walking tour of bloomsbury london

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Lady’s Bloomsbury Walk and Map

Today I want to share A Lady in London’s free self-guided Bloomsbury walk and map with you. This part of central London is packed with everything from literary highlights to leafy squares and famous museums. Everyone from Virginia Woolf to Charles Dickens has called this London neighborhood home, and it’s a great place to explore. My walking route will help you discover the best of Bloomsbury on foot. I hope you enjoy the journey.

Bloomsbury Walk

From Russell Square to the British Museum, Bedford Square to Lamb’s Conduit Street, Bloomsbury is one of the most famous central London neighborhoods .

Set in a beautiful part of the UK capital, my Bloomsbury walk is the perfect way to get into London’s literary past, explore pretty streets, eat and drink at independent cafes and restaurants, and indulge your inner culture lover.

You can see more walks in the book London’s Hidden Walks , too. It’s for you if you enjoy discovering the UK capital’s off-the-beaten-path areas. You can get it here .

I’ve also written a whole post about London walks books , so you can take a look at it if you want more options.

Bloomsbury Walk Route

My self-guided Bloomsbury walking tour starts at Russell Square station. It’s centrally located and has great transport links, so you can arrive by tube, bus, bike, or on foot from other parts of the city.

When you exit the Underground station, take a left on Bernard Street, then another quick left on Herbrand Street. It will take you past a historic pub in atmospheric surroundings. When you reach Guildford Street, turn right to get to Russell Square.

When you get there, take a right to walk up to the intersection at the northeast corner of the square. As you go, you’ll start to get a glimpse of the Georgian townhouses and pretty green space the area is known for.

Cross the street to enter Russell Square, then walk diagonally through it to get to the southwest corner. Once there, take a right on Russell Square and a quick left on Montague Place.

Walk down Montague Place, passing by the back of the British Museum and the south side of Malet Street Gardens as you make your way to Bedford Square.

When you arrive at Bedford Square, walk around it and take in the stunning Georgian buildings and doors as you go. This is one of my favorite places to take in Bloomsbury’s heritage architecture.

Once you’ve explored the square, exit by taking a right on Bloomsbury Street and then a left on Great Russell Street. This will bring you past the front of the British Museum.

You can go inside and have a look around if you want to, or continue your Bloomsbury walk by turning right on Bury Place.

There are lots of shops on Bury Place, including the London Review Bookshop (you might remember it from my London literary walk or my itinerary for London for book lovers ).

You can pop in for a browse or have a treat at the adjacent cake shop (yum…cake and books).

From Bury Place, take a left on Bloomsbury Way and walk down to Bloomsbury Square. Dating back to 1665, this is London’s oldest square. Stroll around it and keep an eye out for the historic details on the buildings as you go.

From the square, continue your Bloomsbury walk by exiting from the northeast corner via Bloomsbury Place. When you get to the end, take a left on Southampton Row and follow it until you reach Cosmo Place.

Turn right to walk down Cosmo Place. This pedestrianized street will take you to Queen Square. The public garden in the middle is a good place to rest your feet if you need a break.

There are statues and sculptures all around, including one of a cat. There’s also an 18th-century pub on the corner of Cosmo Place that has historic connections to King George III and his wife, Queen Caroline.

Once you’ve walked around the garden, exit from the northeast corner via Queen Anne’s Walk. When you reach the end, turn right on Guildford Street and continue your Bloomsbury walk until you get to Guildford Place.

Turn right on Guildford Place and follow it as it becomes Lamb’s Conduit Street. There are lots of great restaurants, shops, and cafes here, so it’s worth spending some time exploring.

When you reach Theobald’s Road, turn left and walk east until you get to John Street. Take a left on John Street, passing historic facades and corner pubs as you make your way north and the road becomes Doughty Street.

When it does, you’ll pass the Charles Dickens Museum. You can pop in to see his former home if you want to.

If not, continue your Bloomsbury walk by following Doughty Street north as it becomes Mecklenburgh Square, then Mecklenburgh Street. When it ends at Heathcote Street, turn left and follow the street to the end.

