Brunswick Square Gardens, Bloomsbury, London
A historic and tranquil garden oasis in Bloomsbury, featuring majestic plane trees and rich literary and charitable heritage.
Brunswick Square Gardens is a historic public garden in Bloomsbury, London, known for its serene atmosphere and rich heritage. Originally part of the Foundling Hospital estate, it was developed in the late 18th century and named after Queen Caroline of Brunswick. Today, the gardens feature majestic London plane trees, including one of the oldest in the city, and are surrounded by notable architecture such as the Brunswick Centre. Open during daylight hours, it offers a peaceful green space amid the bustling city.
A brief summary to Brunswick Square Gardens
- B504, London, WC1N 1AX, GB
- +442079741693
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 7:30 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 7:30 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 7:30 am-8 pm
- Thursday 7:30 am-8 pm
- Friday 7:30 am-8 pm
- Saturday 7:30 am-8 pm
- Sunday 7:30 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully enjoy the peaceful gardens and their natural beauty.
- Explore nearby cultural sites such as the Foundling Museum and Coram’s Fields for a deeper historical context.
- Look for the impressive London plane trees, especially the one recognized as one of the oldest in the city.
- Take time to appreciate the Brunswick Centre’s Brutalist architecture surrounding the gardens.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
Take the London Underground to Russell Square station on the Piccadilly Line; from there, it’s a 7-10 minute walk through Bloomsbury’s historic streets. The station is well-served, with frequent trains running throughout the day. No additional fare beyond standard Tube pricing applies.
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Bus
Several London bus routes serve the Bloomsbury area, including routes 7, 59, and 68. Bus stops near Brunswick Square provide easy access, with travel times varying depending on your starting point but typically ranging from 15 to 30 minutes from central London locations. Standard Transport for London fares apply.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop you off near Brunswick Square Gardens. Travel times from central London vary between 10 and 25 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares to range from £10 to £20. Note that parking in the immediate area is limited and often restricted.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in Bloomsbury or the West End, walking to Brunswick Square Gardens is a pleasant option. Depending on your location, expect a 10-20 minute walk on mostly flat, paved streets. The route offers views of Bloomsbury’s Georgian architecture and other garden squares.
Brunswick Square Gardens 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 Brunswick Square Gardens
Origins and Historical Significance
Brunswick Square Gardens trace their origins back to 1790 when the Governors of the Foundling Hospital, facing financial difficulties, decided to develop part of their estate to raise funds. The square was named after Caroline of Brunswick, wife of King George IV, notable as the only British Queen tried for adultery, a case she won. The gardens were laid out in the early 1800s, commissioned by the renowned builder James Burton. Although none of the original Georgian houses remain, the area retains deep historical ties to the Foundling Hospital and the social history of London’s charitable care for abandoned children.Landscape and Natural Features
The gardens are famed for their mature London plane trees, including one considered the second oldest in London and recognized as one of the Great Trees of Britain. The planting scheme originally included a variety of trees such as oak, beech, sweet chestnut, birch, and tulip trees, many of which have been maintained or replanted during refurbishments. The gardens are enclosed by traditional iron railings restored in the early 2000s, reflecting the park’s heritage and wartime history when original railings were removed for munitions production.Cultural and Literary Connections
The square has been home or nearby residence to several notable figures including writer E.M. Forster, who used a house on Brunswick Square as his London base during the 1930s, and John Ruskin, born nearby. The area also has links to the Bloomsbury Group, a collective of influential early 20th-century writers and intellectuals. The gardens and surrounding neighborhood have inspired literary works and continue to be a place of cultural significance in London.Modern-Day Use and Community Engagement
Today, Brunswick Square Gardens are open to the public during daylight hours and maintained by Camden Council. The Friends of Brunswick Square, formed in 2008, actively promote biodiversity by installing bird and bat boxes and encouraging wildlife-friendly planting. The gardens provide a tranquil urban oasis for relaxation, community events, and quiet enjoyment away from the busy city streets.Architectural Context and Surroundings
The gardens are overlooked by the iconic Brunswick Centre, a striking example of Brutalist architecture built between 1967 and 1972 and refurbished in the early 2000s. This complex combines residential flats with shops and restaurants, contributing to the vibrant character of the area. Nearby are other historic Bloomsbury landmarks, including the Foundling Museum and Coram’s Fields, a children’s charity park, reinforcing the neighborhood’s rich heritage and community spirit.Preservation and Legacy
Brunswick Square Gardens have remained a garden without statues for over two centuries, preserving their original character as a peaceful green space. Protected under the London Squares Preservation Act of 1931 and subsequent planning legislation, the gardens exemplify the city’s commitment to maintaining historic public spaces. Their ongoing care ensures that both locals and visitors can appreciate this unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture in central London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of Thomas Coram
0.1 km
A seated bronze tribute to the philanthropist who saved thousands of abandoned children from London's streets.
