Monks, clockmakers and printers
Clerkenwell takes its name from the Clerks' Well, and in the Middle Ages it was home to the Priory of St John of the Knights Hospitaller. St John's Gate, built in 1504, survives as the home of the Museum of the Order of St John. The nearby Charterhouse was a Carthusian monastery.
Later, Clerkenwell became a centre for clockmaking, jewellery and printing. It had a large Italian community, still remembered at St Peter's Italian Church, and radical politics, commemorated at the Marx Memorial Library on Clerkenwell Green. Today the area is known for design studios, architecture practices and restaurants.
What to see
- Museum of the Order of St John – St John's Gate and the priory church crypt.
- Sadler's Wells – one of the world's leading dance theatres.
- Exmouth Market – a pedestrian street of restaurants and cafés.
- Charterhouse – guided tours of the former monastery and almshouse.
Eating and atmosphere
Clerkenwell is known for its restaurants, many in former warehouses and workshops. Exmouth Market and the streets around St John Street are busiest in the evenings, and the area is quieter at weekends.
A suggested half day
Start at St John's Gate, then walk to Clerkenwell Green and Exmouth Market for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Charterhouse or walk to Smithfield. In the evening, see a performance at Sadler's Wells.
Getting there
Farringdon station has the Elizabeth line, Thameslink (with direct trains to Gatwick and Luton airports) and Underground lines. Angel and Barbican are also close.
Getting there with Mason & Green
Clerkenwell's streets are narrow, with one-way systems and loading restrictions. We agree a precise pickup point. London City, Gatwick and Luton are all straightforward from here.
See our Gatwick Airport transfers and Luton Airport transfers pages.
Frequently asked questions
What is Clerkenwell known for?
Its medieval priory, Sadler's Wells, Exmouth Market, design studios and restaurants.
How do I get from Clerkenwell to Gatwick?
Thameslink runs directly from Farringdon, or a private transfer is door to door.
Can you collect from Sadler's Wells?
Yes. Tell us the performance time and we will confirm a pickup point nearby.