On your right you’ll see a gate that leads into St. George’s Gardens. This secret garden is set in a former 18th-century graveyard. It’s a great place to rest your legs in peaceful surroundings.

Once rested, exit St. George’s Gardens at the northwest corner and walk west down Handel Street until you reach the Marchmont Community Garden, a pretty little urban green space.

Walk through the garden to get to Marchmont Street, where you’ll turn right to take in more of Bloomsbury’s restaurants and cafes.

When you’re done, continue your Bloomsbury walk by turning left on Tavistock Place. It will lead you to Tavistock Square Gardens.

This green space features statues of everyone from Mahatma Ghandi to Virginia Woolf. The latter was a member of the Bloomsbury Group and lived at 52 Tavistock Square between 1924 and 1939.

The square is also lined with important buildings, including the headquarters of the British Medical Association. It was designed by prominent English architect Edwin Lutyens in 1911.

When you’re done exploring, exit Tavistock Square at the southwest corner and follow the street called Gordon Square until you reach Gordon Square and Woburn Square. They’re right across from one another.

You can walk through and around them if you want to, or continue your Bloomsbury walk on Byng Place. Don’t miss the many university buildings and the row of red phone boxes by Euston Church as you go.

After Byng Place becomes Torrington Place, turn left on Gower Street and follow the colorful doors and brick buildings down to Store Street.

Turn right on Store Street, where you’ll find lots of restaurants, shops, and cafes (including one of the best coffee shops in London ).

When Store Street meets Tottenham Court Road, turn right and walk up to the Goodge Street tube station. Your self-guided Bloomsbury walking tour ends here.

Walk Details and Map

Map of the first half of the walk: https://goo.gl/maps/moAKhwXN7KVtg8dS7

Map of the second half of the walk: https://goo.gl/maps/PcyNCTcJvFAGJhGz9

Further afield: Fitzrovia , Clerkenwell , King’s Cross , Regent’s Park , Soho , Covent Garden

Bloomsbury Walking Tour

I hope reading through my Bloomsbury walk has made you excited to see this part of central London. It’s a great place to get into the heart of the city.

If you’re interested in doing more walks in the area, head over to my blog post about central London walks . You can see more self-guided London walking tours and maps on my post with all the ones I’ve created, too. Happy walking!

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8 Comments on Lady’s Bloomsbury Walk and Map

It looks so nice! I absolutely loved the bicycle :)))

Absolutely love the description of your walks….feel I am there with you….but I will certainly get out there and do myself.

Thank you so much! I’m glad you feel you’re on the walks with me. I hope you enjoy this one when you do it.

Just done this lovely walk, stopping and start along the way. Breakfast in Russell Square garden, Browsed in London Review bookstore, lunch in Landry Oteline. All really lovely. A busy wedding weekend ahead and this was a perfect quieter way to spend today, wandering around this lovely area of London. Thanks.

You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.

I just did this walk today, as I am staying in this area for work this week. Such a nice stroll – thank you!

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Quirky Bloomsbury

Most Bloomsbury walking tours focus on the literary links, intellectual institutions and famous residents. On this fun walking tour we’re on the hunt for the surprising, beautiful and quirky history that’s hiding in plain sight.

Get off the beaten track in one of London’s most beautiful and inspiring neighbourhoods and encounter abandoned railways, London’s narrowest alley and epic street art.

Wander the quiet, atmospheric streets of Bloomsbury and take in unusual sculptures, sneaky plaques and unexpected details that help you unravel the area’s unique charm.

The meeting point is outside Holborn Station, the corner of High Holborn and Southampton Row. The address is 120 High Holborn, London WC1V 6RD and its the corner diagonally opposite Sainsbury’s

The walk lasts around 90 minutes and ends near Russell Square Tube Station.

Book the Bloomsbury Walking Tour

All Look Up London tours focus on the hidden stories, trying to spot the details above your eye line that are often missed by passersby. There’s a lot of information in an architectural detail, a crest or a sculpture that tells you about the history of the area! See all the walks here .

