Great Days Out in Covent Garden

Based in central London, Covent Garden is one of the best areas of the city for shopping, entertainment and transport links. Right in the heart of the city and just a few minutes walk from the River, there’s plenty to keep you busy in this warren of side streets and markets. If you’re staying at the Montcalm Chiswell Street then you are in luck in regards to short tube journeys or bus journeys to the Covent Garden. Below are some of the best sites in the area alongside some of the history of the area.

History of Covent garden

Once a Saxon trading settlement, Covent Garden derives its name from “Convent” garden, referring to the nearby Westminster Abbey. As the Saxons were driven out and London became solidified, Covent Garden retained its role as a market area, and through the middle ages and Victorian era, kept itself as a fashionable part of the city. The area is still rather upmarket and is one of the best places in the city for arts, entertainment and nightlife.

Shopping in Covent Garden

Today Covent Garden is a must visit for shopping, If you’re looking for a great area to enjoy malls, independent stores and high street brands all in one place, then this is the perfect area to find everything you need. Whatever you’re looking for in Covent Garden, you’ll find what you need, whether it be homeware, souvenirs or fashionable clothes.

7 dials

Between Covent Garden station and Holborn, you can find the upmarket and trendy Seven Dials. This roundabout is the perfect spot for some designer clothes shopping, with a Nike outlet store holding great value clothes and shoes, as well as a must-visit Fred Perry shop right on the square. Not only this, but you can find a range of boutique clothes and homeware shops, alongside independent and branded cafes for a quick pick me up.

Covent Garden market

Covent Garden Market is surrounded by high street shops such as the Apple Store already, but also offers a range of handcrafted and boutique goods under its historic roof. This two storey warren of cafes, restaurants and luxury goods stores is brightened even further by the regular buskers and bands playing in its central courtyard. With a Moomin shop, soap shops and a range of quirky surprises, the Covent Garden Market is the perfect place to find an unexpected gift for a loved one.

Theatres near Covent Garden

Based just to the side of London’s west End, Covent Garden is home to a great range of theatres showing a variety of different shows. If you are after a musical, then why not try the Lyceum where the famous Lion King is playing, whilst 7 dials plays host to the Cambridge Theatre, where Mathilda, the Musical is playing. On top of, the Pinter Theatre is currently showing a season of plays by famous British playwright Harold Pinter, who lent his name to the venue itself.

Cinemas near Covent Garden

Based right next to Leicester Square and home to the London FIlm School, it’s no surprise that Covent Garden has its fair share of Cinema venues. Just a short walk away, you’ll be able to find the Empire Cinema, whilst the Prince Charles Cinema is a must for cult movie fans and die hard cinephiles.