If you are heading off to London for the weekend Tottenham court road in the west End of London is a great place to start. People often hop off the tube at Tottenham Court Road station and wonder where to head. Let’s look at what’s near Tottenham Court Road in the Bloomsbury heart of London. There are plenty of free things to do near here such as the British Museum and the Natural History Museum and places to eat and shop.
Tottenham court road is also in the heart of theatreland and a central place to go shopping as it is at the top of Oxford Street. You are also a stone’s throw from Soho, Covent Garden, Bloomsbury Mayfair the Holborn area and also South Kensington.
Where are the nearest stations to Tottenham court road?
The nearest station to Tottenham court road is the Tottenham court road underground station which serves the central line, the brand new Elizabeth Line and the northern line. You are also only a short walk from Goodge Street station. The Tottenham court road station sits on the corner of Oxford Street and Tottenham ct Road in central London.
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Best things to do near Tottenham Court Road Station
From museums to bars, pubs and restaurants these are the Top things to do in London’s Tottenham Court Road area to ensure a good time.
Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology is where you can find some of the best collections of ancient Egyptian and Sudanese archaeology on Earth. Founded in 1892, you will be able to see a variety of artefacts ranging from ancient mummy cases to stone fragments with hieroglyphic inscriptions. It is home to over 80,000 objects all depicting the history of Egypt. Though only a small museum, it packs in the feeling of Egyptian civilisation by displaying the various items used in day-to-day life for the ancient Egyptians, like rat traps and hair accessories. One of the most well-known artefacts is a large sculpture of Min, the Egyptian fertility god. Another is the Tarkhan dress, one of the oldest pieces of clothing in the world.
Where: University College London, Malet Place, London WC1E 6BT
Opening times: Tuesday-Friday 1-5 pm Saturday 11 am-5 pm
Cost: Free entry (no booking required)
Closest tubes: Euston, Warren Street, Russell Square or Tottenham Court road tube
Grant Museum of Zoology
The Grant Museum of Zoology is home to various skeletons, around 67,000 specimens and stuffed animals from all over the planet. It is also the only remaining zoological museum in London. Founded by Robert Edmond Grant in 1827, it was opened to the public as a museum in 1996. A significant artefact of the collection is the extinct South African zebra, the quagga. Other key relics are the bones of the DoDo. At the moment this museum is temporarily closed.
Where: Rockefeller Building, University College London, 21 University Street, London WC1E 6DE
Opening times: Closed until Autumn 2023
Cost: Free entry (no booking required)
Closest tube: Warren Street, Euston, Goodge Street
Wellcome Collection
The Wellcome Collection is a museum and library in London that explores the connections between medicine, life, and art. It was established in 2007 by the Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation dedicated to improving health. It is located on Euston Road in the Bloomsbury area. The Wellcome Collection consists of a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as a library that holds over 2 million items related to medicine and healthcare. The exhibitions cover various topics, from medical history and science to art and contemporary issues. Some of the most popular exhibitions have focused on topics such as the brain, genetics and mental health.
Where: 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE
Opening times: Monday- closed, Tuesday & Wednesday- 10 am-6 pm, Thursday- 10 am-8 pm, Friday-Sunday- 10 am-6 pm
Cost: Free (no booking for normal entry but many events need a ticket)
Closest tube: Euston Square, Euston, Warren Street
The Foundling Museum
The Foundling Museum is in London, UK and is a museum that tells the story of the Foundling Hospital, Britain’s first home for abandoned children. Though the museum was founded in 2004, the hospital was established in 1739 by Thomas Coram. The hospital took in thousands of infants who would’ve otherwise died on the streets.
The museum’s collection includes art, objects and archives related to the history of the Foundling Hospital and its inhabitants. Some of the most significant items on display include paintings by renowned artists such as William Hogarth. It also holds tokens left by mothers to help identify their babies if they ever returned to claim them. Visitors can explore the interiors of the hospital (a dormitory, a dining room, a chapel) to gain a sense of what life was like for the children who lived there. The museum also offers events throughout the year such as contemporary art shows, talks and concerts.
