Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury, centrally located in the London Borough of Camden, is best know for its association with London's intellectualism and for being home to several of the city's loveliest parks, buildings, institutions, hospitals and stately squares. So if you have a passion for Dickens and Wolf or love to browse around museums and parks, then head to Bloomsbury.

The perfect way to explore this area is on foot as there are many 'off the main road' places to be discovered - great for an area that is generally not nearly as busy as the neighbouring hoods of Kings Cross, Covent Garden or Soho.

Housing academic institutions such as The University of London, University College, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the School of Oriental and African studies, Bloomsbury is also the location of the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital, the Eastman Dental Hospital and the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital.

Bloomsbury is accessable via several underground stations: Euston, Euston Square, Warren Street, Goodge Street, Tottenham Court Road, Kings Cross St. Pancras and Russell Square.

The numerous formal, grassy squares to be enjoyed include Russell Square, Bedford Square (which is actually round), Bloomsbury Square, Queen Square, Gordon Square, Woburn Square, Torrington Square and Tavistock Square. You´ll go square just finding them all! But they are all beautifully kept and really lovely to relax in on sunny days.

Lovers of literature will most definitely want to pop in to Dickens House which is located in Doughty Street. The British Museum is in the heart of Bloomsbury which includes the Great Court, originally the British Library Reading Room, an indoor square housing a cafe, cinema, restaurant and displays; and the glass roof is very special.

Another fairly interesting museum is the Foundling Museum, telling the story of the since demolished Foundling Hospital for unwanted children i.e ´foundlings´. The area where the hospital once stood is now a playground for children called Coram´s Fields, named after the founder of the hospital, Thomas Coram. It is such a nice place for children to play games and sports, and adults are only alllowed entry when accompanying a child. Kids rule!

In the former years of the 20th century, Bloomsbury was home to the infamous 'Bloomsbury Group', a collection of writers, academics, artists and critics - the most famous member being Virginia Wolf. Apart from discussing the importance of their chosen careers, they indulged in many a risque affair - amongst other self promoting activities. Of course none of this behaviour harmed reputations as the members of the group are all honoured and successful.

There are many pubs and restaurants in the area and all are reasonably priced for the students that spend plenty of 'study group' time in the local watering holes.

Pop on your trainers and head to Bloomsbury, it should definitely be on your map of places to visit.