I believe it’s secure to imagine that only a few individuals have visited London with out setting foot in Covent Garden, however do you know there’s so many issues to do right here other than strolling by means of along with your digicam!?
Most individuals who go to Covent Garden will wander among the many fairly streets and admire an unbelievable constructing or two, perhaps they’ll cease to observe a road performer after which transfer on. But cease proper there! Stay just a little longer and uncover extra of Covent Garden’s secrets and techniques….
Covent Garden is within the coronary heart of London’s West End with Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Chinatown as its neighbours. Covent Garden boasts an countless listing of historic pubs, theatres, first-rate eating places, boutique shops and a lot extra.
But so many guests simply stroll proper by means of it! They wander down the cobbled lanes, presumably have a fast look contained in the market after which transfer on.
But there are such a lot of issues to do in Covent Garden! You may spend a complete weekend in London with out leaving the neighbourhood and nonetheless not see and do the whole lot.
To allow you to plan your journey, listed below are 25 superb issues to do in Covent Garden that may can help you respect and expertise this historic neighbourhood past the crowds.
I used to work in Covent Garden and, on the time, I had no thought how fortunate I used to be! Every lunch break was just a little journey and there was at all times one thing occurring after I’d completed work. It was such a fantastic place to be based mostly! So listed below are a number of the greatest issues to do….
1. Somerset House
Somerset House is a neoclassical constructing (or a fancy, it’s such a sprawling property!) that dates again to 1776. But it’s a lot greater than a grand and historic constructing. It’s an arts centre, exhibition area, occasions venue, and even a James Bond filming location.
For two months of the yr, it hosts an occasion so well-liked that it even attracts native Londoners to the West End. Somerset House’s spectacular festive ice skating rink is an absolute should in the event you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Covent Garden in the course of the lead-up to Christmas.
2. Covent Garden Market
Traders, farmers, and collectors have been flogging their wares in Jubilee Hall (the constructing that homes the market) for over 100 years. Today, the market is likely one of the high issues to do in London, not simply Covent Garden.
On Mondays, you may delve into an antiques and collectables market the place the outdated apple market was once. And from Tuesdays to Sundays, the stalls promote handmade and native arts and crafts. There are additionally loads of retailers and eating places in Jubilee Market too.
3. Neal’s Yard
The worst-kept secret of Covent Garden? This courtyard may appear tucked away however its brightly-coloured buildings and namesake skincare model imply it will get a variety of foot site visitors.
And for good purpose! Not solely is it an Instagrammable spot, however there are additionally plenty of fab impartial espresso retailers and brunch bars right here. You ought to completely cease by the unique Neal’s Yard Remedies store and decide the brains of their skincare consultants.
4. St Paul’s Church
Not to be confused with St Paul’s Cathedral which is a mightier construction all collectively!
If you understand something concerning the West End, you understand it’s the place you’ll discover most of London’s theatres. Ever for the reason that church opened in 1633, it’s been related to the Theatre Royal and the theatre that might turn out to be the Royal Opera House.
Inside, you’ll discover memorials devoted to a few of Britain’s brightest stars like Charlie Chaplin, Vivian Leigh, and Noel Coward right here in addition to some actors’ ashes. They usually host performances right here too however the church is commonly open (and at all times free!) for anybody to wander round.
5. Red Telephone Boxes
Like purple put up containers and double-decker buses, purple phone containers are an emblem of London for many individuals. You can’t go to the English capital with out snapping a number of selfies whereas peeking out of a phone field door!
But because of vandalism and the declining demand for phone containers, it’s troublesome to search out photogenic ones. Luckily, in the event you head down Broad Court in Covent Garden you’ll discover 5 pristine purple phone containers. They’re proper subsequent to the Young Ballerina statue by Enzo Plazzotta close to the Royal Opera House.
6. London Transport Museum
Okay, hear me out. Transport won’t look like probably the most thrilling topic for a museum, however London’s historical past with public transport is definitely fairly fascinating.
The first ever underground practice line was London’s metropolitan line (enjoyable truth: that’s why many underground networks are referred to as the ‘metro’). And these purple double-decker buses are fairly iconic. If you wish to discover out extra about London’s transport historical past from the early 1800s to right now, you can not skip the London Transport Museum.
