Ben's Cookies
About
Ben's Cookies is a beloved London institution where the heavenly aroma of fresh-baked cookies draws families in for an irresistible sweet treat. Located in the heart of Covent Garden's Piazza, this cozy cookie shop offers warm, gooey cookies in generous sizes alongside rich hot chocolate, making it the perfect pit stop during a day of London sightseeing with kids.
Highlights
- ✓Watching cookies being baked fresh through the shop window
- ✓Enormous, warm cookies in classic and specialty flavors
- ✓Rich, creamy hot chocolate perfect for chilly London days
- ✓Prime location in Covent Garden's bustling Piazza with street performers nearby
- ✓Affordable treat that satisfies even the hungriest kids
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit mid-afternoon between lunch and dinner for shorter queues, as this popular spot can get very busy during peak mealtimes
- 2.Ask for your cookies warm from the oven for the ultimate gooey experience, they're happy to heat them up if needed
- 3.The cookies are enormous, so consider sharing one between younger children to avoid sugar overload and save room for dinner
- 4.Covent Garden has clean public toilets nearby in the market building, helpful for families with little ones
- 5.Cash and card both accepted, but contactless payment is quickest during busy periods
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons (2pm to 4pm) are ideal for avoiding the heaviest crowds. Weekend mornings before 11am also work well, though Covent Garden gets very busy by midday, especially during school holidays.
What to Know
Cookies cost around 2 to 3 pounds each, making this an affordable treat. Seating is very limited inside, so plan to eat while strolling around Covent Garden or grab a spot on the Piazza steps nearby.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round. Hot chocolate is especially popular during autumn and winter months. During December, the Covent Garden area is beautifully decorated for Christmas, making a cookie stop extra magical.
Follow Ben's Cookies
Nearby Eats
The Covent Garden Market nearby has numerous family-friendly options including Pizza Pilgrims for authentic Neapolitan pizza and Shake Shack for American-style burgers. The Apple Market area offers quick bites and crepes.
More Activities Near London
Camden Town
Camden Town is a vibrant neighborhood bursting with creative energy, offering eclectic markets, colorful street art, and alternative culture that fascinates tweens and teens. While the bustling atmosphere and edgy vibe make it less suitable for toddlers, older children will love exploring the quirky shops, sampling international street food, and watching talented street performers along the canal and market areas.
The British Museum
The British Museum offers families an incredible journey through human history, from Egyptian mummies that captivate young imaginations to ancient Greek sculptures and treasures from every corner of the globe. Best of all, admission is completely free, making it an unbeatable value for families traveling to London who want world-class culture without the hefty price tag.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of London's most iconic green spaces, offering 350 acres of family fun in the heart of the city. From splashing in the Diana Memorial Fountain to feeding swans at the Serpentine lake, renting pedal boats, and exploring multiple playgrounds, this royal park provides hours of outdoor entertainment without costing a penny.
Tower of London
The Tower of London brings nearly 1,000 years of history to life through interactive exhibits, dazzling Crown Jewels, and entertaining Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tours that engage children with tales of kings, queens, and even executions. Kids are fascinated by the armor collection, medieval torture devices, and the resident ravens, while the fortress setting provides plenty of space to explore towers, walkways, and battlements.