This post is in collaboration with Hotels.com; the spending money was gifted by them, but all views are my own.
The first time I ever went to Covent Garden was with my husband almost two years ago. It was one night about a week and a half before Christmas, and we just stopped through it on our way to Winter Wonderland. I’m ashamed to say that it’s taken me almost two whole years to go back and see it properly (especially given the fact that I live in London now!). So last weekend, we decided to have a proper go at it and spend the day there exploring.
If you plan on hitting the city this holiday season, make sure you make your way to Covent Garden. It’s such a great little spot, especially this time of year. The holiday displays are so pretty, and you can get literally all your Christmas shopping done there if you want. If you don’t live near London, I’d recommend booking a hotel in the area. Steve and I only live a short way away via the tube, so we didn’t really need to (though I think next time I might book one just so we can have a little “getaway” and explore more of the area).
Steve and I set out early afternoon last Saturday. We never really have a game plan going anywhere. We just like to walk around and see what we find, so that’s what we did this time as well. First stop on the list though was coffee. Can’t walk around enjoying the holiday season without some Christmas in a cup.
When walking around Covent Garden, I’ll admit that there isn’t loads to do aside from the usual shopping, eating, and drinking (although I really see nothing wrong with this). But the atmosphere is what you really go there for in my opinion, especially around the holidays. Every street you walk down has loads to look at. From street performers to beautiful floral arrangements, it’s a feast for the eyes.
All around the market are the best decorations. I love the poinsettia everywhere, and the little car loaded with gifts on top was so cute! It was so popular that everyone kept queuing up to take pictures in front of it (not ideal when you want a picture of JUST the car, though…).
Now, as I said before, there are loads of places to shop, eat and drink. There’s stores all around, such as Apple, Zara, Charlotte Tilbury (my fave), and so much more. The Market is where it’s at, though. You can get so many great gifts, treats, etc., all handmade. What you clearly can’t get is a picture though, because I got yelled at for trying to take a picture of someone’s awesome stand. OKAY THEN.
If you’re looking for some place to eat or have a drink, there are so. many. places. to choose from. Steve’s mom recommended The Punch & Judy Pub, so we gave that try. It’s a great place if you’re looking for some good, cheap food in a cozy pub atmosphere. I absolutely loved it. We sat in a little corner by the window for over an hour just relaxing and chatting away.
Another great place we stopped at was Balthazar. A bit more pricey, but definitely worth it, in my opinion. We only stopped for some drinks, but next time I’d opt for food as well, as I’ve heard their afternoon tea is reallyyyy popular (the place was packed so it must be really good!).
Covent Garden is such a great place to explore. With every corner you turn around, you can always find something different. We wandered around aimlessly, for example, and stumbled upon Floral Court, a cozy little urban garden nestled away within the heart of London. It was so quiet, and tranquil, I could have spent all day sitting around there sipping on coffee (had it not been so bloody cold). The walkway of the courtyard was lined with Christmas trees covered in twinkling lights. It was such a neat little place to find! It also has some great places to eat, like The Petersham and La Goccia. Imagine sitting there after the sun has gone down, sipping on some prosecco, and enjoying the view of thousands of twinkling lights? Sounds like a night well spent to me.
One of the main reasons why I love Covent Garden is the fact that it is a bit nostalgic for me. As I said earlier, it’s one of the first places my husband and I went together when we first started dating. I didn’t get to see much of it that night, but I’ve wanted to make a point to go back and spend more time there since then. Spending the day there really got me reminiscing AND put me in the holiday spirit, all at once. After we’d had our fill of Christmas lights, cider, and walks down memory lane, we grabbed some Christmas Cake and headed for the train.
Covent Garden is definitely a place you leave thinking, “Well that was a day well spent.” I know I definitely did.
xx Lauren
