Spectacle, Sin and Uproar: A Self-Guided Tour of Covent Garden
- 1.5–2 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Covent Garden's history is woven into the very fabric of London's identity. On this self-guided walking tour, you'll discover the surprising origins of this world-famous district, uncovering a past filled with bustling markets, theatrical scandals, and revolutionary policing innovations that lie hidden beneath the touristy veneer. You’ll explore the elegant piazza designed by Inigo Jones in the 1630s as London’s first formal square, and wander through the market building where fresh produce was traded for over 300 years. You’ll find out how the aristocratic vision for the area gave way quickly to a vibrant market culture that defined Covent Garden for centuries. I’ll tell you how the area transformed from daytime marketplace to London’s most notorious red-light district after sunset, with taverns and brothels earning it the nickname the “Square of Venus.“ You’ll also hear stories about famous actors, writers, and musicians who lived and worked here, from Charles Dickens to Mozart.
Inclusions
What's included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
What's not
- Smartphone and headphones
- Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Itinerary
You’ll pass by St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, often called the Actors’ Church for its long association with the theatre. Please note that entry to the church is not included in this tour.
You’ll see the London Transport Museum, home to historic vehicles and exhibits tracing the city’s transport history. Please remember that admission to the museum is not included in this tour.
You’ll catch a glimpse of the Royal Ballet and Opera, celebrated for world-class performances in the heart of Covent Garden. Please note that entry to the venue is not included in this tour.
You’ll pass by the former Bow Street Magistrate’s Court, once central to London’s legal history and famous cases. Please note that entry to the building is not included in this tour.
You’ll pass the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, one of London’s most historic theatres with a legacy dating back centuries. Please note that entry to the theatre is not included in this tour.
You’ll pass by Corpus Christi Catholic Church, a striking place of worship in Covent Garden. Please note that entry to the church is not included in this tour.
You’ll see Rules, London’s oldest restaurant, renowned for its traditional British cuisine and historic charm. Please note that entry to the restaurant is not included in this tour.
You’ll pass the Adelphi Theatre, a renowned West End venue known for hosting popular musicals and plays. Please note that entry to the theatre is not included in this tour.
You’ll pass through Goodwin’s Court, a narrow historic alley famous for its colourful façades and hidden charm. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.
You’ll walk along Saint Martin’s Lane, known for its historic architecture and vibrant theatre connections. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.
You’ll pass by The Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden, a historic pub famed for its literary and theatrical associations. Please note that entry to the pub is not included in this tour.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- This tour starts at Covent Garden Station. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- VoiceMap Audio Tours
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in London
- Its from-price is 93% below the median of the 4793 experiences we list in London.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About London
London mixes royal ceremony, world-class museums and riverside landmarks with distinct neighbourhoods, markets and parks to explore on foot.
The Thames threads the city together. On its banks stand the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the Tower of London with the Crown Jewels, Tower Bridge and the long South Bank walk past the London Eye, Shakespeare's Globe and Tate Modern. St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey anchor the older skyline, while glass towers crowd the financial district.
Top-ranked sights in London: St. Paul's Cathedral, Stonehenge, Tower of London.
Special offers in London
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
