This April I headed off to central London with friends to go exploring. We realised we don’t get to see much of London even though we live here, or get to see many sites that tourists and others may search out to see. I didn’t want to follow the masses and go see street performers although that in itself can be fun. I wanted to do something different. Having done a fair deal of research on hidden gems and checking all items were close together we were ready to have a London adventure. With fully charged phones we headed off to checkout a list of places that I had prepared. The good thing is there are plenty of things to see in Covent Garden and nearby during April.
Things to see in London During April
Check Out The Tulips
If you are visiting in April or early May it’s worth side tracking and seeing this too. Head on down to Victoria Embankment Gardens (Villiers St, London WC2N 6DU) and check out the multiple varieties of tulips. OMG, what an amazing first choice for our visit. The tulips were truly stunning. There were a number of sections within the park with so many colourful tulips. They had been expertly arranged with other tulips and flowers to really stand out. The tulips are blooming from now and might last until May so you have time if you want to catch them. It is well worth it as they do look amazing.
From here it is just a short walk, about 3-5 minutes depending on which exit you use to get to the next destination:
The No 10 Downing Street Doppleganger!
As you will be passing anyway, why not check out this place too. Located at 10 Adam St London WC2R ODE was the next stop. This door front has been modelled on the famed no 10. Here you can take a selfie and in all intents and purposes you’ve taken it in front of no 10!!! No one will ever know!!!!
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After this, we went in search of the:
Infinity Chamber Tunnel
This hidden light tunnel located at Conduit Court WC2E 9LD is free to use. It is full of thousands of LED lights. The colours of these lights will change throughout the year but are currently a bright white. This is best visited at night to give the most effect. It’s ideal for use in TikTok, IG, Facebook posts. If you’re not paying attention to your surroundings you can easily walk past this!
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If you are facing the infinity chamber then simply turn around to see the next colourful art installation located over Slingsby Place. This is one of three installations that cover the three entrances to St Martins Place that are also known as The Yards:
Colourful Glass Flowers
Walk along Slingsby Place and look up at the beautiful glass flowers that are suspended above. Inspired by Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures, these colourful flowers catch the light projecting the colourful rays below onto the walkway. It’s best seen on a bright sunny day for the full effect. This is extremely eye catching and many will stop to take a look when passing the road or even just walk up it to get the full effect.
A hop skip and a jump away is the next location. (guess where that phrase is from?)
Dichroic Glass Canopy
The effect given here for the viewer varies depending on which light the canopy is viewed. Daylight and artificial light at night give different effects.
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Colour Changing Floral Interactive Installation
Located at St Martin’s Courtyard WC2H 9EF (Mercer Street entrance) this although different from the afore mentioned two installation is just as colourful. Walk under the installation towards Mercer street or the other way around, look up and you will see blue, red and green lights being projected through flower the petal shapes that are within a suspended mirrored ceiling. These create a path of white light on the walk way below. As passers by walk under and break the beams cyan, magenta and yellow will also appear on the ceiling.
From here, walk towards Short’s Street which is a mere 2 minutes away. As you go you will pass the:
Seven Dials Sundial Pillar
Today’s pillar is a reconstruction of the original that was built in 1693/4. It was said to be one of London’s greatest monuments. The replica was built in 1987. You’ll find some great shops and restaurants here if you fancy a spot of retail therapy. Make sure you visit Hotel Chocolate as they often have samples of tasty chocolates or drinks to try.
Head off down Short’s Street from Seven Dials and within a minute you will reach:
Neal’s Yard Courtyard
Neals Yard Courtyard WC2H 9DP has a selection of shops, restaurants and cafes. Above the Neals Yard shop you will see pretty colourful facades. There is a steady stream of people constantly coming through this area. You’ll notice it has a great relaxed vibe and is a great place to sit and enjoy a drink or meal.
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A five minute walk from here and you will discover:
The Bridge of Aspiration
Located above the streets at 46 Floral Street, Covent Garden WC2E 9DA this provides a dancers at the Royal Ballet school with direct access to the Royal Opera House. It certainly is interesting to see this unique and unusual bridge.
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1 minute from here, is the:
Young Dancer & Colourful Phone Boxes
Located at 5 Broad Ct, London WC2B 5QH both are popular with tourists as well as those that are sight seeing in their own country. The ballerina with phone boxes in the background are greatly contrasting visually. The phone boxes themselves are a tribute to LGBTQ culture and are now classed as historic landmarks. The ballerina signifies both grace and artistic expression.
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Next (7 minutes away) are two roads that Harry Potter fans will want to visit:
Goodwins Court
Goodwins Court (WC2N 4LL) is believed to have been the inspiration for Knockturn Alley from the Harry Potter movies. All Potter Heads will know this is where all of the shops that are devoted to the dark arts are located in the story. It’s the perfect place to go if like Hagrid you need to get your hands on some flesh-eating slug repellent!
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Cecil Court
Cecil Court WC2N 4HE is a 2 minute walk from Goodwins Court. Doesn’t it looks like it could easily be the inspiration for Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter movies? Should we get first, an owl or broom? Goodwins and Cecil Court are really close to each other so make sure you get to see both locations if you get the opportunity.
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How Long Did this Take?
It took my friends and I approximately 2 hours to see all of these different gems hidden in this particular part of London. That included a stop to grab some much needed coffee!! We took lots of pictures and videos as we went. After this, we went to enjoy a much deserved lunch at a restaurant in Kings Cross.
Which of these hidden gems would you like to see the most?
Other Posts you might like:
Great Attractions to See When Visiting London
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WOWWWW, what a fascinating place. I would love to visit Covent Garden, and those glass flowers are so unique and colorful…I love those! That Bridge of Aspiration is soooo unique!
They are really lovely sights to go and find when in the area.
Coven Garden is one of my favourite little neighbourhoods in London! I love to explore the area and all the things to see and do here whenever I visit the city.
It has so much to see and loads of great restaurants too!!!
I’ve walked near that area so many times but never noticed the No. 10 doppleganger or the Infinity Chamber. Thanks for sharing something different to do!
Ha, there are so many things to see you could easily miss them. Hope you catch them another time x