London Guided Walks » Magical Bloomsbury Walk

Magical Bloomsbury Walk

Book with confidence:

• Book online 24/7
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• Immediate Booking Confirmation

In Bloomsbury, there are a remarkable number of magical things from goblins to wizards, from fortune telling to the site of a coven. This walk will take us through some of the lovely squares of Bloomsbury to hear of some strange happenings and stories.

Starting with a building that is not secret but does not announce itself (perhaps the magic is in trying to find it!) we will go on to explore some of the more unusual stories that are hiding in plain sight in Bloomsbury.

Many of the modern residents are students, so we will see what remains of a man who has been looking out for the students of Bloomsbury for nearly 200 years. 

Your guide will point out some modern works of art in the area, that reference old legends and traditions. From the imagination of some great female writers, we will also find out about some creatures that may or may not exist. We will hear about a legend from before the British Museum was built to a more recent one that required an exorcism.

From the site of a coven to an architect with a devilish reputation, Bloomsbury will reveal all!

Your Guide: Jenny Funnell

Magical Bloomsbury Walk Reviews

Magical Bloomsbury proved to be just that. An area that I thought I knew quite a bit about opened up with the extensive, impressive knowledge of Maggie our guide. On the first hot day of summer she planned it so that we were in the shade as much as possible, and was kind and tolerant when I struggled to keep up. Thank you.

New magic bloomsbury walk was quite different to usual energetic full of facts ones. slower pace, less known facts, but on overall not bad at all. the new guide maggie was attentive, friendly and approachable., it was an interesting walk & talk. maggie told some good stories about people associated with the area., really interesting walk around bloomsbury with great facts and descriptions about buildings and people in the area connected to magic in some way. lots of extra facts and tips thrown in as well. we had a great afternoon. thank you. i can definitely recommend taking this tour with maggie., a friendly guide with some interesting facts and stories on the theme of magic on a walk around bloomsbury. a fair bit of walking between stops, but at a good pace. as always on these walks, things i usually walk past are pointed out - such as the interesting st george's spire. and i appreciated the tips, such as things to see in the british museum and how to view the museum at the magic circle., book a private tour, qualified london tour guides.

All Upcoming Guided Walks

• United Kingdom
• A Walking Tour Of Bloomsburys...

A Walking Tour of Bloomsbury’s Architectural Landmarks

Bloomsbury, a once aristocratic enclave and London’s first suburb, is a network of quiet squares and grand Georgian terraces. The area has long attracted artists, authors and lawyers who weaved the area’s ambience into their work.

1. gray’s inn.

2. Gray’s Inn Gardens

3. red lion square.

Park, Building

5. British Museum

Building, Museum, Library

6. Russell Square

7. Tavistock Hotel

8. Fitzroy House

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Private Guided Walking Tour of Bloomsbury, London

Set out on a journey through the literary heart of London with a private guided walking tour of Bloomsbury. As you navigate the cobblestone streets and leafy squares, uncover the tales of renowned authors and intellectuals who once called this neighborhood home.

But what hidden secrets lie behind the grand facades and well-trodden paths? Join the conversation to uncover the intriguing stories waiting to be unraveled in this historic enclave, where every corner holds a piece of London’s captivating past.

• Immerse in Bloomsbury’s literary history and iconic landmarks
• Enjoy a private two-hour walking tour with a British Museum visit
• Personalized recommendations and expert guidance enhance the experience
• Flexible booking, competitive pricing , and hassle-free cancellation policy

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Tour Overview

The private walking tour of Bloomsbury, London offers a captivating exploration of this historic neighborhood, providing an insightful journey through its cultural landmarks and hidden gems.

Bloomsbury is rich in historic landmarks, with each step revealing layers of local culture . Visitors can enjoy the vibrant literary history of the Bloomsbury Group, whose members included Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster.

The tour may take you past the iconic British Museum, known for its vast collection of artifacts spanning centuries. As you stroll through the leafy squares and elegant streets, you’ll feel the essence of Bloomsbury’s unique charm.

This experience is a perfect blend of history, culture , and discovery , offering a glimpse into London’s past and present.

