The area now known as Covent Garden is situated in central London, not far from Trafalgar Square. It’s bounded in the west by St Martins Lane and in the east by Drury Lane. To the south is The Strand and to the north Longacre. The heart of this district is Covent Garden Market itself, set on a large Italianate piazza designed by the celebrated architect, Inigo Jones. On a sunny day, this could be any European city.

There are three permanent markets in Covent Garden. Firstly, there’s the Apple Market. This is particularly appealing to those who like something just a little bit different, specialising, as it does, in vintage and hand crafted jewellery and accessories. The East Colonnade Market is ideal for those looking for gifts; here you can buy handmade soap, one-off accessories, confectionery and original artworks. Finally, there’s the Jubilee Market. From Tuesdays to Fridays this sells general wares, but on Mondays it becomes an antiques market and at weekends it offers 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!

In 1798, Rules was opened in Covent Garden; it still delights with its traditional British fare, making it the oldest restaurant in London. Whether you prefer game pie in opulent splendour or sushi in minimalist Scandinavian surroundings there will surely be a restaurant to suit your tastes.

If it’s a quiet (or a lively!) drink that you want, then there’s a range of pubs and bars you can visit, from traditional pubs serving real ales to smart bars selling a range of exotic cocktails. You can have live music, cabaret or sports coverage alongside your drink, all tastes are catered for!

Covent Garden has long associations with theatre and entertainment; even in 1642, Samuel Pepys was writing about the Punch and Judy shows being enacted in the area. In 1663 the Theatre Royal opened on Drury Lane; it’s still there now although it’s been rebuilt three times! Other theatres in the area include the Coliseum, the Adelphi, the Vaudeville, the Lyceum, the Duchess and the Fortune. If opera or ballet are more your thing, an evening at the Royal Opera House will certainly not disappoint.

There are two museums in Covent Garden: the London Transport Museum and the London Film Museum. The former attempts to explain the development of both London and its transport system during the last 200 years. It’s open seven days a week and the standard admission charge for adults is lb15 (children go free). The London Film Museum tells the story of British Cinema as well as the history of photography and the moving image. It too is open seven days a week, and is free to enter.

Covent Garden is fantastically easy to get to, having its own underground station and being just a short walk away from Leicester Square. Furthermore, buses pass along The Strand regularly. There really is no excuse for not visiting!

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