Have you heard about Neal’s Yard London’s hidden gem?

Neal’s Yard is one of those hidden gems in London that takes you by surprise. Tucked away down a little alleyway, it opens into an explosion of color, making it one of the best Instagram spots in London. This secret place to visit in Covent Garden is hidden between Covent Garden and Seven Dials, and while it’s easy to miss, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring the area. Whether you’re looking for things to do near Covent Garden or just wandering around, Neal’s Yard is the perfect place to stumble upon.

📍 Neal’s Yard at a Glance

• Area: Covent Garden / Seven Dials
• Known for: Colourful courtyard, independent shops, great food
• Best for: Photos, coffee stops, casual dining
• Time needed: 15–45 minutes
• Closest Tube: Covent Garden

Where is Neals Yard?

Neals Yard is about a 5 -minute walk from Covent Garden underground station. It is right in the centre of the Seven Dials District, hidden away. No matter which way you approach it the entrances are narrow with tall brick buildings on each side, so look carefully. You can access the courtyard via two small alleyways – one on Short’s Gardens and another on Monmouth Street. Once you find it, hopefully on a sunny day, you will be entranced with its vibrant colours and murals. Even in winter, it has a certain charm, so don’t let the weather put you off visiting.

🕒 Best time to visit Neal’s Yard

• Quietest: Early morning (before 10am)
• Best light for photos: Late afternoon
• Busiest: Midday and weekends
• Good year-round: Even in winter, it’s still worth a look

How to get to Neals Yard, Covent Garden

The closest station to Neal’s Yard is Covent Garden Tube station, but there are other options as well

• Covent Garden Tube Station 
• Leicester Square Tube Station 
• Tottenham Court Road Tube Station.

• 5 Minute Walk – New Oxford Street (Bus Z) 
• 6 Minute Walk  -Tottenham Court Road 
• 10 Minute Walk  – Charing Cross

Here’s a map of how to get to Neal’s Yard

How To Use This Map:  Click the tab in the top left corner to explore the different layers. Clicking on the icons displayed on the map, will give you additional information about each location. If you want to save the map to your Google Maps account, just click the star next to the title. To view it later on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, select the menu, go to ‘Your Places’ or ‘Saved’, and then click on Maps to find it in your list.

Neal’s Yard London history

Did you know that Neal’s Yard wasn’t always this vibrant and lively? It used to be a neglected back alley until the 1970s when Nicholas Saunders turned it into a hub for natural and alternative businesses. Now, it’s one of the most unique places to visit in Covent Garden and has become a go-to hidden gem in London for those who love quirky, off-the-beaten-path spots. If you’re interested in secret places to visit in Covent Garden, this colorful courtyard is a can’t-miss.

Neal’s yard had a shabby chic look and the space he created was soon a thriving hub and became a huge success. Not bad for somewhere that literally wasn’t even on the map of London before.

What to do in Neal’s Yard Covent Garden

The obvious thing to do in Neals yard is a bit of retail therapy and of course shoot a few pics. There is also a wide choice of cafes and restaurants that spill out into the courtyard. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine or coffee as you watch the world go by in the secret garden courtyard.

Neals Yard shops

Many of the businesses in Neals Yard are dedicated to eco-friendly practices, whether it’s using renewable energy sources, minimizing waste, or supporting local farmers and artisans.

Neal’s Yard Remedies Flagship store

Not only has this brand gained international recognition but it is the UK’s first certified organic health and beauty brand and it began in 1981 in Covent Garden. Neils Yard Remedies are now a global leader with their health and beauty range. They are also to receive 100/100 for ethics by The Ethical Company Organisation and never test their products on animals.

There are some fabulous fragranced bath and body products. It’s tough to pick a favourite. I love the blue bottles which can be upcycled around your house when you’re done with them.

You can also book a well-being treatment at the therapy centre next door.

Hair by Fairy

I think the Hair by Fairy sign must be the most photographed part of Neals Yard London Inside is just as cool as outside. If you want to relax, get your nails done or obviously your hair before meeting friends at one of the other spots in Neal’s Yard this is the ideal place.

Neal’s Yard restaurants

Looking for unique places to eat in Covent Garden? Neal’s Yard is home to some fantastic eateries. Wild Food Café is perfect if you’re after delicious plant-based dishes made from organic ingredients, which makes it one of the best spots if you’re wondering where to find vegan food in Covent Garden. For cheese lovers, Neal’s Yard Dairy offers a curated selection of the finest British cheeses, making it a must-visit for those looking for alternative shopping in London. These food stops also make Neal’s Yard one of the top places for unique places to eat in Covent Garden.

St John’s Bakery

The doughnuts from St. John’s bakery are all over Instagram and there is a good reason for that. They are the best doughnuts imaginable. They are light as air and packed with a delicious filling in the centre. I love the raspberry jam filling. The bread is pretty amazing as well. If you cant get to Neal’s Yard Covent Garden they also have a shop and restaurant a short stroll away from Borough Market.

More to read: The essential guide to Borough Market, London

Neal’s Yard Dairy

I LOVE this shop, but then I am partial to cheese at any time of the day or night. They champion the best of British cheese and are more than happy to let you taste a sample before you buy anything.