7. Cecil Court
While it won’t look as postcard-perfect as Neal’s Yard, Cecil Court is likely one of the extra understated elements of Covent Garden. What it lacks in color, it makes up for in historical past.
This road (generally known as ‘Booksellers Row’ for nearly 100 years) is lined with Victorian store fronts and signposts. You’ll discover plenty of bookshops, like Watkins Books, and an Alice in Wonderland-themed reward store.
8. Royal Opera House
London’s Royal Opera House has thrived for tons of of years with many various names and housed in several buildings. Today, it graces Covent Garden’s principal piazza with world-class ballets, concert events, and operatic performances.
The theatre’s plush gilded gold auditorium is completely one thing it is best to completely see with your individual eyes. Pack your glitziest costume and take one in every of 2,256 seats on this spectacular theatre for a present you’ll always remember!
9. Ears of Covent Garden
Not to be confused with the “noses of Soho”, one of the crucial uncommon issues to do in Covent Garden is to try to search out the ears caught on numerous partitions. Artist Tim Fishlock made casts of his personal ears and hid them on this a part of London.
I’ll provide you with a head begin; two are on Floral Street however there are rumoured to be extra!
10. Stanfords Travel Bookshop
This is a journey weblog so, after all, we love all issues journey round right here! Stanfords is a Covent Garden establishment promoting maps, guidebooks, and the most effective travel-themed books.
It’s a completely enormous area. Stanfords even sells stationary, globes, and different journey nick-nacks and has its personal cafe too.
11. London Film Museum
Most movie followers head to the British Film Institute on the Southbank, however the London Film Museum must be on any cinephile’s hit listing. Founded in 2008, it normally homes one short-term exhibition.
But its present ‘Bond in Motion’ exhibit is so well-liked, it’s been there for seven years and counting! It shows the biggest assortment of autos from the James Bond movies on the earth in addition to different props and costumes.
12. Seven Dials Market
Street meals markets are perfect for grabbing a cheap but tasty lunch whenever you’re travelling. There’s only one drawback with these markets within the UK – it rains loads!
The Seven Dials Market is the following neatest thing. It’s like an elevated meals courtroom the place you may order meals from an enormous vary of distributors and sit at communal tables. Enjoy curry, pizza, buddha bowls and extra beneath one roof!
13. Watch a present on the Theatre
One of the highest issues to do in Covent Garden, and the West End basically, is to observe a present. And fortunately, you might have many decisions! The Adelphi Theatre, Vaudeville Theatre, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Lyceum Theatre, and Noel Coward Theatre are all located in Covent Garden.
Check out what’s at the moment enjoying to see if there’s something that catches your eye. But in the event you’re open to something, head to the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane. It’s on the world’s oldest theatre web site in steady use and is a historic Grade I listed constructing.
14. Quirky Victorian Lamps
If your imaginative and prescient of London is a metropolis filled with chimney sweeps and Pearly Kings and Queens ala Mary Poppins then I’m sorry to say you’ll be significantly disillusioned! But there are a number of traces of historic London which can be alive and properly together with some Victorian fuel lamp posts.
You can spot these on Cecil Court and there are a number of round St Paul’s Church too. There’s even a Sewer Ventilating Lamp on Carting Lane which was an concept that fortunately didn’t catch on as a result of it could’ve smelled terrible! Today, it’s powered by common fuel.
15. Infinity Chamber
One of Covent Garden’s latest points of interest is the Infinity Chamber. It’s actually one in every of Covent Garden’s signature cobbled-stone alleyways that’s been remodeled right into a tunnel of sunshine and color.
It’s alleged to be restorative and therapeutic and solely takes 5 minutes to stroll by means of. What’ve you bought to lose?!
16. Shop for Vintage Clothes
Other neighbourhoods like Shoreditch and Camden is likely to be extra well-known than Covent Garden for his or her classic shops. But there are nonetheless some nice retro style boutiques it is best to try in Covent Garden.
