Clerkenwell London
Clerkenwell: A historic London district blending design, culinary delights, and architectural gems. Explore Exmouth Market and hidden historical sites...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, great for drinks.
Clerkenwell London
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, great for drinks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Clerkenwell: A historic London district blending design, culinary delights, and architectural gems. Explore Exmouth Market and hidden historical sites.
"A vibrant hub for foodies and design lovers, Clerkenwell offers a unique blend of history and modern charm."
🎯 Explore Exmouth Market
A must-visit for foodies! Great restaurants, cafes, and shops. :forkandknife:
🏛️ Discover The Charterhouse
A historic gem with seven centuries of stories. Don't miss this hidden treasure. :classical_building:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exmouth Market
Clerkenwell
A vibrant street food haven with diverse eateries and independent shops. Perfect for lunch or a casual bite.

The Charterhouse
Clerkenwell
Step into seven centuries of history at this former monastery, now a stunning almshouse and garden.

St. Bartholomew the Great Church
Smithfield
A magnificent medieval church with a rich history, offering a peaceful escape and architectural marvel.

Pick & Cheese
Seven Dials Market
Experience the world's first cheese conveyor belt restaurant for a unique culinary adventure.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Clerkenwell's Charm
Navigating Clerkenwell's Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore Exmouth Market
A must-visit for foodies! Great restaurants, cafes, and shops.
:forkandknife:🏛️ Discover The Charterhouse
A historic gem with seven centuries of stories. Don't miss this hidden treasure.
:classical_building:⛪ Visit St. Bart's
Magnificent medieval church, a peaceful and historically rich spot.
:church:🧀 Unique Cheese Experience
Try Pick & Cheese for a conveyor belt of delicious British cheeses.
:cheese_wedge:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore Exmouth Market
A must-visit for foodies! Great restaurants, cafes, and shops.
:forkandknife:🏛️ Discover The Charterhouse
A historic gem with seven centuries of stories. Don't miss this hidden treasure.
:classical_building:⛪ Visit St. Bart's
Magnificent medieval church, a peaceful and historically rich spot.
:church:🧀 Unique Cheese Experience
Try Pick & Cheese for a conveyor belt of delicious British cheeses.
:cheese_wedge:🚶♀️ Walkable Neighborhood
Clerkenwell is best explored on foot; many sights are close by.
:walking:🤫 Weekend Quietude
Weekends are quieter; enjoy a relaxed pace or head to nearby lively areas.
:zzz:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Clerkenwell is praised for its vibrant food scene, particularly Exmouth Market, and its rich historical architecture. Visitors appreciate its status as a design hub and its convenient location. However, some find the area quiet on weekends, with fewer evening activities compared to other central London districts.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Clerkenwell is easily accessible by London Underground, with stations like Farringdon, Barbican, and Chancery Lane nearby. Buses also serve the area frequently. Many parts of Clerkenwell are also within walking distance of major landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral.
Clerkenwell offers a more local feel than some tourist hotspots, with excellent restaurants and design studios. It's well-connected, making it a good base for exploring London. However, weekends can be quieter than other central areas.
Clerkenwell is highly walkable, and many attractions are within a short stroll. The nearest tube stations include Farringdon (Elizabeth Line, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines), Barbican, and Chancery Lane. Numerous bus routes also pass through the area.
Yes, Clerkenwell is well-connected to all major London airports. From Heathrow, you can take the Piccadilly Line to central London and then transfer. From Gatwick, the Thameslink service to Farringdon is very convenient.
Clerkenwell is generally considered a safe area, especially during weekdays. Like any urban environment, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For most attractions like The Charterhouse or St. Bartholomew the Great, booking in advance is not strictly necessary, but it's always a good idea to check their official websites for opening times and any special events. For restaurants like Pick & Cheese, reservations are highly recommended.
Exmouth Market is a street market with many permanent shops and restaurants, so hours vary. The food stalls typically operate during lunchtime on weekdays, while shops and cafes have their own opening times, generally from morning to early evening.
Absolutely! Exploring the architecture, walking through Exmouth Market, and visiting St. Bartholomew the Great church (though donations are welcome) are all free activities. Wandering through the design district is also a visual treat.
The Charterhouse typically has an entry fee for general visits, but it's best to check their official website for the most current pricing and tour information.
