Hotels near the Lyceum Theatre

The Lyceum Theatre is located in Covent Garden, central London, on Wellington Street, just off the Strand. It’s right in the heart of the West End, surrounded by world-class theatres, shops and restaurants. The theatre sits just a few minutes’ walk from Trafalgar Square, Somerset House and the River Thames, so it’s easy to fit a show into a day of sightseeing. The area is lively day and night, with plenty of spots to grab a pre-theatre meal or soak up the buzz of London’s entertainment district.

The Lyceum Theatre is world-famous as the home of Disney’s The Lion King, which has been playing here since 1999 and is one of the West End’s longest running and most successful shows. Known for its incredible puppetry, vibrant costumes and iconic soundtrack, The Lion King draws visitors from all over the globe. Beyond this, the Lyceum has a rich history as a venue for plays, operas, concerts and public events dating back to the 19th century. Charles Dickens even gave public readings here, and legendary performers and musicians have graced its stage over the decades.

The Lyceum Theatre is special because it combines historic grandeur with modern theatrical magic. Its neoclassical façade and grand columns make it instantly recognisable, and inside you’ll find red velvet seating, balconies and ornate detailing that make the whole experience feel like a special occasion. The theatre is also celebrated for its state-of-the-art stage technology, which helps bring spectacular productions like The Lion King to life. Plus, its prime Covent Garden location means you’re surrounded by attractions, shops and restaurants, making it the perfect hub for weekend break in London.

The current Lyceum Theatre building opened in 1834, which makes it over 190 years old, but the site’s theatre history stretches back even further to 1765. The theatre has gone through fires, reconstructions and refurbishments, and in the 20th century, it was even converted into a ballroom and concert hall before being fully restored as a theatre in the 1990s. 

The closest London Underground station is Covent Garden on the Piccadilly Line, which is just a 5-minute walk from the theatre. Other nearby stations include:

• Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern Lines, plus National Rail) – 7-minute walk.

• Temple (Circle and District Lines) – 10-minute walk.

• Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern, Circle, District Lines) – 8-minute walk. 

Several buses also stop nearby along The Strand, and Waterloo Station is just across the river if you’re coming in by train.

There’s no strict dress code, so you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Most theatre-goers choose smart casual outfits, especially for evening performances.

Aim to arrive 30–45 minutes before the show starts. This gives you plenty of time to get through bag checks and security at the entrance, find your seat without rushing and grab a drink or snack from the bar.

The Lyceum Theatre is surrounded by some of London’s best attractions, so it’s easy to make a whole weekend of your visit. Nearby highlights include:

• Covent Garden – Just steps away, with its lively market, street performers, boutiques and cafes.

• The Strand and Trafalgar Square – Home to famous landmarks, galleries and historic streets.

• South Bank – Cross Waterloo Bridge to enjoy riverside walks, the National Theatre and the London Eye. 

• Somerset House – A short stroll away, known for its exhibitions and seasonal ice rink.

• Dining and drinks – The area is packed with everything from casual pre-theatre bites to fine dining, with many restaurants running pre-show menus.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.