Things to do in Clerkenwell (London)

Next time you are in London, how about exploring one of its lesser-known areas? And no, I am not talking about somewhere on the outskirts in zone 7 or 8. I am talking about an area right in the heart of London. Somewhere that has been around since the Middle Ages and is boasting with flair and history. Yet, little known to many tourists visiting London. Intrigued? I am talking about Clerkenwell. Just a few minutes’ walk from one of London’s best-known sights, St Pauls Cathedral. Ever heard of it? Or even been there? Clerkenwell, I mean, not St Pauls Cathedral. Let me tell you a little about the area and the things to do in Clerkenwell.

These days Clerkenwell is one of the most important design hubs in the world with more design businesses per square mile than anywhere else. On and off I’ve worked in this part of London for over a decade, and I just love it.

However, it is an area hardly known to tourists. Probably because it does not have any of the sights London is famous for. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t visit and have a little wander. After all, London is so much more than Buckingham Palace, Oxford Street and the Tower.

Before we dive into the best things to do in Clerkenwell, let’s cover the basics.

Where is Clerkenwell?

Clerkenwell is in the heart of London and dates back to the Middle Ages. Originally its own little village, Clerkenwell sits just outside the ancient London city wall. It didn’t officially become part of London until the 18th century.

Today, Clerkenwell is mainly located in the London Borough of Islington (with a small part belonging to Camden Council). It borders King’s Cross and Angel in the north, the City of London (and St Paul’s Cathedral) in the south and Barbican in the east.

How to get to Clerkenwell

Clerkenwell is served by train, underground (Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Line) and the Elizabeth Line, all via Farringdon station.

Farringdon Street station (how it was originally known) was the terminus of the world’s first public underground railway: The Metropolitan Railway opened in 1863 between Paddington and Farringdon.

You can also get to Clerkenwell via several bus routes, and it is less than a 10-minute walk from nearby St Paul’s Cathedral. You see, there really is no excuse not to pop by and explore the things to do in Clerkenwell.

Clerks’ Well

The area is home to several wells and spas, like Sadlers Wells (probably better known as a theatre than an actual well) and Spa Green.

And Clerks’ Well, that the area was named after. Located in Well Court on Farringdon Lane, this 12th century water source (fed by the River Fleet, that still runs below London) was adjacent to St Mary’s Nunnery. Lost over the years, it was rediscovered during building works in 1924 and is now visible through a ground floor window. Just look out for the blue plaque to spot it.

Clerkenwell Green

At the centre of the old village of Clerkenwell lies Clerkenwell Green, the original town square / village green. Thanks to the many pubs surrounding the Green, it is particularly busy in the summer, when people gather outside the pubs for after-work drinks.

Clerkenwell Green was made famous in literature by Charles Dickens as the place where Oliver Twist was first introduced to pickpocketing.

Amongst the eldest of those pubs on Clerkenwell Green is the Crown Tavern. The local drinking hole for our company for many years. Originally known as the Crown and Anchor and dating back to the early 17th century, it is rumoured to have housed the first meeting of Lenin and Stalin in 1903.

Old Sessions House (formerly known as Middlesex Sessions House) on the edge of Clerkenwell Green dates to 1782. It was originally a courthouse, but was later used as a mason’s hall, before closing in 1921. These days Old Sessions House is used as an event and co-working space. Peek inside, if you get the chance, it is stunning.

St James’s Church & churchyard

Just off Clerkenwell Green is St James’s Church. The present church dates to the 18th century, but there had been a church in this place for several centuries before (ever since the Nunnery of St Mary, founded around 1100).

During summer, the surrounding churchyard is a popular lunch spot for local businesses. It even has its own cafe, which is open Monday to Friday.

Clerkenwell Prison

The House of Detention (originally called Clerkenwell Prison) was one of three prisons in Clerkenwell (sounds like the olden days were rough, given the number of prisons in this leafy village). The House of Detention opened in 1847 and was demolished in 1890. It was then replaced by a school, that eventually closed for good in 1971. Since then, the old school building was converted into flats. But the original vaults underneath remained intact. Unfortunately, the ‘Clerkenwell Catacombs’ are not generally open to the public. But once a year during Clerkenwell Design Week, they are open and used as exhibition space. The rest of the year, you’ll just see old school keeper door.

