Only in London Itinerary: Covent Garden and Bloomsbury

A Morning in Bloomsbury

Start your morning in Bloomsbury with a stroll along Lambs Conduit Street. This quaint high street is completely unique, lined with small, independent retailers that you won't find anywhere else. Look out for Synphonic, a record store that only sells vinyl, and Persephone Books, an independent publisher that reprints and sells forgotten titles by women writers.

As you make your way through the streets of Bloomsbury, you'll see a number of formal garden squares surrounded by beautiful old houses. Many are former residences of members of the famous Bloomsbury Group, a collection of writers and artists that lived in the area during the early 20th century. The many Blue Plaques that are dotted about Bloomsbury provide a fascinating insight into this area's colourful past.

Bloomsbury is also home to the fabulous British Museum, which holds one of the world's largest collections of cultural artefacts from the beginning of human existence to the modern day. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles and the incredible Egyptian Mummies.

Lunch in Covent Garden

Time for lunch, and there are a couple of unusual options as you make your way to Covent Garden. If wandering in Bloomsbury has awoken your literary yearnings, stop off at The Poetry Café for a delicious vegetarian meal. Home to The Poetry Society, the café offers a quiet and calm atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden.

Alternatively, take a step back in time to sample the delights of one of London's oldest pubs. The Lamb & Flag is said to date back to Tudor times, and was once frequented by Charles Dickens and John Dryden. Today it's a lovely place to stop for traditional British fayre such as lamb hot pot or roast beef.

An Afternoon in Covent Garden

You never know what you might find in Covent Garden! This vibrant area of London regularly holds special events and attracts a host of weird and wacky street entertainers.

First stop is the world-famous Royal Opera House. Take a guided backstage tour (we recommended booking ahead) to discover the secrets behind the amazing productions or head up to the terrace where you can enjoy a drink or snack and stunning views over Covent Garden.

At the centre of Covent Garden stands its famous market. Here you'll find all sorts of boutiques, craft stalls and luxury stores; it's shopping heaven! Pass through the market, and on the north side of the Piazza you can't miss the portico façade of St Paul's, also known as the Actor's Church. Built by Inigo Jones in 1633, the church and churchyard provide a tranquil oasis in the heart of one of London's busiest areas.

After all that shopping, it's time for a nice cup of tea. Take a short walk down to The Strand and pop into Twinings tea shop, which has been trading on this iconic London street since 1717. Follow up with a splash of culture at Somerset House, also on The Strand. Somerset House's Courtauld Gallery is consistently named one of the world's finest small art galleries.

Dinner and a Show in Covent Garden

Rules, the self-proclaimed "oldest restaurant in London" has been serving up British cuisine classics for more than 200 years. Dine here to be a part of history – Rules' previous patrons range from King George III to Graham Greene to Laurence Olivier to Margaret Thatcher (who is depicted in a painting on the roof).

Then, for some after-dinner entertainment, head back to the Royal Opera House (pre-booking recommended). Home to the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet Company, here you'll see some of the world's finest classical performances – a fitting end to your day in Covent Garden.

Download the Only in London: Covent Garden and Bloomsbury Itinerary

Download the Only in London: Covent Garden and Bloomsbury Itinerary [PDF 2MB] and take it with you on your unique day out!