Why go
Geography Historically, the Bedford Estate defined the boundary of Covent Garden, with Drury Lane to the east, the Strand to the south, St. Martin's Lane to the west, and Long Acre to the north. Pubs and bars The Covent Garden area has over 60 pubs and bars; several of them are listed buildings, with some also on CAMRA's National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors; some, such as The Harp in Chandos Place, have received consumer awards.
What to look for
- In 1645 Covent Garden was made a separate parish and the church was dedicated to St Paul.
- The distance from Covent Garden to Leicester Square at less than 300 yards is London's shortest tube journey.
- St Paul Covent Garden was completely surrounded by the parish of St Martin in the Fields.
The full story
The district is divided by the main thoroughfare of Long Acre, north of which is given over to independent shops centred on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials, while the south contains the central square with its street performers and most of the elegant buildings, theatres and entertainment facilities, including the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and the London Transport Museum. The area was briefly settled in the 7th century when it became the heart of the Anglo-Saxon trading town of Lundenwic, abandoned at the end of the 9th century. By 1200 part of it had been walled off by Westminster Abbey for use as arable land and orchards. Referred to as "the garden of the Abbey and Convent", and later "the Covent Garden", it was seized by Henry VIII and granted to the Earls of Bedford in 1552.
Your next visit
Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.
Outdoor visit · 10–15 min
Public-space walk and exterior observation only; no interior, garden, tower or ticketed admission included. Durations and walking are estimates. Check temporary restrictions and park or market opening times.
Outdoor visit · 45–90 min
World planning estimate; admission, opening, visit duration and access need checking.