London 90 Minute History of Covent Garden Tour

This is no ordinary walking tour…Discover the wild sides of Covent Garden and the Seven Dials! On this walk of two historic London neighbourhoods, we’ll uncover hidden stories and the untold lives of the colourful characters that have made this quirky district their home through the centuries - all the way to today!
This is where people who didn’t “fit in”…fit in! Our misfits might be market traders, sex workers, rock bands, actors, painters, poets, writers, gin sellers, suffragettes, social reformers, members of the queer community, or visionaries and pioneers!

As an extra special treat, our walk includes a short visit inside The Actor’s Church (St Paul’s Church), a vital hub for the community since 1633.

Join us as we share incredible stories of a district that has always defied conventions - from the gay subculture of the 18th century, the black actors paving the way through Victorian theatre or a hospital staffed entirely by women…before women were allowed to vote!

Meeting Point

Covent Garden

Underground Ltd, Long Acre, London WC2E 9JT, UK

We will meet in front of the Sunglasses Hut, opposite Covent Garden underground station. Your guide will be holding a yellow Rebel Tours umbrella.

What's included:

• Local Guide

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

St Paul’s Church Covent Garden

Bedford St, London WC2E 9ED, UK

We'll visit inside the "Actor's Church", one of the only remaining buildings of the original Covent Garden Piazza. We'll have a special mini tour inside the church, subject to availability (We can't always guarantee entry if the church has an event or special service)

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Covent Garden

Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DD

We'll take a look inside and around the Covent Garden market building as we learn how the market has changed through the centuries.

20 minutes

Jubilee Market

The Piazza, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8BD

The only market in London run by traders. Learn about Covent Garden's nightlife and famed live entertainment.

10 minutes

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF

Outside the longest-running theatre site in London, your guide will tell you about the eccentric characters of the city's theatre and social scene.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Royal Opera House

Bow Street, , London, WC2E 9DD

Once the Theatre Royal Covent Garden, this beautiful building shows opera and ballet all year round.

10 minutes

Neal Street

London

Learn about Covent Garden's prostitution trade and the famous "Gin Craze" as you enter Seven Dials, once one of London's great slums.

10 minutes

Neal's Yard

Monmouth Street, Within Covent Garden And between Shorts Gardens, London, WC2H 9DP

A colourful hidden gem!

5 minutes

Drury Lane Gardens

Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5TB

A former graveyard and scene from Dickens' Bleak House, this children's playground and heritage site was the first ever project by the UK's National Trust.

10 minutes

Seven Dials

London

Finish your tour at the sundial monument of Seven Dials.

5 minutes