Russell Square
Russell Square
4
About
Square located in Bloomsbury central London, with easy access to nearby attractions like the British Museum, Covent Garden and Oxford Street for shopping.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Bloomsbury
Snuggly nestled within Central London is academic and leafy Bloomsbury, an area that boasts walking distance access to many of London's most popular attractions. It is also home to some of Britain's most celebrated museums, including the must-see British Museum. Despite an understandable popularity with students, tourists and day trippers, vast sections of Bloomsbury retain a quiet, residential feel year round and throughout the week.
How to get there
- Russell Square • 3 min walk
- Goodge St • 8 min walk
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Restaurants
10,000 within 5 kms
Attractions
2,380 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
638 reviews
Excellent
201
Very good
326
Average
92
Poor
9
Terrible
10
therichastill
Stevenage, UK3,225 contributions
Apr 2021
Russell Square is one of many small parks in Central London. It is surrounded by hotels and Georgian buildings and there is bustle going on outside as cars and buses pass by but after a day walking around London I would definitely recommend paying a visit to Russell Square.
There are plenty of benches to sit on dotted about along with a fountain at the centre. There is also a small place to get refreshments and also a bug hotel to encourage smaller wildlife.
It's a really peaceful place to go in the midst of one of the busiest cities in the world.
There are plenty of benches to sit on dotted about along with a fountain at the centre. There is also a small place to get refreshments and also a bug hotel to encourage smaller wildlife.
It's a really peaceful place to go in the midst of one of the busiest cities in the world.
Written April 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carl B
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Friends
I use this hostel when I travel for work because every time I am never let down. From the willing to help staffing team ( keep up the good work) to the cleanliness of the place and facilities to the price of the stay and location. I would fully recommend Russel square.
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hooray H
London, UK2,170 contributions
Mar 2021
This is probably the most grand of the squares in WC, except for the traffic that flows around it. It is really well kept & well organised. It has a lovely family run Italian cafe.
When we were students, in '84-87, we used to come tit spotting here in the summer.
Mostly great tits; very few blue tits.
On the east side is the lovely Russell Hotel & the imposing Senate House on the opposite side.
When we were students, in '84-87, we used to come tit spotting here in the summer.
Mostly great tits; very few blue tits.
On the east side is the lovely Russell Hotel & the imposing Senate House on the opposite side.
Written April 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew
St. Albans, UK7,126 contributions
May 2022
We visited Russel Square on a sunny Saturday morning. The square, which dates from 1804, has a café (Caffe Tropea), a water fountain and seemed to be popular with people have wedding photos taken. So nice we could have spent hours just relaxing here, but we were on our way to The British Museum just a short distance away.
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron
Blackpool, UK75 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Draw your attention to the little old huts
Used as bus shelters now as cafe for taxis
Also I believe for general public
The coffee looked nice & good price if in area look out for these around London
Used as bus shelters now as cafe for taxis
Also I believe for general public
The coffee looked nice & good price if in area look out for these around London
Written August 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Niki
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Friends
This is a gorgeous cafe located in Russell Square Park.
You will find the most friendliest staff always giving a warm welcome with delicious food and the best coffee.
Go, Relax and have Fun.
You will find the most friendliest staff always giving a warm welcome with delicious food and the best coffee.
Go, Relax and have Fun.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian T
London, UK8,047 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
Russell Square is one of London’s garden squares which is well known to visitors to the capital. The garden square and surrounding streets of the same name were laid out in the early 1800s by the 5th Duke of Bedfordshire; his family name was Russell. His statue is in a fenced enclosure on the south side of the garden. The garden square was designed as the centrepiece to the grand houses which surrounded it; many of those buildings are still there though most function as offices these days. The grand chateau-style terracotta extravaganza on the eastern side is late 19th century, and is a hotel. Russell Square Gardens were relaid in 2002, returning them to something like their appearance in the early 1800s by reproducing the original twisting paths and planting new lime trees. The gentle curving sweep of trellised lime trees is one of the square’s loveliest features.
The gardens are pleasant, but they don’t dazzle. I visited at the height of spring, expecting a vibrant riot of spring colour, but the lack of colour, apart from some bluebells, and largely unkempt garden beds told a different story. I’ve been to the gardens many times when there’s been better displays. The west lawn in early spring is a carpet of daffodils, and that’s pretty to see. They had finished on this visit.
