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Famous for being the legal quarter of Central London, Holborn is an esteemed and reputable area but it’s far more than just legal buildings and offices, it’s perfect for a day out! From leafy green parks and museums to the Royal Courts of Justice, cafes, diamond boutiques, and pubs, Holborn offers a whole host of things to do.
Where is Holborn?
Located only a short walk from Covent Garden and the West End, Holborn is easily accessible via transport with multiple bus lines running through the area, as well as the Holborn Tube Station, which is served by the Central and Piccadilly lines.
Holborn’s History
Starting with the parish of St. Andrew Holborn and its subsequent subdivisions, Holborn has a rich and interesting history. The area evolved as a medieval suburb of the City of London with houses becoming more grandeur over time. Home to two of the four Inns of Court – Gray’s Inn and Lincoln’s Inn – these prestigious legal institutions played an important role in the district’s history.
During the mid-1860s, the eastern part of Holborn underwent significant changes, as houses were demolished to create room for the Holborn Viaduct – which was inaugurated in 1869 by Queen Victoria. In the centuries since, the area has seen progressive redevelopment with office buildings filling the landscape.
Things to do in Holborn
There is plenty to keep you entertained and interested in Holborn – no matter what you are looking for on a lovely day out.
Sir John Soane’s Museum
One of the most unique museums and heritage sites in London, Sir John Soane was a 19th-century architect who was responsible for some of the city’s most recognisable and famous buildings. Sir John Soane’s Museum is his former home and the place where he stored objects from cultures, antiques, and paintings by Turner and Canaletto. Walk through the house and enjoy the packed rooms filled with extraordinary and interesting items.
Charles Dickens Museum
The Charles Dickens Museum is an unassuming house located at 48 Doughty Street and is the place where Britain’s greatest writer wrote Oliver Twist, The Pickwick Papers, and Nicholas Nickleby. Sitting among the streets that helped shape many of his works, the house captures the life and legacy of Dickens and is a must-see for all literary lovers.
Lincoln’s Inn Fields
Opposite Sir John Soane’s Museum, Lincoln’s Inn Fields is London’s largest public square and a popular place to enjoy a stroll. Laid out in the 1630s, the grounds were private property until 1895 – and since then, countless Londoners and visitors have taken advantage of the stunning grassed area. Containing a court for tennis and netball, as well as a bandstand, it’s thought that cricket was often played there during the 18th century. Nowadays, you can enjoy the fleeting sunshine of London with a picnic, read under a tree, or take a leisurely walk with a coffee in hand.
Gray’s Inn
The buildings in this area are mainly offices for law firms and headquarters for associations that grant licenses to barristers and judges, and they are worth a look. With small open green spaces, leafy trees and stunning architecture, it’s a wonderful place to walk on a warm summer’s day.
The Hunterian Museum
Named after the 18th-century surgeon and anatomist John Hunter, The Hunterian Museum is a captivating showcase of more than 2,000 anatomical preparations from Hunter’s original collection, as well as instruments, equipment, models, paintings and archive material, all of which trace the history of surgery from ancient times to the present. And not for the faint of heart, the museum has England’s largest public display of human anatomy.
Interested in seeing Holborn from the convenience of an Open Top Bus? Golden Tours has you sorted with our Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tours!
