Bedford Square & Montague Place: A Georgian Architectural Gem in Bloomsbury
Discover Bedford Square & Montague Place, a serene Georgian oasis in Bloomsbury with elegant architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Bedford Square & Montague Place in London’s Bloomsbury district represent one of the finest and best-preserved examples of Georgian architecture in the city. Built between 1775 and 1783 as a prestigious residential area by the Dukes of Bedford, the square features uniform terraced townhouses designed by Thomas Leverton. Today, it hosts cultural institutions and retains its serene elegance, with a private central garden opened annually to the public.
A brief summary to Bedford Square & Montague Pl
- London, WC1B 3RF, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during the Open Garden Squares Weekend to access the private central garden and enjoy its tranquil beauty.
- Explore the surrounding Bloomsbury area to see other historic squares and cultural landmarks like the British Museum.
- Look for blue plaques on buildings to learn about notable past residents, including scientists and politicians.
- Admire the uniform Georgian facades and Coade stone doorcases, a hallmark of Bedford Square’s unique architectural style.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
Take the London Underground to Tottenham Court Road station, which is approximately a 4 to 6-minute walk from Bedford Square. The station is served by the Central and Northern lines, with frequent services throughout the day. Tickets cost between £2.40 and £6.00 depending on travel zones and ticket type.
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Bus
Use local bus routes stopping at Great Russell Street, about a 4-minute walk from Bedford Square. Buses run regularly during the day, with single fares around £1.75 using contactless payment or Oyster card.
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Train
London Euston railway station is roughly a 20-minute walk from Bedford Square. It serves regional and national rail services. Walking is straightforward but may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to Bedford Square offers a pleasant experience through Bloomsbury’s historic streets. Terrain is flat and accessible, suitable for most visitors.
Bedford Square & Montague Pl location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Bedford Square & Montague Pl
Origins and Architectural Vision
Bedford Square was developed between 1775 and 1783 on land owned by the Russell family, Dukes of Bedford, who played a pivotal role in shaping Bloomsbury’s urban landscape. The square was designed by architect Thomas Leverton, whose ‘palace front’ style gave the terraced houses a grand, unified appearance resembling a single country mansion. Builders William Scott and Robert Grews executed the project, which was intended as an upper middle-class residential enclave. The square’s architectural uniformity and the use of Coade stone for ornate doorcases set a design precedent for London’s garden squares.Historical Significance and Notable Residents
Throughout its history, Bedford Square has been home to many distinguished figures, including Lord Chancellor Lord Eldon and scientist Henry Cavendish, discoverer of hydrogen. The square’s buildings are almost all Grade I listed, reflecting their architectural and historical importance. The east side of the square was particularly desirable, backing onto the gardens of Montague House, the original site of the British Museum’s first building. Montague House itself was a grand 17th-century French-style mansion, rebuilt after a fire and later replaced by the British Museum’s current neoclassical complex.The Garden and Urban Landscape
At the heart of Bedford Square lies a private garden, originally enclosed and gated until the late 19th century. The garden’s design evolved over time, featuring London plane trees that now dominate its canopy. Although the garden remains private, it opens to the public annually during the Open Garden Squares Weekend, offering a rare glimpse into this tranquil green space. The square’s layout and landscaping have influenced the development of many other London garden squares, maintaining a peaceful oasis amid the bustling city.Modern Use and Cultural Presence
Today, Bedford Square’s elegant Georgian townhouses primarily serve as offices and cultural institutions, including the Sotheby’s Institute of Art and Yale University Press. The square remains a vibrant hub in Bloomsbury, adjacent to the British Museum and surrounded by academic and cultural landmarks. Its serene atmosphere and architectural beauty make it a favored spot for visitors interested in London’s heritage.Montague Place and Its Historical Context
Montague Place, adjoining Bedford Square, carries the legacy of Montagu House, built in the late 17th century by Ralph Montagu. This French-style mansion was one of London’s finest private houses of its time and became the British Museum’s first home. The area around Montague Place and Bedford Square reflects centuries of urban evolution, from farmland and orchards in medieval times to a distinguished cultural quarter today.Preservation and Legacy
Bedford Square stands as one of London’s most complete Georgian squares, with most buildings retaining their original facades and protected status. The survival of its elliptical iron railings during wartime scrap metal drives is a testament to its cultural value. The square’s preservation efforts continue to honor its architectural heritage while adapting to contemporary uses, ensuring Bedford Square remains a quintessential example of London’s historic urban fabric.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Denmark St
0.5 km
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
0.5 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.
190 High Holborn
0.6 km
A modern office landmark in central London, blending contemporary design with strategic connectivity near historic Holborn.