Things to do in Clerkenwell: Visit Exmouth market

This vibrant little outdoor street market is open from Monday to Saturday. On 30+ stalls and in small boutique shops, you’ll find a variety of food offerings (time it well and grab some lunch here), as well as local designers selling gifts and jewellery.

Spa Fields Park

Next to Exmouth market is Spa Fields Park. Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of London, this little oasis is perfect to rest, enjoy your al-fresco lunch and recharge your batteries. If you are travelling with kids, there is also a great Adventure Playground right opposite.

Charles Dickens Museum

Probably one of Clerkenwell’s most famous residents was Charles Dickens. From 1837 to 1839 Dickens lived in 48 Doughty Street. And this is where he wrote his best-known book ‘Oliver Twist’. In 1925 the house opened to the public, showcasing an impressive collection of Dickens’ work.

The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, tickets are 12.50GBP for adults.

The Order of St. John

Clerkenwell Priory was formed back in the 12th century as the English headquarter of the Order of St John.

To this day, the gatehouse, the cloister gardens and the chapel still remain.

St. John’s Gate houses the Museum of the Order of St John on the ground floor, which is free to visit and open Monday to Saturday.

The upstairs historic rooms can also be visited (along with the church and the crypt), but these are only accessible as part of a guided tour (you will need to prebook, and tickets costs 12GBP per adult).

The Cloister Gardens are open Monday – Saturday 9:30am to dusk and entry is free.

Clerkenwell Design Week

As mentioned in the beginning, Clerkenwell is synonymous with all things design and architecture. And every year in May, the entire area transforms into one big design festival. Clerkenwell Design Week attracts around 35.000 visitors over three days. With over 500 open showrooms, events, talks, and design installations, Clerkenwell is the place to be for all design enthusiasts. And as a plus point, you’ll get a chance to actually access some of those Clerkenwell hidden treasures that are not usually open (like Old Sessions House and the House of Detention).

Clerkenwell’s famous residents

An area with such a rich history obviously also had its share of famous residents over the years including:

• the late architect Zaha Hadid (her architectural practise is still in Compton Courtyard, 101 Goswell Rd)
• Oliver Cromwell (15 Clerkenwell Close)
• Vladimir Lenin
• Charles Dickens

to name just a few.

Smithfield Market

Although not technically part of Clerkenwell, I couldn’t leave Smithfield Market off my list of things to do in Clerkenwell.

Smithfield Market has been London’s meat market for over 800 years, making it one of the oldest markets in London. However, for most of its existence it was just an outdoor market. The market hall you see today dates from the Victorian area. Designed by architect Sir Horace Jones (who is also responsible for the market halls of Billingsgate and Leadenhall as well as the iconic Tower Bridge), the construction completed in 1868. Walk through the ‘Grand Avenue’ of the Grade II listed central market and admire the beautiful colourful cast iron decorations.

Smithfield is the last remaining major wholesale market within the City of London. The likes of Spitalfields and Billingsgate have long relocated to newer facilities on the outskirts of London. For the time being, Smithfield market still operates weekdays from 4am to noon, supplying shops and restaurants with fresh meat. But sadly, its days are counted. In November 2024, it was announced that Smithfield Market would close for good in 2028.

Parts of the old market buildings have already been redevelopment, with the Museum of London moving into the General Market Building in 2026 (having vacated its old Barbican site in 2022).

St Bartholomew’s Gatehouse & Priory Church

As you exit Smithfield market on the other side, continue straight on, until you reach St Bartholomew’s Gatehouse. It dates to 1595 and was one of a few buildings spared by the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Go through to reach St Bartholomew the Great, the oldest parish church in London, dating back to 1123. The church and cloisters are open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday between services and are free to visit.

OK, that’s it. I hope you enjoyed my little tour and found some interesting things to do in Clerkenwell. In all honesty, have you heard of Clerkenwell before? Next time you are in London, I urge you to go and explore Clerkenwell.