One of the best things about buying cheese from Neal’s Yard Dairy is that they have taken the time to mature the cheese so that is just perfect and at its best to eat when you buy it. There is a huge selection so you are sure to find something that you like. They also have a branch at Borough Market.

Note: This shop is not inside Neal’s Yard but on the corner at the exit to Shorts Gardens.

26 Grains

26 Grains If you want a healthy almost guilt-free meal 26 Grains will tick all your boxes. Chai lattes and oat bowls are among their signature dishes. Don’t miss the whipped burrata marinated courgettes with chilli, basil and mint.

Homeslice

Homeslice opened its first restaurant in 2013 in Neal’s Yard. The menu is simple with classic pizza, beer, cocktails and wine. Seasonal produce is at the heart of the ingredients used for making delicious pizzas. Choose one of the more unusual pizzas like Mushroom, ricotta, pumpkin seeds, chilli and soy truffle glaze or air-dried Wagyu beef, truffle crème fraîche, cipollini onions and salsa verde for a taste sensation.

You can order a slice of pizza, a half and half or a huge 20- inch pizza. It’s not surprising that they now have other branches popping up all over London.

Casanova & Daughters

Mr Casanova left the circus to follow his heart and open a Sicilian deli and wine bar in Neal’s yard. Talk about a change of pace! You will find a fine selection of Sicilian olive oils, wild oregano, pecorino, anchovies and produce from small Sicilian producers that even the most discerning foodie will enjoy. You can have typical antipasti upstairs at one of the long tables while you enjoy a glass of Italian wine. Try the Sicilian platter with olives, bresaola, anchovies, pecorino, sundried tomatoes and ciabatta is perfect for sharing as a snack.

Compagnie Des Vins Surnaturels

The Compagnie Des Vins Surnaturels is a gorgeous wine bar with over 400 different wines to choose from. Don’t let that intimidate you as they have a sommelier on hand who will help you choose the perfect tipple for you to enjoy. There is an excellent selection of charcuterie and cheese for you to snack on or try something a bit more substantial with the Croque Madame with truffle, ham & a quail egg. Naturally, whatever you choose to eat can be paired with a wine that will complement the dish.

The Barbary

The Barbary’s menu reflects a part of the world where the Berbers settled in the Atlas mountains. The food is influenced by the ancient trade routes and the menu takes you on a journey of discovery from the Atlantic coast to the Middle East. The food is even cooked using traditional methods. Fire is an important part of the cooking process and a wood fire is lit every day. Choose between chicken shawarma, black salmon dukkah (a middle eastern spice that I love) or a fattoush salad or many other delicious options.

Neal’s Yard London address

There are plenty of other things to see and do at Neal’s Yard London. Once again, it is located between Shorts Gardens and Monmouth Street (WC2H 9DP). If you have a bit of time to spare be sure to include this quirky and unusual corner in your London itinerary.

Seven Dials Market

If you have time step just across the road from Neals Yard Covent Garden to the bustling market which is housed in a historic Victorian building, adding to its charm and character. As you step inside, you’re greeted by a feast for the senses – tantalizing aromas and vibrant colours of exotic spices and street food. Seven Dials Market has become a favourite haunt for foodies and locals alike. It certainly is always one of my stops when I visit Neals Yard Covent Garden, even if it just to stop for a drink or an ice cream.

While you’re exploring the area, take a look at my list of classic English dishes — the kind of comfort food you’ll find across pubs and markets around the country.

Instagram-Worthy Spots in Neal’s Yard

Neal’s Yard isn’t just a foodie and shopping paradise; it’s also one of the best Instagram spots in London. With its brightly colored buildings and quirky details, it’s the perfect backdrop for anyone looking to snap some eye-catching photos. The courtyard’s rainbow walls make it one of the most colorful streets in London and a true hidden gem for photographers and social media enthusiasts alike.

What is Neal’s Yard famous for?

Neal’s Yard is known for its bright, colorful façades and quirky shops like Neal’s Yard Remedies and Neal’s Yard Dairy. It’s a favorite spot for foodies and anyone searching for best Instagram spots in London.

How do I get to Neal’s Yard?

Neal’s Yard is located between Covent Garden and Seven Dials. It’s easy to miss, so if you’re wondering how to find Neal’s Yard, look for the alleyway entrance off Monmouth Street.

Are there vegan restaurants in Neal’s Yard?

Yes, Neal’s Yard has some fantastic vegan options, including Wild Food Café, making it one of the top spots for where to find vegan food in Covent Garden.

Recommended : Tootbus London Discovery Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with a stop at Covent Garden AND Sights & Bites of Covent Garden – A walking tour of Theatreland & Covent Garden. with stops to try delicious artisan-made produce, chocolates, cheeses and more.

Neal’s Yard is one of the hidden gems in London, packed with charm, color, and plenty of surprises around every corner. Whether you’re hunting for unique places to eat in Covent Garden, grabbing some artisan cheese at Neal’s Yard Dairy, or looking for one of the best Instagram spots in London, you’ll find something to love here. So, next time you’re exploring things to do near Covent Garden, make sure this vibrant, tucked-away courtyard is on your list – it’s an experience you won’t soon forget!

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