Where: 40 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ
Opening times: Monday- Closed, Tuesday-Sunday- 10 am-5 pm
Cost: Adult- £9.50/£10.50 (including gift aid), Concessions- £7.50/£8.25 (including gift aid) Free for 21 & under, Foundling Friends, National Art Pass holders & Historic House Association members
(booking in advance recommended but not essential)
Closest tube: Russell Square (4 min walk), Kings Cross St Pancras (10 min walk)
The Cartoon Museum
The Cartoon Museum was founded in 2006 and celebrates British cartoons and comic art. In 2019, it moved to its current location in Fitzrovia. The Cartoon museum’s collection includes over 6,000 original artworks from political cartoons and caricatures to comic strips and graphic novels. Some of the most notable works on display include pieces by well-known British cartoonists like Steve Bell, Martin Rowson and Posy Simmonds. It hosts a variety of exhibitions in addition to its permanent collection throughout the year. The museum offers workshops, talks and screenings for people of all ages. A great part of this is the interactive exhibit where visitors can create their own cartoons and comics using digital tools and traditional drawing techniques.
Where: 63 Wells Street, London W1A 3AE
Opening times: Monday- Closed, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun- 10:30 am-5:30 pm, Thursday- 10:30 am-8 pm
Cost: Adult- £9.50, Concession (over 60 y/o)- £6, Universal Credit recipients (proof required)- £2, Under 18s (proof of age), ArtFund, London Pass, Members- Free
Closest tube: Holborn (3 min walk), Tottenham Court Road (11 min walk)
Pollock’s Toy Museum
Pollocks Toy Museum is now closed until further notice however I wanted to share it with you in the hope it opens up again soon. You can however visit the Pollocks Toy shop in Covent Garden which is not connected to the museum.
Pollocks Toy Museum is a small museum dedicated to the history of toys and childhood. It was founded in 1956 by Marguerite Fawdry. It is located in two interconnected buildings on Scala Street in the Fitzrovia neighbourhood, and its collection includes a wide range of toys, dolls and games from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Visitors can see everything from Victorian dolls and tin soldiers to board games and mechanical toys. One of the unique features of Pollock’s Toy Museum is its Victorian toy shop, which is located on the ground floor of the building. The shop is a recreation of the traditional toy shop from the 19th century and sells a variation of vintage and reproduction toys and games. The museum also has a library of books and magazines related to the history of toys and childhood. Visitors can learn about the history of the museum itself, which has been owned by the same family since it opened.
Where: Offering pop-up shops around London and at exhibitions/events until they can find a permanent location
Opening times: Currently closed
Cost: –
Closest tube: –
Twist Museum
The Twist Museum was developed with artists, neuroscientists and philosophers. It is an immersive experience which explores and tests the power of your mind when encountering the world around you. This opened in November 2022 making it one of the newest museums in London. You can go into various rooms which examine how we see things through illusions. The museum allows visitors to engage in the exhibits providing education on how we see the world.
Where: 248 Oxford Street, Oxford Circus, London, W1C 1DH
Opening times: Monday-Thursday- 11 am-8 pm ( last entry at 7 pm)
Friday-Saturday- 10 am-9 pm (last entry at 8 pm), Sunday 10 am-7:30 pm (last entry at 6:30 pm)
Cost: Pre-booked Adult- £23.50 (off-peak- £19.50), Pre-booked Child (4-14) & Concessions- £18.50 (off-peak- £16.50), At-the-door Adult- £27.50, At-the-door Child & Concession- £22.50, Pre-book Flexi Adult- £29.50, Pre-book Child & Concession- £22.50, Family (2 Adults, 2 Children or 1 Adult, 3 Children)- £74
Closest tube: Oxford Circus (5 min walk)
Museum of Youth and Culture
This museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and culture of youth movements from the 1950s to the present day. It was founded in 2020 as a collaboration between The Northbank BID and The Photographic Youth Music Culture Archive. The museum’s collection includes an array of photos, clothing, music and various other artefacts related to youth subcultures that emerged over the years. It showcases the social and cultural impact of the movements and explores identity, rebellion and self-expression. It often hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops and events providing a platform for young creatives to showcase their work and engage with contemporary youth culture.
Where: 95 Berwick Street, Soho W1F 0DW
Opening times: Monday-Sunday- 12 pm-6 pm
Cost: Free
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road (4 min walk), Covent Garden (8 min walk), Piccadilly Circus (9 min walk)
Places of interest & open spaces
Soho Square
Soho Square is a public garden located in the heart of London’s West End in the Soho district. It is known for its beautiful greenery, stunning sculptures and vibrant atmosphere.
