Misfits of Covent Garden

This is no ordinary walking tour…Discover the wild sides of Covent Garden and the Seven Dials! On this walk of two historic London neighbourhoods, we’ll uncover hidden stories and the untold lives of the colourful characters that have made this quirky district their home through the centuries - all the way to today!

This is where people who didn’t “fit in”…fit in! Our misfits might be market traders, sex workers, rock bands, actors, painters, poets, writers, gin sellers, suffragettes, social reformers, members of the queer community, or visionaries and pioneers!

As an extra special treat, our walk includes a short visit inside The Actor’s Church (St Paul’s Church Covent Garden), a vital hub for the community since 1633.

Join us as we share incredible stories of a district that has always defied conventions - from the gay subculture of the 18th century, the black actors paving the way through Victorian theatre or a hospital staffed entirely by women…before women were allowed to vote! But this isn’t just about the past - we want to show you how the spirit of Covent Garden and the Seven Dials lives on in the community today.

• Available to book every day at 3.00 pm!

• This tour lasts approximately 2 hours and covers Covent Garden and the Seven Dials

• Guaranteed small groups! Our public tours have a maximum of 15 people so you can get the most out of your experience (and hear the guide!) If you have a bigger group it’s not a problem, you can get in touch to book a private tour

• £18 for adults, £15 concession for under 18’s, pensioners and low income

• Spice up the tour with our awesome drinks upgrades! See Below

• Includes mini guided tour inside St Paul’s Church Covent Garden, subject to availability (we can’t always guarantee entry if there’s an event at the church or it’s closed for a private service)

*Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Please be aware that this tour contains some references to sex, alcohol, and prostitution!

DRINKS UPGRADES

standard drinks upgrade - two gins £15 pp (over 18s only)

• Sloe Gin street drinking: As the guide tells you stories of the 18th century Gin Craze around the streets of the Seven Dials, you’ll drink it like a local, sampling a delicious Sloe Gin from a London brand.

• Classic G&T: After the walking tour finishes, your guide will take you to an historic pub or “Gin Palace” in Covent Garden for a refreshing London Dry Gin and Indian Tonic, whilst also explaining how this classic came to be.

premium drinks upgrade - three gins £25 pp (min 2 people, over 21 only)

• Sloe Gin street drinking: As the guide tells you stories of the 18th century Gin Craze around the streets of the Seven Dials, you’ll drink it like a local, sampling a delicious Sloe Gin from a London brand.

• Mini Tasting: After the walking tour finishes, your guide will lead you to a hidden Gin Parlour, where you’ll experience a mini tasting of two gins (with your choice of mixer) - it’s pure decadence!

*Unfortunately, solo travellers can’t usually be accommodated for the premium upgrade, as the venue requires a minimum of two people. However, if you are travelling alone and you’re interested in this option, please email us and we can check if there’s another solo traveller that has asked for the premium upgrade.

IMPORTANT INFO FOR DRINKS UPGRADES

• The Standard and Premium options take place at different venues after the tour. Please select the same options for everyone in your party, otherwise you might not be all heading to the same place!

• Upgrades should be booked a reasonable time in advance to allow us to book venues and are subject to availability. We’ll always do our best if you are booking a bit last minute, but if we are unable to provide your upgraded drinks package, we’ll refund you that portion of the tour.

• Please advise us of any allergies! Gin is made with a number of botanicals so some if the gins or garnishes might not be suitable for you.

• The first gin (sloe) will be consumed during the tour, but the remaining gin(s) are consumed afterwards. The guide will lead you to the venue when the walking tour has finished and will leave you there after drop off.