St Pancras New Church
0.6 km
A majestic Greek Revival church in London, blending ancient Athenian design with rich history and vibrant community life.
Sicilian Avenue
0.7 km
Discover Sicilian Avenue, a serene Edwardian pedestrian street in London blending Italianate architecture with charming shops and tranquil ambiance.
Euston War Memorial
0.8 km
A solemn 13-meter obelisk and bronze statues honor London’s railway workers who sacrificed their lives in World War I.
190 High Holborn
0.8 km
A modern office landmark in central London, blending contemporary design with strategic connectivity near historic Holborn.
Goodge St
1.1 km
Discover the charm of Goodge Street in London, where history meets vibrant culture, shopping, and diverse dining options.
covent Garden ,
1.1 km
Explore Covent Garden's vibrant atmosphere filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment in the heart of London.
The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn
1.1 km
Explore the rich history and serene beauty of The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn, a cornerstone of London's legal heritage.
St Giles in the Fields
1.1 km
Medieval leper hospital turned Palladian masterpiece—nearly 1000 years of London's sacred and troubled history
1 Soho Place
1.1 km
Explore 1 Soho Place: A vibrant business park in London's Soho, surrounded by eclectic eateries, shops, and cultural landmarks.
Denmark St
1.1 km
Britain's legendary Tin Pan Alley where rock and roll history was written in every studio, café, and guitar shop.
Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
1.1 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.
Plaque: Tin Pan Alley & La Giaconda cafe
1.2 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.
Bleeding Heart Yard
1.2 km
London's most haunted courtyard, where Gothic legend meets gritty Victorian history beneath ancient cobblestones.
Middlesex House
1.2 km
Experience the blend of modern business and historical charm at Middlesex House in London, a vibrant hub for tourists and professionals alike.
Unmissable attractions to see
Foundling Museum
0.1 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.
Curzon Bloomsbury
0.1 km
Discover world-class arthouse cinema and documentary premieres at Curzon Bloomsbury, nestled in the iconic Brunswick Centre.
The Brunswick Centre
0.2 km
A Grade II listed modernist residential and shopping complex blending architecture, community, and culture in Bloomsbury, London.
Coram's Fields
0.2 km
A historic seven-acre playground and community hub in London dedicated exclusively to children and young people.
The Lamb
0.2 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.
Queen Square
0.3 km
A historic Bloomsbury square blending Georgian charm, royal ties, and a world-renowned medical heritage in tranquil garden surroundings.
Persephone books
0.3 km
Explore the unique literary treasures of Persephone Books, a London bookshop dedicated to uncovering forgotten works by women authors.
Russell Sq
0.3 km
A peaceful Georgian garden square in Bloomsbury, blending historic charm with serene green spaces in central London.
1 Queen Square
0.4 km
Historic Bloomsbury garden square renowned for medical heritage, tranquil gardens, and Georgian architecture.
Charles Dickens Museum
0.4 km
Step into the Victorian world of Charles Dickens at his only surviving London home, where literary history and personal stories come alive.
Smallest Street in London
0.4 km
Discover Emerald Court, London’s famously narrow alley, a hidden passage steeped in history and architectural contrasts in Bloomsbury.
Tavistock Square
0.5 km
A tranquil Georgian square in Bloomsbury, rich in literary history and peace memorials, embodying resilience and reflection in central London.
The Postal Museum
0.5 km
Discover five centuries of postal history and ride London’s secret underground Mail Rail at The Postal Museum in Clerkenwell.
Woburn Walk
0.6 km
Step into a Regency-era pedestrian street in Bloomsbury, where history, architecture, and literary legacy converge in a tranquil urban retreat.
Gordon Sq
0.6 km
Tranquil Bloomsbury garden square steeped in literary history and academic heritage in central London.
Essential places to dine
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
1.0 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Margot
1.1 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
The Ninth
1.1 km
Michelin-starred modern French cuisine with Mediterranean flair in Fitzrovia’s chic and relaxed dining hotspot.
Circus
1.1 km
Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
1.2 km
Lively Japanese izakaya in Covent Garden famed for its signature bao buns, vibrant atmosphere, and innovative pan-Asian small plates.
