Looking for the best things to do in Clerkenwell, London? Look no further! With plenty of pubs, museums, and places to dine, here’s how to spend time in this creative corner of London — from a Londoner.
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One of the best things about London is its abundance of neighbourhoods, and the individual personality each of them holds.
Hidden in the heart of Central London amongst familiar names like King’s Cross and Barbican and you’ll find the brilliant Clerkenwell.
With Georgian terrace lined streets to admire, local pubs to pop in and grab a pint, and museums to wander, this bit of London will give you the idyllic neighbourhood feel that makes you not want to leave.
Hooked yet? Well, you’re in luck, here’s the best things to do in Clerkenwell, London.
The Best Things to Do in Clerkenwell, London
1. Visit Smithfield Market
Over 800 years old, Smithfield Market is one of the oldest wholesale meat and livestock markets in Europe, and the biggest in the entire UK, accumulating a ton of history to discover.
The market is open to the public as well if you just want just to wander and explore, but since it is a wholesaler to restaurants around the city who are up before dawn to get the best cuts, it will definitely be an early morning experience with opening hours being midnight till 7am.
P.S. – If you want to learn more about the history of the market you can book the City Guides tour to learn everything from its Victorian architecture to its rise in popularity and turbulent history.
2. Get Chocolate-fied at The Chocolate Cocktail Club
Not sure about you, but I am an absolute feen for chocolate, and The Chocolate Club is the perfect remedy.
With a menu full of chocolatey goodness, you can indulge in drinks like their signature cocktail, The Chocotini, or maybe The Devil Wears Dark Chocolate, a decadent collaboration between Vanilla Vodka and a Dark Chocolate Liqueur.
They even have a chocolate-inspired afternoon tea available on Tuesdays & Fridays, all-inclusive of traditional sandwiches, scones and desserts (chocolate of course), with your choice of Hot Chocolate, Coffee or Tea for only £25pp.
I mean, it is called the Chocolate Cocktail Club, so of course, you can make it a boozy Afternoon Tea if you wish for only £35pp and switch the traditional tea out for a Chocotini Cocktail, or Prosecco.
Due to the trance chocolate has on folks, booking for regular entry is recommended, so you don’t get disappointed at the door. The £10 ticket includes guaranteed entry and your choice of a cocktail from a prepared selection.
P.S. – You can also visit The Chocolate Cocktail Club with the Go City Pass!
3. Wander Exmouth Market
Part of the reason Clerkenwell is such an amazing neighbourhood is the village it radiates, and Exmouth Market is a perfect example.
The street is lined with local businesses, from neighbourhood pubs, florists & coffee joints to independent shops like Marby & Elm, a stationary design store to East Central Cycles, the local bike shop.
Although the Market is located still on an active city street, cars are only allowed to drive through on the weekdays from noon until 2:30pm making it mainly a pedestrian area, but watch out for the occasional car!
4. Learn History at the Charles Dickens Museum
A London neighbourhood wouldn’t be a London neighbourhood without a museum, so thank goodness Clerkenwell has the Charles Dickens Museum.
If you don’t know who Charles Dickens is, no judgement….okay maybe a little judgement as he is one of the most famous authors in History, having written 15 novels, including The Christmas Carol.
The museum is located right inside his family home where he lived from 1837 – 1839, and is set up pretty much exactly the way he left it.
While living in this London home, he completed one of his most renowned books, ‘Oliver Twist’, so if you’re a bookworm like me a visit here is a must.
Learn even more about Dickens by asking the history pros working there about any of the collections exhibited throughout the house, or really whatever you’re curious about.
They often say a popular question they get is how & where did the Dickens family go to the loo, so you can literally ask anything.
The museum is open for you to explore Wednesday through Sunday from 10am – 5pm, with admission starting at £7.50, and anyone under the age of six is free.
P.S. – The museum is located at 48 Doughty Street, close to Russell Square
5. And the Postal Museum
I know I know, you’re probably thinking…Candace what’s cool about stamps? But I promise you there’s so much more than stamps to discover here at the Postal Museum.
Not only is the museum a great place to learn about history (like where you can see the initial round of first class stamps with King Charles on them, replacing the late Queen Elizabeth), but you can also check out the old sorting station platforms exhibitions and more.
The museum is open from 10:00am – 5pm Wednesday to Sunday and tickets are available to book online with prices ranging from £4.50 – £16.
P.S. – They’re cheaper to book online!
6. Go Brunch’in in Clerkenwell
Craving brunch? Here’s my top spots for Clerkenwell:
Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings – Choose from four different brunch options ranging from £29.50 – £44.50, (including three bottomless)
Caravan – Vegetarian? Check out some of their yummy veggie menu options. Not Vegetarian? They’ve also got you covered
Niche Gluten-Free Dining – A gluten-free heaven with an 100% gluten-free menu
The Clerkenwell Kitchen – Why mess with something classic? That’s the menu here, simple brunch goodies sure to satisfy your hunger
Morito – Looking for something savory? Bite into a bunch of mouthwatering Spanish Tapas, sure to fill you up and make you feel like you’re on a Spanish holiday
7. Go Clerkenwell Pub Hopping
And of course, you’ll need a pint to wash all of that good food down. Here are my top three Clerkenwell favs.
