
Oldest London Restaurant & Covent Garden Guided Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Oldest London Restaurant & Covent Garden Guided Tour worth booking?
Oldest London Restaurant & Covent Garden Guided Tour is a 2-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $16 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $16 per person
Get yourself a Cocktail at the Famous Rules Restaurant after retracing the steps of Covent Garden’s elite, their bizarre history and secrets. Step into the glamorous and scandalous world of old London on our Covent Gard
What you get
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Exclusive entry to Rules Restaurant before public opening hours
- Guided walking tour of Covent Garden
About this experience
Get yourself a Cocktail at the Famous Rules Restaurant after retracing the steps of Covent Garden’s elite, their bizarre history and secrets. Step into the glamorous and scandalous world of old London on our Covent Garden guided tour and learn the history of the rich, the royal family and the city’s most powerful people. Hear about the British ballet dancer organising a coup behind closed doors, the nefarious coffee house owned by London's most feared female gangster and the deadly argument between actors about their wigs. Gossip with us about the affairs of the aristocracy and the monarch’s mistresses before escaping to London’s oldest restaurant, Rules. Immerse yourself in high society and hear about the scandalous secrets held inside the restaurant’s walls. Join the most unique sightseeing experience in London, bringing you a combination of royal history, upper-class cover ups, and Covent Garden’s rich past.
What's included
Included
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Exclusive entry to Rules Restaurant before public opening hours
- Guided walking tour of Covent Garden
Not included
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Snacks
- Meals
What you'll see and do
One of London's most famous streets for retail. A bustling and lively street filled with shops and boutiques.
10 minutes here
The apartment where prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn lived at this apartment for most of her life. Known as the greatest ballet dancer of her generation, perhaps of all time.
10 minutes here
A secret garden hidden behind the large building of the shopping district. A great example of Green-Urbanism.
5 minutes here
A famous street for shopping which takes you to the north-west entrance of the Covent Garden Piazza.
5 minutes here
Known as the "Actors Church", the historical St. Pauls backs onto the Piazza and is known as much for its plays and performances as its sermons.
10 minutes here
Make-up brand that originated from the 2014 blog of Emily Weiss, the building was once the coolest club in London.
10 minutes here
Covent Garden Market London UK
Was one called "Convent Garden" as it was a garden where nuns lived and grew food for the poor. It has had many incarnations since - a living enclave only for the 1%, a den of vice, an arts district, and of course a huge market. These days the piazza houses a small version of what it once was with a much smaller market filled with known brands and boutiques.
10 minutes here
At the front of the actors church is where the famous Covent Garden Street performers take to the stage. You will often find jugglers, buskers, and magicians plying their trade on the cobbles here.
Pass by without stopping
An iconic London theatre with its origins in the 17th century. Known for its world-renowned Opera and Ballet performances.
10 minutes here
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Historical London West End Theatre, built at the same time as the Royal Opera House but known for its more salacious stories.
5 minutes here
Historical London Street where J.M.W Turner Was born.
Pass by without stopping
London's Oldest Restaurant. Once frequented by Charles Dickens, Graham Greene, and Ian Fleming. Also known for its connections to the political elites and the royal family.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Meet your guide where James Street meets the Covent Garden Piazza. Your guide will be holding an orange umbrella. Please adhere to Rules Restaurant dress code of avoiding shorts, joggers, tracksuits, or sportswear.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
London's oldest restaurant and cocktail bar
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Fri
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Where Now Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Oldest London Restaurant & Covent Garden Guided Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour, ending at an historic restaurant
Great knowledge and friendly, patient guide, keeping us moving! Learnt some fun and interesting stories, despite knowing London relatively well! Consider booking a table at Rules afterwards.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely review and that's a great tip to book for Rules afterwards!
via Viator
A wonderful tour in Covent Garden
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.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Tour Experience!
Fantastic tour! Jamie is so fun and so knowledgeable! We had an amazing tour! Jamie’s great local relationships made for some once in a lifetime experiences. Highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Great host. History lovers!
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.
via Tripadvisor
Delightful Afternoon in Covent Garden
I joined the Covent Garden tour in May 2025, and it was a delightful afternoon hosted by the irrepressible Jamie. From the moment we set off, it was clear that Jamie was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. He was keen to share every fact with infectious storytelling and encouraged the group to join in and take part. I thought I knew quite a bit about Covent Garden, and was thrilled to discover the darker tales, anecdotes and curiosities about life many years ago. This is a must do for anyone who wants to experience Covent Garden beyond the guidebook. I went with some friends, but would have been equally at home had I ventured out on my own. Oh - and the drinks at Rules were delicious!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 18+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Fri
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Oldest London Restaurant & Covent Garden Guided Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Oldest London Restaurant & Covent Garden Guided Tour cost?
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Prices start at $16 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Oldest London Restaurant & Covent Garden Guided Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.
Is Oldest London Restaurant & Covent Garden Guided Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Oldest London Restaurant & Covent Garden Guided Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Oldest London Restaurant & Covent Garden Guided Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 18. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 2-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Oldest London Restaurant & Covent Garden Guided Tour?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Oldest London Restaurant & Covent Garden Guided Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in London?
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London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit London?
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May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in London?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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