Covent Garden is in the centre of London's West End, and the area is recognised as the capital's leading entertainment and leisure destination. At the heart of the Covent Garden is the famous market, designed in 1632 by Inigo Jones and now visited by 30 million tourists each year.

The large glass covered building comprises of several arcades of fashionable boutiques, cafes and an arts and crafts market. In the open piazza jugglers, mime artists, variety acts and musicians delight and amaze the crowds and those sitting in the restaurants, cafes and bars that line the piazza. This is the only area of London licensed for street entertainment and as such attracts performers from around the world.

Now one of London's most popular tourist attractions, for much of its existence Covent Garden served as a fruit and vegetable market - the largest in England - which covered the whole of the square and occupied many of the buildings. This has now moved to the south of London. The film My Fair Lady was set in Covent Garden.

The Royal Opera House, just off the north piazza, has been in the area as a theatre since 1732. A fire destroyed that building in 1857 but it was replaced within a year by the present House which, after two year's renovation, reopened in 2000 to high acclaim.

Covent Garden and Shopping go together like strawberries and cream. It is the home of speciality shopping in London.

From leading fashions to stunning gifts and jewellery; from luxurious and pampering health and beauty products to unique toys and games. Take your time and treat yourself to a very special retail-therapy experience. You won't be disappointed.

In fact there is very little that will disappoint you at Covent Garden from your 3 Star hotels (Strand Palace), 4 Star hotels (Kingsway Hall) to your 5 Star The Savoy. Covent Garden is never a disappointment!!

Locations very near Covent Gardens that offer the astute visitor a different view of London might be The Strand and a walk down the Victorian Embankment.