Long read: Inside Story Was going to say Karen and Adam have emptied the pockets of several stunning London interiors and laid the contents out before us. Empty schmempty. It’s better than that. They take us into those pockets. Some of them places** you wouldn’t be able to get into if you weren’t on this walk. Special places, privileged places. Here’s Poet Laureate John Betjeman on one: “unique and irreplaceable and part of literary and theatrical London. It’s historic – quite different from a museum because it’s living and in use, not an exhibit.” And its setting, its street? “It’s unmitigated London – human in scale, irregular in height and width, the kind of street that’s fast disappearing.” So: Downton Abbey film location, lost rivers, faded menus, whipping post, ballet students, private dining rooms, portable flogging and beheading kit, Pearly king, silver-domed trollies, night watchman’s tardis, famous actress’ ashes in a tea caddy, horseshoes, personal letters and gifts, Grand Cigar Divan, cabinet particulaire where the prince and the actress dined (and, you can be sure, canoodled) privately, etc. here we come! Great walk. Guided by Karen (winner of the Guide of the Year Award***) or Adam. Want a preview of the walk – and the guiding? Watch the video.
*”privileged access” – not using the term lightly. One of the knock-offs tried to horn into one of these interiors (“London Walks comes in here, are you saying we can’t” “Yes, that’s what we’re saying. Now there’s the door – get out of here and don’t come back.”) **On three floors, all of which we visit! ***The Guide of the Year Award was just Karen limbering up. She hit her stride in the Travel & Leisure article that dubbed her “the world’s greatest guide”
INSIDE COVENT GARDEN – THE PRACTICALS
Inside Story – Covent Garden Interiors takes place every* Thursday at 10.15 am. Meet Karen or Jan orAdam, or Simon or Clairejust outside the exit of Covent Garden Tube. N.B. the walk ends in Trafalgar Square, seconds away from Charing Cross Station and only a couple of minutes away from Leicester Square Tube.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Don’t just take it from us…
LONDON WALKS PRIVATE WALKS
If you can’t make one of the regularly scheduled, just-turn-up, Inside Story – Covent Garden it can always be booked as a private tour. If you go private you can have the Inside Story – Covent Garden walk – or any other London Walk – on a day and at a time that suits your convenience. We’ll tailor it to your requirements. Ring Fiona or Mary on 020 7624 3978 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll set it up and make it happen for you. A private London Walk – they’re good value for an individual or couple and sensational value for a group – makes an ideal group or educational or birthday party or office (team-building) or club outing.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LONDON WALKS
A private London Walk makes a fab gift – be it a birthday or anniversary or Christmas present or whatever. Merchandise schmerchandise (gift wrapped or not) – but giving someone an experience, now that’s special. Memories make us rich.
Excellent tour of Covent Garden this morning with Adam. Knowledgeable guide and very entertaining as well. Thoroughly recommend
Rated 5 out of 5
Adrian Turner –
The tour took place on the 16th November and was an excellent way of improving my knowledge of this areas history and development. Adam was both knowledgeable and amusing with his tour introducing us to numerous places of interest which are off the tourist trail. It is an excellent way to learn that Covent Garden is so much more than bars, restaurants and boutiques.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jacqueline Bartle –
We really enjoyed the tour which started at Covent garden. Adam is a great storyteller and his knowledge seemed boundless. The highlight of the tour was our visit to Rules restaurant. It was a real privilege to be allowed in before the customers. We have visited London many times but the tour revealed a different side of London hidden away in back streets. Thoroughly recommend these tours as its not our first with this company.
Rated 5 out of 5
Becky and Jim Drahovzal –
We really enjoyed our Inside Covent Garden tour with Adam on Thursday. It was both informative and entertaining! We especially enjoyed the ‘inside” aspect of the tour!
Rated 5 out of 5
Liz K. –
Covent Garden with Adam was great. Lots of good info and interesting stops. London Walks never fail to delight.
Rated 5 out of 5
Maggie B –
Really enjoyed Simon’s walk around Covent Garden, he really makes the place come alive. Full of enjoyable, interesting tales. Seen nooks and crannies of London I would never have found myself, and two hours went by so quickly. Well worth the trip, look forward to more of these walks. Thank you.
Rated 5 out of 5
Juli –
Fabulous tour with Simon. Saw the piazza, oldest church(es), Drury Lane Theatre, the Opera House and more. Along the way, Simon gave us the history of the area and of individual buildings – and in a very entertaining way. Two hours flew by.
Rated 5 out of 5
George Redlinger –
Great walk today with Adam. Super knowledgeable, entertaining. Saw the interior of two actor’s churches as well as Rules restaurant. I am a big fan of London Walks and try to do one every time I am in town. many thanks again!
