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New Covent Garden Market

barbara
barbara
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
Review
Editor Pick

Covent Garden Market

  • April 23, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by barbara from Atlanta, Georgia
I had a couple of hours off while working in Central London, and I didn't want to waste a gorgeous day. One of my colleagues suggested I take a short walk from Victoria Embankment to enjoy some of the outdoor entertainment available in Covent Garden, so I checked the map and eagerly took off.

Now, I have to admit, in my American head I was expecting an area like Central Park to appear...a green space in the middle of the city with lots of fountains and trees and musicians.

This is not what Covent Garden turned out to be.

However, I loved the Covent Garden Market, and I think anyone with a family--or anyone who likes to poke through eclectic shops--should put this on their list for things to see and do in the city.

What is Covent Garden?
Around 2,000 years ago when the Romans were still in town Covent Garden was part of a settlement. It got the root for its modern day name a little later on in the 1200s when it served as a kitchen garden for a convent. As time progressed, it served as a fruit and vegetable market for the city. By the 1800s, it was a thriving site of commerce but it wasn't until 1980 that it really started to look like the place that it is today: a specialty shopping center that provides a fun experience for the whole family.

Why will kids like this place?
Known for its public street theater, there is always some juggler, acrobat, or other type of crowd pleaser performing near the piazza. Kids love this type of show...and it's all free barring what you might wish to tip a performer for his or her time. There are also special events such as a festival on Saint George's Day that cater to families.

Why will adults like this place?
If you're not in the mood for regular street theatre, you can often sit down in the courtyard and listen a classically-trained opera singer belting out soothing tunes for your pleasure. There was a statuesque soprano there the day of my visit who thrilled her listeners with songs from Phantom of the Opera. Delightful.

How's the actual shopping?
Instead of the tea towel with the queen's face printed onto it, shoppers will find a more interesting mix of unique things to buy and take home. There are hand-blown glass balls to hang in windows, custom-made jewelry, art, unique toys... and best of all, you can actually find reasonable prices.

Some useful particulars:
Opening times for the market are Monday-Saturday, 10am-8pm.
On Sundays the hours are shortened to 11am-6pm. Some of the cafés and restaurants are open in the evenings.

Check out more details at Covent Garden's official website: www.coventgardenmarket.co.uk  

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