Sicilian Avenue
0.6 km
Discover Sicilian Avenue, a serene Edwardian pedestrian street in London blending Italianate architecture with charming shops and tranquil ambiance.
Seven Dials
0.7 km
A star-shaped Georgian quarter blending historic charm with contemporary culture, boutiques, and dining.
Historic Seven Dials
0.7 km
Discover Seven Dials, a historic London quarter where seven streets meet at a unique sundial pillar, blending rich heritage with vibrant culture.
Shaftesbury Ave
0.7 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.
Self-Guided Audio Tour - London's Soho, Theatreland and Chinatown
0.7 km
Discover the rich culture and vibrant nightlife of London's Soho, Theatreland, and Chinatown with a self-guided audio tour.
Fitzroy Square
0.8 km
Discover the serene beauty of Fitzroy Square, a historic garden square in London, where elegance meets tranquility amidst the city's vibrant energy.
The Smallest Gallery in Soho
0.8 km
Discover unique contemporary art at The Smallest Gallery in Soho, London - an intimate space showcasing emerging talents and established artists.
Mercer Walk
0.8 km
Experience the enchanting Mercer Walk in London, a charming alley brimming with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and artistic flair that captures the city's spirit.
Woburn Walk
0.8 km
London's first pedestrianized shopping street, a beautifully preserved Regency gem in literary Bloomsbury.
Statue of Thomas Coram
0.8 km
A seated bronze tribute to the philanthropist who saved thousands of abandoned children from London's streets.
Soho
0.8 km
London's pulsating heart of nightlife, cuisine, and cultural reinvention where bohemian heritage meets contemporary glamour.
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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bedford Square Gardens
0.1 km
Discover Bedford Square Gardens, London’s finest Georgian square with elegant architecture and a tranquil, historic private garden.
The British Museum
0.2 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.
Torrington Square
0.3 km
A tranquil university-owned garden square in Bloomsbury blending historic heritage with academic vibrancy and green respite.
Hasdan
0.3 km
Discover Hasdan, a vibrant cultural attraction nestled in the heart of London’s dynamic Tottenham Court Road district.
Dominion Theatre
0.3 km
Step into the spotlight at Dominion Theatre, London’s grand West End venue hosting blockbuster musicals like The Devil Wears Prada in a stunning art deco setting.
Goodge St
0.4 km
Discover Goodge Street, a historic Fitzrovia street blending Georgian charm, wartime heritage, and vibrant urban life in central London.
Pollocks Toy Museum
0.4 km
A whimsical journey through Victorian toys and childhood history in London’s charming Pollock’s Toy Museum.
St George's Church, Bloomsbury.
0.4 km
Discover St George’s Church, Bloomsbury, Hawksmoor’s last English Baroque masterpiece crowned by its iconic stepped spire and rich historical legacy.
Russell Sq
0.4 km
A peaceful Georgian garden square in Bloomsbury, blending historic charm with serene green spaces in central London.
1 Soho Place
0.4 km
Contemporary business park in the heart of Soho, blending modern workspaces with London's vibrant cultural scene.
The Shaftesbury Theatre
0.5 km
Experience iconic West End theatre in a historic, steel-framed London venue renowned for its rich heritage and outstanding performances.
Priscilla The Party
0.5 km
Experience the dazzling, immersive drag musical party inspired by Priscilla Queen of the Desert at HERE at Outernet, Soho’s cutting-edge venue.
12 Bar Club
0.5 km
Historic London music venue famed for intimate gigs, antifolk festivals, and a vibrant independent spirit on legendary Denmark Street.
Bloomsbury Square Garden
0.5 km
Discover Bloomsbury Square Garden, London's serene historic square blending 17th-century heritage with tranquil green space in the heart of Bloomsbury.
Goodge Place Market
0.5 km
Discover Fitzrovia’s hidden gem for gourmet street food, vibrant atmosphere, and a perfect lunchtime escape in central London.
Essential places to dine
The Ninth
0.4 km
Michelin-starred modern French cuisine with Mediterranean flair in Fitzrovia’s chic and relaxed dining hotspot.
Noble Rot Soho
0.5 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
0.6 km
A vibrant Soho bistro blending Sussex countryside flavors with London’s energy, featuring seasonal British dishes and curated wines.
Quo Vadis
0.7 km
An iconic Soho dining destination blending refined modern British cuisine with elegant historical charm and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
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.
La Bodega Negra Restaurant
0.7 km
Experience daring Mexican cuisine and vibrant nightlife in Soho’s provocative La Bodega Negra, where edgy ambiance meets inventive flavors.
Circus
0.7 km
Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
Inamo
0.7 km
Experience futuristic Asian fusion dining with interactive tables and vibrant sharing plates in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
0.7 km
Lively Japanese izakaya in Covent Garden famed for its signature bao buns, vibrant atmosphere, and innovative pan-Asian small plates.
