatown
1.0 km
Discover the rich culture and vibrant nightlife of London's Soho, Theatreland, and Chinatown with a self-guided audio tour.
Shaftesbury Ave
1.0 km
Discover London’s vibrant Shaftesbury Avenue, the epicenter of the West End's theatre scene, offering a myriad of shows, dining, and nightlife options.
The Photographers' Gallery
1.0 km
Explore the captivating world of photography at The Photographers' Gallery, London's premier destination for stunning exhibitions and engaging workshops.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gordon Sq
0.2 km
Tranquil Bloomsbury garden square steeped in literary history and academic heritage in central London.
Tavistock Square
0.3 km
A tranquil Georgian square in Bloomsbury, rich in literary history and peace memorials, embodying resilience and reflection in central London.
Bedford Square & Montague Pl
0.3 km
Discover the serene elegance and rich history of Bedford Square & Montague Place, London's finest Georgian architectural oasis in Bloomsbury.
University College London
0.4 km
Explore UCL's historic Bloomsbury campus, a beacon of innovation and inclusivity at the heart of London’s cultural and academic life.
Russell Sq
0.4 km
A peaceful Georgian garden square in Bloomsbury, blending historic charm with serene green spaces in central London.
Bedford Square Gardens
0.4 km
Discover Bedford Square Gardens, London’s finest Georgian square with elegant architecture and a tranquil, historic private garden.
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.
Pollocks Toy Museum
0.4 km
A whimsical journey through Victorian toys and childhood history in London’s charming Pollock’s Toy Museum.
Goodge St
0.5 km
Discover Goodge Street, a historic Fitzrovia street blending Georgian charm, wartime heritage, and vibrant urban life in central London.
Woburn Walk
0.5 km
Step into a Regency-era pedestrian street in Bloomsbury, where history, architecture, and literary legacy converge in a tranquil urban retreat.
The Brunswick Centre
0.5 km
A Grade II listed modernist residential and shopping complex blending architecture, community, and culture in Bloomsbury, London.
Curzon Bloomsbury
0.5 km
Discover world-class arthouse cinema and documentary premieres at Curzon Bloomsbury, nestled in the iconic Brunswick Centre.
Queen Square
0.5 km
A historic Bloomsbury square blending Georgian charm, royal ties, and a world-renowned medical heritage in tranquil garden surroundings.
Euston Square Gardens
0.5 km
A serene Victorian-era garden oasis nestled beside London’s bustling Euston Road and transport hub.
1 Queen Square
0.5 km
Historic Bloomsbury garden square renowned for medical heritage, tranquil gardens, and Georgian architecture.
Essential places to dine
The Ninth
0.5 km
Michelin-starred modern French cuisine with Mediterranean flair in Fitzrovia’s chic and relaxed dining hotspot.
Noble Rot Soho
0.8 km
A Soho gem blending historic charm with modern European cuisine and an exceptional, accessible wine list in a cozy, clubby setting.
Sussex Bar & Restaurant
0.9 km
A vibrant Soho bistro blending Sussex countryside flavors with London’s energy, featuring seasonal British dishes and curated wines.
Portland
0.9 km
Michelin-starred modern European dining in Fitzrovia, blending seasonal British ingredients with refined, creative flavors in an intimate setting.
Inamo
0.9 km
Experience futuristic Asian fusion dining with interactive tables and vibrant sharing plates in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
0.9 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Quo Vadis
0.9 km
An iconic Soho dining destination blending refined modern British cuisine with elegant historical charm and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Blanchette
1.0 km
Cozy Soho French bistro serving modern small plates, charcuterie, and exquisite cheese and honey pairings in a Parisian-inspired setting.
Circus
1.0 km
Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
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.
Hoppers Soho
1.0 km
Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and signature hoppers in a lively, intimate Soho setting bursting with authentic flavors and culture.
Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
1.0 km
Lively Japanese izakaya in Covent Garden famed for its signature bao buns, vibrant atmosphere, and innovative pan-Asian small plates.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
1.0 km
Savor expertly grilled British steaks and vibrant seafood in a historic Covent Garden brewery setting with atmospheric charm and refined cocktails.
Margot
1.0 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Social Eating House
1.1 km
Modern European dining in Soho with creative British flair, relaxed elegance, and an intimate chef’s counter experience.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fancy That of London
0.6 km
Discover unique London souvenirs and charming keepsakes in a warm, inviting shop just opposite the British Museum on Great Russell Street.
Primark
0.7 km
Discover unbeatable fashion and homeware bargains across multiple floors at Primark Oxford Street, London’s premier budget shopping destination.
