Soho Square
Historic Georgian square where aristocrats, scientists, and artists shaped London's cultural legacy
Soho Square is a historic Georgian garden square in the heart of London's Soho district, originally laid out in 1681 as King's Square. The central garden features a distinctive mock-Tudor market cross building (1926) and a statue of Charles II carved by Danish sculptor Caius Gabriel Cibber in 1681. Once home to aristocrats, French Huguenot refugees, and notable scientists including botanist Sir Joseph Banks, the square has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub surrounded by Georgian townhouses, media offices, and creative businesses. The square was transferred to public ownership in 1954 and remains a peaceful green oasis amid the bustling Soho neighborhood.
A brief summary to Soho Square
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during weekday mornings (9–11 AM) for the quietest experience; the square becomes busier with office workers and tourists during lunch hours and afternoons.
- Examine the blue plaques on the buildings surrounding the square to discover the notable residents who lived here, including botanists, artists, and scientists.
- The mock-Tudor market cross building at the garden's center, built in 1926, is a distinctive architectural feature worth photographing from multiple angles around the square.
- Explore the surrounding streets—Greek Street, Frith Street, and Dean Street—to see how the original street names reflect the developers and landowners of the 1680s.
- The French Protestant Church on the square's east side represents the area's historic French Huguenot community; its red-brick Victorian building is architecturally notable.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Tottenham Court Road station (Northern and Central lines) is approximately 400 meters northeast of Soho Square. Journey time from central London stations typically ranges from 5–15 minutes depending on origin. Exit the station and walk south through the streets toward the square; the journey on foot takes about 5–7 minutes. Service runs frequently throughout the day, with trains arriving every 2–5 minutes during peak hours.
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London Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area surrounding Soho Square, including routes 14, 19, 38, and 73, which stop on Oxford Street or nearby streets within 2–3 minutes' walk. Buses run throughout the day and evening; journey times from other parts of London vary from 15–45 minutes depending on traffic and origin point. Single journey fares are approximately £1.75 (off-peak) or £2.80 (peak hours) with contactless payment.
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Walking from Leicester Square
Leicester Square station (Piccadilly and Northern lines) is approximately 350 meters south of Soho Square. The walk takes 4–5 minutes heading north through Soho's characteristic narrow streets. This route passes through the vibrant heart of Soho and offers an immersive introduction to the neighborhood's character.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-share services (Uber, Bolt, Addison Lee) can drop passengers at the square or nearby streets. Journey times from central London locations typically range from 10–25 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Fares vary; typical costs from nearby areas range from £8–20. Note that Soho's narrow streets and pedestrian areas limit vehicle access to the immediate vicinity of the square.
Soho Square location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Soho Square
From Hunting Fields to Fashionable Square
Soho Square's origins trace back to the area's use as open hunting grounds, where the name 'Soho' likely derives from the 16th-century hunting cry 'So-Hoe.' Following the Great Fire of London in 1666, which destroyed two-thirds of the city and created enormous demand for new housing, the fields of Soho rapidly transformed from rural landscape into an fashionable residential destination. Development accelerated in the 1670s and 1680s, with Soho Square itself laid out in 1681 by Richard Frith, who had obtained a license from the Earl of St Albans, the landowner. The square was originally called King's Square in honor of Charles II, though it gradually became known as Soho Square by the early 18th century, with the name formally recognized on John Rocque's influential 1746 map of London.A Haven for Aristocracy and Refugees
By the 1690s, Soho Square contained 41 substantial brick and stone houses, attracting London's most distinguished residents. The Duke of Monmouth, Charles II's illegitimate son, built an extravagant residence on the south side around 1682, though he lived there only briefly before his execution in 1685 following his failed rebellion. The Earl of Fauconberg occupied Fauconberg House in the northeast corner from 1683 to 1700, and the Countess of Carlisle resided on the west side, her name preserved in Carlisle Street. The square's elegant Georgian architecture and prestigious address made it a magnet for the nobility and gentry throughout the 18th century. From around 1680 onwards, French Huguenots fleeing religious persecution began settling in Soho, transforming the area into London's French quarter. This immigrant community gave the neighborhood its distinctive cosmopolitan character, which persists today. The French Protestant Church, established on the square, remains a testament to this heritage, its current red-brick building designed by Aston Webb, the architect of the Victoria & Albert Museum.The Iconic Statue and Central Garden
