Audio guide

Covent Garden

London’s Historic Piazza and Performance Hub

Covent Garden

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Welcome to Covent Garden

1m 15s

Covent Garden • Section 1 of 5

Welcome to the beating heart of the West End, Covent Garden. As you stand here amidst the polished cobblestones and the hum of thousands of visitors, you are actually standing within London’s very first planned square. While today it is a world-class destination for shopping and dining, its name reveals a much humbler origin as a literal ‘convent garden.’ Back in the middle ages, this land belonged to the monks of Westminster Abbey, who used it as a fertile orchard and kitchen garden to supply their community with fresh produce. Look around you and try to imagine this bustling metropolitan hub as a quiet field of fruit trees and vegetables. This blend of historic charm and modern energy is what makes Covent Garden unique.^[1] You are in a place where high-society architecture meets the grit and creativity of street theater, a tradition that has survived for hundreds of years.

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Quick answer

What does this Covent Garden audio guide explain?

This Mappu audio guide for Covent Garden highlights Welcome to Covent Garden, The Vision of Inigo Jones, and The Evolution of the Market, giving travelers a concise overview before exploring London.

Inside this guide

01Welcome to Covent GardenIn Covent Garden, this section highlights Welcome to Covent Garden as a point to understand and notice during the visit.
02The Vision of Inigo JonesIn Covent Garden, this section highlights The Vision of Inigo Jones as a point to understand and notice during the visit.
03The Evolution of the MarketIn Covent Garden, this section highlights The Evolution of the Market as a point to understand and notice during the visit.
04Street Theater and the Actors' ChurchIn Covent Garden, this section highlights Street Theater and the Actors' Church as a point to understand and notice during the visit.
05Discovering Hidden CornersIn Covent Garden, this section highlights Discovering Hidden Corners as a point to understand and notice during the visit.

Common questions

What does this free Covent Garden audio guide include?

It covers Welcome to Covent Garden, The Vision of Inigo Jones, The Evolution of the Market, and Street Theater and the Actors' Church, with practical context and details to notice during the visit.

What should I notice first at Covent Garden?

Start with Welcome to Covent Garden. The guide then connects The Vision of Inigo Jones, The Evolution of the Market, and Street Theater and the Actors' Church to the place, so you know what to look for on site.

What can I ask Mappu after this Covent Garden guide?

You can continue with follow-up questions such as "Why is Saint Paul's Church often referred to as the 'Actors' Church'?", then keep the guide connected to your map and trip plan.