My top ten list of things to do in Holborn highlights the area’s blend of culture, history, and cuisine. You can visit Sir John Soane’s Museum, relax in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, and stroll down Lamb’s Conduit Street. Treat yourself to jewellery in Hatton Garden and browse the London Silver Vaults for take-home treasures. Enjoy coffee and brunch at Prufrock, street food at the Leather Lane Market stalls or Pear Tree Café, share mezze at Honey & Co, and finish with Japanese cakes at Yumtea. These locations collectively showcase Holborn’s character in WC1 and WC2.
An overview of what’s on my top ten list of best things to do in Holborn:
1. Marvel at Sir John Soane’s Museum
2. Relax in Lincoln’s Inn Fields
3. Soak up the village atmosphere on Lamb’s Conduit Street
4. Grab a bite at Leather Lane Market
5. Go for gold in Hatton Garden
6. Shop underground at the Silver Vaults
7. Wake up with brunch at Prufrock
8. Lunch with a view at Pear Tree Café
9. Share mezze at Honey & Co
10. Sample Japanese cakes at YumTea
My Favourite Ten Things To Do In Holborn
1. Marvel at Sir John Soane’s Museum. This Georgian townhouse-turned-museum displays antiquities, paintings, models, and curiosities collected by architect Sir John Soane. Mirrors and skylights create theatrical rooms that feel unlike any other in London. The entrance is free. 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP.
2. Relax in Lincoln’s Inn Fields. London’s most extensive public square features lawns, pathways, and benches surrounded by elegant terraces and legal chambers. It offers a peaceful spot to pause, take a stroll, or you can play tennis. Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3ED.
3. Soak up the village atmosphere on Lamb’s Conduit Street. Independent shops, cafés, and wine bars create a friendly vibe on this short street. Stylish boutiques and laid-back eateries provide a pleasant escape from the busy Holborn area. Lamb’s Conduit Street, London WC1N 3LT.
4. Grab a bite at Leather Lane Market. On weekdays from 10 am until 3 pm this street comes alive with food stalls, fresh produce and small traders. Lunchtimes draw queues for burritos, falafel, dumplings and more. Leather Lane, London EC1N 7TJ.
5. Go for gold in Hatton Garden. London’s jewellery quarter is lined with workshops, showrooms and gem merchants. The sparkle in the windows is a testament to why this area has been associated with diamonds since the 19th century. Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY.
6. Shop underground at The Silver Vaults. Beneath Chancery Lane, heavy vault doors open to an arcade of dealers. You will find Georgian candlesticks, Victorian tea sets and modern design in a unique setting. 53–64 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1QS.
7. Wake up with brunch at Prufrock. This Leather Lane café is renowned for its exceptional coffee and robust brunch menu. Expect poached eggs with espresso hollandaise, seasonal salads, pancakes, and pastries, served with expertly made brews. 23–25 Leather Lane, London EC1N 7TE.
8. Lunch with a view at Pear Tree Café. Overlooking Lincoln’s Inn Fields, this café serves fresh soups, salads, quiches and cakes. Outdoor tables make it one of Holborn’s most relaxing food stops. Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LJ.
9. Share mezze at Honey & Co. Middle Eastern flavours are served in a contemporary, welcoming space. Plates of mezze, slow-cooked stews and cakes make it perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner. 54 Lamb’s Conduit Street, London WC1N 3LW.
10. Sample Japanese cakes at YumTea. A dessert and tea bar specialising in Japanese patisserie. Light cakes, matcha treats, and fruit teas offer a delicate finish to your wander around Holborn. 45 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1BH.
Helpful Information About Holborn
Holborn is well-connected and easily accessible on foot. The Underground serves the area via Holborn station on the Central and Piccadilly lines, with Chancery Lane and Farringdon nearby. High Holborn is the main route running east to west, lined with shops, cafés and offices, while smaller streets like Chancery Lane, Theobalds Road and Gray’s Inn Road open up different corners of the neighbourhood.
Holborn is also known for its legal institutions, with Lincoln’s Inn, Gray’s Inn and the Royal Courts of Justice close at hand, giving it the title of London’s legal heart. The London School of Economics campus is situated on the southern edge of the district, bringing a lively student presence. Between the law, academia, museums, markets and independent shops, Holborn offers far more variety than you might expect from such a compact area.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Holborn London WC1 Helpful Area Guide
Ten Reasons To Visit Lamb’s Conduit Street
Sir John Soane’s Museum Holborn
Lovely Light Lunch At Fred Bakery Holborn
Japanese Cakes At YumTea In Holborn
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. To avoid disappointment, please check that the places I referenced in this article are still in business before you visit.