Ludgate Circus
A historic London junction where myth, medieval walls and modern traffic meet at the foot of St Paul’s.
Ludgate Circus is a major traffic junction in the City of London where Fleet Street meets Ludgate Hill, Farringdon Street and New Bridge Street. Though now a busy urban crossroads, it marks the site of Ludgate, one of the original gates in the Roman and medieval London Wall. The name recalls the mythical King Lud, said to have rebuilt London in ancient times. Today, the area is a historic hub near St Paul’s Cathedral, Fleet Street’s legal and media district, and the old Fleet River, with subtle reminders of its past embedded in architecture and sculpture.
A brief summary to Ludgate Circus
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Look for the statues of King Lud and his sons in the niche at St Dunstan-in-the-West on Fleet Street, just a short walk from the circus.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the worst of the traffic and enjoy the area with fewer crowds.
- Combine a stop here with a walk up Ludgate Hill to St Paul’s Cathedral and along Fleet Street to explore London’s legal and media history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
From central London, take the Circle, District or Metropolitan line to Blackfriars station; from there, it’s about a 5-minute walk east along Queen Victoria Street and Fleet Street to reach Ludgate Circus.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the area, including the 4, 11, 15, 23, 26, 76 and 172, which stop near Ludgate Circus or on Fleet Street; the journey time from central points like Trafalgar Square is typically 10–20 minutes depending on traffic.
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Walking
From St Paul’s Cathedral, walk west down Ludgate Hill for about 5 minutes; the route is flat and well-paved, suitable for most visitors, and offers views of the cathedral and the surrounding City skyline.
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Taxi / Ride‑sharing
A taxi or ride‑sharing service from central London (e.g. Covent Garden or the Strand) typically takes 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic; drop‑off can be arranged on the edge of the junction near the pavement.
Ludgate Circus location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Ludgate Circus
Where the City Wall Once Stood
Ludgate Circus sits at the western edge of the old City of London, on the exact spot where Ludgate, one of the principal gates in the Roman and medieval London Wall, once stood. This gate controlled access from the west along the ancient road that ran from Londinium through what is now Fleet Street and Ludgate Hill. As the westernmost gate in the wall, it guarded the approach from the west and the crossing over the River Fleet, now buried beneath the streets. For centuries, Ludgate was a fortified gateway, rebuilt and modified through the Middle Ages and Tudor period, until it was finally demolished in the 1760s to ease traffic and widen the road.Myth, Memory and King Lud
The gate’s name comes from the legendary King Lud, a mythical British ruler said to have rebuilt and renamed the city Caer Lud – Lud’s fortress – which later evolved into London. Though there is no historical evidence for King Lud as a real person, his story, popularised by medieval chroniclers, became deeply woven into London’s identity. The gate itself was later rebuilt in the late 16th century with statues of Queen Elizabeth I and of King Lud with his two sons, linking Tudor authority with ancient myth. When Ludgate was taken down, these statues were preserved and can still be seen today in niches at St Dunstan-in-the-West on Fleet Street, a quiet echo of the gate’s former presence.A Crossroads of History and Traffic
Today, Ludgate Circus is a major road junction where Fleet Street, Ludgate Hill, Farringdon Street and New Bridge Street converge, just a short walk from St Paul’s Cathedral and the legal heart of the Temple. The area has long been a hub of movement: in Roman times, it was a key route west; in the Middle Ages and early modern period, it was a busy gateway and coaching point; and in the Victorian era, it was reshaped into the wide, traffic-heavy circus we see now. The junction’s layout reflects London’s evolution from a walled city to a sprawling metropolis, with trams, buses and cars now flowing through the same corridor once guarded by a stone gate.Hidden Traces in the Modern City
Though the gate is long gone, Ludgate’s legacy lives on in the city’s fabric. The names Ludgate Hill and Ludgate Circus keep the memory alive, and the nearby church of St Martin-within-Ludgate preserves a silver model of the 1586 gate. On Fleet Street, the statues of Elizabeth I and King Lud with his sons are tucked into the churchyard of St Dunstan-in-the-West, waiting to be discovered. Nearby buildings, including the former Old King Lud pub on Ludgate Circus, also feature sculpted faces of King Lud, a whimsical nod to the area’s mythical founder. These subtle details reward a closer look, turning a busy junction into a quiet pilgrimage for those interested in London’s layered past.At the Heart of London’s Story
Ludgate Circus is more than just a traffic node; it is a symbolic threshold between the old City and the westward expansion of London. It stands where rebels like Sir Thomas Wyatt were turned back in 1554, where coaches once set off for the west country, and where the River Fleet once flowed openly to the Thames. The area’s proximity to St Paul’s, the Inns of Court, and the Fleet Street press district places it at the centre of London’s political, legal and cultural history. For visitors, it offers a chance to stand on ground that has been a gateway, a battleground, a coaching point and now a modern crossroads, all within the same small patch of the capital.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ludgate Circus
0.0 km
Historic Victorian junction where London's ancient Ludgate once stood, blending rich legend, architecture, and urban vitality.
3 Gunpowder Square
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Victoria Embankment
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Queen Anne Statue
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Historic statue commemorating Queen Anne’s reign and the completion of St. Paul’s Cathedral, symbolizing Britain’s royal heritage and resilience.
Holborn Viaduct
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A grand Victorian bridge spanning London's hidden Fleet valley, blending engineering innovation with ornate artistry and rich history.
Hare Pl
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Discover Hare Place in Temple, London—a serene historic enclave steeped in centuries of legal tradition and architectural charm.