Duration and Inclusions

Explore the two-hour private walking tour of Bloomsbury, London, which includes an interior visit to the British Museum, personalized recommendations , meals , and gratuities , all guided by a private expert to enhance your London experience.

During the tour, you can expect:

Hidden Gems: Uncover lesser-known spots and stories that are off the beaten path.

Local Insights: Gain insider knowledge about the area from a guide who knows Bloomsbury intimately.

Culinary Delights: Enjoy a meal at a local eatery, tasting authentic flavors of London.

Gratuity Inclusions: Don’t worry about tipping; it’s all taken care of, allowing you to focus on the experience.

Enjoy the rich history and vibrant culture of Bloomsbury with this comprehensive private tour.

Personalization Options

Enhance your private walking tour of Bloomsbury, London by customizing it to your preferences and interests. Enjoy customized experiences and tailored itineraries that cater specifically to what you want to see and do.

Whether you’re a literature enthusiast interested in the Bloomsbury Group, a history buff wanting to explore the area’s past, or a foodie looking to explore the culinary delights of Bloomsbury, the tour can be personalized to suit your tastes.

Your private expert guide will work with you to create a unique and personalized experience that ensures you make the most of your time in Bloomsbury. From choosing specific landmarks to focusing on particular aspects of the area, the tour can be shaped to match your desires perfectly.

Booking and Pricing Details

Discover the convenient booking options and transparent pricing details for the private walking tour of Bloomsbury in London. When considering this exclusive experience, visitors can benefit from the following:

Pricing Comparison : The tour offers competitive pricing starting from $131.53, ensuring affordability.

Group Discounts : Group bookings may be eligible for special discounts, making it a great option for families or friends traveling together.

Lowest Price Guarantee : Rest assured that you’re getting the best deal available for this tour.

Flexible Booking : With the option to Reserve Now and Pay Later, travelers can secure their spot without immediate payment, providing added convenience.

These features make booking the Bloomsbury walking tour a straightforward and cost-effective choice for exploring London’s cultural heart.

Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy for the private walking tour of Bloomsbury in London allows travelers to cancel their experience with a full refund if done up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. If cancellations are made within 24 hours of the tour, charges will apply.

In the case of unfavorable weather conditions , the tour will still proceed as scheduled unless there are extreme circumstances that may affect the safety of the participants. In such cases, the tour operator will contact travelers to discuss possible alternatives.

The refund process for cancellations made within the allowable timeframe is straightforward, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travelers. It’s important to consider the weather considerations when planning for the tour to make the most of this exciting experience.

Meeting Point Information

Located at Underground Ltd, Holborn Station on Kingsway in London WC2B 6AA, the meeting point for the private walking tour of Bloomsbury provides easy access for participants to begin their exploration of the area. When meeting at this location, participants can expect the following:

Convenient Transport : Holborn Station offers easy access via the London Underground, making it a hassle-free starting point.

Proximity to Bloomsbury : Situated near the heart of Bloomsbury, participants can quickly enjoy the neighborhood’s charm.

Nearby Attractions : Within walking distance, visitors can explore the British Museum and Russell Square, enhancing their tour experience.

Local Dining Options : After the tour, participants can enjoy a variety of cafes and restaurants in Bloomsbury for a delightful culinary experience.

Reviews and Ratings

Immersing yourself in the experiences of previous participants, the reviews and ratings of the private walking tour of Bloomsbury offer valuable insights into the quality of this guided exploration. Review analysis shows an impressive overall rating of 5.0, based on feedback from 6 reviewers.

The breakdown includes a mix of 5- star , 4- star , 3-star, 2-star, and 1-star ratings , providing a comprehensive view of customer feedback . Reviews verified by Viator and Tripadvisor attest to the authenticity of the opinions shared.

Customers have praised the tour for its informative and engaging nature, as well as the personalized service provided by expert guides. This feedback highlights the tour’s success in delivering a memorable and enriching experience for visitors exploring Bloomsbury on foot.

