How to Visit Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials, Covent Garden

Last Updated on 5th March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Deep in the heart of Zone 1, not far from Covent Garden, you’ll find the little courtyard of Neal’s Yard. Tucked away down a little side street, you’d never know it was there. Blink and you might miss it. That is, unless you know where to look… Here’s how to visit Neal’s Yard, as well as what to know before you go.

Neal’s Garden is the kind of place you enter and immediately end up thinking to yourself: “Wow, I could totally stay here a while!”

Hidden away in plain sight, it’s one of the best-kept secrets of London and it’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of busy Shaftesbury Avenue (where all the London theatres are based) and nearby Covent Garden.

Right in the middle of the Seven Dials District (famed for its chic eateries and independent boutiques), you’ll find this secret garden. But look closely because it’s only approachable via two cobbled alleyways; two strands of the winding Neal’s Yard lane.

Neal’s Yard: Hidden in Plain Sight

Head off Monmouth Street and walk down the narrow passageway that is Neal’s Yard. It’s cobbled and tall. Bricked buildings rise up on each side of you.

So tall that you can barely see the skyline up above. Instead, all you can see is the curved walkway ahead of you. Behind, lies busy London life. Walk for a minute or two though, and the space opens up, revealing a hidden courtyard.

Sunlight pours into the little enclosure, illuminating a bright scene. Here, the walls are painted in vibrant colours, and covered in murals. Open air terraces spill out onto the paving stones, and a friendly atmosphere surrounds you.

The enclave contains the iconic Neal’s Yard Remedies Store, Neal’s Yard Dairy, and the wildly popular Wild Food Café. There are also several other retail spaces and cafés, all driven by committing to sustainable and ethical commercial practices.

What’s in a name? King’s Head Court

Once upon a time (okay, only about 40 years ago), you’d have seen rats scuttling around the area instead of finding this lovely London escape. Up until the 1970s, the area was used for bins and in need of some serious love and attention.

The area was so forgotten about that it appeared on barely any maps, and even fewer people knew of its existence than they do today. Around that time, Nicholas Saunders was looking to start the Whole Food Warehouse.

He wanted his business to be ethical, sustainable and was looking for the perfect location. That was when he stumbled on Neal’s Yard (at the time known as King’s Head Court). Despite the derelict nature of the location, he could see the potential for his fledgling ethical business.

The entire area was scheduled for demolition and heavy refurbishments. Sanders was originally refused permission for his store but he persisted anyway. The small store was a hit and rapidly grew into a thriving community. Today, it is a village unto itself, tucked away in the most unsuspecting of places.

And the change of the name from King’s Head Court to Neal’s Yard? Well, Neal’s Yard takes its name from wealthy businessman Thomas Neale.

Having received a large chunk of land from King William III in central London in the late 17th-Century, he created the Seven Dials (the district Neal’s Yard finds itself in). As an homage to Thomas Neale, Nicholas Saunders

Highlights of Neal’s Yard

Despite being tucked into such a small corner in the centre of London, Neal’s Yard boasts a number of cool shops and eateries, all waiting to be discovered and explored. Here are some of the top highlights of a venture into Neal’s Yard.

Neal’s Yard Remedies flagship store

For over three decades, Neal’s Yard Remedies has been supplying customers with ethical beauty and skincare products, as well as essential oils. Today, Neal’s Yard is one of the biggest sellers of natural skincare products in the UK.

Seven Dials

If you get the chance to, then it’s well worth exploring the nearby Seven Dials area if you get the chance. Largely pedestrianised (so be sure to wear your comfiest shoes for exploring as this is mostly cobbled lanes), there are not many cars allowed in this part of the city, with the exception of taxis and buses.

The Seven Dials are so-called because the district is comprised of seven roads leading off a central roundabout.

How to visit Neal’s Yard

The courtyard is located just a five minute walk away from Covent Garden tube station (Piccadilly Line). There are only two alleyways by which you can reach Neal’s Yard itself; Short’s Gardens and Monmouth Street.

Nearby, Covent Garden and the West End (i.e. London’s Theatre District) are some of the most popular spots in the UK among tourists.

Watch the Neal’s Yard Video

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A fan of all things France related, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She currently splits her time between Paris and London. Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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