Holiday rentals in Covent Garden

A short walk from the north bank of winding River Thames, Covent Garden sits roughly equidistant between the sprawling lawns of Hyde Park and the towering skyscrapers of the City of London. Starting out life as a garden owned by Westminster Abbey, the London district developed into a fashionable residential piazza in the 17th century before quickly becoming a market and shopping area. Indeed, shopping is still one of the main activities here. Through the arches of the imposing stone Market Building with its 19th-century glass and steel roof, small independent retailers and cafes have replaced the fruit sellers of old.

Covent Garden is a hive of activity from early in the morning until late at night, and you’ll find everyone from opera singers to magicians showcasing their talents on the cobbles by the steps of St Paul’s Church — the Actors’ Church has close ties with the entertainment industry. Moving outwards from the central Market Building, there are niche shops, traditional pubs, and bistros with vintage-inspired striped awnings. In the evening, people flock to some of the country’s grandest theatres on nearby Shaftesbury Avenue and The Strand to see iconic musicals and renowned plays.

Covent Garden comes alive during the summer months, when pavement cafes hum with conversation and London is at its warmest and sunniest. However, there is always the chance of a shower, so it’s a good idea to have an umbrella with you when leaving your apartment. Summer is also the best time to take advantage of more daylight hours with al fresco dining and window shopping with a cone of ice cream. In the autumn and winter, the nights draw in and temperatures start to drop, so take a warm coat and wear sturdy shoes to navigate potentially slippery cobbled streets. For a magical experience, come to the area at the end of November and December, when Christmas decorations adorn the Market Building and the surrounding courtyard.

London Transport Museum

The area’s former flower market has been transformed into an extensive museum detailing the history of transport in London. Find out more about the oldest underground system in the world (the city’s famous Tube), learn the origins of the iconic red double-decker bus, hop on some of the historical methods of transport, and see what the future holds when it comes to getting around England’s capital.

Royal Opera House

The entertainment district of Covent Garden is home to an impressive array of theatres and entertainment venues, with one of its jewels being the 19th-century Royal Opera House, which was restored in the 1990s. Home to the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet, you can catch world-class performances in this historic venue and walk under the Bridge of Aspiration on your way home.

Seven Dials

Just a few minutes’ walk from the Market Building, a grand sundial pillar marks the spot where seven streets meet. Bunting crisscrosses the roads, windows and shopfronts display all the colours of the rainbow, and specialty wares range from bespoke hats to attention-grabbing glasses. You can sample everything from Brazilian breads to artisan gelato, and a former banana warehouse now hosts an abundance of food vendors and even a cheese conveyor belt.