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.
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!!
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!!