Additional Information

For a comprehensive understanding of the private walking tour of Bloomsbury, visitors can explore essential details under the ‘Additional Information’ section. Here are some key points to note:

Hidden Gems : The tour includes access to lesser-known spots in Bloomsbury that hold historical significance and charm.

Local Insights : Gain valuable knowledge and anecdotes about the area from a knowledgeable local guide who can provide insider perspectives.

Cancellation Policy Details : Understand the terms for canceling or rescheduling the tour if needed.

Traveler Photos : View images captured by previous tour participants to get a glimpse of the experience before booking.

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Common questions

Are there any restrictions on the number of participants for the private guided walking tour of bloomsbury, london.

Group size for the private guided walking tour of Bloomsbury, London is flexible. Participants can customize their experience. Language preferences can be accommodated. There are no specific restrictions on the number of participants for this personalized tour.

Can I Request a Specific Language-Speaking Guide for the Tour?

A guest can request a specific language-speaking guide for the tour. Tour customization allows visitors to tailor their experience. Language preferences are accommodated to enhance the tour’s understanding and enjoyment.

Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Walking Tour?

When going on the walking tour, it’s advisable to dress comfortably and consider the weather conditions . Wear suitable footwear for walking. Layers work well for changing weather. There is no strict dress code, but being prepared is key.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants on the Tour?

Age restrictions are not specified. Group size restrictions may apply. For a detailed understanding, visitors are encouraged to review the tour’s booking information and additional details. The tour offers personalized experiences and expert guidance.

Can Special Accommodations Be Made for Individuals With Mobility Issues or Disabilities?

Accessibility options are available to ensure inclusive experiences for individuals with mobility issues or disabilities. The tour can be personalized to accommodate specific needs. The expert guide will assist in making necessary arrangements for a comfortable and enjoyable visit.

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Experience the magic of Bloomsbury with a private guided walking tour that includes a visit to the British Museum.

With personalized recommendations, enriching insights , and included meals and gratuities , this tour offers a unique and unforgettable way to explore one of London’s most charming neighborhoods.

Book now for a bespoke adventure filled with history, culture, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

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Bloomsbury Art Deco Walking Tour

• Things to do, Walks and tours

Time Out says

Explore some of London's best examples of Art Deco architecture on this 90-minute walking tour of Bloomsbury, where you'll check out London's first skyscraper, spot stylised street lamps and learn about George Orwell's connection to the area. Meet the group at Russell Square tube station for a prompt start at 1.45pm. 

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Bohemian Bloomsbury: Literary London Walking Audio Tour

• Lifetime access to Bohemian Bloomsbury: Literary London tour
• VoiceMap Application
• Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
• Transportation
• Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
• Warren Street, London NW1 3AA, UK Start the walk at Warren Street Underground Station which is on the Northern and Victoria Line. Before arrival, install the VoiceMap app and use the code provided on your ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart any time and complete at your own pace.
• Woburn Walk, London WC1H, UK
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
• The British Museum
• Tavistock Square
• Russell Square
• Bedford Square
• Woburn Walk

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Warren Street London NW1 3AA, UK Start the walk at Warren Street Underground Station which is on the Northern and Victoria Line. Before arrival, install the VoiceMap app and use the code provided on your ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart any time and complete at your own pace. See address & details
• Pass by Fitzroy Square Bedford Square The British Museum Russell Square Tavistock Square Woburn Walk
• You'll end at Woburn Walk Woburn Walk, London WC1H, UK See address & details