Oxford Street Gift Shop
0.7 km
A lively and colorful gift shop on Oxford Street offering quintessential London souvenirs with a vibrant atmosphere and a hint of retail adventure.
Souvenir Shop
0.7 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs in the heart of London’s iconic Oxford Street.
Radha's Boutique
0.8 km
A small, curated Soho boutique offering tactile womenswear and accessories with friendly, personalised service in the heart of central London.
Goldsmith Vintage
0.8 km
Iconic Soho vintage shop since 1990: two floors of handpicked retro dresses, blazers, bags & accessories from decades past, with sales from £10.95.
Cool Britannia Oxford Street
0.9 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories in the heart of London at Cool Britannia Oxford Street.
House of secrets
0.9 km
Step into House of Secrets on Oxford Street and discover a magical world of Harry Potter collectibles and enchanting souvenirs in the heart of London.
Foyles
0.9 km
London's legendary independent bookshop where literary heritage meets contemporary retail excellence.
Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
0.9 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures from the 1920s to the 1980s in Covent Garden’s iconic Blackout II boutique.
Pop Boutique
0.9 km
Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
Neal's Yard Dairy (Covent Garden Shop)
0.9 km
Discover the finest British and Irish farmhouse cheeses matured to perfection in the heart of Covent Garden’s vibrant Neal’s Yard.
Berwick St
1.0 km
London's legendary market where 18th-century tradition meets contemporary street food culture and vinyl heritage.
Good
1.0 km
Discover sustainable style with curated preloved vintage and designer fashion at Good London’s Seven Dials shop.
Reckless Records
1.0 km
Discover music history and rare vinyl in the heart of Soho at Reckless Records, London’s iconic independent record shop.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Fitz's Russell Sq.
0.4 km
Discover Fitz's Russell Square, a glamorous cocktail bar blending Victorian elegance with modern British cuisine in the heart of Bloomsbury.
The Coral Room
0.6 km
Experience 1920s-inspired glamour and expertly crafted cocktails in the vibrant coral-hued heart of Bloomsbury Hotel.
The Black Horse - Pub & Cocktail Bar
0.7 km
Experience the perfect blend of traditional pub charm and stylish cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife.
Punch Room
0.7 km
An exclusive Fitzrovia cocktail bar where historic punch traditions meet innovative craft mixology in a cozy, club-like setting.
Cosy Cocktail Bar
0.8 km
A stylish speakeasy in King's Cross offering expertly crafted cocktails in a warm, intimate setting perfect for evenings and private events.
The Nellie Dean
0.9 km
A classic Soho pub blending traditional charm with lively local spirit and renowned for hearty pies and well-kept ales.
NQ64 Soho
0.9 km
Dive into a neon-lit world of retro arcade games and themed cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife scene.
The Little Scarlet Door
0.9 km
Step through the scarlet door to a playful Soho loft bar alive with inventive cocktails, secret rooms, and a lively house party vibe.
Thirst Bar Soho
0.9 km
Compact Soho cocktail bar by day, pulsing DJ‑led club by night—cheap cocktails, leather booths and a lively basement scene.
Simmons Bar | Soho
0.9 km
Soho's kitsch cocktail den with epic happy hours, retro karaoke vibes, and two floors of nostalgic nightlife fun.
Henson's Bar and Social
0.9 km
Soho's oak-panelled cocktail sanctuary: precise classics, inventive signatures, and fireside intimacy amid Frith Street's electric vibe.
The Duke
0.9 km
A classic Bloomsbury pub offering warm hospitality, traditional drinks, and hearty British fare in a cozy setting.
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.
The Escapologist Bar
1.0 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired underground bar in Covent Garden where theatrical cocktails and lively entertainment create unforgettable nights.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
101 Nightclub London
0.9 km
Soho's raw Saturday night pulse: intimate beats, crowded floors, and unfiltered London club energy on Wardour Street.
Bordello London
0.9 km
Dive into Soho's seductive basement beats at Bordello London, where Wardour Street's nightlife legacy ignites late-night frenzy on weekends.
La Capannina Club
0.9 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
The Roxy
0.9 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.
Club49Soho
0.9 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
St Moritz Club
0.9 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
0.9 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
1.0 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Carwash Nightclub
1.0 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
The Ivy Club
1.1 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Sunset night club
1.1 km
Dive into Soho's electric nightlife at Sunset Night Club, where thumping beats, craft cocktails, and dawn-chasing energy define unforgettable nights in London's vibrant core.
The Box Soho
1.1 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Versity Camp Nightclub
1.1 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.
Sophisticats Soho
1.1 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
1.2 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- 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
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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