Saturday 13th December 2025 – 11:00–15:30
Led by Helen Hayhoe and Catherine Bardrick
We return to Covent Garden for a magical and bustling Christmas sketchwalk. Inspiration is everywhere – there are Christmas lights, decorations and market stalls and the iconic architecture provides plenty of stimuli. The many cafes and bars provide shelter and warmth. The area is sure to be busy so we are mindful not to block the area but have chosen the most peaceful spot for our meet-up. Shelter for our throwdowns is at a premium so do dress for the weather.
Key times and meeting points for the day
11am
Meet by the statue ‘The Conversion of St Paul’, located on the side of St Paul’s church (The Actor’s Church). This can be approached directly from the Piazza, to the right of the church columns, as well as Inigo place, Bedford St.
What3words location: ///oppose.weeks.rises
Google map location: St. Paul’s Church, Bedford St, London WC2E 9ED
1.00pm: We will meet back in the same place to look at the sketches so far.
3.30pm: Back to the meeting point, look at drawings and take group photographs
Afterwards
We could gather outside at the Crusting Pipe (27 The Market, Covent Garden, WC2E 8RD) which is in the lower courtyard in the middle of the market under shelter. There are plenty of other pubs and bars nearby.
Practical information
Travel
Covent Garden can be reached by Underground through Piccadilly Line (Covent Garden, 2mins) and Cenrtal Line (Holborn, 10mins), and many bus routes into Central London. Please ensure you check travel updates for any cancellations/changes etc.
For more information please see Visit Covent Garden | Getting Here Guide | CoventGarden.com
Toilets
Inside the Market Building, in the lower courtyard you will find 2theloo bathrooms that cost £1.50 Toilets are also located on either side of the portico by St Paul’s church, accessed via the West Piazza and cost 50p. There is also an accessible toilet in Tavistock Court, to the side of Jubilee Market
Sketching options
The Victorian market buildings: The Apple Market and Jubilee Market, lit up for Christmas. There are also Christmassy stalls just outside the piazza opposite the entrance to the Royal Opera House.
St Pauls Church (also known as the Actors’ Church) with its peaceful churchyard: numerous memorial plaques (including one for Sir Charles Chaplin) and inside the warm interior is mostly covered in beautifully polished wood. Events may be happening on the day.
Royal Opera House: the top floor bar area offers some spectacular views of Covent Garden markets below. The Floral Hall, with its magnificent barrelled roof and stunning ironwork, occasionally hold free public performances.
Neal’s Yard, one of London’s prettiest streets, and Seven Dials, Covent Garden’s hidden shopping village, for anyone who wants to venture beyond the main market halls
Street performers and musicians are everywhere. There is a street performers’ area outside the piazza (where the giant Christmas tree is); and another in the North Hall inside the piazza; there are regular Christmas carol and opera performances and musicians playing downstairs in the South Hall.
London Transport Museum: The museum itself charges an entrance fee, but entry to the beautifully vibrant shop and cafe is free.
