Covent Garden
The historical London's West end unfolds its secrets to the visitors.
Covent Garden is an impressive London landmark and has been so for hundreds of years, its history beginning early in the 7th century. The area has been populated ever since, and its name is an alteration of “Convent Garden” which it was called when it was a vegetable garden for Westminster Abbey in the 1500s.During the 17th century, it was repurposed as a square by the fourth Earl of Bedford, who also commissioned the building of St. Paul’s Church, which remains a much-visited flagship of Covent Garden. During that period, buyers and sellers began to congregate regularly at the square; this continued until 1980, when this famous area of London took on the form that it has today, as a sought out destination for shopping, theatre and the arts, frequented by Londoners and visitors alike. Our location in the Market’s lower courtyard provides an ideal vantage point from which to enjoy daily outdoor performances by opera singers, tenors and occasionally, entire music ensembles, while sipping a nice hot tea and nibbling on scrumptious cupcakes.
The Old Market
Open every day of the week, the East Colonnade Market has a variety of stalls selling products
The History
The first record of a 'new market in Covent Garden' is in 1654 when market traders set up stalls against the garden wall of Bedford House.
The Area
Vibrant Covent Garden in London's West End is a must-see destination for anyone who enjoys shopping, theatre, restaurants, bars, history and culture.
The Underground
Like the rest of the original GNP&BR stations, the street level station building and platform tiling were designed by Leslie Green.
Once home to the world-famous fruit and vegetable market
Covent Garden’s Apple Market continues to support market traders, offering a range of unique handmade crafts and goods throughout the week.
Things to do in Covent Garden
Set in London’s West End, Covent Garden is a major draw for visitors and Londoners who enjoy its many attractions, including shopping, theatre, restaurants, bars, history and culture.
Things to see in and around Covent Garden include the London Transport Museum, the Royal Opera House, Somerset House and Covent Garden Market. There are several smaller areas within Covent Garden that are worth exploring such as the The Opera Quarter, St Martin’s Courtyard, Seven Dials, Neal’s Yard and Floral Street.
