Sex in the City - A Scandalous History of Covent Garden

1 h 40 min Free cancellation Private tour

Sex in the City - A Scandalous History of Covent Garden, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Welcome to Sex and the City, an immersive walking tour that delves into the scandalous history of Covent Garden between the Stuart and Edwardian eras. This tour explores a time when the area served as London’s notorious red-light district, focusing on the lives of those forced into illicit trades or marginalized by the stringent moral laws of the day.

This walk will share the stories of those who lived, worked and played in the area and will also look at a few Royal scandals along the way.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 40 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–18
Guide: English
Operated by: Knight's London Walking Tours

Ages: Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Professionally qualified London Heritage Guide

Itinerary

Covent Garden

20 min

The first part of the tour will focus on a few stops in Covent Garden and the surrounding area, looking at the sex industry that developed in the area in the 17th and 18th century. Participants will hear about people such as Mother Douglas, the Empress of the Bawds and some of the courtesans who worked in the area. They will also hear about a rating sheet for local sex workers known as Harris's Lists.
Bow Street

7 min

Participants will hear about the early ways that the area was policed and some of the cases tried at Bow Street Magistrates Court.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane

15 min

There will be a number of theatre stops in the area of Drury Lane, where the tour guide will discuss the royal mistresses and other scandalous goings on in these places.
The Savoy

15 min

There will be a few stops in the vicinity of the Savoy, where the tour guide will discuss Oscar Wilde's infamous trial and then we will move on to Rules Restaurant to discuss a Royal Affair, finishing at the Nell Gwynn Tavern.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet opposite Covent Garden Underground Station on James Street, outside of Tiffany and Co.

End point

The tour will end beisde the Nell Gwynne Tavern on Bull Inn Court, just off the Strand.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.