The Top Things to do in Covent Garden, London

Covent Garden is always on the “must visit” list of tourists who go to London. It’s also popular with the locals who are drawn there by its great variety of leisure activities. There are so many things to do in the area that we have compiled a list of the top things to do in Covent Garden.

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What to do in Covent Garden

Covent Garden is possibly most famous for its market which has been in existence since about 1654. The original fruit and vegetable market was known as New Covent Garden Market. It has now moved out of the area and relocated to an area called Nine Elms. It has been replaced with the Covent Garden market we have today.

Apple Market in Covent Garden

Apple Market is housed in a stunning nineteenth century, colonnaded piazza. It stocks a wide variety of items from jewellery and toys to stationary and ties.

Many of the items will provide something a little different to what you can get on the high street. You are bound to find a quirky gift to take home.

Jubilee Market in Covent Garden

Jubilee Market in the South Piazza sells items that fall more into the antique category. If antiques are your thing then head there on a Monday for the antiques market.

Saturdays and Sundays see around 200 stalls open which are generally aimed at arts and crafts. The Real Food Market occurs every Thursday. This is when you can get your hands on homemade treats. Check out cakes and macaroons, fresh olives and speciality breads.

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Shopping in Covent Garden

One of the best things to do in Covent Garden is the shopping, with a huge range of different retailers and stalls. Although there are high street brands here they are generally higher end suppliers and fit with the hip image that surrounds the area. For fans of designer ware you will be spoilt for choice.

Brands such as Chanel, Paul Smith, Mulberry and Burberry sit alongside more regular high street favourites such as Reiss and Jigsaw. For the more adventurous shoppers out there you can peruse outdoor shops such as Cotswold Outdoor and Field & Trek.

If you fancy a mid-afternoon snack then you could treat yourself to some macaroons from Laudrée. You could get a box to take away but why not sit in and take advantage of their champagne or savoury snacks.

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Things to do near Covent Garden – museums

British Museum

The British Museum is one of the top museum attractions and one of the things to do near Covent Garden as it is only a short walk away. In a world dominated by money you might be pleased to hear that it is free to get in.

There are free tours and talks during the day. This makes it an ideal choice if you are travelling with a large family as individual entrance prices quickly add up.

The museum houses a variety of artefacts from a range of locations and eras.There are often exhibitions for which you may be required to pay extra for. Recent exhibitions include the Vikings and some beautiful Egyptian mummies.

Due to the popularity of some exhibitions it might be worth pre-booking tickets rather than being disappointed on the day. If you are visiting with children they will often put free events on such as object handling, art tasks and museum trails. This is bound to spark the interest of any little explorer!

London Transport Museum

If transport is more your thing than head to the London Transport Museum which has buses, trams and railway carriages on display.

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What to see in Covent Garden – theatres

The Theatre Royal

Covent Garden is bursting at the seams with theatres so it is hard to choose which one to go to. The Theatre Royal is one of the largest theatres in Covent Garden and has hosted some of the most famous shows.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Matilda might appeal to children and adults! Or, perhaps a tearjerker such as The Bodyguard or War Horse would be more your fancy.

No matter what you choose to see you will be amazed and with two Royal boxes you never know who you might see there!

Aldwych Theatre

The Aldwych Theatre is worth visiting just to see its stunning facade. It was home to The Royal Shakespeare Company for a number of years.

If there is a certain show that you would like to see then it is probably best to research the show and find out which theatre it will be on at. There are so many theatres in the area that it would be a shame to miss out on your favourite show.

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Accommodations near Covent Garden

Your theatre visit might keep you up late so what could be better than staying in your own apartment around Covent Garden. You won’t need to worry about getting a bus or the underground to head “home.” Instead, you could enjoy a few post theatre drinks or even head to a club completing your weekend.

If you fancy a trip to London be sure not to miss out on the delights of what to see in Covent Garden. Just be prepared for a positive assault on all your senses!

Photo Credits: Apple Market by Neil Howard, Shopping by Alison Sanfacon. Piazza Covent Garden by SPakhrin, London Transport Museum by Snapshooter46, War Horse by Andy Roberts.

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Three great ways to spend a day in London
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This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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