• wernert686 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Insightful and seamless Saw most major sights in Cambridge. Such an insightful audio tour. Worked well using GPS to auto-play the next recording. Seamless experience! Read more Written April 21, 2024
• Explorer552651 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent value for money Fantastic value for money. Exceeded our expectations. Easy to use and to follow. Being able to leisurely enjoy at our own pace without crowds of others was very a big plus. A number of interesting places to explore with the addition of insider knowledge rich with history. I would highly recommend this. Read more Written April 9, 2024
• CarolG843 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Nice walk with lots of good pubs Lovely walk along the Thames although we did not get to Chiswick as the river had breached its bank and part of the route was flooded. Read more Written March 14, 2024
• T5601ADclaireh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Interesting and leisurely The app was really easy to use and audio tour was really interesting. I liked the fact that gps tracked your phone and only started to talk when you reached the next destination. It was great for my friend who has a lung condition so fast walking was out. Would highly recommend and we are looking forward to our next tour ! Read more Written February 13, 2024
• Storyteller532952 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Unable to use without internet I was not able to open the app as the area had terrible internet connection. So it did not work at all for me. Perhaps useful to suggest travellers to download the app and be able to listen without internet connection?! Read more Written January 21, 2024
• joaodQ9394XE 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Our guide was excellent, friendly and knowledgeable. WeI loved seeing all the sights of Cambridge and He did an outstanding job. Read more Written December 27, 2023
• J3860GTwendyc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing little village If it weren't for the cars parked on the side of the road you'd swear you'd walked back in time when entering the village. Read more Written November 2, 2023
• M8724HUianb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent tour Well worth downloading this tour. The route led you round all the main things to see in Lavenham and gave lots of interesting information. We just bought one tour and listened to it together. This is the second Voicemap tour I have purchased and I'll definitely look out for them in the future. Read more Written October 2, 2023
• heidig32016 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Interesting little walking tour This little walking tour was full of interesting facts and history. I found it insightful and was glad I purchased - much more economical than a walking tour with a tour guide. Read more Written September 20, 2023
• TesA109 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Enjoyable Cambridge walk and audio Enjoyed this walk at our own pace. Good audio which was easy to follow and listen to. Would recommend to other users and will check out other cities Read more Written August 10, 2023
• Janni72 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliant concept First time we’ve tried this concept, and we have to say that it really is brilliant! The tour as such was ok, with some fun and interesting anecdotes and points of interest, but unfortunately the narrator was a bit blah, and sounded like she was going to fall asleep at any moment. That said, this really is a great way to get some background and insight into the places you visit, if you haven’t got the time or money or whatever to do a tour with a live guide. So we really recommend the concept as such. It is really good value for money, and lets you walk around in your own pace. Read more Written August 2, 2023
• 189graemeh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles DIY Tour First time doing a DIY tour and we’ll definitely do it again. Stop when you want, for how long you want. Just the right level of detail. Very pleasant voice too. All good! Read more Written July 5, 2023
• duncank223 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Still standing The guide was easy to download from the App Store applicable to the mobile phone . Instruction indicated how to input the tour code. The audio tour commenced on the high street and guided you around Lavenham in a logical sequence , both verbally and via the map on your phone. Guide could be stopped, restarted or replayed as necessary. Information was interesting / concise at each location. Would recommend this tour and would use other tours from this provider in the future. Read more Written July 4, 2023
• annbK1296FW 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Lavenham Suffolk Fascinating and friendly visit. Well worth going to see it. The medieval buildings are fascinating lots of places to eat and take time to see all of it Read more Written July 4, 2023
• Spins4 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles For the price and convenience, this tour was excellent. This is not a comprehensive tour of Cambridge, but it hit many of the obvious highlights and also included some that I didn't know about, like Castle Mound. I enjoyed the narrator's personal notes and found the tour easy to follow. There were a couple occasions when traffic noise drown out her directions, but it was easy to rewind to get back on track. I recommend combining this tour with a punting tour to get another perspective. Read more Written June 16, 2023

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Bohemian Bloomsbury: Literary London Walking Audio Tour provided by VoiceMap London

London Literary Tours

Theatrical walking tours about famous writers in Bloomsbury and St James's

Come on one of our tours of literary sites and delight in tales about some of London's most illustrious writers - like Virginia Woolf, Ian Fleming, Graham Greene and Noel Coward - brought to life in their own words, and with performances of excerpts from their novels, plays and poems.

