Opposite Covent Garden Underground Station, WC2E 9JT
This is a walking tour that delves into the scandalous history of Covent Garden. This tour explores a time when the area served as London’s notorious red-light district, focusing on the lives of those forced into illicit trades or marginalized by the stringent moral laws of the day. The walk will share the stories of those who lived, worked and played in the area in days gone by.
Covent Garden, Holborn
Charing Cross
15, 176, 23, 24, 26, 91
The walk will end at the Nell Gwynn Tavern on Bull Inn Court, just off the Strand. The pub is about 5 minutes from Charing Cross Station.
The walk is in the Covent Garden area which is likely to be crowded. The streets are cobbled in many areas and a few roads to cross.
Covent Garden is busy and parts of the route may be noisy and smelly as there are often street entertainers and there is market selling food
Walking tour
13:00–14:30
The tour is about 1.5 miles in length and should last 1 and a half hours.
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
Walking tour
14:00–15:30
The tour is about 1.5 miles in length and should last 1 and a half hours.
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
Sex and the City is an immersive walking tour that delves into the scandalous history of Covent Garden between the Stuart and Edwardian eras. This tour explores a time when the area served as London’s notorious red-light district, focusing on the lives of those forced into illicit trades or marginalized by the stringent moral laws of the day.
Covent Garden’s history is a story of transformation. Originally a walled garden for the Abbot of Westminster in the 1200s, it was later developed by Inigo Jones into an elegant Italianate square for wealthy tenants. However, by the late 17th century, the area had fallen into disrepute, becoming a hub for theatres, coffee houses, and brothels. By the 18th century, it was the most infamous red-light district in London, where an estimated one-fifth of women in the city were employed in sex work out of economic necessity. As the city grew, the illicit nightlife shifted toward Soho, and Covent Garden evolved into the fashionable theatre and retail district we recognize today.
The walk will look at the notorious madams/brothel keepers who set up their residences in the area and entertained royalty and aristocrats. We will see the famous Old Tom's Coffee House (not just selling coffee) and hear about Harris's lists which rated the Ladies of Covent Garden. We will visit Bow Street and hear about some of the cases that were heard at the magistrates court and pass two theatres where various scandals, often involving royalty took place. We will also hear about the harsh homosexuality laws and the trial of Oscar Wilde, along with tales of royal mistresses throughout the centuries.
Guided tour
The area post 1700 became very cosmopolitan with immigrants mainly from Europe, and their influence on food and drink became increasingly important. This tour is based on food and drink, passing by restaurants, pubs, coffee bars, pâtisserie and delis that have been present for decades, finishing at a relatively new site.
