Cocktail in Rules Restaurant Covent Garden
Cocktail in Rules Restaurant Covent Garden

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.

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.

Group of people sitting around a table, raising glasses of colorful cocktails in a toast, surrounded by lush indoor plants.

Browse all our tours or book below

  • "I had an afternoon to kill in London so I joined this tour, and I can't tell you how glad I am that I did! I met Jamie and the rest of the group in the middle of the beautiful Covent Garden where I was expecting a nice walk and a bit of history. Instead, Jamie (a phenomenal storyteller) regaled us with stories of international espionage, London's gritty underbelly of organised crime and deadly theatre land rivalries. As if that wasn't enough, a real highlight was finishing the afternoon with a private tour of the iconic Rules restaurant, a tour unto itself, with a refreshing cocktail to cap it all off. I couldn't have come up with a better way to spend my afternoon than letting Jamie skilfully guide me through the intriguing history of this fantastic part of London. I can't wait to try out his other tours on my next free afternoon."

    —TripAdvisor Review

  • "Jamie brought the streets of Covent Garden to life with captivating stories, quirky history and a real sense of the characters that lives there! We moved effortlessly between locations, each one revealing something unexpected - from local legends to hidden corners you’d never notice on your own. It was also really family friendly and accessible, which made it easy to enjoy the whole experience with my baby either in a sling or pram! Finishing with a cocktail at Rules was so luxurious and a great way to unwind. A brilliant blend of culture, storytelling and fun."

    —TripAdvisor Review

  • "Went on the Covent Garden tours with my mom. Jamie was a fantastic storyteller, super knowledgeable about everything he showed us and was an all around sensational guide. Would definitely book with him again."

    —TripAdvisor Review

  • "Jamie was an entertaining host. Had my teenage children transfixed. Best historical tour I’ve ever done. Some amazing stories about real characters from the past! I will definitely door tours with this company again."

    —TripAdvisor Review

Frequently Asked Questions