London , United Kingdom

London Covent Garden and Theatreland

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

This is a chance to explore the charming and bohemian district of Covent Garden with a knowledgeable guide who will lead you around the small back streets and hidden areas of the district and entertain you with stories of the buildings, personalities and productions which have made this area of London so fascinating.

Available options

London Covent Garden and Theatreland

What's included

Visit to St Paul's Church (the actor's church)

Professional Blue Badge Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your guide will build the story of the development of Covent Garden from a 'convent garden' to a market area and upmarket housing development in 17th century to London's principal theatre district. Walk through quiet back streets, passing the Royal Ballet School and pause to look at the beautiful building of the Royal Opera House with it's glass 'Floral Hall'.

Stop 2

Passing several theatres with well-known productions, your guide will entertain you with stories of plays and shows past and present.
Pause to look at the famous Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, one of London's original two 'patent' theatres and with its 2 royal boxes.

Stop 3

You visit the main square of Covent Garden, known as the Piazza, designed as an upmarket residential square in 17c. Imagine the wealthy people in London's 17c parading through the arcaded area in their finery. You walk through the Covent Garden market and look at some of the quirky independent shops, restaurants and cafes.

See the back porch of St Paul's Church with its great Classical-style columns. This has always been a favourite spot for street entertainers and was where the first Punch and Judy Shows were performed in Britain. You might even spot 'Eliza Doolittle' selling her flowers! You are then taken inside this fascinating church where you will see commemorative plaques and monuments to many famous actors.

Stop 5

Exploring more tiny back streets and alleyways, you will pass a famous London restaurant where actors and royalty have dined and hear more theatre stories before pausing to look at the Savoy Theatre, where many of the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas were premiered.

We continue our walk past more famous theatres, where famous actors and playwrights such as Noel Coward have performed and stop to look at St Martin's Theatre, home of Agatha Christie's 'The Mousetrap', the longest running play in the world!

Stop 7

You now meander through the back streets of Covent Garden, where you can enjoy seeing all the small independent boutiques, cafes and restaurants. We pause in the quaint Neal's Yard, with its converted warehouses, housing health-food restaurants and independent retailers.

Your tour finishes near to the Seven Dials Market, where you will find many food outlets and independent shops. You can now enjoy wandering around and browsing in some of those small boutiques you passed earlier or grab a snack in one of the atmospheric local cafes. A short walk will take you back to Covent Garden Underground Station

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR ES

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Covent Garden Underground Station James Street exit opposite Tiffany. Your guide will be wearing a blue badge and will be carrying a 'Step Into London' sign.

About London

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.

Top Attractions

Tower of London

A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.

Historical 2-3 hours £28 (adult ticket)

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.

Historical 1-2 hours £27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)

The British Museum

One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.

Museum 2-3 hours Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)

The London Eye

A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.

Entertainment 30 minutes £27-£33 (adult ticket)

Westminster Abbey

A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.

Religious 1-2 hours £27 (adult ticket)

Tower Bridge

An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Architecture 1-2 hours £11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish and Chips

A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).

Dinner Contains gluten and fish

Full English Breakfast

A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.

Breakfast Contains meat and gluten

Afternoon Tea

A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.

Snack Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets

Sunday Roast

A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.

Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Kayaking on the Thames Cycling tours Afternoon tea Spas and wellness centers Punting on the River Cam Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center

By train

London Waterloo, London King's Cross

By bus

Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon

Getting around

Public transport

The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Westminster Camden Town Soho Notting Hill Shoreditch Greenwich

Day trips

Windsor Castle

34 km from London • Half day to full day

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.

Stonehenge

130 km from London • Full day

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.

Brighton

80 km from London • Full day

Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Festivals

Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August London Film Festival • October New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31

Pro tips

Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets