2. 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.
3. Over 350 years after the first fruit and vegetable stalls
appeared on the grand Piazza of Covent Garden, the
tradition of market trading still lives on today in the
shape of the Apple Market, the Jubilee Market and the
East Colonnade Market. Crammed with antiques,
jewellery and some of the classiest handcrafted goods
that you will ever find, this is the perfect place to buy
original present for the 'folks back home'.
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. Many of Covent Garden's numerous pubs and bars also
serve food, in fact, one particularly cool bar only sells ice
cream. But if it's just a quiet pint of English ale that you
want, or a glass of good red wine, you are completely
spoilt for choice by the wide array of quality pubs and
bars.
7. 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.
8. 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!
9. 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.