The gardens are extremely popular with students from the nearby University of London and visitors to the British Museum, and workers from the numerous businesses which surround the square. There’s a grassy expanse for picnic lunches, numerous seats along the curving footpaths, and lots of mature trees for shade in the summer. In my opinion the square lacks ‘stand-out’ features which would heighten its attraction to visitors. Apart from the statue of the Duke of Bedfordshire there’s no other statues, memorials or curiosities. The original fountain is no longer there, replaced in the 2002 revamp with an animated series of gushing water spouts (as seems popular these days with fountains) so the children can paddle amongst them. It’s not particularly attractive or noteworthy. It was fenced off on the day of my visit. Recent additions to the gardens are a series of bird feeders and ‘insect hotels’, designed to encourage some wildlife back into the gardens. There is a pleasant cafe in the square, with a wide exterior terrace for alfresco dining and for watching the world go by. My favourite curiosity is actually just outside the fenced enclosure of the gardens, in the north-western corner - the cabmen’s shelter erected in 1897, and surviving to the present day. It was built as a service point for drivers of hansom cabs back in the day, and is a little cafe today, serving drinks and snacks.
It’s a pleasant spot to visit if you are nearby, but I think there are much nicer gardens in London to visit if it’s a beautiful garden you are after. It’s flat and suitable for those using mobility assistance. Russell Square underground station (Piccadilly Line) is a short walk away.
The gardens are pleasant, but they don’t dazzle. I visited at the height of spring, expecting a vibrant riot of spring colour, but the lack of colour, apart from some bluebells, and largely unkempt garden beds told a different story. I’ve been to the gardens many times when there’s been better displays. The west lawn in early spring is a carpet of daffodils, and that’s pretty to see. They had finished on this visit.
The gardens are extremely popular with students from the nearby University of London and visitors to the British Museum, and workers from the numerous businesses which surround the square. There’s a grassy expanse for picnic lunches, numerous seats along the curving footpaths, and lots of mature trees for shade in the summer. In my opinion the square lacks ‘stand-out’ features which would heighten its attraction to visitors. Apart from the statue of the Duke of Bedfordshire there’s no other statues, memorials or curiosities. The original fountain is no longer there, replaced in the 2002 revamp with an animated series of gushing water spouts (as seems popular these days with fountains) so the children can paddle amongst them. It’s not particularly attractive or noteworthy. It was fenced off on the day of my visit. Recent additions to the gardens are a series of bird feeders and ‘insect hotels’, designed to encourage some wildlife back into the gardens. There is a pleasant cafe in the square, with a wide exterior terrace for alfresco dining and for watching the world go by. My favourite curiosity is actually just outside the fenced enclosure of the gardens, in the north-western corner - the cabmen’s shelter erected in 1897, and surviving to the present day. It was built as a service point for drivers of hansom cabs back in the day, and is a little cafe today, serving drinks and snacks.
It’s a pleasant spot to visit if you are nearby, but I think there are much nicer gardens in London to visit if it’s a beautiful garden you are after. It’s flat and suitable for those using mobility assistance. Russell Square underground station (Piccadilly Line) is a short walk away.
Written May 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nimitta
Manchester, UK594 contributions
Feb 2013 • Couples
This is a great spot for coffee, breakfast, or lunch. Ideally located in Russell Square about 10 mins walk from Euston Station and 5 mins from the British Museum, the cafe is open 7 days a week from early morning until ~4.30-5pm. Nice coffee, decent well priced food in a lovely setting served by friendly Italian staff with indoor and outdoor seating . We have been using this place to meet and have breakfast for two years and are very fond of it indeed, as are friends. Watching the lovely garden change with the seasons, tourists from all over the world making a bee-line across the garden for the museum, lots of excited dogs out for walks, and squirrels :-) It's also ideally located for the Russell Square tube station, 2 mins walk away behind the cafe. Recommended, particularly for couples.
Written March 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I visited this place🇫🇷🇺🇸🇬🇷🇨🇭🇬🇧
Israel35,023 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
PROS
* Pleasant leafy park which is green
* Perfectly square area
* Pleasant for bag lunch
* Adjacent to British Museum
CONS
Crowded
"I VISITED THIS PLACE"...
... when walking from my arrival at St. Pancras International Station to my first stop, the British Museum, and then when I finished, I walked past it on my way to Rusell Street Underground Station.
The park seemed pleasant enough- very active with children playing and workers sitting on the benches having lunch.
WAS IT WORTH THE COST?
It's free
WOULD "I VISIT THIS PLACE" AGAIN?