Rated 5 out of 5
Nadeem Khan –
Attended the walk on 8th Feb with ‘superstar’ Karen.
She is quite remarkable…well-informed, witty, thespian-eque and the weaver of a wonderful narrative. The walk itself is a delight, as it reveals so many wide and varied hidden ‘gems’.
Cross that ‘bridge of aspiration’, and book. Would highly recommend.
Rated 5 out of 5
Ellie –
We really enjoyed this walk. We had 3 kids in tow and they stayed interested throughout. I’m so glad we popped up in the Opera House, it kept coming up in my planning of a wonderful place to take in the view. I’ve been able to recall many of the stories we heard when I look at my pictures. My favorite part was stepping in the church.
Rated 5 out of 5
Melissa Coughlin –
Had a fantastic Inside Covent Garden walk with Adam last week. He took us around the market and gave so many interesting facts and stories. I love getting into places that no one else can, and we had a special before hours tour of a historic restaurant. So fun!
Rated 5 out of 5
Clive and Hazel –
We have become addicted to London walks! This walk, led by Adam, was excellent! The whole commentary was informative and witty. He really engaged with us all. “As some day it must happen that a plaque it must be found, he’s got it on the list” apologies to G and S !
You must come on his walk to hear quotes from other musicals! Thank you Adam!
Rated 5 out of 5
Maria Kasser –
I really enjoyed the Inside Covent Garden Walk with Adam. It was packed with interesting information and wonderful “inside” moments. Thank you, Adam!
Rated 5 out of 5
Elisabeth Nyeggen, Oslo Norway –
Top top. Interesting and worth every pound👍👍
Rated 5 out of 5
Joe & Susie Sullivan –
We so enjoyed our Covent Garden tour led by Adam. Being able to see the interiors of some of the iconic restaurants and churches was a treat, and Adam’s commentary was fun and enlightening. Highly recommended!!
Rated 5 out of 5
Jasmijn van Leeuwen –
We went on this walk yesterday with the lovely Claire. It was our second walk with Claire and we enjoyed ever so much! It was a real treat to go into Rules and wander through the beautiful streets and alleys of Covent Garden. All whilst listening to Claire’s fascinating stories. Afterwards she recommended us a beautiful fish and chips restaurant near Marylebone station, where we had lovely meal in the evening. If you’re doubting whether to go in this walk: GO!!
Rated 5 out of 5
Silvia –
We went on a Covent Garden interiors walk with Simon W. on September 8th. It was one of the best walks I have been on. Super informative and fun. He took us to places that we would have missed otherwise. Loved him and his banter!
Rated 5 out of 5
Sarah Ireland –
Thoroughly entertaining walk, led by Simon W through Covent Garden. Lots of interesting nuggets of information which will forever stick in mind. Simon’s energy and passion for his subject is infectious. 5 stars!!
Rated 5 out of 5
Juliette Harvey –
Thank you Adam, two hours well spent and memories to last a life time. Your professionalism and senses of humour second to none. I hope to join you in the near future gift another exhilarating walk.
Rated 5 out of 5
Irene –
Excellent tour with Adam. So informative and amusing. Two hours passed in a flash. Thank you so much.
Rated 5 out of 5
Callie –
This walk was fantastic! My husband and I try to take at least one London Walk each time we visit London and this was one of our favorites, if not our favorite. Claire is a fantastic guide: energetic, knowledgeable and easy to understand, even as you’re walking through crowds and traffic. We got to see so many “hidden” parts of Covent Garden that we otherwise wouldn’t have had access to. Highly recommend!
Rated 5 out of 5
Christine Russell –
I have just come away from an absolutely captivating tour of Covent Garden with Simon W! He really brought the history alive. It was fantastic! I particularly enjoyed our tour of Rules restaurant and stepping inside the Drury Lane Theatre and our grand finale with a view over the streets and rooftops from The Royal Opera House! However, there was never a dull moment and I learnt so much! Thank you Simon!
Reserve your place on Inside Story – Covent Garden
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Kathryn Cooper –
Excellent tour of Covent Garden this morning with Adam. Knowledgeable guide and very entertaining as well. Thoroughly recommend
Adrian Turner –
The tour took place on the 16th November and was an excellent way of improving my knowledge of this areas history and development. Adam was both knowledgeable and amusing with his tour introducing us to numerous places of interest which are off the tourist trail. It is an excellent way to learn that Covent Garden is so much more than bars, restaurants and boutiques.
Jacqueline Bartle –
We really enjoyed the tour which started at Covent garden. Adam is a great storyteller and his knowledge seemed boundless. The highlight of the tour was our visit to Rules restaurant. It was a real privilege to be allowed in before the customers. We have visited London many times but the tour revealed a different side of London hidden away in back streets. Thoroughly recommend these tours as its not our first with this company.
