Hotels in Clerkenwell

Clerkenwell is famous for its medieval history, design culture and watchmaking heritage. It was once home to the Priory of St John, a major religious site, and the Clerks’ Well, which gave the area its name and was the setting for medieval mystery plays. In the 18th century, it became a hub for clock and watchmakers, and today it’s known as one of London’s leading design districts, hosting Clerkenwell Design Week each May. The area also has strong literary connections, with Charles Dickens setting parts of Oliver Twist here.

The closest tube station to Clerkenwell is Farringdon Station, which is served by the Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines. It’s also a mainline railway station, connecting to destinations like Brighton, Luton and Bedford. Other nearby stations include Barbican, Chancery Lane, Angel and King’s Cross, all within walking distance.

Clerkenwell is known for its creative energy, historic architecture and independent spirit. It’s packed with design studios, quirky shops and Michelin-starred restaurants. The area has a strong cultural identity, with venues like Sadler’s Wells Theatre, The Postal Museum and Exmouth Market drawing locals and visitors alike. It’s also home to Smithfield Market, one of the oldest meat markets in Europe and the Marx Memorial Library.

Yes, Clerkenwell is definitely worth visiting. It’s a quieter, more local-feeling part of central London, ideal for those who want to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. You’ll find historic sites, great food, unique shops and green spaces tucked between Georgian terraces and converted warehouses. It’s perfect for a relaxed day of wandering, eating and discovering hidden gems.

Clerkenwell is surrounded by some of London’s most exciting neighbourhoods. To the north is King’s Cross, to the south is the City of London and Shoreditch lies to the east. Nearby attractions include St Paul’s Cathedral, The Barbican Centre, Leather Lane Market and Hatton Garden, London’s jewellery quarter. You’re also close to Holborn, Bloomsbury and Covent Garden, making it easy to explore multiple areas in one trip.

Yes, Clerkenwell is a great area to explore. It’s close to the Barbican, perfect if you're in town for a show or exhibition. You’re also within walking distance of St. Paul’s Cathedral, One New Change shopping centre and the lively bars and restaurants of Shoreditch. With excellent transport links, getting around London is easy. Locally, Clerkenwell has plenty to see and do. You can visit the Charles Dickens Museum, ride the underground mail train at the Postal Museum or browse food stalls at Exmouth Market. There’s also Sadler’s Wells Theatre for dance performances, Leather Lane Market for street food and historic spots like Smithfield Market. 

Yes, Farringdon Station is located in Clerkenwell and serves both London Underground and mainline rail services. It’s a key interchange for the Elizabeth Line, Thameslink and several Tube lines, making it one of the best-connected stations in London. From here, you can easily reach Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton airport, as well as destinations across the city and beyond.

Clerkenwell is great for independent shopping. You’ll find unique stores for design-led stationery, art books and gifts stores and retro fashion. Exmouth Market and Leather Lane Market are perfect for browsing food stalls and quirky boutiques. There’s also plenty of places to pick up thoughtful gifts, sustainable goods and stylish homeware.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.