My Holborn helpful area guide aims to show you that this part of central London has a lot to offer. Holborn spans several postcode areas (WC1, WC2, and parts of EC1), but WC1 is the postcode most associated with Holborn in central London. Sitting between Camden and the City, it connects the West End with the financial district, featuring museums, historic squares, law courts, and the LSE university campus, along with plenty of bars and eateries. I enjoy exploring here because you can easily move from leafy Lincoln’s Inn Fields to the village vibe of Lamb’s Conduit Street, bustling Leather Lane, and the jewellery district of Hatton Gardens, all within minutes. Many people travel through busy Kingsway without venturing down the side streets where many of Holborn’s treasures await.
Best Things To Do In Holborn
A great starting point is a visit to Lincoln’s Inn Fields. It’s the largest public square in London, equipped with tennis courts. I recommend Peat Tree Café for brunch or lunch. Opposite, you’ll find Sir John Soane’s Museum, the architect’s former townhouse, filled with paintings, models, and curiosities. It feels atmospheric and unlike any other museum, and entry is free. The Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons is just a few steps away and showcases fascinating medical specimens. It’s not for the squeamish, but it’s always thought-provoking.
Around Lincoln’s Inn, the legal traditions of Holborn come alive. The Inns of Court, including Lincoln’s Inn, Grey’s Inn, Inner Temple, and Middle Temple, have trained barristers for centuries; their chambers and gardens continue to shape the profession today. Nearby, the timber-framed Staple Inn on High Holborn adds a touch of Tudor architecture.
Freemasons’ Hall on Great Queen Street offers Art Deco splendour; take a tour for insight into Freemasonry.
Tucked away off Fleet Street, Dr Johnson’s House recalls the 18th-century scholar who began his Dictionary here.
Just south of Kingsway, the London School of Economics provides a vibrant academic presence to complement the area’s heritage.
For evening entertainment, The Peacock Theatre hosts dance, musicals, and family shows. The programme features everything from contemporary performances to seasonal favourites. Portugal Street, London WC2A 2HT.
Best Places To Shop In Holborn
Lamb’s Conduit Street is my favourite shopping street in Holborn. It has a village-like atmosphere, with fashion boutiques, an art gallery, an umbrella specialist store, and more.
Hatton Garden is London’s renowned jewellery district, a lively street near Holborn Circus filled with workshops, showrooms, and gem dealers. Known for its diamond trade since the 19th century, it remains the heart of the city’s jewellery trade and is also remembered for the 2015 safe deposit burglary.
The London Silver Vaults on Chancery Lane is a unique underground arcade of silver dealers with vaults. Antique and modern pieces line the vaults, making it a one-of-a-kind place to browse.
James Smith & Sons Umbrella Shop on New Oxford Street is a Victorian gem. Its traditional display of umbrellas and walking sticks is one of my favourite shops in the area, reminding me of my partner’s late father, who loved a proper brolly!
Best Places To Eat In Holborn
Holborn features many coffee shops, including Redemption Roasters on Lambs Conduit Street, Early Bees Coffee at High Holborn, and Blank Street on the Kingsway. WatchHouse is located on Fetter Lane, while Prufrock Coffee and Assembly Coffee are both found on Leather Lane.
Leather Lane Food Market is perfect for weekday street food. It’s busy with takeaway stalls offering burritos, falafel, curries, and fresh juices to hungry office workers. Open Monday to Friday, 10 am until 3 pm.
For a sit-down lunch or dinner, I recommend Honey & Co on Lamb’s Conduit Street, which offers vibrant Middle Eastern dishes. Highly-rated restaurants on Google include this one. You’ll also find many budget-friendly noodle and pho spots around.
When you fancy a treat, pop into YumTea for artisanal Japanese cakes and tea, located near Holborn Station, as is Fabrique. Fred Bakery, situated on Northington Street, also serves delicious pastries and cakes. My Old Dutch Pancake House is always excellent for sweet-topped pancakes.
Those seeking cocktails should visit stylish hotels like the Hoxton or Rosewood. Holborn has many pubs. The Cittie of Yorke on High Holborn is the most atmospheric, with its soaring hall and wooden booths. The Princess Louise, located nearby, is also worth visiting for its ornate Victorian interior.
Helpful Information About Holborn
Holborn connects the City of London and Camden, bordered by Covent Garden, Bloomsbury, Farringdon, and the City. High Holborn runs from Kingsway to Chancery Lane before continuing east as Holborn towards the Viaduct, marking higher ground above the buried River Fleet. The district includes Hatton Garden, Chancery Lane, and Lamb’s Conduit Street, blending grand institutions with village-like lanes. Holborn station links to the Central and Piccadilly lines, with Chancery Lane, Russell Square, and Farringdon nearby.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Japanese Cakes At YumTea In Holborn
Ten Reasons To Visit Lamb’s Conduit Street
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. To avoid disappointment, please verify that the places I referenced in this article are still in operation before visiting.