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Covent Garden Walking Tour: Discover the Colorful History & Characters of London
5.0
25 Ratings
Greater London
Uncover the vibrant history and intriguing characters of London's Covent Garden. From a vegetable garden to a bustling market, theatre district, and slum, join us on a walking tour to explore this captivating district.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- St Paul’s Church Covent Garden - We’ll visit the “Actor’s Church”, one of the only remaining buildings of the original Covent Garden Piazza.
- Covent Garden - We’ll take a look inside and around the Covent Garden market building as we learn how the market has changed through the centuries.
- Jubilee Market - The only market in London run by traders. Learn about Covent Garden’s nightlife and famed live entertainment.
- Theatre Royal Drury Lane - Outside the longest-running theatre site in London, your guide will tell you about the eccentric characters of the city’s theatre and social scene.
- Royal Opera House - Once the Theatre Royal Covent Garden, this beautiful building shows opera and ballet all year round.
- Neal Street - Learn about Covent Garden’s prostitution trade and the famous “Gin Craze” as you enter Seven Dials, once one of London’s great slums.
- Neal’s Yard - A colourful hidden gem!
- Seven Dials - Finish your tour at the sundial monument of Seven Dials.
What's Included
- Local Guide
Additional Information
Covent Garden offers more than just upscale shopping outlets and fine-dining eateries. It’s a melting pot of some of the most eccentric and vibrant personalities in the history of London. Embark on a historical journey with us to learn how this region transformed from a vegetable garden owned by Westminster Abbey into a lively marketplace, theatre district, and a hub of indulgence and depravity, even serving as a slum that captured the imagination of none other than Charles Dickens. Explore with us the most intriguing district in the heart of London!
**CAUTION: While children are permitted on this tour, the subjects discussed include alcohol and the sex industry, so parental prudence is recommended.
Location
Covent Garden
Long Acre
We will meet in front of the Sunglasses Hut, opposite Covent Garden underground station. Your guide will be holding a yellow Rebel Tours umbrella.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(25 Ratings)
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Fid1dec
Jul 9, 2024
Enjoyable Walking Tour - Had some time to pass in London, so booked this as it looked a bit different to the traditional historical tours. Really recommend it. Ellie was excellent, very knowledgeable and authentic. As well as Covent Gardens, we got into the lovely St Paul's Actors Church and explored Seven Dials which I was completely unaware of. There is an additional gin element to the tour, which I didn't do. Great value and a lovely way to spend two hours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Philip_s
Jul 8, 2024
Enquiring misfits wanted to know - Guide Ellie was wonderful! She brought the character and characters of this iconic neighborhood to life. Our small group throughly enjoyed our tour and you will too. Phil and Claudia
Review provided by Viator
Gail_b
Jun 16, 2024
Enjoyed tour because... - Enjoyed tour because Charlotte made it interesting and different from other standard tourist sites. History was interesting and was able to tie different sites together.
Review provided by Viator
618myrianp
Jun 12, 2024
Pleasant! - Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or just looking for a leisurely way to explore a new area, I highly recommend this tour. The combination of a knowledgeable guide, a well-thought-out itinerary, and charming places made it a memorable adventure.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chris
May 28, 2024
Hidden gems of Covent Gardens with Ellie! - Ellie was amazing on this walking tour of Covent Gardens. A friend said we needed ti go there and I like to learn more so booked this tour. Wow, there is so much history there in Seven Dials neighborhood especially. Loved the markets and hidden little spots we would have missed without this tour. Ellie also recommended a great Indian food place, Punjab, and helped us get the right Underground to our next destination.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pauline_d
May 19, 2024
Marvellous Misfits of London Walk - This is an excellent London Walk, around a very interesting area of London covering Covent Garden, St Paul's Church and Seven Dials. The knowledge of our guide Ellie is brilliant with so much detail about this part of London. We were lucky to be part of a small group of six people so it was really easy to hear her commentary, and we saw parts of this area that I have never seen before.
Review provided by Viator
Elaine
Apr 28, 2024
Unexpected revelations. - We didn’t know what to expect but we had a really lovely guide Cicily who was very informative. Covent Garden is steeped in history and was pleased that we booked this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kara_k
Apr 19, 2024
Fun! - My tour guide was so friendly and genuine! And so knowledgable. Had such a great time yesterday at this tour. Lots of knowledge and history.
Review provided by Viator
Ronald_l
Mar 7, 2024
Fascinating and Highly Recommended - Covent Garden and Seven Dials - two areas in London with fascinating histories and some secrets disclosed by our wonderful guide. Vert interesting stories that you don't want to miss.
Review provided by Viator
Andr_f
Mar 5, 2024
Perfect tour even when jet lagged! - We had a great time. Our host was knowledgeable, kind, and to the point. The tour is full of information and there’s plenty of opportunity to have a good laugh. I would certainly recommend it fully.
Review provided by Viator
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