Tours & Activities in London
Oldest London Restaurant & Covent Garden Guided Tour
Discover hidden History, famous faces & enjoy a complimentary cocktail at London’s oldest restaurant. This immersive experience combines storytelling, sightseeing, and one of the capital’s most celebrated dining institutions.
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The tour is £16.80 per person.
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James Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E.
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Rules restaurant entry requires a simple dress code. We kindly request that any shorts, joggers, tracksuits, or sportswear be avoided as these aren’t considered suitable for the restaurant’s ambience.
Any drinks or food at Rules Restaurant is not included in the tour.
Rules restaurant have the right to turn anyone away which is out of our control.
PLEASE be aware the tour is offered in English only, and it is largely story-based, so a better-than-basic conversational grasp of English is essential.
Due to the content and cocktail bar visit at Rules restaurant, we recommend it for ages 18+.
Strictly one person per slot. No exceptions.
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The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
Step into the heart of historic London on our guided walking tour in Covent Garden, a fascinating experience that explores the hidden stories, literary legends, theatrical history, and secret corners of one of London’s most iconic neighbourhoods.
The tour concludes with a visit to Rules Restaurant, London's oldest restaurant, where guests can enjoy a cocktail or dining experience in surroundings steeped in history. Perfect for visitors looking for unique things to do in London, history lovers, food enthusiasts, theatre fans, and those wanting to explore beyond the typical tourist trail, join us for a scandalous journey through Covent Garden’s past.
🍸 Covent Garden Guided Tour Highlights
Originally a medieval market garden belonging to Westminster Abbey, Covent Garden evolved into one of London's most important cultural and commercial centres. Over the centuries it became home to actors, writers, aristocrats, criminals, politicians, and some of the most fascinating characters in British history. On this guided walking tour, you’ll hear about:
The famous British ballet dancer organising a coup behind closed doors.
The nefarious coffee house owned by London's most feared female gangster
The deadly outcome of an argument between actors about their wigs.
The favourite spot where monarchs took their mistresses to hide from the public eye.
Finally, you’ll escape the hoi polloi at London’s oldest restaurant Rules. Enjoy a cocktail while immersing yourself in high society and gossip about the scandalous secrets held inside the restaurant’s walls.
🏛️ Covent Garden locations you’ll see:
Covent Garden Market - discover how this bustling piazza evolved into a playground for aristocrats, celebrities, and socialites, and uncover the scandals, colourful characters, and fascinating events that shaped one of London's most iconic neighbourhoods.
St Paul’s Church - known as the “Actor’s Church”. the historical church backs onto the Piazza and was known for it’s plays, performances and sermons.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane - The historical London West End Theatre was built at the same time as the Royal Opera House but is known for it’s salacious stories.
The Royal Opera House - home to world-class ballet and opera, this architectural masterpiece has witnessed countless scandals, rivalries, and remarkable performances. Hear extraordinary stories of the and the eccentric personalities who helped shape London's rich theatrical heritage.
London’s Famous Theatre District - considered the birthplace of London's Theatreland, you’re surrounded by some of the city's most famous venues, where generations of actors, playwrights, and performers have entertained audiences from around the world.
Rules Restaurant - One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to Rules Restaurant, widely recognised as London’s oldest restaurant. Founded in 1798, Rules has welcomed generations of politicians, actors, writers, royalty, and celebrities through its doors.
Browse all our tours or book below
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The tour includes a guided walking exploration of Covent Garden’s hidden history, theatre district, literary landmarks, and secret streets, followed by a visit to Rules Restaurant, London's oldest restaurant.
Drinks and food are not included unless a bespoke tour has been arranged.
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Yes. The tour is ideal for tourists looking for unique things to do in London and offers an excellent introduction to Covent Garden’s history and culture.
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The tour combines hidden history, literary connections, theatre heritage, famous landmarks, and London's oldest restaurant. We also include a lot of alternative history, making it one of the most unique and immersive walking tours available in Covent Garden.
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The tour is wheelchair accessible throughout, however the cocktail bar at Rules Restaurant is at the top of a flight of stairs if you wish to visit for a drink after the tour.
If you require a step-free experience, please contact us and we will try to organise an alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We recommend wearing comfortable clothing to walk in. Rules Restaurant has a dress code and shorts, joggers, tracksuits and sportswear should be avoided.
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We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.
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Yes! We offer private, bespoke and tailored tours for corporate groups, large groups and small groups.
Contact us here to discuss booking.
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This Covent Garden walking tour is ideal for:
History enthusiasts
Food and drink lovers
Theatre fans
Literary enthusiasts
London visitors
Couples seeking unique experiences
Corporate groups
International tourists
Locals wanting to discover hidden London
Due to the content and cocktail bar visit, we recommend this tour to people aged 18+.