Throughout the year, Soho Square offers various events and activities, including outdoor concerts, film screenings, and pop-up markets. It also has numerous cafes, bars and restaurants.
Where: Soho Square, Westminster W1D 3QJ
Opening times: Every day from 8am (closing times vary by the time of the year)
Cost: Free
Closest tube: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Tottenham Court Road
Bedford Square
Bedford Square is a beautiful public garden square located in the Bloomsbury district of London. It was constructed in the late 18th century and is one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in London. Bedford Square is also home to several important institutions, including the University of London’s Senate House. The square has also been the location of several famous literary addresses including the home of Virginia Woolf.
Where: WC1B 3HH
Opening times: All hours
Cost: Free
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road
The Dominion Theatre
The Dominion Theatre is a West End theatre located on Tottenham Court Road. It was built in 1929 and can seat 2,069, making it one of the largest theatres in London. The theatre has hosted numerous productions from musicals, to plays to operas, the most notable being ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘The Bodyguard’. Currently, the Dominion is showing ‘Dirty Dancing’ until the 29th of April and will then be home to ‘Grease’ in June 2023. It has also been a concert venue for musicians like Adele and Madonna.
It is a must-see for anyone interested in theatre, music or the arts.
Where: Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7AQ
Opening times: Mon-Sat- 12 pm-7:45 pm, Sun- Closed
Cost: Dependent on the show
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road
The Phoenix Theatre
The Phoenix Theatre is located on Charing Cross Road in the heart of London’s theatre district. It was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and opened in 1930. With a seating of 1,012, it’s known for its intimate atmosphere. Over the years it has hosted ‘Blood Brothers, ‘Chicago’ and ‘Once’. Bob Dylan, David Bowie and Elton John have all played their concerts at the theatre too. If you are heading off to the Theatre in London check out how to get cheap tickets at TKTS booth or try the London Theatre Lottery.
Where: Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0JP
Opening times: Mon-Sat- 10 am-7:30, Sun- Closed
Cost: Dependent on the show
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road (4 min walk), Leicester Square
Restaurants near Tottenham Court Road
Hakkasan Hanway Place
Hakkasan Hanway Place is a renowned restaurant located in the heart of London’s Fitzrovia district. It is known for its high-end Cantonese cuisine and luxurious atmosphere. It has earned a reputation as one of the best Chinese restaurants in London. Their menu includes traditional Cantonese dishes such as dim sum, roasted meats and seafood. It also offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. One of their signature dishes is the crispy duck salad as well as their stir-fried black pepper ribeye beef and the spicy prawn with lily bulb and almond.
Where: 8 Hanway Place, W1T 1HD
Opening time: Mon- Closed, Tues & Wed- 5 pm-10:30 pm, Thurs- 12 pm-3 pm, 5 pm-10:30 pm, Fri- 12 pm-3 pm, 5 pm-11 pm, Sat- 12 pm-11 pm, Sun- 12 pm-10:30 pm
Cost: ££££
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road
Arcade Food Hall
This is a dining establishment that features multiple food vendors in a single location. It is similar to a food court but focuses on independent, artisanal food vendors rather than fast food chains. It has a range of options, from sushi and poke bowls to burgers and fries. They also offer craft beer, wine and other beverages to complement the food. Customers can try different dishes from multiple vendors, creating a unique dining experience. The communal seating areas encourage socialising and create a lively, bustling atmosphere.
Where: 103-105 New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1DB
Opening times: Mon-Sat- 11:30 am-10:30 pm, Sun- 11:30 am-9:30 pm
Cost: ££-£££
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road
Circolo Popolare
This is a popular Italian restaurant in the heart of London’s Fitzrovia district. It is part of the Big Mamma group, which is known for its authentic Italian cuisine and lively, welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a range of traditional Italian dishes from pizza to pasta; their signature dish is the ‘Burrata della Casa’ and their ‘Cacio e Pepe’. Circolo Popolare is also known for its extensive selection of cocktails.