Key features of our tours: • Limited to small groups • Two guides, Mike and Cindy, working as a double act • Performed extracts from novels, plays and poems • Writers ‘brought to life’ with quotations from their letters and diaries • Researched and created by guides 

THE BLOOMSBURY BLAST Starring Virginia Woolf, T S Eliot and friends

Available Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons

Characterised by grand garden squares and streets lined with bookshops, cafes and pubs, Bloomsbury is an area synonymous with  writers, commemorated in numerous plaques on the walls of their former residences.

On our Bloomsbury Blast you'll meet dazzling literary stars like Virginia Woolf, T S Eliot, W B Yeats, D H  Lawrence and E M Forster, and unique, experimental women like Charlotte Mew, Dorothy Richardson and Hilda Doolittle. Joined by a giant of world literature in Rabindranath Tagore, and movers and shakers like Ezra Pound and Wyndham Lewis we'll reveal a Bloomsbury buzzing with radical ideas, progressive movements and literary pioneers.

• The price is £25 per person and pre-booking is essential. Click on 'Book Tour' to see available dates.
• Private tours - on day and time of your choosing - available by appointment.
• Discounts for student groups. 
• Can be purchased as a gift - see below. 

THE ST JAM ES'S JAUNT Where Mrs Dalloway meets James Bond

With its clubs, shops and galleries, and a library at its heart, swanky St James's has been a magnet for writers over centuries. Scenes have been set here, plays performed here, and masterpieces penned here.

Our St James’s Jaunt ranges from World War 1 to the Cold War, from the poems of Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon to the spy novels of Graham Greene and Ian Fleming. We celebrate brave, experimental women like Virginia Woolf, Nancy Cunard and Edith Sitwell, and we relish the biting wit of Noel Coward and Evelyn Waugh. The wry prognostications of Aldous Huxley and Rose Macaulay complete a picture of a St James’s bristling with intellect and intensity.

This tour is seamlessly crafted by the guides themselves who are passionate aficionados of the interwar literary landscape.  Not only do they recite and perform excerpts that transport you to the London of that era, in so doing Mike and Cindy offer insight into the socio-political climate of the time.  The warmth and charisma with which Mike and Cindy welcome us into this world nurtures a sense of connection and belonging irrespective of biblio-credentials, and when the tour concluded it felt like bidding adieu to family.

Róisín McGrogan

Never has learning been more fun!  Cindy and Mike were amazing guides, their knowledge is extraordinary and the passion they have for their subject is infectious.  Not only did they bring these incredible characters to life in the places they lived and worked, but they showed how their lives were interwoven and regaled us with scandalous stories of what they all got up to!  They gave me enough of a taste of the writers' work, at times moving and at others hilarious, to make me want to go out and read, read, read...

Gunna Finnsdottir

AND FOR YOUR FRIEND WHO LOVES BOOKS...

Simply click on either the gold 'Book Tour' button at the top of this page, or the floating 'Book Now' button at the bottom and you'll have the option to purchase a gift card.

The recipient(s) can then get in touch with us to come on a tour of their choice, on a date that works for them.

WHY NOT MAKE A GIFT OF ONE OF OUR TOURS?

Hi from Mike and Cindy

London Literary Tours exists to spread passion for brilliant writing on the streets of the city that we love and call home.

We follow in the footsteps of some of our greatest literary figures, tell scintillating stories about them peppered with extracts from diaries, letters and reviews, and perform extracts of their writing in places where they lived, loved, worked and unwound.

Regardless of what you've read or not read, there will be plenty for you to discover about both popular and lesser-known writers.

Expect to be wowed and have a good laugh along the way!

Poetry Matters How London writers featured on our literary walking tours valued poetry We love to relate how, in 1944, Edith Sitwell

Introducing Our Bloomsbury Tour Two years ago – as we came out of lockdown – we launched our St James’s Jaunt. Now we’re thrilled

Bookish Bonding It’s a wonderful thing that guests can arrive on one of our tours as strangers but leave as –well, friends.

“So many books, so little time."