The Eagle – Traditional gastropub, with a Mediterranean Twist
The Exmouth Arms – Inspiring the Exmouth Markets name, this pub really is the heart of Clerkenwell. Oh, and they have some of the neighbourhoods best pints
The Three Kings – Relax with great food, good service and of course choose from a selection of fantastic drinks.
8. Dine In the Dark at Dans Le Noir
What if I told you that you could enjoy a gourmet meal in London, in the complete darkness. That’s right, a pitch black dining experience.
Well at Dans Le Noir that’s exactly what’s going on.
The multi-sensory dining experience is meant to enhance some of your senses like taste and smell, while decreasing others like that of sight, leaving you to enjoy food in a unique way.
The meal in the dark also aims to free you from the preconceived social conventions that come with eating as you might normally.
You can book your place through their website and with a seasonal menu, you really never know what’s waiting for you in the dark…
9. Have an Afternoon Tea at The Zetter
You don’t have to be staying at a hotel to enjoy its perks, and when in Clerkenwell that means Afternoon Tea at The Zetter.
The Zetter is an incredible independent hotel right in the heart of Clerkenwell. With a vintage feel, dining here will make your day out a bit more boujee.
Every Saturday & Sunday, in the Wilhelmina Lounge the hotel serves an elegant Afternoon Tea served from noon till 4:30pm for £39.50 if you choose a selection of teas as your drink, or £49.50 if you mix it up with cocktails or bubbles.
The tea comes with the traditional triple stack of nibbles and finger sandwiches, followed by classic scones with a thick clotted cream and jam, and topped off with an array sweet treats.
Tables are bookable via their website.
P.S. – They also have a Vegetarian Afternoon Tea option!
10. And a Night Out at Fabric
Fabric is one of London’s most well known nightclubs, and something’s always happening. In fact, their motto is even ‘never not making noise’.
With three huge rooms you can dance among other Londoners looking to let loose and enjoy a night out in the city to the sounds of Dubstep, Techno, R&B and whatever else the DJ’s have in store for that night.
With a casual dress code, you’re welcome to come as yourself and tickets are available to book via their website.
During special events, like Freshers, its worth checking websites like Fatsoma where there are often deals & discounts too.
11. Shop on Leather Lane
I will warn you now, this is not a street covered endlessly with vintage leather shops and other leather stores, but the name really makes you think it would be.
However, although it is not leather world, I was definitely not disappointed when I found out what was actually happening on Leather Lane.
Each weekday from 10am – 3pm it becomes covered with some amazing market stalls and endless food choices from crispy dumplings to pizza, noodles, burgers burritos, you name it.
There are also flower stalls where you can pick up a bouquet for your dining table, and even fruit and veg stalls selling some amazing fresh produce.
Wander the market while you eat and enjoy all the lovely Leather Lane has to offer.
12. Catch a Dance Show at Sadler’s Wells
Sadler’s Wells, actually started out as a mineral spring back in the 19th century and people traveled from all over to be healed by its properties.
As the spring became barren, it was replaced with performances and quickly gained popularity for vaudeville performances, opera and even renditions of Shakespeare. Throughout history it has continued to be a pinnacle of the performance world giving life to the renowned Royal Ballet.
Today, you can catch a show and see any one of the exceptional shows they have scheduled. Tickets are available through their website, and are more often than not less than £20.
P.S. – Performances take place at theatres across London so make sure to map out your route so you don’t end up going to the wrong one!
13. Discover Little Italy
It’s hard to believe that with all there is to do in Clerkenwell that it could get any better. Well I’m here to let you in on a little secret, it does.
For generations Clerkenwell has been known as London’s ‘Little Italy’ after Neapolitan and Calabrian Italians began to populate the area in the 1800’s.
Back then it was primarily it was tradesmen like ice vendors, artist models and plaster bust sellers that could be found working in the shops, trying to make their way in this new city they called home, and today it’s still kicking as a lively (and little) London neighbourhood.
While wandering around, you have to make a stop at St. Peter’s Church. As safe gathering place for the Italian Catholic community, it is still attracting Italians and Londoners alike for its robust Sunday and Holiday services. Designed in omage to the Basilica of San Crisogono, it’s also a breathtaking piece of architecture.
Little Italy also has some top notch Italian restaurants if you are looking for an authentic bite to eat, and Terroni of Clerkenwell is a must if you fancy any Italian classic. Proud to be the oldest Italian Delicatessen not only London, but the entirety of Britain!
Introducing Londoners to the impeccable culture, and a taste of the delicious cuisine, it’s safe to say that Little Italy is one of the best bits of London.
P.S. – Don’t forget to explore Clerkenwell Road, Farringdon Road, and Roseberry Avenue too!
Map of The Best Things to Do in Clerkenwell, London
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Happy Londoning,
