24 Interesting Facts About London You Won’t Believe! (Probably!)
If you’re anything like me, the anticipation of exploring a city like London is a thrill in itself! It’s a place that seems to whisper stories from every cobblestone and grand facade. I always feel that just scratching the surface isn’t enough; I want to know the really cool stuff, the quirky details, and the historical nuggets that bring a place to life. London, is absolutely brimming with them. So, if you’re planning your first trip or you’re a seasoned visitor, let’s look at some fascinating facts about this incredible city. You’re going to love these! 🇬🇧
1. Big Ben Isn't The Clock Tower's Name! 🔔
Alright, let’s kick off with a classic. That iconic clock tower attached to the Houses of Parliament? Most people call it Big Ben, but that’s actually the nickname of the Great Bell inside. The tower itself was officially named the Clock Tower until 2012, when it was renamed the Elizabeth Tower to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. So, next time you hear it chime, you’ll know you’re hearing Big Ben, but admiring the Elizabeth Tower.
🔹 Tinker’s Pro Tip: For a fantastic photo op, head to the opposite side of Westminster Bridge in the evening when it’s all lit up!
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2. A City That's Technically a Forest? 🌳
Believe it or not, London qualifies as a forest according to a UN definition! With over 8 million trees, which is about one per person, around 47% of Greater London is green space. This includes parks, woodlands, gardens, and even those leafy plane trees lining the streets. It’s one of the things I love most, you’re never far from a bit of nature.
💡 Fact: The London plane tree is particularly well-suited to urban life due to its ability to shed its bark, taking pollutants with it.
3. The Tube: Older Than You Think! 🚇
The London Underground, affectionately known as “the Tube,” is the world’s oldest underground railway. The first section, the Metropolitan line, opened way back in 1863. Imagine Victorians hopping on a steam train underground! It’s a bit mind-boggling, isn’t it? Today, it serves millions of us every day.
ℹ️ You might be surprised: Over half of the Tube network is actually above ground!
4. More Than 170 Museums Await! 🏛️
If you’re a museum buff like me, London is your playground. The city boasts an incredible array of over 170 museums, covering everything from grand history at the British Museum to cutting-edge design at the Design Museum. And the best part? Many of the major ones, like the National Gallery and Tate Modern, offer free entry to their main collections! You could spend weeks exploring and still not see it all.
Many of these London attractions are world-renowned.
5. The Curious Case of the Tower Ravens 🐦⬛
Legend has it that if the six resident ravens ever leave the Tower of London, the Crown will fall and Britain with it. King Charles II is said to have decreed this after being warned. To this day, there are at least six ravens (plus a spare!) kept at the Tower, their wings lightly clipped. They even have a dedicated Ravenmaster to look after them!
❤️ You’ll love this: Each raven has a name and individual personality! You can often see them hopping around the grounds.
6. Driving on the Left – A Jousting Legacy?
Why do Brits drive on the left? One popular theory suggests it dates back to medieval times when knights would joust. Being right-handed, they’d keep to the left to have their sword arm free to face oncoming opponents. Another theory relates to horse-drawn wagons. Whatever the precise reason, it’s a quintessential British quirk!
😅 We’ve all been there: Remember to look RIGHT then LEFT when crossing roads in the UK!
🗺️ More guides to England, sure: The Best Time to Visit London: A Seasonal Guide
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7. London Bridge: Not The One You're Thinking Of 🌉
“London Bridge is falling down…” We all know the nursery rhyme. However, the current London Bridge is a rather modern (1970s) concrete structure. The previous one, sold in the 1960s, was famously shipped block by block to Lake Havasu City, Arizona! The iconic bridge often photographed and mistaken for London Bridge is actually Tower Bridge.
💡 Did you know? Several bridges have stood on or near the site of London Bridge over the centuries, some even had houses and shops on them!
8. A Stinky Tale: The Great Stink of 1858
This is one of those interesting facts about London that’s a bit grim but fascinating! In the hot summer of 1858, the River Thames, overloaded with raw sewage, became so foul-smelling that it was dubbed “The Great Stink.” The stench was so unbearable it even affected Parliament. This crisis ultimately led to the creation of London’s revolutionary sewer system by Sir Joseph Bazalgette, much of which is still in use today.
Phew! Thankfully, the Thames is much cleaner now.
