Covent Garden, London

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My latest visit to this place is in late November 2009, and about 4 weeks before Christmas. Covent Garden is experiencing a festive mood. Crowds too seem to be getting into the same mood. Not that this place isn't merry on other weekends of the year but it is even more merrier when the year is ending and the holiday mood is setting in. If you are in London at year end please dont miss the opportunity to visit Covent Garden Market, especially on the weekends.

Covent Garden Market is at the West End. This is the most famous market in the whole of England and offers several markets such as Apple Market (where traders sell many collectible items), Jubilee Market (selling antiques) and Covent Garden Market, selling fashions, gifts, toys, cigar and much more.

To get a taste of London go to: Covent Garden, Leceister Square, take a walk near the Thames, Natural History museum, Madame Tussauds, Science museum, Tate Modern Art Gallery, Hyde Park, Regent Street, Oxford Circus

Outside of central London try Richmond and Kew Gardens

Interesting towns nearby - Guildford

This picture shows the Apple Market housed within Covent Garden. It has many colourful stalls, selling handicrafts, specialised gifts, too many here to mention. There are small shops around the outside area of the stalls, but under the roof.

Have a look at the Covent Garden Website for more information.and click onto the visual tour

"Covent Garden is the Capital’s capital when it comes to culture, cuisine and commerce. With a globally renowned arts scene, fabulous dining experience and terrific shopping the whole world comes to Covent Garden."

Covent Garden is a great place to while away an afternoon! It has a large market offering everything from antiques and crafts to beauty products. . The street performers in the area are some of the best I've seen. Located adjacent is the Seven Dials/Neal Street area which offers such popular shops as Diesel and a very interesting Astrology Shop.

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Covent Garden is situated in the West End of London. This is connected with where the former fruit and vegetable market was held (which was a short distance away) but now it attracts high street and independent retailers, restaurants, cafes and also an established tourist attraction. There are two markets: Apple Market, an arts & craft market, and another market is held in Jubilee Hall. The central square is lively with its street performers.

There is also The Royal Opera House, Theatre Royal Drury Lane and the London Transport Museum that are situated nearby. There are some historic buildings worth noting such as the St Paul's Church and Inigo Jone's Italianate arcaded square.

The name 'Covent Garden' came from the 16th Century when Henry VII acquire the Abbey land in that name and the area became popular since then and over the centuries.

I must start by stating that I am not a Freemason myself, although I have friends and family who are. I have long been fascinated by the organisation and it's role in history.

For example, nine of the men who signed the US Declaration of Independence and thirteen signers of the US Constitution were Freemasons. I have also heard it claimed that the pyramid and "all-seeing eye" on the US dollar bill are Masonic symbols. George Washington was a Freemason. Closer to home, Prince Michael of Kent and Prince Edward are members, as are Phil Collins and footballers Fabien Barthez and Laurent Blanc.

UK headquarters for "the Lodge" is the impressive art Deco Freemasons Hall, completed in 1933. Despite the perceived secrecy of the organisation, I was surprised to find that free guided tours are available and duly went on one. It was absolutely fascinating. The architecture alone is worth the visit, as is the one and a quarter ton bronze door that is so perfectly balanced it can be opened with one finger!

The tour is given by one of the Masonic staff and is very well presented. The Library where you wait for the tour to begin is also interesting.

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I liked that place a lot. You can spend whole day there. Outside there are artists who make some show. We were laughing like crazy for 20 min. Who said that British humor is not good?
Also you can visit the market. It’s pretty big and you can find old stuff sold there, different collections too. The transport museum is at the same square so it would be a good end of the day. Don’t miss to have a coffee there 