Where: 40-41 Rathbone Place, W1T 1HX
Opening times: Mon-Thurs- 12-3:30 pm, 5-10:30 pm, Fri- 12-10:30 pm, Sat- 11 am-10:30 pm, Sun- 11 am-10 pm
Cost: ££-£££
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road
Vapiano
Vapiano is a casual dining chain that specialises in Italian cuisine. The menu features a variety of Italian dishes and is made fresh to order. Customers can customise their dishes by choosing from different sauces and toppings. It is affordable and modern for all of the family.
Where: St Giles, High Street 16, WC2H 8LW
Opening times: Mon-Thurs & Sun- 12 pm-10:30 pm, Fri-Sat- 12 pm-11 pm
Cost: ££-£££
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road
Shake Shack
Shake Shack is a fast-casual restaurant specialising in burgers, fries and milkshakes. The menu features a variety of classic American fast-food items, including burgers, hot dogs and crinkle-cut fries. The burgers are made with 100% all-natural Angus beef and customers can customise their burgers with various toppings. Their milkshakes are one of the highlights as they are made with real ice cream and numerous flavours are offered. Again, customers can also choose to customise with mix-ins like Oreos and peanut butter. Shake Shack focuses on using all-natural ingredients and sustainable materials.
Where: 80 New Oxford St, WC1A 1HB
Opening times: Mon-Thurs & Sun- 11 am-11 pm, Fri-Sat- 11 am-12 am
Cost: ££
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road
Five Guys
Five Guys is another example of a fast-casual restaurant chain specialising in traditional American fast food. Again the burgers are made with 100% fresh beef and customers can customise what they have in their burgers. Their skin on fries is a highlight, made from fresh potatoes and cooked in peanut oil. It is affordable and high-quality.
Where: 266 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7RQ
Opening times: Daily- 11 am-12 am
Cost: ££
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road
Flat Iron
Flat Iron specialises in steak and was founded in London in 2012. It uses high-quality, ethically sourced beef in each dish. The signature meal is the Flat Iron Steak which is cut from the shoulder of the cow and cooked to perfection over a charcoal grill. Customers can also choose from a variety of sides such as triple-cooked chips, creamed spinach, and roasted aubergine. Flat Iron also offers a range of specials and deals throughout the week. They are affordable and simple, perfect for steak lovers.
Where: 9 Denmark Street, WC2H 8LS
Opening times: Mon-Tues & Sun- 12 pm-10 pm, Wed-Thurs- 12 pm-10:30 pm, Fri-Sat- 12 pm-11:30 pm
Cost: ££-£££
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road
Bars and Pubs near Tottenham Court Road
The Flying Horse Pub
The Flying Horse is the sole surviving pub on Oxford Street, retaining its historic name and tracing its origins back to at least 1790. During its early years, the establishment attracted a loyal clientele of theatregoers from the neighbouring Tottenham Street Theatre, once considered London’s premier music hall. Within the pub, you’ll encounter a captivating sight: three alluring figures adorning the walls, masterfully painted by Felix de Jong, a renowned decorative artist of the music hall era. This is a traditional Nicholsons cosy pub that has a welcoming atmosphere. It is known for its great selection of ales, beers and pub grub. Food includes fish and chips, pies and burgers. You can also watch many sporting events here too.
Where: Flying Horse, 6 Oxford Street, London, Greater London, W1D 1AN
Opening times: PUB- Mon-Fri – 11 am-11 pm, Sat 11 am – 12 am, Sun- 12 pm-10 pm
Cost: £
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road
The Coral Room Bar
The Coral Room Bar is a stylish and sophisticated bar located in the heart of London’s Bloomsbury neighbourhood. It is situated within the luxury hotel, The Bloomsbury Hotel. It is known for its extensive cocktail menu including both classic drinks as well as innovative and unique creations. They also offer a small food menu of light bites and sharing plates.
Where: 16-22 Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3NN
Opening times: Mon-Sun- 10 am-12 am (last sitting at 11 pm); afternoon tea served daily from 1 pm-4 pm
Cost: ££-£££
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road
All Bar One
All Bar One is a chain of bars and restaurants mainly in the UK and offers a stylish, relaxed environment to enjoy various drinks and food. They offer a range of drinks from wines, beers and cocktails to spirits around the world. Food is also on the menu; you can have a light bite and sharing platter or a heartier meal and dessert. They often do a happy hour too so look out for this. Additionally, many All Bar One locations offer brunch menus on the weekend.
