Located to the northwest of the City of London, Holborn is one of the liveliest areas in the capital city. From its bustling pubs to its fabulous shopping locations, there are plenty of things to check out here. Holborn is also steeped in fascinating history and is home to two Inns of Court and Charles Dickens’ former residence.
The best places to visit in Holborn include:
Ready to explore Holborn? Read on for our complete guide to this wonderful part of London.
Opening times: the church’s usual opening times are 10:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday.
The first stop on your tour of Holborn should be Temple Church, one of the most historic churches across London. Located between Fleet Street and the River Thames, this magnificent building was founded by the Knights Templar and was used as their English headquarters. Today, it’s owned by the Inner Temple and Middle Temple Inns of Court, which are bases of the English legal profession.
One of the most notable things about Temple Church is its striking round design. This was a common design feature among Knights Templar churches. Simply admire the building from the outside or head inside and look around.
Lincoln’s Inn Fields is the biggest public square in the capital city and an excellent spot for a picnic on a sunny day. The square is made up of 5 hectares of beautiful lawns and trees, as well as a bandstand and tennis courts.
Lincoln’s Inn Fields gets its name from Lincoln’s Inn, the largest of the Inns of Court, which sits to the east of the gardens. The grounds remained largely private until they were acquired by London County Council in 1895 and opened to the general public. It’s the perfect place to while away a few hours in the sunshine.
Opening times: 10:00 to 17:00 Wednesday to Sunday (last admission is 16:30).
Head to Sir John Soane’s Museum to learn more about the fascinating life of this important Regency-era architect. Located next to Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the museum is housed in Soane’s former residence. It contains an extensive collection of antiquities and furniture that the architect gathered over many years.
From Ancient Egyptian treasures to unique models of buildings, there’s plenty to discover in Sir John Soane’s Museum. It was actually created during Soane’s lifetime by a Private Act of Parliament, and today it attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.
The museum is completely free to visit and tickets are not required.
Opening times: 10:00 to 17:00 Wednesday to Sunday (last entry is 16:00).
Are you a fan of Charles Dickens’ work? Learn more about the famous author with a peek inside his former London home! Located on Doughty Street, the Charles Dickens Museum has been created to look as if Dickens was still living there and allows you to step back in time to 19th-century England.
Dickens lived at this address from 1837 to 1839 with his wife and eldest son. It was here that he wrote some of his most iconic works, such as Oliver Twist and The Pickwick Papers.
Wander around the museum and marvel at old portraits and furnishings that belonged to Dickens. A particular highlight of this attraction is the Study where the author once wrote, complete with a Writing Desk and other interesting objects.
Book your tickets here.
Opening times: 10:00 to 16:30 Monday to Friday.
The Royal Courts of Justice (otherwise known as the Law Courts) is a complex of courtrooms and halls housed inside a beautiful Grade I listed building. Situated on the Strand, it was designed by Victorian architect George Edmund Street and is home to the High Court and Court of Appeal of England and Wales.
Built in the Victorian Gothic style, the Royal Courts of Justice was opened by Queen Victoria in 1882 and is one of the largest courts in Europe. Step inside this powerful building and learn about the place where some of the country’s most important legal judgements are made. Walk through the hidden alleyways and courtyards and marvel at elegant detailing such as the stained-glass windows and mosaic marble floors.
You can choose to explore at your own leisure or join a guided tour. For something truly unforgettable, book a half-day guided tour that combines a look inside the Royal Courts of Justice with a walk through some of the Inns of Court.
Book your tour here.
Opening times: 11:00 to 17:00 Fridays and Saturdays.
Dr Johnson’s House is the former residence of 18th-century poet and critic Samuel Johnson. Johnson rose to fame after compiling the first Dictionary of the English Language and is considered to be one of the greatest figures of the 18th century.
The 300-year-old townhouse has been transformed into a wonderful museum, home to a large collection of artefacts from Johnson’s life. The house also contains a research library featuring important books and pamphlets relating to his work, such as first editions of the Dictionary.
Visit this historic house and learn more about the man who lived in it. Various events and exhibitions take place at Dr Johnson’s House throughout the year, including lectures and concerts.
Book your tickets here.
Planning a trip to Holborn? Our NYX Holborn Hotel sits at the very heart of this vibrant area and is the ideal space to rest after a busy day in the city.
This modern hotel has plenty to offer. Put your feet up in one of the 213 luxurious rooms and indulge in delicious food and drink at the hotel’s restaurant, open early until late. Comfort and relaxation are top priorities here, and customers can make use of the RENA spa and leisure centre to fully unwind. Whatever you’re planning to get up to in London, enjoy total luxury at our NYX Hotel.