Hoppers Soho
0.7 km
Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and signature hoppers in a lively, intimate Soho setting bursting with authentic flavors and culture.
Blanchette
0.7 km
Cozy Soho French bistro serving modern small plates, charcuterie, and exquisite cheese and honey pairings in a Parisian-inspired setting.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
0.7 km
Savor expertly grilled British steaks and vibrant seafood in a historic Covent Garden brewery setting with atmospheric charm and refined cocktails.
Gauthier Soho
0.8 km
Innovative vegan French fine dining in a stylish Soho townhouse, blending tradition with plant-based creativity.
Margot
0.8 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Social Eating House
0.8 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
0.3 km
Discover unique London souvenirs and charming keepsakes in a warm, inviting shop just opposite the British Museum on Great Russell Street.
Primark
0.4 km
Discover unbeatable fashion and homeware bargains across multiple floors at Primark Oxford Street, London’s premier budget shopping destination.
Oxford Street Gift Shop
0.4 km
A lively and colorful gift shop on Oxford Street offering quintessential London souvenirs with a vibrant atmosphere and a hint of retail adventure.
Radha's Boutique
0.5 km
A small, curated Soho boutique offering tactile womenswear and accessories with friendly, personalised service in the heart of central London.
Souvenir Shop
0.5 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs in the heart of London’s iconic Oxford Street.
Goldsmith Vintage
0.5 km
Iconic Soho vintage shop since 1990: two floors of handpicked retro dresses, blazers, bags & accessories from decades past, with sales from £10.95.
Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
0.6 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures from the 1920s to the 1980s in Covent Garden’s iconic Blackout II boutique.
Pop Boutique
0.6 km
Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
Good
0.7 km
Discover sustainable style with curated preloved vintage and designer fashion at Good London’s Seven Dials shop.
The Brunswick Centre
0.7 km
Iconic brutalist shopping and cultural hub where modernist architecture meets vibrant urban life in Bloomsbury.
Cool Britannia Oxford Street
0.7 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories in the heart of London at Cool Britannia Oxford Street.
House of secrets
0.7 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.
Paul A Young Fine Chocolates
0.7 km
Artisan chocolate craftsmanship in the heart of Soho, where award-winning sea salted caramels and inventive flavours await.
Urban Outfitters
0.7 km
Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
Berwick St
0.7 km
London's legendary market where 18th-century tradition meets contemporary street food culture and vinyl heritage.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Coral Room
0.3 km
Experience 1920s-inspired glamour and expertly crafted cocktails in the vibrant coral-hued heart of Bloomsbury Hotel.
The Black Horse - Pub & Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Experience the perfect blend of traditional pub charm and stylish cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife.
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.
Punch Room
0.6 km
An exclusive Fitzrovia cocktail bar where historic punch traditions meet innovative craft mixology in a cozy, club-like setting.
The Little Scarlet Door
0.6 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
0.6 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
0.6 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
0.7 km
Soho's oak-panelled cocktail sanctuary: precise classics, inventive signatures, and fireside intimacy amid Frith Street's electric vibe.
Swift Soho
0.7 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.
NQ64 Soho
0.7 km
Dive into a neon-lit world of retro arcade games and themed cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Bar Termini
0.7 km
An intimate Soho gem blending Italian cocktail artistry with a cozy, elegant atmosphere in London’s vibrant West End.
The Escapologist Bar
0.7 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired underground bar in Covent Garden where theatrical cocktails and lively entertainment create unforgettable nights.
The Spice Of Life
0.7 km
Historic Soho pub and live music venue blending traditional charm with vibrant nightlife and boutique hotel comforts.
The Black Book
0.7 km
Soho's clandestine basement wine bar, pouring rare vintages by the glass alongside Mediterranean bites in a former members' club hideout—perfect for late-night indulgence.
The Coach & Horses, Soho
0.7 km
Historic Soho pub famed for its legendary landlord, literary clientele, and London’s first vegetarian and vegan menu.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
La Capannina Club
0.6 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
101 Nightclub London
0.6 km
Soho's raw Saturday night pulse: intimate beats, crowded floors, and unfiltered London club energy on Wardour Street.
Bordello London
0.6 km
Dive into Soho's seductive basement beats at Bordello London, where Wardour Street's nightlife legacy ignites late-night frenzy on weekends.
The Roxy
0.6 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.
St Moritz Club
0.7 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
0.7 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
0.7 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Ivy Club
0.8 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Carwash Nightclub
0.8 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Sunset night club
0.8 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
0.8 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.9 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
0.9 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
0.9 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.
Zoo Bar & Club
1.0 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Minimalist Designs
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
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