Where: 108 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1HD
Opening times: Mon-Thurs & Sun- 10 am-11 pm, Fri-Sat- 10 am-12 am
Cost: ££-£££
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road tube
The Black Horse Pub
The Black Horse Pub is located in the Fitzrovia area of London. It offers a variety of beers, ales, and ciders, as well as a rotating selection of guest beers. Along with spirits, wines and cocktails, traditional pub food is offered too. You can watch sports games but also occasionally the pub hosts live music events.
Where: 6 Rathbone Place, W1T 1HL
Opening times: Mon-Thurs- 12 pm-11:30 pm, Fri-Sat- 12 pm-12 am, Sun- 12 pm-10 pm (Kitchen open Mon-Sun only available as a pre-order for bookings)
Cost: ££-£££
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road
Bradleys Spanish Bar
This is a historic bar located in London’s Fitzrovia neighbourhood. It has been a fixture of the area for over 150 years and is known for its unique atmosphere and sense of history. The bar is known for its selection of Spanish alcohol as well as their tapas menu featuring traditional Spanish dishes such as tortilla, patatas bravas and chorizo. They also offer cocktails and classic British beers.
Where: 42-44 Hanway Street W1T 1UT
Opening times: Mon-Thurs- 12 pm-11:30 pm, Fri-Sat- 12 pm-12 am, Sun- 12 pm-10 pm
Cost: £
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road
Ronnie Scott’s
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club is a legendary music venue located in the heart of Soho. It was founded in 1959 by the famous saxophonist, Ronnie Scott. Alongside their bar and restaurant serving refreshments throughout the evening, you can be accompanied by live music performances every night of the week. This includes both established and up-and-coming jazz musicians from around the world.
Where: 47 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4HT
Opening times: Mon-Tues- 5:30 pm-11 pm, Wed-Sat- 5:30 pm-3 am, Sun- 12 pm-4 pm, 6:30 pm-11 pm
Cost: For main shows, average standard price- £37.50 (priority seating is typically £47.50 and restricted view is £30) Food- ££
Closest tube: Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road
The 100 Club
This is a music venue in the West End of London. The 100 Club is known for its diverse lineup of musical acts, focusing on up-and-coming and underground artists. It is renowned for its support of punk and alternative music; it has hosted the Sex Pistols and The Clash in addition to its live music performances. No food is now offered.
Where: 100 Oxford Street, W1D 1LL
Opening times: Daily- 7:30 pm-11 pm
Cost: Dependent on shows
Closest tube: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road
Shopping near Tottenham Court Road
Oxford Street
Oxford Street is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. It runs for approximately 1.2 miles from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road. It is particularly well known for its flagship department stores including Selfridges and John Lewis.
Oxford Street also offers plenty of places to eat and drink. It is easily accessible to the public, with several tube stations located along the street. You are also only a short walk from Regents Street and Bond Street.
Closest tubes: Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus ( serving the Central Line, Victoria Line and the Bakerloo Line and Marble Arch
Foyles Bookshop
Foyles was founded in 1903 by brothers William and Gilbert Foyle. The current flagship store is spacious and modern offering a wide range of books across all genres. It also has an extensive selection of stationery, gifts, and other literary items. A unique feature of Foyle’s is its promotion of emerging and independent authors. The shop regularly hosts book signings, author talks and other events catered for book lovers. A cafe can be found on the fifth floor offering a range of hot and cold drinks and snacks.
Where: 107-109 Charing Cross Road WC2H 0DT
Opening times: Mon-Sat- 9 am-9 pm, Sun- 11:30 am-6 pm
Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road
Waterstones Piccadilly Bookshop
This is the largest bookshop in Europe. Waterstones Piccadilly is spread over several floors and features many books across all genres. It is particularly known for its impressive range of art and design books and its selection of signed and limited edition titles. Similar to Foyles, Waterstones also offers a wide variety of stationary and literary gifts and also a cafe. The cafe serves hot and cold drinks and snacks throughout the day.
Where: 203-206 Piccadilly London W1J 9HD
Opening times: Mon-Sat- 9 am-9 pm, Sun- 12 pm-6 pm
Closest tube: Piccadilly Circus
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