Bloomsbury, London

Bloomsbury, London: A Historic and Cultural Heart of the Capital

Where History, Culture, and Green Spaces Meet

Bloomsbury is located in Central London, within the London Borough of Camden. It lies immediately north of Holborn and south of Euston Road.

Western Bloomsbury — where major institutions like the British Museum are found, surrounded by historic garden squares like Russell Square and Bedford Square.
Eastern Bloomsbury — a quieter, primarily residential area with charming streets and university buildings.

The area is bounded approximately by Tottenham Court Road to the west, Euston Road to the north, Gray's Inn Road to the east, and High Holborn to the south.

Size and Population of Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury covers roughly 1.25 square kilometres (around 0.48 square miles).

As of recent estimates, the population of Bloomsbury is approximately 14,000 residents. However, due to the many institutions, hotels, and offices, the daytime population swells significantly with students, tourists, and workers.

History of Bloomsbury

The name "Bloomsbury" is believed to derive from "Blemondisberi," a 13th-century manor owned by William de Blemond, a Norman landowner.

By the 17th century, the Russell family (the Dukes of Bedford) began transforming the area into a fashionable residential neighbourhood, laying out elegant garden squares.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Bloomsbury became synonymous with intellectual and literary life, home to the famous Bloomsbury Group — a collective of influential writers, artists, and thinkers including Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster.

Demographics of Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury’s population is notably diverse, with a significant proportion of students, academics, and international residents.

Thanks to the proximity of institutions like University College London (UCL), SOAS University of London, and the University of London’s main campus, a large segment of the population is under 30 years old.

There’s also a sizable professional and cultural community, with many employed in education, healthcare, arts, and public service sectors.

Map of Bloomsbury, London

Roads in Bloomsbury

Important Buildings and Landmarks in Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury is dotted with significant landmarks and cultural institutions, including:

The British Museum — One of the world's greatest museums, housing millions of artefacts from around the globe.
Russell Square — A beautiful, large garden square with a central café and plenty of green space.
The Foundling Museum — Telling the story of London’s first home for abandoned children.
Senate House — An iconic art-deco building serving as the administrative centre for the University of London.
The Charles Dickens Museum — Set in the author's former home on Doughty Street.
Bloomsbury Square — One of London’s oldest squares, laid out in the early 1660s.

In terms of museums, aside from the British Museum, the area boasts several smaller gems such as the Brunei Gallery and the Grant Museum of Zoology.

Painting of Bloomsbury

Characteristics of Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury is known for its:

Literary and academic culture — A historic centre for writers, scholars, and students.
Elegant garden squares — Providing peaceful green spaces in a busy part of London.
Historic architecture — Featuring Georgian terraces, Victorian townhouses, and grand institutional buildings.
Cultural sophistication — Home to world-class museums, art galleries, and academic institutions.

The vibe of Bloomsbury is a charming blend of old-world elegance and vibrant, youthful energy.

Real Estate Prices in Bloomsbury

As of 2025, the average property price in Bloomsbury stands at around £1.1 million. For a budget of £1.1 million, a buyer might expect to purchase a spacious one-bedroom or a smaller two-bedroom flat in a period building, typically offering between 600 to 800 square feet.

Compared to wider Central London, Bloomsbury remains somewhat more affordable than areas like Mayfair or Knightsbridge, though it commands a premium due to its location, historic charm, and proximity to top universities.

Nearest London Underground Stations

Bloomsbury is exceptionally well-connected by the Tube network, with several nearby stations:

Russell Square Station (Piccadilly Line)
Holborn Station (Central and Piccadilly Lines)
Goodge Street Station (Northern Line)
Tottenham Court Road Station (Central, Northern, and Elizabeth Lines)
Euston Square Station (Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan Lines)

Many national rail stations, including Euston and King's Cross, are also within walking distance.

Fun Facts about Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury’s garden squares were among the earliest examples of urban planning for green spaces in London. The British Museum was the first national public museum in the world, founded in 1753. Virginia WoolfSenate House