At the heart of Soho Square stands a statue of Charles II, sculpted in 1681 by Caius Gabriel Cibber, a Danish artist and father of Poet Laureate Colley Cibber. Originally positioned above a fountain and basin with four figures representing the Thames, Severn, Tyne, and Humber rivers, the statue served as the square's centerpiece for nearly two centuries. In 1875, during alterations commissioned by Thomas Blackwell of the food firm Crosse & Blackwell, the fountain was demolished and the statue was removed for safekeeping, eventually finding its way to a country house north of London where it stood on an island in a lake. When dramatist W.S. Gilbert purchased that estate, his widow later bequeathed the statue back to Soho Square in 1938. The central garden remained closed to the public until 1954, when Soho Square Garden Committee transferred it to Westminster City Council. The distinctive mock-Tudor market cross building at the garden's center was constructed in 1926 and has become an iconic architectural feature of the square.Scientific Distinction and Cultural Evolution
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Soho Square attracted prominent scientists and creative figures. Sir Joseph Banks, the renowned botanist and President of the Royal Society for over 50 years, lived at number 32, where the Linnean Society of London met from 1821 to 1857. Banks was instrumental in transforming Kew Gardens into a world-leading botanical research center and advised King George III on scientific and agricultural policy. His colleagues Robert Brown and David Don, both distinguished botanists and librarians of the Linnean Society, also resided on the square. A blue plaque commemorates these three botanists at 31–32 Soho Square. The Victorian era saw Soho Square become a creative hub, with 11 artists living on the square in the mid-19th century. This artistic reputation continued into the 20th century, with publisher Rupert Hart-Davis, composer Benjamin Frankel, and antiquarian bookshops establishing themselves in the area. Today, the square's surrounding Georgian townhouses—many dating to the 18th century and including sixteen listed buildings—house media companies, music publishers, and creative businesses, maintaining the square's cultural significance.Commercial Enterprise and Transformation
In 1816, John Trotter, an army contractor who had amassed a fortune during the Napoleonic Wars, converted his warehouse at what is now 4–6 Soho Square into the Soho Bazaar, an indoor market offering craftwork created by the widows and daughters of army officers. The venture proved highly successful and attracted royal patronage, operating until 1885 before succumbing to competition from new shops opening on Oxford Street. The building's original warehouse structure remains visible from Dean Street. By the 19th century, the square's residents had shifted from aristocrats to professional men—lawyers, doctors, architects, and auctioneers—reflecting the broader evolution of Soho into a mixed-use neighborhood.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Plaque: Tin Pan Alley & La Giaconda cafe
0.2 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.
Denmark St
0.2 km
Britain's legendary Tin Pan Alley where rock and roll history was written in every studio, café, and guitar shop.
Historic Seven Dials
0.4 km
Discover Seven Dials, a historic London quarter where seven streets meet at a unique sundial pillar, blending rich heritage with vibrant culture.
Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
0.4 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.
covent Garden ,
0.5 km
Explore Covent Garden's vibrant atmosphere filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment in the heart of London.
The Photographers' Gallery
0.5 km
Explore the captivating world of photography at The Photographers' Gallery, London's premier destination for stunning exhibitions and engaging workshops.
Chinatown Gate
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of London's Chinatown at the iconic Chinatown Gate, a cultural gem filled with culinary delights and rich heritage.
Mercer Walk
0.5 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.
Spirit of Soho Mural
0.5 km
Discover the Spirit of Soho Mural, a captivating tribute to London's vibrant culture and artistic heritage in the heart of Soho.
Agatha Christie memorial
0.5 km
A captivating bronze tribute to Agatha Christie, celebrating her literary genius and theatrical legacy in London's vibrant theatre district.
Bedford Square & Montague Pl
0.5 km
Discover Bedford Square & Montague Place, a serene Georgian oasis in Bloomsbury with elegant architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Goodge St
0.5 km
Discover the charm of Goodge Street in London, where history meets vibrant culture, shopping, and diverse dining options.
Leicester Square
0.5 km
London's glittering entertainment epicentre where cinema, theatre, and street culture converge in the heart of the West End.
Harry Potter Statue
0.5 km
Where the boy wizard takes flight in London's cinematic heart—a bronze tribute to magic and movie history.
Golden Square
0.5 km
Discover the tranquility of Golden Square, a charming park in the heart of London, perfect for relaxation, picnics, and cultural experiences.
Unmissable attractions to see
Soho Square Gardens
0.0 km
A serene historic garden square in the heart of Soho, blending royal heritage with tranquil green space and vibrant cultural life.