“the person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.”, “literature sets up a vision which guides people to a better understanding of themselves and their world.”, “i have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library.”, “no entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting.”, “a book should serve as an axe for the frozen sea within us.”, “many people, myself among them, feel better at the mere sight of a book.”, “a room without books is like a body without a soul.”, “books are the mirrors of the soul.”, “literature is mostly about having sex and not much about having children. life is the other way round.”, “a book is like a garden in the pocket.”, "being locked in a bookshop is a sort of fantasy of mine. a night of quiet surrounded by words.", "a good bookshop is just a genteel black hole that knows how to read.", "bookstores are lonely forts, spilling light onto the sidewalk.".

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Bloomsbury London Pub Tour

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• Recommended for ages 18+
• Not wheelchair friendly unfortunately
• Guaranteed Departure

• No tube/bus ticket is needed

Bloomsbury London Pub Tour Details

Bordering on the City of London and set out in the 17th and 18th centuries, Bloomsbury is rich in history and you will discover the answers to the following questions:

Pay What You Can

Meeting Point

Chancery Lane Underground Station exit 1 – WC1V 6DR (exit to street level, outside Robert Dyas)( view on Google Maps )

Ending Location

The Enterprise , 38 Red Lion Street, Holborn – WC1R 4PN ( view on Google Maps )

Appointment

15 minutes prior to the starting time

Bloomsbury London Pub Tour Itinerary

• Chancery Lane Underground Station
• The Cittie of Yorke (pub)
• Bedford Row/Brownlow Street
• Great James Street
• The Duke (pub)
• Doughty Mews
• The Lamb (pub)
• Lamb's Conduit Street
• The Enterprise (pub)

Bloomsbury London Pub Tour Map

View on Google Maps

Photos of Bloomsbury London Pub Free Tour

Bloomsbury London Pub Tour Reviews

The Bloomsbury Pub Tour exceeded our expectations! It was a great mix of history of London and a pub crawl with a nice group of people. Mark made the evening absolutely interesting and enjoyable, despite the cold weather. He is very knowledgeable and passionate, and answered all our questions. He told us lot of history as well as curiosities related to the old times. A pleasant evening filled with fun, which we absolutely enjoyed and would definitely recommend! Thank you Mark! Looking forward to booking the next tour with you!

I found out about the tour only because some friends had published on their FB page, it has been a fantastic evening! Mark was superlative in explaining history with interesting details making it also enjoyable a funny. I highly recommend you do it!

When does Free Bloomsbury London Pub Tour run?

Bloomsbury London Pub Tour runs on Fridays at 7pm, please check the calendar to find available dates

Where does Bloomsbury London Pub Tour start?

Our Free Bloomsbury London Pub Tour starts outside Chancery Lane Underground Station exit 1 – WC1V 6DR (exit to street level, outside Robert Dyas)

Where does the tour end?

Our Free Bloomsbury London Pub Tour ends at The Enterprise, 38 Red Lion St, London WC1R 4PN

How long is the tour expected to last?

The Free Bloomsbury London Pub Tour lasts for around 3 and a half hours

How will I find the tour guide?

Look for the guide with our unique blue, red and white umbrella with our logo. You will receive more detailed instructions by email after your booking.

What happens if it is raining?

We go out RAIN or SHINE, so if it’s drizzling please remember to bring a rain jacket or an umbrella. Only in case of unbearably inclement weather, the tour will be rescheduled and you will be contacted as soon as we can.

Can I just show up without booking?

Yes you can, but we highly recommend to make a booking which is absolutely free and it takes less than one minute. This is because in case of a very large group, for health and safety reasons we would need to accept participants with booking only and unfortunately if you have no booking we will have to send you home. Please note that we can’t take groups of 6 people or more on our free tours, if this is the case please get in touch with us here to enquire about a private tour [email protected].

What does 'Free Pay What You Can' mean?

Wonders of London works on a pay what you feel basis, we understand that many of you have travelled various distances to get here, some of you might be locals, some of you might be on holiday here and we know that it can be difficult to enjoy all of London’s best attractions without spending a fair penny. We want our tours to be accessible to anyone and everyone so we don’t charge a ticket price but just bear in mind that are guides are working guides so we ask that at the end of the tour just have a think about what the tour was worth to you and pay however much or small you feel.

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