35 interesting facts about London

Are you planning a trip to the vibrant capital of England and looking for intriguing facts and quirky tidbits? You’re in the right place! This article will unveil 35 fascinating curiosities about London. Some are amusing, others truly surprising, and a few might just blow your mind. Let’s dive in and see how many you already know! 😉

Interesting facts about London you might not know

1. While many believe that London is perpetually rainy, statistics reveal that Brussels actually receives more rainfall! Nevertheless, it’s wise to carry an umbrella as London does experience its fair share of rain.

2. The River Thames is crossed by 33 bridges: the oldest is the Richmond Bridge (built in 1777), while the Millennium Bridge, a contemporary marvel, opened in 2002.

3. Harrods, the iconic department store, was once a treasure trove of the bizarre; until 1916, you could find a kit that included… cocaine! Yes, you read that right. Take a look.

4. In tourist-heavy areas, certain activities are strictly prohibited: barbecuing, giving propaganda speeches, washing clothes, feeding birds, or even sleeping on a bench. However, these activities could be permissible with a special permit from the mayor.

5. Legend has it that if the ravens of the Tower of London were to leave, it would signal the downfall of the monarchy. To prevent this, there are always six ravens present (named Munin, Thor, Branwen, Hugine, Baldrick, and Gwyll). If one dies, it is replaced, and in a rather cruel twist, a part of their wing is clipped to prevent flight.

6. London has always been a magnet for artists and celebrities. Its air seems to breathe inspiration into many, with notable residents including Edgar Allan Poe, Mahatma Gandhi, Vincent Van Gogh, and Sigmund Freud.

7. Interestingly, it is technically illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament. Absurd, right? But it’s a real law!

8. The famous London Eye consists of 32 capsules, each representing a different borough. However, there is no capsule number 13, as they are numbered from 1 to 33, skipping the unlucky number.

9. Contrary to popular belief, the last execution at the Tower of London did not occur during medieval times; it took place during World War II when a German spy named Josef Jakobs was executed.

10. The iconic Union Jack flag is a combination of the flags of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, symbolizing the union of these nations.

11. Speaking of “Jack”, you’ve likely heard of Jack the Ripper. London offers tours (such as this one in Spanish) that take you to significant locations related to this infamous character. One of the most notable is “The Ten Bells”, a pub where one of his victims was last seen.

12. The beloved fish and chips, a quintessentially British dish, actually has Spanish origins; frying fish began in Spain long before it became a staple in England.

13. The Big Ben you hear about is actually the name of a bell, not the clock tower itself.

14. There is a miniature replica of Big Ben located at the intersection of Vauxhall Bridge Road and Victoria Road, adding a touch of whimsy to the city.

15. Fans of Harry Potter will be thrilled to know the Platform 9¾ does exist in reality, located at King’s Cross Station.

16. Approximately 25% of London’s residents were born outside of the UK, contributing to its rich multicultural landscape, where over 40 different cultures coexist.

17. The River Thames was once one of the most polluted rivers in the world, even declared biologically dead. However, after the prohibition of industrial waste dumping in 1960, the river has seen significant improvements and is much cleaner today.

18. London boasts over 17,000 black cabs, but be prepared for the fare — they can be quite pricey!

19. Back in 1950, every London resident could call the Prime Minister Winston Churchill directly, as his phone number was listed in the telephone directory.

More curious facts about London

20. London is the largest city in Europe, covering an impressive area of 1,580 square kilometers.

21. At No. 10, Hyde Park, you’ll find the smallest house in London, measuring only 1 meter wide. Meanwhile, at 23/24 Leinster Gardens, there’s a house that is merely a façade!

22. The Windsor Castle holds the title of the oldest royal residence in the world, steeped in history and grandeur.

23. The vibrant Notting Hill Carnival is one of the world’s most famous festivals, taking place not in February, but in August!

24. Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in history, having answered over 3.5 million letters throughout her life. She was also known for her superstitions, never allowing a dinner party of 13 guests, and had a fondness for corgi dogs, although her last corgi sadly passed away recently.

25. There’s a clever way to know if Queen Elizabeth II is at Buckingham Palace: if the Union Jack is flying, it means she is not home.

26. London features one of the most expensive public transport systems in the world, with a single tube ticket costing £4.90. However, savvy travelers can discover tips to save money. Here are some tips for visiting London economically.

27. The London Underground (The Tube) is the oldest subway system in Europe, having been inaugurated in 1863.

28. The Attendant was once a public toilet until the 1960s, now transformed into a quirky bar.

29. Did you know there’s a Little Venice in London? Located in the Paddington area, it’s a charming spot, though it bears little resemblance to its Italian namesake.

30. The Tower of London houses around 23,500 jewels valued at over £20 million, a must-see for any visitor.

31. The British Museum is among the richest museums in the world and offers free entry! With around 7 million artifacts, only a fraction is on display for the public to enjoy. Check out the highlights here.

32. For a picturesque photo opportunity, visit Neal’s Yard, a colorful courtyard that offers a delightful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

33. In 1910, traffic was restricted on the upper part of London Bridge due to its decline, becoming infamous for its association with crime and vice.

34. All distances from London are measured from Trafalgar Square, a central hub of the city.

35. You can visit the tallest skyscraper in Europe, The Shard, which stands at a remarkable height of 309.6 meters (not counting Russia, of course).

Do you know any other curiosities about London? Feel free to share in the comments! 😉

* Photo credit: Shutterstock

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