Covent Garden has a special atmosphere all of its own. As you walk through the cobbled car-free streets, there is a feeling of calm even though everything around you is bursting with life. It’s a fantastic place to grab a coffee and watch the world go by, there is so much to see.
Covent Garden has something for everyone
Covent Garden is intoxicating for the senses, with live music, street performances, an abundance of food, coffee shops, bakeries and the flower market. The neoclassical buildings play home to a true mix of independent traders, high street brands and designer stores – it’s no wonder that properties here are highly sought after. It’s home to the world famous Royal Opera House and Royal Ballet, as well as over 20 theatres, and is also in walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions. You can find a real retreat at the community-led Phoenix Gardens, which is the last of the Covent Garden community gardens and is a vital habitat for urban wildlife.
With so much choice within steps of each other, as you’re trying to find your favourite places to frequent here are some of ours to get you going. Grind on Maiden Lane – what really puts them on the map is their signature house blend, which makes their coffee one to savour. Since 1917, The Ivy has been a favourite on London’s dining scene with its glamourous décor, sensational cuisine and impeccable service, this is one institution that epitomises what Covent Garden can offer you.
Propriétés à Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a busy quarter of London named after the medieval walled orchard and garden of the Westminster Abbey and convent. In the early 17th century, the fourth Earl of Bedford, who owned the land, commissioned architect Inigo Jones to design grand houses for the wealthy in London. Inspired by Italian towns, Jones designed a large, open square with a church at the centre. While the grand houses are no longer there, the actor’s church St Paul’s and the Piazza remain in Covent Garden to this day. Today, the area is not only a major tourist attraction in London but is home to around six thousand residents.
According to Covent Garden estate agents, property for sale Covent Garden is highly desirable. The area sits behind Kingsway to the east, Shaftesbury Avenue and High Holborn to the north, Charing Cross Road to the west, and Strand to the south. Covent Garden was actually a run-down area for many years dominated by the wholesale fruit and vegetable market in London. However, this changed in 1974 when the market moved to Nine Elms and local residents fought hard to save Covent Garden from redevelopment plans that would have pushed new roads through the area and destroyed many of its fine buildings.
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Transport in Covent Garden
Covent Garden estate agents recommend the area for quick access into the main areas of London. You can easily reach Covent Garden Underground station on the Piccadilly line. The station offers great connections into the wider city, allowing you to be in major London areas in minutes. Other nearby tube stations include Charing Cross, served by the Bakerloo and Northern Lines, Holborn served by the Central and Piccadilly lines, Leicester Square on the Piccadilly and Northern lines, and Tottenham Court Road served by the Central and Northern lines. All stations are located in Zone 1.
Covent Garden Shops and Dining
Covent Garden is one of the top shopping destinations in London, attracting shoppers from all around the UK and even abroad. It is home to a huge range of big brand flagship stores including Apple and Burberry, along with young fashion brands, individually made craft items, and long-established local stores. Neal’s Yard is one of the most popular places when it comes to the alternative side of Covent Garden. This quiet courtyard located just off Monmouth Street is home to the Neal’s Yard Dairy and the Neal’s Yard beauty business, where they have been since they were first launched. On Drury Lane, you can also find the Aram Store, one of the top designer furniture retailers in the city.
Residents and tourists alike can choose from a wide range of restaurants in the area. Covent Garden is home to celebrity favourite The Ivy, or you can visit L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon with two Michelin stars. For traditional British good, you can’t go wrong with Rules on Maiden Lane, or Rock and Sole Plaice on Endell Street for some of the best fish and chips in the capital. If you enjoy Indian cuisine, then Moti Mahal on Great Queen Street is a must-visit.
Schools in Covent Garden
Before you buy property Covent Garden for your family, it’s worth finding out about local schools. There are two state primary schools in Covent Garden that have been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted: St Joseph’s RC on Macklin Street and St Clement Danes CofE on Drury Lane. You can also find some private schools, which are the Westminster Abbey Choir School for boys aged 8-13. It is located in the cathedral precinct and is the choir boarding school. Westminster School teaches boys aged 12-18 and girls at Sixth Form. It’s one of the top private day and boarding schools in the area. Covent Garden is also home to the Royal Ballet School, for children aged 11-18. It trains classical dancers for the Royal Ballet. Students aged 11-16 are based at Richmond Park’s White Lodge, and students aged 16-18 go to the school at Floral Street in Covent Garden.
Leisure and the Arts in Covent Garden
Learn more about what to do in the area before you find a property Covent Garden. Many of the major theatres and cinemas in London are in walking distance of Covent Garden. The Royal Opera House, which is home to the Royal Ballet companies and the Royal Opera, and Theatre Royal on Drury Lane are two of the most famous theatres in the area. There are also several leisure activities in Covent Garden including The Oasis on Endell Street, a local swimming pool owned by the council. It is open all year round and offers an indoor pool and heated outdoor pool. While Covent Garden is not as close to parks and outdoor spaces compared to some other areas of London, there are some outdoor activities to enjoy here, including the firm favourite of many residents – sitting on a restaurant terrace and watching the city go by. You can find small, tranquil gardens located through the area including the peaceful garden behind St Paul’s Church and the community volunteer-run Phoenix Garden, behind the Phoenix Theatre.
Family Friendly Activities in Covent Garden
If you are looking for property for sale Covent Garden to live in with your family, then you will be glad to hear that it’s a great place to be with kids. There are plenty of things to see and do after school or on the weekend including exploring the Covent Garden Piazza, a popular spot with excellent shops, interesting markets, and watching some of the most amazing performers and buskers in the city. The area is also close to various museums including the London Transport Museum, which is located on the piazza, and offers a fantastic play area for kids aged seven and under. Vertical Chill Ice Wall is an ideal activity for teens, and of course, there’s always an abundance of shown on offer at Covent Garden’s theatres.
Employment Opportunities in Covent Garden
With excellent transport links into the city of London, Covent Garden property is ideal if you are looking to work in London. According to Indeed, jobs in and around the Covent Garden area include positions in marketing, sales, retail, management, media, food and hospitality, PR, events, education, and more. Thanks to close proximity to the West End, it is a popular location for people looking to work in the booming London theatre industry.