Sarastro
1.2 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Inamo Covent Garden
1.2 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Noble Rot Soho
1.2 km
A Soho gem blending historic charm with modern European cuisine and an exceptional, accessible wine list in a cozy, clubby setting.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
1.2 km
Savor expertly grilled British steaks and vibrant seafood in a historic Covent Garden brewery setting with atmospheric charm and refined cocktails.
La Bodega Negra Restaurant
1.3 km
Experience daring Mexican cuisine and vibrant nightlife in Soho’s provocative La Bodega Negra, where edgy ambiance meets inventive flavors.
Sussex Bar & Restaurant
1.3 km
A vibrant Soho bistro blending Sussex countryside flavors with London’s energy, featuring seasonal British dishes and curated wines.
Balthazar
1.3 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
1.3 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Quo Vadis
1.4 km
An iconic Soho dining destination blending refined modern British cuisine with elegant historical charm and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Hoppers Soho
1.4 km
Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and signature hoppers in a lively, intimate Soho setting bursting with authentic flavors and culture.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fancy That of London
0.8 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
0.8 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
1.1 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures from the 1920s to the 1980s in Covent Garden’s iconic Blackout II boutique.
Primark
1.1 km
Discover unbeatable fashion and homeware bargains across multiple floors at Primark Oxford Street, London’s premier budget shopping destination.
The Old Curiosity Shop
1.1 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
Forbidden Planet London Megastore
1.1 km
London’s ultimate destination for comics, collectibles, and cult pop culture treasures in the heart of the West End.
Pop Boutique
1.1 km
Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
Oxford Street Gift Shop
1.1 km
A lively and colorful gift shop on Oxford Street offering quintessential London souvenirs with a vibrant atmosphere and a hint of retail adventure.
Goodge Place Market
1.2 km
A vibrant street food market in the heart of Fitzrovia, offering diverse flavors and a relaxed atmosphere just steps from central London.
Rokit Covent Garden
1.2 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
Neal's Yard Dairy (Covent Garden Shop)
1.2 km
Discover the finest British and Irish farmhouse cheeses matured to perfection in the heart of Covent Garden’s vibrant Neal’s Yard.
Good
1.2 km
Discover sustainable style with curated preloved vintage and designer fashion at Good London’s Seven Dials shop.
Urban Outfitters
1.2 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
1.2 km
Iconic Soho vintage shop since 1990: two floors of handpicked retro dresses, blazers, bags & accessories from decades past, with sales from £10.95.
Radha's Boutique
1.2 km
A small, curated Soho boutique offering tactile womenswear and accessories with friendly, personalised service in the heart of central London.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Fitz's Russell Sq.
0.3 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.
Simmons Bar | Kings Cross
0.8 km
A quirky, retro-inspired cocktail bar in Kings Cross with lively music, creative drinks, and unbeatable happy hour deals.
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 Coral Room
0.9 km
Experience 1920s-inspired glamour and expertly crafted cocktails in the vibrant coral-hued heart of Bloomsbury Hotel.
The Black Horse - Pub & Cocktail Bar
1.2 km
Experience the perfect blend of traditional pub charm and stylish cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Fitzrovia
1.2 km
A vibrant, punk-inspired basement bar in Fitzrovia serving inventive cocktails and lively nights with flair and fun.
Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn
1.2 km
Discover Ye Olde Mitre, a hidden Tudor-era pub in Holborn where history, legend, and cozy charm converge in a secret London alley.
The Escapologist Bar
1.2 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired underground bar in Covent Garden where theatrical cocktails and lively entertainment create unforgettable nights.
Be At One - Russell Street
1.3 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
1.3 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
1.3 km
Compact Soho cocktail bar by day, pulsing DJ‑led club by night—cheap cocktails, leather booths and a lively basement scene.
Punch Room
1.3 km
An exclusive Fitzrovia cocktail bar where historic punch traditions meet innovative craft mixology in a cozy, club-like setting.
Swift Soho
1.3 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
1.3 km
An intimate Soho gem blending Italian cocktail artistry with a cozy, elegant atmosphere in London’s vibrant West End.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
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.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
1.0 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
The Roxy
1.1 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
1.2 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
La Capannina Club
1.3 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
Club49Soho
1.3 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
London Best Night Clubs
1.3 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
The Ivy Club
1.3 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
101 Nightclub London
1.4 km
Soho's raw Saturday night pulse: intimate beats, crowded floors, and unfiltered London club energy on Wardour Street.
Bordello London
1.4 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
1.4 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
1.4 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.
Sophisticats Soho
1.6 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
The Box Soho
1.6 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Versity Camp Nightclub
1.6 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- 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
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- 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
