Explore Clerkenwell, London's design and architecture district built on centuries of skilled trades. Wander Georgian squares and former workshops, browse Exmouth Market's independent restaurants, dine at nose-to-tail pioneer St John, and spot medieval remnants at St John's Gate.
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Clerkenwell has been a centre of skilled trades for centuries — first printing and clockmaking, more recently a dense concentration of architecture and design studios. Exmouth Market's small square of independent restaurants gives it a village feel, while St John restaurant, credited with kick-starting Britain's nose-to-tail dining movement, is a genuine culinary landmark on St John Street.
Remnants of its medieval past survive in St John's Gate and the Charterhouse, a former monastery. It sits conveniently between the City and the West End, making it an easy add-on rather than a destination in its own right.
Clerkenwell has been a centre of skilled trades for centuries — first printing and clockmaking, more recently a dense concentration of architecture and design studios. Exmouth Market's small square of independent restaurants gives it a village feel, while St John restaurant, credited with kick-starting Britain's nose-to-tail dining movement, is a genuine culinary landmark on St John Street.
Remnants of its medieval past survive in St John's Gate and the Charterhouse, a former monastery. It sits conveniently between the City and the West End, making it an easy add-on rather than a destination in its own right.
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Duration
1h15
Best time
morning, lunchtime or afternoon
Intensity
Active — lots of walking
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