9. The Smallest Statue in London (Psst… It’s Tiny!)
Keep your eyes peeled for this one! Tucked away on Philpot Lane (near Monument) is London’s smallest public statue: two tiny mice nibbling on a piece of cheese. The story goes they commemorate two builders who fell to their deaths during an argument over a stolen sandwich, which was actually eaten by mice. A quirky, poignant little find!
ℹ️ Here’s what you need to know: It’s on the side of a building, quite high up, so look carefully!
10. What’s the Deal with Cockney Rhyming Slang? 🗣️
“Apples and Pears” (stairs), “Dog and Bone” (phone) – Cockney rhyming slang is a unique linguistic feature of London. It’s thought to have originated in the East End in the mid-19th century, possibly as a way for market traders or even criminals to communicate without outsiders (or the police!) understanding. It’s still around, though perhaps not as common as it once was.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Listen out for it if you’re exploring areas like Hackney or Bethnal Green.
11. Houses of Parliament: Built on Wool Sacks 🐑
Symbolically, at least! The Lord Speaker’s seat in the House of Lords is a large, wool-stuffed cushion called the Woolsack. This tradition dates back to the 14th century and signifies the historical importance of the wool trade to England’s economy. It’s a wonderful nod to the nation’s heritage.
💡 Fun fact: The current Woolsack contains wool from around the Commonwealth, symbolising unity.
12. Over 300 Languages Spoken 🌍
London is one of the most linguistically diverse cities in the world. Walk through its streets, and you’ll hear a symphony of languages. It’s estimated that over 300 languages are spoken by London’s residents, reflecting its incredible multicultural fabric. This diversity is definitely part of what makes the city so vibrant and exciting.
❤️ We love this: This means you can find authentic cuisine from almost anywhere in the world!
13. The Birthplace of "Mind the Gap"
That iconic London Underground announcement, “Mind the Gap,” was first recorded in 1968. Some platforms on the Tube are curved, and older trains had straight doors, creating a potentially hazardous gap. The phrase was recorded to warn passengers. The original voice, Oswald Laurence, has become legendary!
A little snippet: Some stations still play older recordings due to their unique acoustics or historical significance.
14. Cleopatra’s Needle: Ancient Egyptian in the Heart of London
Standing proudly on the Victoria Embankment is Cleopatra’s Needle, an authentic ancient Egyptian obelisk dating back to around 1450 BC. It was gifted to the United Kingdom in 1819 in recognition of Lord Nelson’s victory at the Battle of the Nile. Its journey to London was quite an adventure, involving a specially designed cylindrical ship! London history note: There are two “sister” obelisks, one in Paris and one in New York.
15. Theatreland’s Dazzling Scale 🎭
London’s West End is a global theatre hub, second only to Broadway in New York. With around 40 major theatres packed into a relatively small area, you can catch everything from blockbuster musicals to classic plays and innovative new writing. I always try to see a show when I’m in town; the atmosphere is electric!
📍 If you love discovering hidden gems: Look out for smaller fringe theatres too, for cutting-edge performances.
16. The Secret Rivers of London 🌊
Beneath your feet, as you wander through London, flow several “lost” or “hidden” rivers. The Fleet, Walbrook, and Tyburn are just a few examples. Once open waterways, they were gradually culverted and built over as the city grew. Sometimes, street names like “Fleet Street” give clues to their subterranean paths. Isn’t that cool? Some say you can still hear the River Fleet through grates on Ray Street in Clerkenwell.
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17. Harrods: From Grocer to Global Icon 🛍️
Harrods, the world-famous department store in Knightsbridge, started as a humble grocery and tea merchant in 1849. Charles Henry Harrod opened his small shop with just two assistants. It’s incredible to think how it evolved into the sprawling, luxurious emporium it is today, famous for its elaborate food halls and high-end goods.
💡 I wish I knew this sooner: The Egyptian Hall escalators were once a massive attraction in themselves!
18. London’s First Public Zoo – A Royal Connection 🦁
ZSL London Zoo, located in Regent’s Park, opened in 1828, making it the world’s oldest scientific zoo. Initially intended for scientific study (fellows of the Zoological Society of London), it opened to the public in 1847. Many of its first animals were from the Royal Menagerie at the Tower of London.
ℹ️ Animals Fact: It was home to Winnie-the-Pooh’s inspiration, a bear named Winnipeg!
19. How Many Pubs in London? Too Many to Count! 🍻
Okay, maybe not too many, but there are thousands! Estimates vary, but it’s safe to say there are over 3,500 pubs in London. From historic inns that have served punters for centuries to trendy gastropubs, there’s a “local” for everyone. Each has its own character and charm.