#O hello sunshine Public Art Sculpture
0.0 km
A vibrant rainbow sculpture celebrating Soho’s LGBTQ+ community spirit and creativity in the heart of London’s cultural district.
Self-Guided London Beatles Tour
0.0 km
Explore London’s Beatles landmarks at your own pace with an immersive self-guided audio tour featuring iconic sites and hidden gems.
Victorian Penny Chute
0.1 km
Discover the Victorian Penny Chute in Soho—a charming historic coin chute that channels charity donations through time at the House of St Barnabas.
The Nellie Dean
0.1 km
Historic Soho pub serving classic ales and hearty pies in a lively, welcoming atmosphere since the 18th century.
1 Soho Place
0.1 km
Contemporary business park in the heart of Soho, blending modern workspaces with London's vibrant cultural scene.
Priscilla The Party
0.2 km
Experience the dazzling, immersive drag musical party inspired by Priscilla Queen of the Desert at HERE at Outernet, Soho’s cutting-edge venue.
Club49Soho
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Club49 Soho, a premier bar and live music venue in the heart of London's iconic Soho district.
Nose sculpture
0.2 km
Explore the Nose Sculpture in London, a quirky landmark that embodies creativity and invites playful interaction in the heart of the city.
Foyles
0.2 km
Explore Foyles, London's legendary bookshop, where literature, coffee, and culture blend seamlessly in a vibrant atmosphere.
Phoenix Theatre
0.2 km
Experience timeless West End theatre in the elegant, Italian-inspired Phoenix Theatre on Charing Cross Road, home to iconic productions since 1930.
Dominion Theatre
0.2 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.
12 Bar Club
0.2 km
Historic London music venue famed for intimate gigs, antifolk festivals, and a vibrant independent spirit on legendary Denmark Street.
Ronnie Scott's
0.2 km
Experience world-class live jazz nightly at Ronnie Scott’s, London’s legendary Soho club since 1959, where music history and vibrant atmosphere meet.
Phoenix Arts Club
0.2 km
West End's best-kept secret: intimate cabaret, burlesque, and theatre in a deliberately seductive speakeasy.
Essential places to dine
Noble Rot Soho
0.1 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
0.1 km
A vibrant Soho bistro blending Sussex countryside flavors with London’s energy, featuring seasonal British dishes and curated wines.
Quo Vadis
0.1 km
An iconic Soho dining destination blending refined modern British cuisine with elegant historical charm and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Inamo
0.2 km
Experience futuristic Asian fusion dining with interactive tables and vibrant sharing plates in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
Hoppers Soho
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and signature hoppers in a lively, intimate Soho setting bursting with authentic flavors and culture.
La Bodega Negra Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience daring Mexican cuisine and vibrant nightlife in Soho’s provocative La Bodega Negra, where edgy ambiance meets inventive flavors.
Blanchette
0.3 km
Cozy Soho French bistro serving modern small plates, charcuterie, and exquisite cheese and honey pairings in a Parisian-inspired setting.
Gauthier Soho
0.3 km
Innovative vegan French fine dining in a stylish Soho townhouse, blending tradition with plant-based creativity.
Meet Fresh
0.4 km
Authentic Taiwanese desserts in lively Soho, offering generous portions of mochi, taro balls, and refreshing fruit teas in a bustling urban setting.
Social Eating House
0.4 km
Modern European dining in Soho with creative British flair, relaxed elegance, and an intimate chef’s counter experience.
Andrew Edmunds Restaurant
0.4 km
A romantic Soho townhouse serving refined Franco-Mediterranean dishes with an acclaimed wine list in an intimate, candlelit setting.
New Loon Fung Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience authentic Cantonese dim sum and classic Chinese dishes in one of Chinatown’s largest, long-standing restaurants on bustling Gerrard Street.
The Ninth
0.4 km
Michelin-starred modern French cuisine with Mediterranean flair in Fitzrovia’s chic and relaxed dining hotspot.
Blacklock Soho
0.4 km
A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
Bantof
0.4 km
Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Radha's Boutique
0.1 km
A small, curated Soho boutique offering tactile womenswear and accessories with friendly, personalised service in the heart of central London.
Oxford Street Gift Shop
0.1 km
A lively and colorful gift shop on Oxford Street offering quintessential London souvenirs with a vibrant atmosphere and a hint of retail adventure.
