Step back in time
The tradition of market stalls in the area of Central London known as Covent Garden dates back to the mid 17th century. In those days, however, the choice of merchandise was limited to fruit and vegetables, whereas now it has expanded to include clothing, jewellery, art and antiques. But that's not all that Covent Garden offers the visitor: there are shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants, museums and street entertainment, everything you can think of, in fact, to ensure a fantastic day out.
Although Covent Garden had been home to a fruit and vegetable market since around 1650, it was only in 1830 that a purpose built covered market was completed to replace the ramshackle stalls. Nowadays, there are three bustling markets to visit: the Apple Market, the Jubilee Market and the East Colonnade Market. Here you can search out antiques, as well as handmade jewellery, clothing, soaps and many other arts and crafts.
If you can't find what you're looking for in the market, there are always the shops. Although some of the high street chains have now moved into the area, there are still enough independently owned and designer shops to keep the most discerning shopper happy. Those looking for snuff, Moomins or theatrical make up need look no further!
Even the fussiest eaters should find their perfect menu somewhere in Covent Garden; the cosmopolitan choice of venue and fare is quite breathtaking. Whether you're sitting inside a romantic bistro, or lounging in the sun on the main Piazza, your palate won't be disappointed.
There's no shortage of pubs and bars in the Covent Garden area. The oldest and most famous is the Lamb and Flag, which used to host bare knuckle fights in the 17th century when it was known as the Bucket of Blood. These days, however, fighting is firmly off the agenda here as elsewhere, a pleasant drink in a relaxed atmosphere being more to everybody's taste.
Covent Garden has been associated with theatre ever since 1663, when Thomas Killigrew's King's Theatre Company moved into the newly built Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. The building that stands there now is its fourth incarnation; opened in 1812, it is acknowledged to be one of the world's most haunted theatres! Similarly, the Royal Opera House has been built three times since it first opened in 1732, the first two theatres having been destroyed by fire in the 19th century. Home to the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet, as well as its lavish evening productions it also hosts exhibitions and activities during the day.
There are two museums in Covent Garden: the London Transport Museum and the London Film Museum. The London Transport Museum offers a fascinating overview of the transport system of London, providing, amongst other things, a window on transport past, present and future. The London Film Museum celebrates the history of British cinema; particularly exciting for those of us of a certain age is its presentation of the complete cast list of Thunderbirds - not quite the original puppets, but they are turned out from the original moulds!
There's nowhere else in London quite like Covent Garden. With its street performers, colonnades, pavement cafes and visitors from around the world, you are enticed into holiday mood even if just there for the day. It really is a magical place.
Although Covent Garden had been home to a fruit and vegetable market since around 1650, it was only in 1830 that a purpose built covered market was completed to replace the ramshackle stalls. Nowadays, there are three bustling markets to visit: the Apple Market, the Jubilee Market and the East Colonnade Market. Here you can search out antiques, as well as handmade jewellery, clothing, soaps and many other arts and crafts.
If you can't find what you're looking for in the market, there are always the shops. Although some of the high street chains have now moved into the area, there are still enough independently owned and designer shops to keep the most discerning shopper happy. Those looking for snuff, Moomins or theatrical make up need look no further!
Even the fussiest eaters should find their perfect menu somewhere in Covent Garden; the cosmopolitan choice of venue and fare is quite breathtaking. Whether you're sitting inside a romantic bistro, or lounging in the sun on the main Piazza, your palate won't be disappointed.
There's no shortage of pubs and bars in the Covent Garden area. The oldest and most famous is the Lamb and Flag, which used to host bare knuckle fights in the 17th century when it was known as the Bucket of Blood. These days, however, fighting is firmly off the agenda here as elsewhere, a pleasant drink in a relaxed atmosphere being more to everybody's taste.
Covent Garden has been associated with theatre ever since 1663, when Thomas Killigrew's King's Theatre Company moved into the newly built Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. The building that stands there now is its fourth incarnation; opened in 1812, it is acknowledged to be one of the world's most haunted theatres! Similarly, the Royal Opera House has been built three times since it first opened in 1732, the first two theatres having been destroyed by fire in the 19th century. Home to the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet, as well as its lavish evening productions it also hosts exhibitions and activities during the day.
There are two museums in Covent Garden: the London Transport Museum and the London Film Museum. The London Transport Museum offers a fascinating overview of the transport system of London, providing, amongst other things, a window on transport past, present and future. The London Film Museum celebrates the history of British cinema; particularly exciting for those of us of a certain age is its presentation of the complete cast list of Thunderbirds - not quite the original puppets, but they are turned out from the original moulds!
There's nowhere else in London quite like Covent Garden. With its street performers, colonnades, pavement cafes and visitors from around the world, you are enticed into holiday mood even if just there for the day. It really is a magical place.
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