Sure after my next visit to the British Museum
ADVICES
* It's pleasant enough to visit if and when going to the British Museum and entering from the back of the building.
* It is not necessary to seek it out for its own tourist value: it doesn't have any yo me at least
FULL DISCLOSURE
"I visited this place" with the intention and plan to write a "helpful" review and I attached and submited some "helpful" photos here on tripadvisor, so if these did "help" you, please indicate that by tikking the "thumbs up" 👍 symbol. Thanks.
--
* Pleasant leafy park which is green
* Perfectly square area
* Pleasant for bag lunch
* Adjacent to British Museum
CONS
Crowded
"I VISITED THIS PLACE"...
... when walking from my arrival at St. Pancras International Station to my first stop, the British Museum, and then when I finished, I walked past it on my way to Rusell Street Underground Station.
The park seemed pleasant enough- very active with children playing and workers sitting on the benches having lunch.
WAS IT WORTH THE COST?
It's free
WOULD "I VISIT THIS PLACE" AGAIN?
Sure after my next visit to the British Museum
ADVICES
* It's pleasant enough to visit if and when going to the British Museum and entering from the back of the building.
* It is not necessary to seek it out for its own tourist value: it doesn't have any yo me at least
FULL DISCLOSURE
"I visited this place" with the intention and plan to write a "helpful" review and I attached and submited some "helpful" photos here on tripadvisor, so if these did "help" you, please indicate that by tikking the "thumbs up" 👍 symbol. Thanks.
--
Written December 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WMIM
Horsham, UK3,201 contributions
Jun 2014 • Solo
This is a lovely large square, one of the biggest in town.
I have occasionally walked through it when in the Bloomsbury/British museum area.
I had the misfortune to have to walk through it late one night on my way to a hotel and it became horribly apparent that this is a 'gay male' 'cruising' area after dark, with all kinds of 'activities' going on in clear view! You have been warned!
I have occasionally walked through it when in the Bloomsbury/British museum area.
I had the misfortune to have to walk through it late one night on my way to a hotel and it became horribly apparent that this is a 'gay male' 'cruising' area after dark, with all kinds of 'activities' going on in clear view! You have been warned!
Written January 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suggestions please for a nice, intimate, atmospheric bar for a post work drink/liaison. Walking distance from Russell Square/ Bloomsbury.
Thinking candles/dim lights, exposed brick, possibly cellar bar.... does such a place exist??
Thanks!
Written November 5, 2019
No ide I’m afraid as I don’t live in London!
Written November 6, 2019
A Tripadvisor member
Paris, France
J'aimerai connaître la distance de la boucle du parc (pour y faire mon jogging). Merci.
Written September 5, 2018
Is the fountain still fenced off? I went in early July, and they’d fenced off the fountain for “maintenance”.
Written August 6, 2018
We were there July 22 and it was running fine! And the parents of the cute little girl (maybe 2 yrs) let us take a picture of her going 'round and 'round the fountain on her tiny scooter.
Written August 18, 2018
Last time when we visit the square, the fountain wasn’t running. Is it running now?
Written May 3, 2018
El hotel Imperial ¿Está cerca de Russell Square? Me voy a alojar allí y necesito tener una ubicación.Gracias.
Written January 18, 2018
The Imperial seems to be one of a group of seven belonging to the Imperial London Hotels. Alll are in Bloomsbury, so will be close to Russell Sq. The website says 'Offering breathtaking views across Russell Square, the hotel is within easy walking distance to the British Museum. Well located with Russell Square underground station a 2 minute walk away.'
Written January 18, 2018
How do I get to Russell square from gatwick airport?
Written November 14, 2017
While the Gatwick Express is the fastest and most direct way of getting to Victoria, it's also the most expensive. But stopping trains run regularly via Gatwick to Victoria so it might be worth getting a (return if necessary) ticket for that. Ask advice from the ticket office about the time of the fastest train. At Victoria, change to the underground after buying and putting money on an Oyster card. Then take the Victoria Line to Kings Cross (5 stops). There, change to the Piccadilly Line and travel one stop to Russell Sq. That journey should take you anything between 17-20minutes. Enjoy London. It's a great city!
Written November 15, 2017
Gilian W
Worcestershire, United Kingdom
How do I travel from Russell Square to Victoria
Written May 24, 2016
If you walk to high Holborn, you can get the 38 bus to Victoria. Alternatively,get the Piccadilly line on the tube towards Heathrow, changing at either south Kensington or Gloucester Road and catch the Eastbound district line to Victoria
Written May 29, 2016
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