I believe it’s secure to imagine that only a few individuals have visited London with out setting foot in Covent Backyard, however do you know there’s so many issues to do right here other than strolling by means of together with your digicam!?
Most individuals who go to Covent Backyard will wander among the many fairly streets and admire an unbelievable constructing or two, perhaps they’ll cease to look at a road performer after which transfer on. However cease proper there! Keep just a little longer and uncover extra of Covent Backyard’s secrets and techniques….
Covent Backyard is within the coronary heart of London’s West Finish with Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Sq. and Chinatown as its neighbours. Covent Backyard boasts an limitless listing of historic pubs, theatres, first-rate eating places, boutique shops and a lot extra.
However 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.
However there are such a lot of issues to do in Covent Backyard! You can spend an entire weekend in London with out leaving the neighbourhood and nonetheless not see and do every part.
That will help you plan your journey, listed here are 25 wonderful issues to do in Covent Backyard that may help you recognize and expertise this historic neighbourhood past the crowds.
I used to work in Covent Backyard and, on the time, I had no concept how fortunate I used to be! Each lunch break was just a little journey and there was all the time one thing happening once I’d completed work. It was such a fantastic place to be based mostly! So listed here are among the finest issues to do….
1. Somerset Home
Somerset Home is a neoclassical constructing (or a fancy, it’s such a sprawling property!) that dates again to 1776. Nevertheless 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 2 months of the 12 months, it hosts an occasion so widespread that it even attracts native Londoners to the West Finish. Somerset Home’s spectacular festive ice skating rink is an absolute should should you’re in search of issues to do in Covent Backyard through the lead-up to Christmas.
2. Covent Backyard Market
Merchants, farmers, and collectors have been flogging their wares in Jubilee Corridor (the constructing that homes the market) for over 100 years. Immediately, the market is likely one of the high issues to do in London, not simply Covent Backyard.
On Mondays, you may delve into an antiques and collectables market the place the outdated apple market was. 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 Backyard? This courtyard might sound tucked away however its brightly-coloured buildings and namesake skincare model imply it will get a number of foot visitors.
And for good cause! Not solely is it an Instagrammable spot, however there are additionally plenty of fab unbiased espresso retailers and brunch bars right here. You need to completely cease by the unique Neal’s Yard Cures store and choose the brains of their skincare specialists.
4. St Paul’s Church
To not be confused with St Paul’s Cathedral which is a mightier construction all collectively!
If you understand something concerning the West Finish, you understand it’s the place you’ll discover most of London’s theatres. Ever because the church opened in 1633, it’s been related to the Theatre Royal and the theatre that might change into the Royal Opera Home.
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 typically host performances right here too however the church is usually open (and all the time free!) for anybody to wander round.
5. Crimson Phone Bins
Like pink put up bins and double-decker buses, pink phone bins are an emblem of London for many individuals. You’ll be able to’t go to the English capital with out snapping a couple of selfies whereas peeking out of a phone field door!
However as a result of vandalism and the declining demand for phone bins, it’s tough to search out photogenic ones. Fortunately, should you head down Broad Court docket in Covent Backyard you’ll discover 5 pristine pink phone bins. They’re proper subsequent to the Younger Ballerina statue by Enzo Plazzotta close to the Royal Opera Home.
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 primary ever underground practice line was London’s metropolitan line (enjoyable truth: that’s why many underground networks are known as the ‘metro’). And people pink double-decker buses are fairly iconic. If you wish to discover out extra about London’s transport historical past from the early 1800s to in the present day, you can not skip the London Transport Museum.
7. Cecil Court docket
Whereas it won’t look as postcard-perfect as Neal’s Yard, Cecil Court docket is likely one of the extra understated elements of Covent Backyard. 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 present store.
8. Royal Opera Home
London’s Royal Opera Home has thrived for lots of of years with many various names and housed in numerous buildings. Immediately, it graces Covent Backyard’s foremost piazza with world-class ballets, live shows, and operatic performances.
The theatre’s plush gilded gold auditorium is completely one thing you must 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 Backyard
To not be confused with the “noses of Soho”, one of the crucial uncommon issues to do in Covent Backyard is to try to search out the ears caught on varied 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 Avenue however there are rumoured to be extra!
10. Stanfords Journey Bookshop
It is a journey weblog so, in fact, we love all issues journey round right here! Stanfords is a Covent Backyard establishment promoting maps, guidebooks, and the most effective travel-themed books.
It’s a fully big area. Stanfords even sells stationary, globes, and different journey nick-nacks and has its personal cafe too.
11. London Movie Museum
Most movie followers head to the British Movie Institute on the Southbank, however the London Movie Museum must be on any cinephile’s hit listing. Based in 2008, it normally homes one momentary exhibition.
However its present ‘Bond in Movement’ exhibit is so widespread, it’s been there for seven years and counting! It shows the most important assortment of automobiles from the James Bond movies on the planet in addition to different props and costumes.
12. Seven Dials Market
Avenue meals markets are perfect for grabbing an affordable but tasty lunch whenever you’re travelling. There’s only one downside with these markets within the UK – it rains rather a lot!