Hatton Garden is known for its jewelry businesses. While you can walk through the area and see the shops from the outside, entering many of the establishments may require an appointment, especially for private viewings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Clerkenwell is a hub for architects and design firms, boasting a mix of Georgian, Victorian, and modern architecture. Look out for its unique industrial heritage buildings and contemporary design studios.
Clerkenwell tends to be quite quiet on weekends compared to its weekday buzz. Many local businesses might have reduced hours or be closed, but it offers a more relaxed exploration experience.
Yes, Clerkenwell offers many picturesque spots, from the historic Charterhouse and St. Bartholomew the Great to the vibrant Exmouth Market and its unique street art. The blend of old and new architecture provides diverse photographic subjects.
Beyond Exmouth Market and The Charterhouse, look for independent boutiques, design showrooms, and historic pubs like The Eagle. Clerkenwell's charm lies in its less-obvious discoveries.
Clerkenwell is an excellent destination for a day trip, offering a rich mix of history, culture, and culinary delights. You can easily spend a day exploring its markets, churches, and design spaces.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Clerkenwell boasts a fantastic food scene. Exmouth Market offers diverse options like Morito and Taqueria. For Italian, Brutto is highly recommended. The Eagle Pub is known for good food and atmosphere.
Absolutely! Pick & Cheese offers a unique conveyor belt cheese experience. For a taste of history, consider dining at a traditional pub like The Eagle.
You'll find a wide variety, including excellent Italian (Brutto), Spanish tapas (Morito), Mexican (Taqueria), Middle Eastern (Shawarma Bar), and classic British pub fare.
Yes, Exmouth Market is a prime spot for lunch, especially on weekdays when the street food stalls are bustling with a variety of delicious and affordable options.
Yes, Clerkenwell has options for various dietary needs. IMA is a newly opened vegan sushi spot in Exmouth Market. Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, and Exmouth Market's diverse stalls often include plant-based choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic architecture of The Charterhouse and St. Bartholomew the Great, the vibrant street life of Exmouth Market, and the unique design studios offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, Clerkenwell's mix of historic buildings, bustling markets, and independent shops provides a rich backdrop for street photography, capturing the area's unique character.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can offer beautiful light for architectural shots. Midday is great for capturing the lively atmosphere of Exmouth Market.
Generally, photography is allowed in public spaces. However, always be respectful when photographing private businesses or individuals. Some historical sites might have specific internal photography policies.
Explore the streets around Clerkenwell Green, look for hidden courtyards, and admire the blend of old industrial buildings with modern design extensions. The area is a playground for architecture enthusiasts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
🎨 Design & Architecture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culinary Delights of Clerkenwell
Beyond the market, traditional pubs like The Eagle offer a classic British pub experience with good food and a lively atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal or a pint. The area also caters to various dietary needs, with places like IMA, a vegan sushi restaurant, adding to the diverse culinary landscape. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a fine dining experience, or a unique culinary adventure, Clerkenwell's food scene is sure to impress.
A Walk Through Clerkenwell's History and Architecture
The area is also a recognized center for design and architecture, with numerous studios and showrooms dotting its streets. This blend of historical grandeur and contemporary design creates a unique visual tapestry. Wandering through Clerkenwell, you'll encounter a mix of Georgian townhouses, Victorian industrial buildings, and sleek modern structures, making it a delight for anyone interested in urban exploration and architectural styles. The neighborhood's layout and its proximity to other historic sites like St. Paul's Cathedral further enhance its appeal for those looking to immerse themselves in London's rich heritage.
Navigating Clerkenwell: Getting Around and Weekend Vibes
While Clerkenwell buzzes with activity during the weekday, particularly with office workers and design professionals, it takes on a more tranquil character on weekends. This quieter atmosphere can be a welcome change for those seeking a more relaxed exploration, allowing for easier access to popular spots and a chance to soak in the local ambiance without the weekday rush. However, if you're looking for a vibrant nightlife or bustling weekend markets, you might find it beneficial to venture to nearby areas like Soho or Shoreditch, which are easily accessible from Clerkenwell.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit