Covent Garden is one of London’s most iconic shopping districts, offering a mix of high-end boutiques, unique markets, and specialty shops. Whether you’re seeking luxury goods, rare collectibles, or local delicacies, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the must-visit shopping destinations in Covent Garden.
1. Covent Garden Apple Market
- Location: Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 8RF
The Apple Market is a historic market space in the heart of Covent Garden, renowned for its collection of handmade crafts, antiques, and artwork. Open daily, it’s the perfect spot to find unique gifts and souvenirs, including jewelry, paintings, and bespoke homeware.
2. Cecil Court
- Location: Cecil Court, WC2N 4HE
Often called the “Booksellers’ Row,” Cecil Court is a quaint street lined with shops specializing in antiquarian books, rare prints, and collectibles. This charming, Victorian-style alleyway is a treasure trove for book lovers and collectors, making it a must-visit for those seeking a slice of literary history.
3. Forbidden Planet
- Location: 179 Shaftesbury Ave, WC2H 8JR
For fans of comics, sci-fi, and fantasy, Forbidden Planet is the go-to destination. This flagship store stocks a vast range of comic books, graphic novels, action figures, and memorabilia. Located just a short walk from Covent Garden, it’s the perfect stop for pop culture enthusiasts.
4. Grosvenor Prints
- Location: 38 Floral St, WC2E 9DG
Grosvenor Prints specializes in antique prints and rare illustrations, offering a diverse selection of engravings and lithographs. Situated on Floral Street, this shop is a hidden gem for art lovers looking to find a unique piece to add to their collection or as a special gift.
5. Penhaligon's
- Location: 41 Wellington St, WC2E 7BN
A visit to Penhaligon’s is an olfactory journey through the world of luxury perfumes. This British fragrance house offers a range of exquisitely crafted perfumes and colognes, with scents inspired by British heritage. The Covent Garden store provides a beautiful setting to explore their signature fragrances and find the perfect scent.
6. The Yards Covent Garden
- Location: 1 Mercer Walk, WC2H 9FA
The Yards is a modern retail space in Covent Garden, home to an array of fashion boutiques, wellness brands, and eateries. Here, you’ll find popular shops like & Other Stories and Lululemon, as well as independent brands offering stylish clothing, accessories, and home goods. It’s a vibrant destination for a contemporary shopping experience.
7. Neal's Yard Dairy - Covent Garden
- Location: 17 Shorts Gardens, WC2H 9AT
Indulge in some of the finest British cheeses at Neal’s Yard Dairy. This cheese shop in Neal’s Yard offers an array of farmhouse cheeses, sourced from across the UK and Ireland. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide you through the selection and offer tasting samples, making it a must-stop for food enthusiasts.
8. Earlham Street Market
- Location: Earlham Street, Seven Dials, WC2H 9LD
Earlham Street Market is a small but lively market offering vintage clothing, handmade accessories, and street food. Located in the Seven Dials area, it’s a great place to find unique fashion pieces and enjoy a relaxed shopping atmosphere.
9. James Street
- Location: James Street, WC2E
James Street is a bustling pedestrian street that connects Covent Garden Piazza with Long Acre. It’s lined with a mix of high-street brands, specialty stores, and cafes. The vibrant atmosphere and convenient location make it a perfect spot for an afternoon of browsing and people-watching.
10. Market Building
- Location: Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 8RF
The Market Building at Covent Garden Piazza is a stunning historic venue filled with independent boutiques, luxury brands, and artisan stalls. From quirky fashion at The Cambridge Satchel Company to unique homeware, it’s an ideal destination for those seeking stylish and high-quality finds in an elegant setting.
11. Floral Street
- Location: Floral Street, WC2E
Floral Street offers a blend of designer boutiques, art galleries, and niche stores, including the Floral Street Fragrance House. This trendy shopping spot is known for its creative and artistic vibe, attracting those who appreciate high-end fashion and contemporary design.
12. Long Acre
- Location: Long Acre, WC2E
Long Acre is one of the main shopping streets in Covent Garden, home to a wide range of well-known retail brands like Zara, H&M, and Muji. It’s the go-to destination for those looking for high-street fashion and stylish homeware, all within walking distance of the Covent Garden tube station.
13. Seven Dials
- Location: Seven Dials, WC2H
Seven Dials is a vibrant area where seven streets converge, offering a mix of independent boutiques, vintage stores, and trendy cafes. From sustainable fashion at RÆBURN to eclectic finds at Pop Boutique, it’s the perfect place to discover something truly unique. The charming cobblestone streets add to the appeal, making it a picturesque shopping spot.
Conclusion
Covent Garden is a shopping paradise, blending historic charm with modern retail experiences. Whether you’re hunting for vintage treasures, luxury fragrances, or artisanal treats, the area offers a delightful array of options. Take a stroll through the bustling markets, explore hidden alleys, and discover the perfect finds in one of London’s most beloved districts. Happy shopping!