Ready to explore the best things to do in Holborn, London? We’ve got you covered with this guide to fascinating museums, ornate Victorian pubs, and the best places for shopping.
Situated just northwest of the City of London, Holborn was previously a Metropolitan borough of London for 65 years. This was until 1965, when Holborn was combined with other former boroughs and taken under the wing of Camden.
Holborn has its roots in a medieval settlement that evolved nearby a ‘hole-bourne’ – a stream in a hollow that led to the Thames. The river in question is the River Fleet, which remains one of the largest subterranean rivers in central London.
Holborn is also one of the most important areas when it comes to crime and punishment in the capital – the area is home to two of the four Inns of Court: Gray’s Inn and Lincoln’s Inn.
Way back in the 14th century, these Inn’s were responsible for training and housing lawyers.
Interestingly enough, they’re still in action today as voluntary law societies that budding lawyers can opt to join.
Ready to explore?
Top Picks for Things to do in Holborn
The Best Things to do in Holborn
The Murky History of Lincoln’s Inn – One of London’s Oldest Surviving Institutions
The History of The Knights Templar in London and What this Mysterious Military Order Left Behind
The Kingsway Tram Tunnel: Holborn’s Tunnel to Nowhere, or is It?
The Parthenon Marbles May Finally Be Going Back to Greece
The Hidden Secrets of London’s Temple Church
The Hidden Secrets of Ely Place
8 of the Best Bars in Holborn
The Best Restaurants in Holborn: 12 Unmissable Places to Eat
Novelty Automation: The Tiny London Museum Dedicated to Eccentric Arcade Games
Ye Olde Mitre: The Historic Tavern in Hatton Gardens
Map of Holborn
Practical Tips for Exploring Holborn, London
- The area is filled to the brim with historic pubs – it would be a total crime not to visit one during your trip (and it should definitely be the Cittie of Yorke).
- There are lots of free things to do in Holborn, which makes up for the fact that hotels in the area are often more expensive. Make sure you utilise free things to do like visiting Sir John Soane’s Museum and the Royal Courts of Justice.
- Holborn has great transport links to the rest of the capital, although it’s very central so you can often walk to popular landmarks and tourist attractions from here.
