L9 - Discover Central London's Entertainment District - 4.5 km
- philip carey
- Aug 24, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 22, 2024
Start at Covent Garden
Finish at Trafalgar Square near Charing Cross Station
THE EXPERIENCE
Soho, Covent Garden, Chinatown, the Stand, Leicester Square and St Giles have been London’s main entertainment area since the early 1700’s and its street layouts have remained largely unchanged. They are all close to each other and have their own distinctive charm and a rich and varied history. You will find the full range of theatres, cinemas, opera and ballet, amusement venues, museums, art galleries and casinos – as well as plenty of places to eat, drink and be merry. This route combines three out of the four entertainment routes together to form a longer route.
Great bright lights, great atmosphere, history, iconic sights, entertainment venues, crowds, transport links, shops, cinemas, theatres, opera, museums, , and lots of places to eat, drink and be merry.
MUST SEE PLACES
What to See List
1. Long Acre and St Giles
2. Leicester Square
3. Piccadilly Circus
4. Shaftesbury Avenue
5. Chinatown
6. Soho – Old Compton Street
7. Cambridge Circus & Moor Street
8. Seven Dials
9. St Martin’s Lane
10. Covent Garden Piazza
11. Royal Opera House & Bow Street
12. The Aldwych & Somerset House
13. The Stand and The Savoy
14. Trafalgar Square
PLACES TO EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY
Areas to Eat, Drink and Be Merry List
1. Around Covent Garden
2. Maiden Lane & the Strand
3. Around Wellington / Tavistock and Catherine Street
4. Around Villiers Street
5. Around St Martin’s Lane
6. Around Leicester Square
7. Around Piccadilly Circus
8. Chinatown
9. Around Old Compton Street
10. Around Seven Dials
Links to Eat, Drink and Be Merry Routes
Soho – Start at Tottenham Court Road and finish at Piccadilly Circus
https://www.photoruns.com/post/covent-garden-entertainment-area-eat-drink-and-be-merry-photorun
Covent Garden – Start at Covent Garden and finish at Leicester Square
https://www.photoruns.com/post/covent-garden-shopping-eat-drink-and-be-merry-photorun
Leicester Square – Start at Piccadilly Circus and finish at Leicester Square
https://www.photoruns.com/post/leicester-square-entertainment-area-eat-drink-and-be-merry-photorun
Chinatown – Start and End at Leicester Square
https://www.photoruns.com/post/chinatown-entertainment-area-eat-drink-and-be-merry-photorun
St Giles - Stary at Leicester Square and end at Covent Garden
https://www.photoruns.com/post/st-giles-entertainment-area-eat-drink-and-be-merry-photorun
BEST TIME
Morning - The best time to do this route is on weekends in the early morning when it is quiet and free from crowds and heavy traffic.
Day - All areas are busy during the day.
Evenings - All areas tend to be busy in the evening
ROUTE OVERVIEW
This 4.5 km route covers most of the entertainment district except the route covering St Giles and Soho Square. It starts at Covent Garden Station and heads straight down to Piccadilly Circus through Leicester Square. The route then returns to Covent Garden via Shaftesbury Avenue, Chinatown, Soho, and St Giles. The final section heads to Trafalgar Square via the Aldwych and the Strand.
Route at a Glance Video.
4.5 Km Combined West End Entertainment Photorun Route (1.51)
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DESCRIPTIVE PHOTO GALLERY
This gallery provides a descriptive and visual reference to many sights along this route. Use the Google Map above to find their location. Double-click to see its full size.
INTERESTING FACTS
Covent Garden
Covent Garden was originally a fruit and vegetable market from the 17th century. It was one of London's busiest trading spots.
The area got its name from the Convent Garden, which was a garden belonging to the monks of Westminster Abbey.
With its distinctive Italian-style architecture, Covent Garden Piazza was designed by architect Inigo Jones in the 17th century. Today the area boasts a mix of architectural styles, from Georgian townhouses to Victorian buildings, adding to its charm.