The Seven Dials Market is the following smartest 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. Get pleasure from curry, pizza, buddha bowls and extra beneath one roof!
13. Watch a present on the Theatre
One of many high issues to do in Covent Backyard, and the West Finish basically, is to look at a present. And by chance, you will have many selections! The Adelphi Theatre, Vaudeville Theatre, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Lyceum Theatre, and Noel Coward Theatre are all located in Covent Backyard.
Try what’s at the moment enjoying to see if there’s something that catches your eye. However should you’re open to something, head to the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane. It’s on the world’s oldest theatre website in steady use and is a historic Grade I listed constructing.
14. Quirky Victorian Lamps
In case your imaginative and prescient of London is a metropolis stuffed with chimney sweeps and Pearly Kings and Queens ala Mary Poppins then I’m sorry to say you’ll be drastically dissatisfied! However there are a couple of traces of historic London which might be alive and effectively together with some Victorian fuel lamp posts.
You’ll be able to spot these on Cecil Court docket and there are a couple 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 will’ve smelled terrible! Immediately, it’s powered by common fuel.
15. Infinity Chamber
Certainly one of Covent Backyard’s latest sights is the Infinity Chamber. It’s actually one in every of Covent Backyard’s signature cobbled-stone alleyways that’s been reworked right into a tunnel of sunshine and color.
It’s presupposed to be restorative and therapeutic and solely takes 5 minutes to stroll by means of. What’ve you bought to lose?!
16. Store for Classic Garments
Different neighbourhoods like Shoreditch and Camden could be extra well-known than Covent Backyard for his or her classic shops. However there are nonetheless some nice retro vogue boutiques you must take a look at in Covent Backyard.
Whereas the much-loved Classic Showroom has sadly closed down, Rockit Covent Backyard, COW Classic, PICKNWEIGHT and lots of others will satiate your buying habits.
17. Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop
Conventional toy retailers are so uncommon lately, 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 Backyard Piazza. And whenever you head inside, you’ll uncover ornate music bins, card video games, dolls of all sizes and styles, books, and miniature theatres.
18. Historic London Pubs
Are you able to go to London with out going to the pub? I believe it’s in opposition to the regulation! Fortunately, Covent Backyard has a few of, if not the finest historic pubs that the who’s who of well-known Londoners used to frequent.
The Lamb & Flag is a Georgian-era pub identified for its bare-knuckle fights and a favorite of creator Charles Dickens. Relationship again to 1798, Guidelines Restaurant is a time capsule that additionally lists Charles Dickens as a former patron, in addition to sci-fi creator H.G. Wells. Evelyn Waugh and Penelope Full of life even featured this institution in a few of their novels!
19. Bottomless Brunches
You’ll be able to’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 well worth the wait by testing one of many bottomless brunches in Covent Backyard.
Mood’s bottomless brunch provides limitless drinks and BBQ each Saturday should you’ve had sufficient of egg benedicts and wish to tuck into one thing meatier. Disco bottomless brunch at Blame Gloria is a enjoyable different and so they cater to a wide range of dietary necessities.
20. Unbiased Espresso Retailers
Strolling on cobblestones and testing all of the issues to do in Covent Backyard requires a number of stamina. Recharge at one of many improbable espresso retailers and roasters within the native space.
Redemption Roasters and Monmouth Espresso Firm ought to fulfill even probably the most difficult-to-impress espresso snobs.
21. Stylish Cocktail Bars
Fancy a liquid lunch? Or someplace to spherical off your evening after consuming dinner and watching a present? Selecting a cocktail bar in Covent Backyard is a troublesome choice as a result of there are such a lot of good ones!
Followers of basic cocktails ought to head to Soiled Martini however those that are a bit extra adventurous ought to strive Escapologist Bar. Covent Backyard Social Membership is ideal for individuals who care much less about how good the cocktails are and care extra about dancing the evening away!
22. Fusion Delicacies Eating places
Probably the greatest issues about London is all of the cultures which might be represented within the delicacies of its many eating places. Generally greater than one after the other!
SUSHISAMBA is a good 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 Backyard favorite and nonetheless breaks down borders by serving way more than simply curry.
23. Quirky Bakeries
Have you ever ever seen a bakery that describes its bakes as “horny French waffles”? You’ll should you head to Zizi Manufacturing facility in Covent Backyard! They serve, erm, erotica-shaped candy treats which might be genuinely scrumptious.
For those who’re travelling together with your youngsters 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-Conventional Afternoon Teas
Afternoon tea is to London as hotdogs are to New York. And what’s extra, Covent Backyard has a few different 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. However should you can’t take into account sitting all the way down to a day tea with out conventional English bakes, strive the Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing facility Afternoon Tea. That’s actually the title of the cafe so you understand they’re very captivated with what they do!
25. Watch Avenue Performers
Simply in case you have been anxious, there’s completely nothing mistaken with going to Covent Backyard and watching the road performers! Sure, some simply costume up in Transformer costumes and cost you for pictures with them.
However among the musicians, actors, and entertainers that carry out in Covent Backyard Piazza are genuinely tremendous proficient. For those who be part of one of many crowds surrounding a road performer, you may find yourself watching the following huge factor!