A Big Day Out At Hercules

Make the most out of your day seeing Hercules in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre

Fifteen years after the release of the beloved Disney animation, Hercules arrived in the West End, ready to flex his pecs and save the world from Hades. With all the column-shaking energy of the original film, Hercules at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane packs more music, more style and plenty of Hellenic humour. It’s the perfect day out in London – especially when you know the best ways to fill your time before and after the show. From top bars and restaurants in the area to on-theme activities around London, here’s how to have a big day out seeing Hercules in the West End.

Things to do near Hercules the musical
Restaurants near Hercules the musical
Shopping near Hercules the musical
Bars and pubs near Hercules the musical
Tube stations and bus stops near Hercules the musical
On-theme activities for Hercules the musical

Things to do near Hercules the musical

If you’re looking to absorb some culture ahead of your visit to Ancient Greece, lots of London’s top museums are within walking distance of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. You’ll find the The Courtauld Gallery just five minutes from the theatre in Somerset House, containing works by Monet, Van Gogh and Cézanne along with many others. Ten minutes away, close to historic Trafalgar Square, are the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, which both contain wide-ranging collections of art spanning centuries and featuring some famous faces from throughout history.

For another dose of history, you might want to visit St Martin in the Fields. This longstanding church, just twelve minutes from the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, houses a lively café in its crypt and is also a frequent host of lunchtime concerts. Make sure to check the schedule to see what’s on when you visit. Just four minutes from the theatre is Covent Garden, a must-visit spot that contains lots to see and do. Here you’ll find the Infinity Chamber, an interactive street installation that doubles as a great place to take a group photo.

For a challenging preshow activity, Spygames will assess your whole group against a series of brainteasing and agility-testing high-tech challenges to see who’s spy material. This interactive experience is practically next door to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and is crafted with the advice of real CIA and Special Ops experts.

Restaurants near Hercules the musical

The Theatre Royal Drury Lane is within a short walk of a huge number of great restaurants and popular chains, with something nearby to suit everyone. Just two minutes away, Indigo at One Aldwych brings you imaginative dishes made with high quality British ingredients, combining substance and style – and their entire menu is gluten free. For authentic French cuisine, Boulevard Brasserie has a great pre-theatre menu. This classic French brasserie is set over three floors in a stylish exposed brick dining space.

Classic American steakhouse Christopher’s, two minutes from the theatre, elevates Stateside classics to bring you the best in Americana dining. If you’re after European food, Opera Tavern uses the best seasonal ingredients to create their menu of Spanish and Italian small plates. You can also enjoy a great glass of wine in their chic dining room.

You’ll be spoilt for great street food in the theatre district. ADOH!, five minutes from the theatre, is one of the best spots. This Sri Lanken eatery brings the fiery street food culture of Columbo to Covent Garden, serving dishes you won’t find anywhere else in London. If a quick pizza is your ideal pre-theatre dinner, trendy Italian Vasiniko is just three minutes from the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and also offers great pastas and desserts.

Shopping near Hercules the musical

The Theatre Royal Drury Lane sits within walking distance of lots of London’s best shopping. Covent Garden, just a four minute walk from the theatre, houses global beauty brands and high-quality independent stores, and its beautiful Piazza is the perfect spot for a people watching break. St Martin’s Courtyard, seven minutes away, houses a discerning collection of fashion and lifestyle brands as well as cosy cafes, whilst Neal’s Yard brings you the best in beauty and wellness, and serves as the perfect colourful backdrop for photos. If you’re up for a twenty-five minute stroll, you’ll find yourself on Carnaby Street. This iconic shopping destination carries major global brands and independent businesses and is an easy place to lose an afternoon.

Bars and pubs near Hercules the musical

There are lots of historic pubs near the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, one of the most famous being Nell of Old Drury. It’s said that this lively watering hole is linked to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane via a tunnel that was once reportedly used by Charles II to visit his mistress, famous actress Nell Gwynn. Whether true or not, it’s a verified fact that this place carries a great selection of wines, ales and beers. Also very close to the theatre is the Coach & Horses, a classic local London pub in a historic Victorian building, serving modern craft beers, cask classics and a lot more besides.

Two minutes from the theatre is Champagne + Fromage, a cosy bar that aims to challenge the idea that champagne is for celebrations only. You can enjoy a delicious selection of champagnes here along with specially paired cheeses and charcuterie. Creative cocktail joint Dovetail Bar is just around the corner, offering playful reimaginings of London’s most popular drinks, served in a warm, welcoming setting. And of course, for one of the best cocktails in the area, you’ll want to stop by the Cecil Beaton Bar, housed inside the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Their showstopping cocktail menu features beautiful creations from the mind of award-winning cocktail connoisseur Tristan Stephenson, as well as a great selection of spirits, wines and beers.

Tube stations and bus stops near Hercules the musical

The closest tube station to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is Covent Garden, a six-minute walk away, which is served by the Piccadilly line. Charing Cross is the closest National Rail station, roughly ten minutes from the theatre, and also sits on the Bakerloo and Northern lines. Holborn (served by the Central and Piccadilly lines) and Embankment (served by the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern lines) are both roughly ten minutes away as well. Multiple bus routes also drop off and pick up nearby. It’s best to plan your route with TFL.

On-theme activities for Hercules the musical

If you fancy a double dose of theatre, Hadestown is another Greek mythology-focused show delighting audiences in the West End. A folk-tinged retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, it pairs perfectly with the spectacle that is Hercules.

Seeing Hercules is the perfect excuse to absorb some Ancient Greek and Roman culture, and there’s lots of it to be found in London (whilst Hercules features Greek gods, it also blends in elements of the Roman myth, including giving Hercules his Roman name.) In the British Museum you’ll find a bust of Hercules himself, as well as the sculptures of the Parthenon, an extensive Greek pottery collection, and lots of other Ancient Greek artefacts. The London Mithraeum is one of the UK’s most significant archaeological sites, with a large collection of excavated Roman artefacts, and even gives you the opportunity to experience what it might have been like to stand inside a Roman temple.

At The Hellenic Centre, an education centre in Marlyebone, you can delve a little deeper into the rich history of Greece, thanks to their exhibits showcasing the best of art and culture from Greece and Cyprus. Check their events culture to find out what exactly they have on during your visit. Of course, another great way to get ready to see Hercules is to eat some fantastic Greek food, and Aphrodite Taverna in Notting Hill is on of the best places to go for an authentic experience. In this Greek-Cypriot taverna, colourfully and eclectically decorated, you’ll find bouzouki music, amazing Hellenic food and a welcoming environment, where you can enjoy everything from lamb kleftiko and pork sheftalia to houmous, dolmades, kebabs and pastitso.

Hercules is now booking at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane until July 2026 – find tickets here