🍺 Let’s be honest: A pint in a proper London pub is an essential experience!
20. The City of London vs. Greater London 🤔
This one confuses many! “The City of London,” also known as “The Square Mile,” is the ancient core from which London grew. It has its own mayor (the Lord Mayor of London), police force, and distinct governance. Greater London is the much larger administrative area that most people think of as London, encompassing 32 boroughs plus the City.
💡 Interesting fact: The City of London has a resident population of only around 9,000 people, but hundreds of thousands commute in to work each day. This is a core piece of London trivia.
21. Don’t Die in Parliament! (It’s a Myth, Mostly)
There’s a persistent rumour that it’s illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament because it’s a Royal Palace, and anyone who dies there would be entitled to a state funeral. While technically there’s no such law, authorities would certainly try to move someone gravely ill outside to avoid complications! A quirky bit of London history that tickles me.
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22. Black Cab Drivers: The Knowledge Masters 🚕
To become a licensed London black cab driver, applicants must pass “The Knowledge,” an incredibly demanding test. They need to memorise thousands of streets, routes, and points of interest within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross. It can take years of study, often done on a moped, to master. I’m always in awe of their navigation skills!
Pro Tip: Always look for the official yellow taxi light – that’s how you know it’s a licensed cab!
23. The Shard: A Vertical City Cleaned by Daredevils
The Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building, has 11,000 glass panels – equivalent to eight football pitches! Keeping them sparkling is a job for a team of fearless window cleaners who abseil down the iconic structure. It takes them about three months to clean the entire building. Definitely not a job for the faint-hearted!
Here’s what you need to know before booking: The viewing platform, “The View from The Shard,” offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city.
24. Postman’s Park: A Moving Tribute
Tucked away near St Paul’s Cathedral, Postman’s Park holds the Watts Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice. This touching memorial features ceramic plaques commemorating ordinary people who died while saving the lives of others. It’s a quiet, poignant spot offering a very different kind of London experience, away from the usual tourist hustle. I find it incredibly moving every time I visit.
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And just like that, I am done! But, we’ve only scratched the surface of some of the most interesting facts about London! Hopefully, these snippets of London trivia have made you see this phenomenal capital in a new light. Now you’re armed with some knowledge to impress your friends & family! 🌍 ✨
Over to You…
Did any of these facts make you go “Cor blimey!”? Or perhaps you’ve got your own favourite quirky London tale or a top hidden London spot you’re willing to share?👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
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FAQs: Your London Curiosities Quenched!
What's the oldest pub in London, then?
Ah, now that’s a proper pub debate! Many throw their hat in the ring. You’ve got The Spaniards Inn up in Hampstead (Dick Turpin supposedly drank there!), The Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden (famous for bare-knuckle boxing in its day), and Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street (rebuilt after the Great Fire, but on ancient cellars). Each one is steeped in London history and well worth a pint!
Can you actually still see bits of the old Roman wall?
You bet! It’s incredible to think London was once “Londinium.” Remnants of the original Roman city wall are still visible in places like Tower Hill (right near the Tower of London, funnily enough), around the Barbican Centre, and just outside the Museum of London. It’s like touching ancient history.
Crikey, how many museums does London have?
Get ready for this – London is a museum-lover’s dream come true! There are over 170 museums, catering to every imaginable taste. From the giants like the British Museum, the V&A, and the Natural History Museum to quirky, smaller collections tucked away. And the best bit? Loads of the big national museums are completely free to enter! Amazing, right?
What's the absolute best way to dash around London?
For zipping across town, the Tube (our Underground) is your best mate. Quick and extensive. But don’t dismiss those iconic red buses! They’re slower but offer fab views from the top deck. Walking is also brilliant for stumbling upon hidden gems. And don’t forget the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) and Overground trains. Grab an Oyster card or just use your contactless card/phone – easy peasy.
Are there any proper bonkers London tours?
Oh, absolutely! London embraces its eccentric side. Forget standard bus tours (though they’re good too!). You can join ghost walks that’ll make your hair stand on end, explore vibrant street art, embark on foodie adventures (think cheese tours or gin safaris!), historical pub crawls, and even tours dedicated to Harry Potter filming locations. There’s a tour out there for literally everyone.
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! The Travel Tinker is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel! Tinkering your plans as you browse!
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