Covent Garden is famous for its street performers, who entertain crowds with various acts ranging from juggling and magic to music and mime.
It is situated in the heart of London's Theatreland, with numerous theatres nearby, including the Royal Opera House and the West End theatres.
The Apple Market, located in Covent Garden's Piazza, features stalls selling antiques, crafts, and souvenirs. It was once a fruit and vegetable market but was later transformed into a market for handmade goods.
Covent Garden features in several works by Charles Dickens, including "Pickwick Papers" and "David Copperfield," adding to its literary significance.
The area offers a diverse culinary scene, with numerous restaurants, cafés, and bars serving a range of cuisines from around the world.
St Giles
St. Giles was a notorious slum area in the 19th century but has undergone significant redevelopment over the years.
The district is named after the parish church of St Giles-in-the-Fields, which dates back to the 12th century. The current church building, located on St Giles High Street, dates from the 18th century.
St Giles is home to the iconic Seven Dials junction, where seven streets converge. This area is known for its distinctive sundial pillar and unique architectural charm.
In recent years, St Giles has undergone extensive redevelopment, with new residential and commercial buildings and public spaces, transforming the area into a vibrant neighbourhood.
Shopping and Entertainment: St Giles is close to major shopping destinations such as Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road, offering a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
The British Museum, one of the world's most renowned museums, is located nearby in Bloomsbury, making St Giles a cultural hub with easy access to art, history, and culture.
St Giles is home to a diverse community, with residents from various cultural backgrounds contributing to the area's rich tapestry of life.
Chinatown
Chinatown London traces its roots back to the 1950s when Chinese immigrants began settling in the area around Gerrard Street.
The neighbourhood is marked by a traditional Chinese gate at its entrance on Wardour Street, adorned with intricate designs and Chinese characters.
Chinatown London is renowned for its diverse range of Chinese cuisine, offering everything from traditional Cantonese dim sum to spicy Sichuan dishes. Over 80 restaurants in Chinatown London serve authentic Chinese food from various regions of China.
Chinatown London hosts one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia, with colourful parades, dragon dances, and fireworks attracting thousands of visitors each year. Throughout the year, Chinatown hosts various cultural festivals and events, including the Mid-Autumn and Mooncake festivals.
The streets of Chinatown are adorned with traditional Chinese lanterns, adding to the festive atmosphere, especially during Chinese New Year and other cultural celebrations.
Chinatown is close to London's famous Theatreland, making it a popular destination for pre-theatre dining.
Chinatown is home to several traditional Chinese tea houses where visitors can enjoy a wide selection of teas and learn about Chinese tea culture.
Chinatown London is a hub for Chinese culture and cuisine and a close-knit community where residents and businesses support each other, preserving and promoting Chinese heritage in the heart of London.
Leicester Square
Leicester Square has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when it was developed as a residential area.
The square is named after Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester, who purchased the land in 1630. Initially, it was designed as a private garden square for the surrounding residential area. Over time, it evolved into an entertainment hub known for its theatres, cinemas, restaurants, and nightlife.
Leicester Square is home to several cinemas, including the iconic Odeon Leicester Square, one of the largest single-screen cinemas in the United Kingdom.
Odeon Leicester Square is famous for hosting numerous red-carpet film premieres, attracting celebrities and media attention.
A prominent feature of Leicester Square is the statue of William Shakespeare, unveiled in 1874 and other more modern entertainment characters.
The square houses the TKTS booth, where discounted tickets for West End shows can be purchased.
Leicester Square hosts various events, including the annual Chinese New Year celebrations and film festivals.
Leicester Square Garden underwent a major renovation in 2012, including pedestrianisation and the installation of new features such as fountains and seating areas.
VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE AREA
Click on the pictures below to go on a virtual tour of the sightseeing area.
Use the route locations to explore the area in 360 degrees, taking in the sights and sounds, listening to an audio recording about the location, and going on a virtual tour.
HISTORY VIDEO LIBRARY
Please note - These date from before 2018 and have been done in a variety of styles to determine which one works best. They all provide very useful information and we would welcome feedback to help create the new version
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