While the much-loved Vintage Showroom has sadly closed down, Rockit Covent Garden, COW Vintage, PICKNWEIGHT and plenty of others will satiate your procuring habits.
17. Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop
Traditional toy retailers are so uncommon as of late, with Hamley’s being a notable exception. Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop is an old-school-style store promoting each vintage and fashionable toys.
You’ll discover it proper within the centre of Covent Garden Piazza. And whenever you head inside, you’ll uncover ornate music containers, card video games, dolls of all sizes and styles, books, and miniature theatres.
18. Historic London Pubs
Can you go to London with out going to the pub? I believe it’s in opposition to the regulation! Luckily, Covent Garden has a few of, if not the greatest historic pubs that the who’s who of well-known Londoners used to frequent.
The Lamb & Flag is a Georgian-era pub recognized for its bare-knuckle fights and a favorite of writer Charles Dickens. Dating again to 1798, Rules Restaurant is a time capsule that additionally lists Charles Dickens as a former patron, in addition to sci-fi writer H.G. Wells. Evelyn Waugh and Penelope Lively even featured this institution in a few of their novels!
19. Bottomless Brunches
You can’t toss a slice of avocado toast within the centre of London with out hitting not less than three brunch eating places with back-achingly lengthy queues. Make your first meal of the day definitely worth the wait by testing one of many bottomless brunches in Covent Garden.
Temper’s bottomless brunch gives limitless drinks and BBQ each Saturday in the event you’ve had sufficient of egg benedicts and wish to tuck into one thing meatier. Disco bottomless brunch at Blame Gloria is a enjoyable various they usually cater to a wide range of dietary necessities.
20. Independent Coffee Shops
Walking on cobblestones and testing all of the issues to do in Covent Garden requires a variety of stamina. Recharge at one of many improbable espresso retailers and roasters within the native space.
Redemption Roasters and Monmouth Coffee Company ought to fulfill even probably the most difficult-to-impress espresso snobs.
21. Chic Cocktail Bars
Fancy a liquid lunch? Or someplace to spherical off your evening after consuming dinner and watching a present? Choosing a cocktail bar in Covent Garden is a tricky determination as a result of there are such a lot of good ones!
Fans of basic cocktails ought to head to Dirty Martini however those that are a bit extra adventurous ought to strive Escapologist Bar. Covent Garden Social Club is ideal for many who care much less about how good the cocktails are and care extra about dancing the evening away!
22. Fusion Cuisine Restaurants
One of the most effective issues about London is all of the cultures which can be represented within the delicacies of its many eating places. Sometimes greater than one by one!
SUSHISAMBA is a superb instance as they converge Japanese and Latin American flavours. Inamo has a pan-Asian menu serving dishes like Asian tapas. And whereas Dishoom is firmly Indian, it’s a Covent Garden favorite and nonetheless breaks down borders by serving way more than simply curry.
23. Quirky Bakeries
Have you ever seen a bakery that describes its bakes as “sexy French waffles”? You will in the event you head to Zizi Factory in Covent Garden! They serve, erm, erotica-shaped candy treats which can be genuinely scrumptious.
If you’re travelling along with your kids or ageing mother and father and wish to cease by a bakery that’s rather less risqué, go to Santa Nata. They serve delectable Portuguese tarts made contemporary in entrance of your eyes.
24. Non-Traditional Afternoon Teas
Afternoon tea is to London as hotdogs are to New York. And what’s extra, Covent Garden has a few various choices to the run-of-the-mill tea and scones choices.
Cinnamon Bazaar’s Indian-inspired afternoon tea provides vibrancy, color, and spice to its dishes. But in the event you can’t contemplate sitting right down to a day tea with out conventional English bakes, strive the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea. That’s actually the identify of the cafe so you understand they’re very enthusiastic about what they do!
25. Watch Street Performers
Just in case you had been anxious, there’s completely nothing unsuitable with going to Covent Garden and watching the road performers! Yes, some simply costume up in Transformer costumes and cost you for images with them.
But a number of the musicians, actors, and entertainers that carry out in Covent Garden Piazza are genuinely tremendous gifted. If you be part of one of many crowds surrounding a road performer, you may find yourself watching the following massive factor!