Start the tour with an immersive sensory experience on the Outernet.
Then wiggle through the quieter nooks and crannies of this bustling area. Learn about the slums of St Giles and why they’re called the rookeries. Find an inner city garden with its own ecosystem.
How did Tin Pan Alley get its name? What’s the origin of “one for the road”? What grim stories lie buried in St Giles churchyard?
Hunt for the hospital that was run entirely by women during the first world war? And the street with a forgotten frieze, French hospital and Chinese church. Why is a cinema called “garden”? Who was the father of modern football and what’s his connection to Covent Garden? And what’s going on with Freemasons who claim they’re “not a secret society but rather a society with secrets.” End the walk in the heart of Covent Garden with time to shop, eat or revisit the quiet oases you’ve discovered.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Christoph Karner –
This was really a very interesting walk.
Ann is a great guide. She obviously did a lot of research and provided us with a lot of new information.
I’m looking forward to another walk guided by Ann.
Louise Berry –
This was such an enjoyable, informative walk, led by the ever-smiling & knowledgeable Dr Ann.
I’ve been visiting this area of London for many years but learnt so much yesterday & loved the secret garden, “female Banksy” artwork, Tin Pan Alley & the all-female run hospital.
The weather was rather miserable but this didn’t distract at all from the enjoyment.
I look forward to future walks with Dr Ann.😀
Jesse Goossens –
We joined the very first walk of Nooks & Crannies – Unseen Covent Garden and it was a delight. Ann showed us the loveliest and (formerly) grittiest of places. From rookeries to rock and roll. Ann is the best guide you could dream of: she is entertaining, witty and kind. She made history come alive through her anecdotes and vivid descriptions. A walk that is certainly a gem in the London Walks collection!