Russell Square

Russell Square is a large garden square in Bloomsbury, in the London Borough of Camden. It is a Grade II listed site and one of the best-known green spaces in central London. It sits beside the main buildings of the University of London and a short walk from the British Museum, which makes it an easy place to pause during a day of sightseeing.

What should you know about Russell Square?

The square is almost exactly square in shape. Woburn Place runs along its north side and Southampton Row to the south-east. The surrounding buildings were put up predominantly by the firm of James Burton, one of the builders who shaped Bloomsbury. The land belongs to the Bedford Estate, and the garden's layout in the early nineteenth century was designed by Humphry Repton, the celebrated English landscape designer.

What is the garden like?

Repton's original plan featured a broad gravel walk around the edge, screened from the street by a clipped hedge, and two bow-shaped paths crossing the middle. The garden has been reworked several times over the years, and in the early 2000s a re-landscaping echoed Repton's original ideas. Today there is a fountain at the centre, and a café with a refreshment kiosk serves drinks and snacks within the square. A statue of the Duke of Bedford by Richard Westmacott also stands in the garden.

How do you get to Russell Square?

The easiest way is the Tube. Russell Square station lies on the north-east side of the square, on the Piccadilly line between Holborn and King's Cross St Pancras, in Zone 1. King's Cross St Pancras, where long-distance trains and Eurostar arrive, is just one stop away.

What is nearby?

• The British Museum – one of the world's great museums, a short walk from the square.
• University of London – its main buildings stand right next to the garden.
• Great Ormond Street Hospital – the renowned children's hospital is close by.
• Brunswick Centre – a modernist complex with restaurants and shops.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to enter the garden? Yes, it is a public garden in the middle of the city. Check opening hours before you go, as they may vary by season.

Is there a café? Yes, there is a café with a kiosk inside the square, and the central fountain is a popular spot to relax.

How long should I plan for a visit? A stroll around the square takes a few minutes. If you want to sit with a coffee after the British Museum, allow about an hour.

Is Russell Square the same as the Tube station? No. The station takes its name from the square and sits on its north-east side, but the square itself is a separate, listed public garden.

Who is it best for? Anyone looking for a calm break from sightseeing: families, students from nearby colleges and visitors heading to the museums of Bloomsbury. A walk along its paths offers relief from the city bustle, and the surrounding townhouses give a good sense of the district's character.