Temple Bar London
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Explore Temple Bar, London’s historic ceremonial gateway rebuilt by Christopher Wren, rich with royal heritage and striking 17th-century architecture.
The National Firefighters Memorial
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A solemn tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who served during the Blitz and beyond.
Prince Henry's Room
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Blackfriars Bridge
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Historic and widest Thames crossing in London, blending Victorian engineering with medieval heritage and stunning river views.
Sir William Wallace Memorial
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A solemn 1956 memorial to Scotland's greatest patriot, executed here in 1305 for resisting English rule.
King's Reach commemoration memorial
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Historic riverside memorial honoring King George V’s Silver Jubilee and the naming of London’s Thames stretch as 'King’s Reach'.
St Clement Danes Church
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Historic London church and Central Church of the Royal Air Force, famed for its Wren architecture, RAF memorials, and iconic 'Oranges and Lemons' bells.
South Bank Community Area
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Watling St
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Walk the ancient Roman road that shaped British history, from Boudica’s defeat to modern urban life.
Unmissable attractions to see
City of London Distillery & Bar
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Discover London’s historic gin distillery and cocktail bar, blending tradition, innovation, and over 130 gins in a stylish subterranean setting.
St Bride's Church, Fleet Street
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Discover the historic heart of Fleet Street, where journalism, printing, and London’s past converge in a stunning Wren-designed church.
Apothecaries' Hall
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Historic 17th-century livery hall near St Paul’s, blending rich heritage with elegant event spaces and timeless charm.
St Martin Ludgate
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Discover St Martin Ludgate, a serene Wren church blending Roman history and 17th-century elegance in the heart of London’s ancient city.
Church Entry
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Discover Church Entry, a narrow medieval alley in Blackfriars tracing the ancient Blackfriars Priory’s sacred church line beneath modern London.
Stationers' Hall
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Historic Grade I listed venue near St Paul’s Cathedral offering elegant event spaces and a secluded garden for weddings and corporate events.
The Blackfriar
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A Grade II* listed Art Nouveau pub on the site of a medieval Dominican friary, packed with friar-themed carvings, mosaics, and stained glass in the heart of London.
Fleet St
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Historic London street famed as the traditional home of British journalism, rich in literary heritage and hidden urban secrets.
Hodge The Cat Statue
0.3 km
Discover the charming bronze statue of Hodge, Samuel Johnson's beloved cat, perched on a dictionary in historic Gough Square, London.
Dr Johnson's House
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Step into the historic home of Samuel Johnson and explore the birthplace of the English dictionary in the heart of London’s literary past.
Shakespeare in the City Walk
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Discover Shakespeare’s London through hidden alleys, historic sites, and live performances on this immersive two-hour walking tour starting at Blackfriars Station.
The Viaduct Tavern, EC1
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Step into a lavish Victorian gin palace where London’s legal history and ghostly tales converge beneath ornate ceilings and historic cellars.
Holy Sepulchre Church
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Discover Holy Sepulchre London, the largest City parish church, famed as the National Musicians’ Church with centuries of history and vibrant worship.
John Wilkes statue
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Explore the dynamic bronze statue of John Wilkes on Fetter Lane, celebrating a fiery 18th-century champion of freedom and London’s political heritage.
St Dunstan-in-the-West
0.4 km
Discover St Dunstan-in-the-West, a neo-Gothic marvel on Fleet Street with a rich history spanning over a millennium and unique octagonal design.
Essential places to dine
Madison
0.6 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Sea Containers Restaurant
0.7 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
St. John
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Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Ikoyi Restaurant
0.8 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
0.8 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
0.8 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Sarastro
1.1 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Wahaca Southbank
1.1 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
1.1 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
1.2 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
Balthazar
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Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Margot
1.2 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Southbank Centre Food Market
1.3 km
A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering diverse global cuisines in a vibrant riverside setting.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
1.3 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Strada Southbank
1.3 km
Authentic Southern Italian flavors served with vibrant riverside views in the heart of London’s Southbank.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Twinings - The Strand
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Bankside Arches Boutique
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Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
0.7 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
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Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
j-me original design ltd
0.7 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
The Store X
0.8 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Sugar And Style
0.8 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
The Old Curiosity Shop
0.9 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
not just a shop
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Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
1 Poultry
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Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Barbican Shop
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Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
The Royal Exchange
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London Transport Museum - Shop
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Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Borough Yards
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Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
1.3 km
Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Parrot
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Doggett's Coat and Badge
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Lyaness
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The Chocolate Cocktail Club
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London’s intimate chocolate cocktail bar blending rich flavors, stylish ambiance, and over 20 unique chocolate-infused drinks.
The Understudy
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Plume Wine Bar
1.1 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
1.1 km
Shake up your night in Covent Garden with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclasses in a historic spot pulsing with theater-district energy.
Be At One - Russell Street
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Covent Garden’s vibrant cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, late-night parties, and unbeatable 2-for-1 happy hours in a stylish basement setting.
Beaufort Bar
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Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
American Bar
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Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
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Princess Louise
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honestfolk Cocktail Bar (Southbank Centre Food Market)
1.2 km
Seasonal cocktails and classics from a cozy mobile bar at Southbank Centre Food Market, where Thames breezes mingle with market buzz and craft libations.
Southbank Centre, Members Bar
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Elevated wine bar with Thames panoramas and cultured calm atop Royal Festival Hall—perfect for drinks amid London's arts heartbeat.
Crusting Pipe
1.3 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Historic
- Urban
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- 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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
