Starting life as the vegetable garden of the monks of Westminster Abbey, Covent Garden has undergone many reincarnations since the 1500s.
Following the dissolution of the monasteries, the land was seized by the crown and later transformed into an area fit for ladies and gentlemen of quality with the addition of the square – this was later to become a thriving area for trade and commerce.
Part of this history of Covent Garden remains to this day, and those staying at the Grand Royale hotel Bayswater will enjoy viewing the beautiful buildings that flank the area and will still be able to get a real feel for the area’s past.
For those staying at our hotels near Bayswater this summer, here are some of our favourite things to see and do when visiting Covent Garden, so just make sure you put a few hours aside during your time in London so that you can enjoy everything this popular spot has to offer.
Street performers
Street performers are a common sight in London, but you’ll often find the best lining the streets of Covent Garden.
From singers and living statues to comedians and highly talented musicians, it’s easy to spend a few hours exploring the streets of Covent Garden and watching the free performances on offer at the central piazza.
An epicentre for entertainment, these street performers turn out regardless of the weather to entertain visitors to the city in return for a little spare change, so make sure that you pack your camera before heading off from the Grand Royale hotel Bayswater as some of the performances are truly spectacular.
Shop ‘til you drop!
Covent Garden is a mecca for shoppers looking for designer goods or unique trinkets to take home as a memento of a trip. Just make sure you leave a little extra space in your luggage back at our hotels near Bayswater as you’re sure to find something you want to take home.
Covent Garden Market
One of the main attractions of the area is the famous Covent Garden market where you’ll find everything from fresh artisan breads to homewares and original pieces of artwork.
Most of the market is held undercover, so even if it’s raining during your stay at the Grand Royale London Hyde Park, you’ll be able to browse the stalls without worrying about the weather.
The Royal Opera House
Just a short walk away from Covent Garden, pay a visit to the iconic Royal Opera House to watch world-class performances from the Royal Ballet or Royal Opera companies.
Reaching the Royal Opera House from our hotels near Bayswater is simple, -take the Tube from Queensway Station to Covent Garden that takes just 25 minutes.
The London Transport Museum
London is well known for its black cabs and double-decker buses, so it’s only right that there should be a museum dedicated to all things transport.
For anyone staying at Grand Royale hotel Bayswater with an interest in trains, cars and buses from a bygone era, this is definitely an attraction you won’t want to miss during your stay in the city.
The National Gallery
Located just a short stroll away from Covent Garden, those staying at our hotels near Bayswater who have an interest in European art shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the National Gallery.
An iconic building in its own right, the National Gallery contains famous works of art representative of the past few hundred years from master painters across Europe. There is also a regular calendar of talks, workshops and tours to enjoy too, so make sure you find out what’s due to be happening during your visit.
Find Neal’s Yard
A hidden gem tucked away amongst the back streets of Covent Garden, Neal’s Yard is a quaint, quirky and colourful area away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds.
Brimming with boutique shops featuring a wide range of wellness products, it’s a great little stop on a tour of the area for guests staying at the Grand Royale hotel Bayswater who have an interest in alternative therapies.
Seek out Seven Dials
The Seven Dials is an interesting intersection of seven streets where you’ll find everything from designer shoes to gourmet treasures. Perfect for foodies staying at our hotels near Bayswater, take a look in a few of the shops to grab a few tempting treats to take home with you, if you can resist eating them before you leave that is!
Pay a visit to the Fortune Theatre
One of the area’s oldest theatres, you might have heard of the Fortune Theatre thanks to its connection to horror classic, the Woman in Black by author Susan Hill.
Made into a Hollywood blockbuster a few years ago, you really can’t beat the live show performance of the famous book as the cast bring the piece of literature to life with their acting skills and an array of amazing props and backdrops.
The Victorian theatre lends itself to the show perfectly in no small part thanks to its well-maintained period interior. Guests staying at our hotels near Bayswater flock to see the show every day to see the cast in action.
With two shows per day, be prepared to be scared stiff as the engaging and chilling tale unfolds, drawing you into the haunting story.
Take a stroll to Trafalgar Square
The great thing about taking a trip to London is that you’re never too far away from the historical landmarks and amazing attractions the city has to offer. Just a few minute’s walk away from Covent Garden you’ll find Trafalgar Square with the towering Nelson’s Column, huge water fountains and impressive plinths featuring notable public figures from the past.
An excellent spot for those all-important photos and with the National Gallery nearby, there are plenty more things to see and do in this area if you’ve already exhausted everything that Covent Garden has to offer during your visit.