Becky and Jim Drahovzal –
We really enjoyed our Inside Covent Garden tour with Adam on Thursday. It was both informative and entertaining! We especially enjoyed the ‘inside” aspect of the tour!
Liz K. –
Covent Garden with Adam was great. Lots of good info and interesting stops. London Walks never fail to delight.
Maggie B –
Really enjoyed Simon’s walk around Covent Garden, he really makes the place come alive. Full of enjoyable, interesting tales. Seen nooks and crannies of London I would never have found myself, and two hours went by so quickly. Well worth the trip, look forward to more of these walks. Thank you.
Juli –
Fabulous tour with Simon. Saw the piazza, oldest church(es), Drury Lane Theatre, the Opera House and more. Along the way, Simon gave us the history of the area and of individual buildings – and in a very entertaining way. Two hours flew by.
George Redlinger –
Great walk today with Adam. Super knowledgeable, entertaining. Saw the interior of two actor’s churches as well as Rules restaurant. I am a big fan of London Walks and try to do one every time I am in town. many thanks again!
Nadeem Khan –
Attended the walk on 8th Feb with ‘superstar’ Karen.
She is quite remarkable…well-informed, witty, thespian-eque and the weaver of a wonderful narrative. The walk itself is a delight, as it reveals so many wide and varied hidden ‘gems’.
Cross that ‘bridge of aspiration’, and book. Would highly recommend.
Ellie –
We really enjoyed this walk. We had 3 kids in tow and they stayed interested throughout. I’m so glad we popped up in the Opera House, it kept coming up in my planning of a wonderful place to take in the view. I’ve been able to recall many of the stories we heard when I look at my pictures. My favorite part was stepping in the church.
Melissa Coughlin –
Had a fantastic Inside Covent Garden walk with Adam last week. He took us around the market and gave so many interesting facts and stories. I love getting into places that no one else can, and we had a special before hours tour of a historic restaurant. So fun!
Clive and Hazel –
We have become addicted to London walks! This walk, led by Adam, was excellent! The whole commentary was informative and witty. He really engaged with us all. “As some day it must happen that a plaque it must be found, he’s got it on the list” apologies to G and S !
You must come on his walk to hear quotes from other musicals! Thank you Adam!
Maria Kasser –
I really enjoyed the Inside Covent Garden Walk with Adam. It was packed with interesting information and wonderful “inside” moments. Thank you, Adam!
Elisabeth Nyeggen, Oslo Norway –
Top top. Interesting and worth every pound👍👍
Joe & Susie Sullivan –
We so enjoyed our Covent Garden tour led by Adam. Being able to see the interiors of some of the iconic restaurants and churches was a treat, and Adam’s commentary was fun and enlightening. Highly recommended!!
Jasmijn van Leeuwen –
We went on this walk yesterday with the lovely Claire. It was our second walk with Claire and we enjoyed ever so much! It was a real treat to go into Rules and wander through the beautiful streets and alleys of Covent Garden. All whilst listening to Claire’s fascinating stories. Afterwards she recommended us a beautiful fish and chips restaurant near Marylebone station, where we had lovely meal in the evening. If you’re doubting whether to go in this walk: GO!!
Silvia –
We went on a Covent Garden interiors walk with Simon W. on September 8th. It was one of the best walks I have been on. Super informative and fun. He took us to places that we would have missed otherwise. Loved him and his banter!
Sarah Ireland –
Thoroughly entertaining walk, led by Simon W through Covent Garden. Lots of interesting nuggets of information which will forever stick in mind. Simon’s energy and passion for his subject is infectious. 5 stars!!
Juliette Harvey –
Thank you Adam, two hours well spent and memories to last a life time. Your professionalism and senses of humour second to none. I hope to join you in the near future gift another exhilarating walk.
Irene –
Excellent tour with Adam. So informative and amusing. Two hours passed in a flash. Thank you so much.
Callie –
This walk was fantastic! My husband and I try to take at least one London Walk each time we visit London and this was one of our favorites, if not our favorite. Claire is a fantastic guide: energetic, knowledgeable and easy to understand, even as you’re walking through crowds and traffic. We got to see so many “hidden” parts of Covent Garden that we otherwise wouldn’t have had access to. Highly recommend!
Christine Russell –
I have just come away from an absolutely captivating tour of Covent Garden with Simon W! He really brought the history alive. It was fantastic! I particularly enjoyed our tour of Rules restaurant and stepping inside the Drury Lane Theatre and our grand finale with a view over the streets and rooftops from The Royal Opera House! However, there was never a dull moment and I learnt so much! Thank you Simon!