Goldsmith Vintage
0.1 km
Iconic Soho vintage shop since 1990: two floors of handpicked retro dresses, blazers, bags & accessories from decades past, with sales from £10.95.
Primark
0.2 km
Discover unbeatable fashion and homeware bargains across multiple floors at Primark Oxford Street, London’s premier budget shopping destination.
Souvenir Shop
0.2 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs in the heart of London’s iconic Oxford Street.
Pop Up 38
0.3 km
A compact, curated boutique on Broadwick Street offering rotating seasonal pieces and design-led accessories in the heart of Soho.
La Boutik
0.3 km
Soho's chic haven for European designer imports on buzzing Dean Street—unique fashion finds in London's creative epicenter.
Glassworks London - Soho
0.3 km
Discover limited-edition London fashion at Glassworks Soho: quality designs, weekly drops, and timeless style on vibrant Berwick Street.
JW Anderson London Soho
0.3 km
Soho's avant-garde flagship: minimalist Shaker-inspired space brimming with gender-fluid luxury fashion, artisanal homewares, and exclusive collaborations.
Machine-A
0.4 km
Small but influential Soho boutique showcasing curated avant‑garde and emerging fashion with gallery‑like presentation.
Cool Britannia Oxford Street
0.4 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories in the heart of London at Cool Britannia Oxford Street.
House of secrets
0.4 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.
Neal's Yard Dairy (Covent Garden Shop)
0.4 km
Discover the finest British and Irish farmhouse cheeses matured to perfection in the heart of Covent Garden’s vibrant Neal’s Yard.
CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
0.5 km
Discover avant-garde menswear from global designers in Soho's vibrant heart – unique finds for the bold dresser at Closet Case.
Good
0.5 km
Discover sustainable style with curated preloved vintage and designer fashion at Good London’s Seven Dials shop.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Thirst Bar Soho
0.1 km
Compact Soho cocktail bar by day, pulsing DJ‑led club by night—cheap cocktails, leather booths and a lively basement scene.
The Little Scarlet Door
0.1 km
Step through the scarlet door to a playful Soho loft bar alive with inventive cocktails, secret rooms, and a lively house party vibe.
Henson's Bar and Social
0.1 km
Soho's oak-panelled cocktail sanctuary: precise classics, inventive signatures, and fireside intimacy amid Frith Street's electric vibe.
Simmons Bar | Soho
0.1 km
Soho's kitsch cocktail den with epic happy hours, retro karaoke vibes, and two floors of nostalgic nightlife fun.
The Black Horse - Pub & Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
Experience the perfect blend of traditional pub charm and stylish cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife.
Swift Soho
0.2 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.
The Black Book
0.2 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.
Basement Sate
0.2 km
Discover Soho’s chic basement bar where decadent desserts meet expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, stylish setting.
Bar Termini
0.2 km
An intimate Soho gem blending Italian cocktail artistry with a cozy, elegant atmosphere in London’s vibrant West End.
NQ64 Soho
0.3 km
Dive into a neon-lit world of retro arcade games and themed cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife scene.
The Coral Room
0.3 km
Experience 1920s-inspired glamour and expertly crafted cocktails in the vibrant coral-hued heart of Bloomsbury Hotel.
Punch Room
0.3 km
An exclusive Fitzrovia cocktail bar where historic punch traditions meet innovative craft mixology in a cozy, club-like setting.
The Blind Pig at Social Eating House
0.4 km
Soho's hidden speakeasy gem: storybook cocktails and Michelin bites in Prohibition-style elegance.
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
0.4 km
Discover a hidden Soho speakeasy blending 1920s Shanghai charm with inventive cocktails and exquisite dim sum in London’s Chinatown.
Duke of Argyll
0.4 km
Step into the Duke of Argyll for authentic Victorian pub charm, affordable ales, and a warm Soho atmosphere in central London.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
La Capannina Club
0.1 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
St Moritz Club
0.2 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
101 Nightclub London
0.3 km
Soho's raw Saturday night pulse: intimate beats, crowded floors, and unfiltered London club energy on Wardour Street.
Bordello London
0.3 km
Dive into Soho's seductive basement beats at Bordello London, where Wardour Street's nightlife legacy ignites late-night frenzy on weekends.
The Box Soho
0.3 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.3 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.
Sophisticats Soho
0.3 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
Sunset night club
0.4 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 Ivy Club
0.4 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
The Roxy
0.4 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.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
0.5 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
0.5 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.5 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.
The Penthouse London
0.5 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.5 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
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Historic
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
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
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
