Covent Garden Market
Lively and fun, Covent Garden market is a treasure trove for shoppers on the hunt for a unique London souvenir. Peruse stalls of trinkets, toys and unique crafts in a brilliant London setting.
Lively and fun, Covent Garden market is a treasure trove for shoppers on the hunt for a unique London souvenir. Peruse stalls of trinkets, toys and unique crafts in a brilliant London setting.
Back in the 1650s, Covent Garden was little more than an open-air fruit and vegetable market on the edge of London. As the city rapidly expanded along with the British Empire, the market suddenly found itself in the heart of the London. Covent Garden as we know it today was constructed in 1830 and the original fruit and vegetable market was moved out in the 1970s to make way for more tourist friendly shops, gastropubs and boutiques.
Buskers, mime artists and street musicians will greet you along the busy route to the market, as will London’s resident pigeon population. Inside the covered market building is charming, especially during the Christmas holidays when its decked out with lights, decorations and a festive atmosphere. Cobbled floors lead you through narrow passages revealing tiny shops with even tinier doors. There are also plenty of stalls selling all manner of crafty items and trinkets for you to take home. You’ll likely be familiar with many of the shops, but Covent Garden still holds a few hidden gems. For those in search of something a little different, try Eric Snook’s toyshop, which specialises in the traditional playthings in addition to some unusual London gifts. Beefeater duck or soldier skittles anyone?
Monday to Friday 10.00am-9.00pm
Saturday 9.00am-8.00pm
Sunday 11.30am to 6.00pm
Opening times may vary by shop.
Everything! Covent Garden sits right in the heart of London. It’s a short walk to Trafalgar Square, the Royal Opera House, London Transport Museum and the best of the West End just to name a few.
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