17 Interesting and Fun Facts About London, England
Little Known Facts About England’s Capital City
“I’ve been walking about London for the last 30 years, and I find something fresh in it every day.”
Looking through the Buckingham Palace gates at the front entrance & 1 of the guards patrolling.
Think you know London? Think again!
There is so much more to this city than just its double-decker buses, World War II history, and West End theatre. Think beyond its notable historical figures, like Anne Boleyn and Winston Churchill, and its prominent fictional characters like Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter. Instead, let's discover some of the lesser known best things about one of the most diverse cities in the world!
To provide even more fun facts for you and your kids, we’ve created a FREE 17-page London Activity & Fact Book filled with facts, coloring sheets, journal prompts, and puzzles. Download and print it out before you leave for London, giving your kids the opportunity to learn and be entertained before, during, and after your London trip.
17 Interesting & Fun Facts About London, England
What if you could impress your kids with mind-blowing or historical facts about some of the great things to do and the various places to visit in London? From Big Ben and the Tube to Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square, the capital city of England is filled to the brim with unique stories.
These aren’t just fun facts—they’re your secret weapon for transforming your family trip into an unforgettable adventure. Get ready to see London in a whole new way, because these surprising, bizarre, and most interesting facts will make you the ultimate guide for your family’s tour of London, England - the capital of the United Kingdom.
London is Actually the Smallest City in England
Wait! What? That can’t be right!
What you think of as the huge city of London is actually “Greater London.” The true boundaries of the city of London comprise less than two square miles of space. The area which was once known as "Londinium" during the Roman era has a population of only around 10,000 residents. It’s often referred to as the "Square Mile" and you’ll find some popular landmarks here, including St Pauls Cathedral, the Bank of England, and Leadenhall Market.
Big Ben Isn’t What You Think It Is
Most people think Big Ben refers to the iconic clock tower at the Houses of Parliament. Wrong! The tower itself is actually called Elizabeth Tower, and Big Ben is just the nickname for the giant bell inside (the actual name of the bell is the Great Bell.)
But hey, if you want to keep calling it Big Ben, we won’t judge. Now that you know the truth, you’ve got the perfect trivia question to stump your kids when visiting. Bonus points if you can casually drop, “Ah yes, what a lovely view of Elizabeth Tower” and watch the confusion set in.
Click on photo to enlarge and see descriptions.
The Palace of Westminster Features a Hidden Royal Residence
The Palace of Westminster, perched along the banks of the Thames like a regal sentinel, is more than just the seat of the British government—it’s also hiding a secret fit for a king. Tucked away among its staggering 1,100 rooms and 2 miles of winding passageways, lies the Sovereign Entrance and the Royal Apartments, lavishly decorated and always ready to welcome King Charles should he decide to pop in for a surprise visit. (Do you think he ever does? Or is it like that guest room in your house that’s always pristine because no one actually uses it?)
But wait—there’s more! This colossal palace isn’t just about politics and pomp; it also caters to the everyday needs of its government officials. Need a fresh trim before a big debate? There’s a hair salon for that. Have a tiny future prime minister in tow? No worries—there’s a nursery. And in a delightful twist, that nursery was converted from the old shooting range. Because what could be more British than trading rifles for rattles?
Drivers of the Famous Black Cabs Are Rigorously Trained
London’s Black Cab drivers don’t just hop behind the wheel and hope for the best—they undergo the most intense training of any taxi drivers in the world! Most start by mastering specific suburban areas, passing the Suburban London Knowledge test. But for those who want to rule the roads of Greater London, there’s the ultimate challenge: The All London Knowledge assessment. To earn the coveted green badge, drivers must memorize 320 different routes, 25,000 streets, and 20,000 landmarks within six miles of Charing Cross. Basically, they’re human GPS systems—except with better banter.
And if you think this sounds like cramming for the world’s most difficult geography exam, you’re not wrong. This grueling process takes an average of 3.5 years—which means your cabbie likely spent more time studying London’s streets than some students spend earning a degree! So, if you’re looking for a driver who can zip you through traffic while dishing out the most fascinating facts like a guidebook on wheels, make sure to look for that green badge.
One of London's Most Famous Attractions Was Supposed to Be Temporary
The London Eye, much like the Eiffel Tower, was never meant to stick around. Originally built to celebrate the new millennium, it was supposed to stand for just five years before being dismantled. But things didn’t go quite as planned—it opened a little late (March 2000, not exactly a millennial debut) and then… well, nobody wanted to take it down. Over 25 years later, it’s still one of London’s most famous landmarks!
Today, the London Eye welcomes around 3.75 million paying visitors per year, making it the UK’s most popular paid attraction (while the British Museum proudly holds the free attraction crown). Standing 135 meters (443 feet) tall, it once held the title of the world’s tallest Ferris wheel—though it now ranks fourth globally. But don’t worry, it’s still the tallest in Europe, and really, does size matter when you’ve got 32 sleek capsules representing London’s 32 boroughs? From dazzling New Year’s Eve fireworks to hosting over 5,000 marriage proposals, the London Eye has been the backdrop for some of the city's most memorable moments.
Buckingham Palace Wasn’t Built for a King or a Queen
No trip to London is complete without a glimpse of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. But here’s a royal twist—this grand palace wasn’t even built for a king or queen! Originally known as Buckingham House, it started as a townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham. In 1763, King George III purchased the residence—not for himself, but as a gift for his wife, Queen Charlotte. It was then dubbed The Queen’s House.
It was George IV who truly transformed it, adding extravagant touches and extending the gardens to fit his royal tastes. Finally, in 1837, Queen Victoria moved in, officially making it a royal palace—and the ultimate upgrade from a townhouse. Today, Buckingham Palace is a mini city of its own, requiring over 800 staff members to keep things running. And with its own post office, doctor’s office, chapel, and even a police station, it’s practically a self-sustaining city of its own.
The London Underground Has a Few Ghostly Residents
London’s Tube isn’t just famous for its delays—it’s also packed with ghost stories. Many stations were built over former graveyards, and eerie occurrences in abandoned stations have given the Underground a reputation that’s downright chilling. Over the years, at least 11 ghosts have been rumored to haunt its tunnels and underground stations. So, next time you feel an unexpected chill or catch a glimpse of something out of the corner of your eye, you might not be imagining things.
One of the most famous spirits is a Victorian actor who was brutally stabbed to death outside the Adelphi Theater in 1897. He’s been spotted at Covent Garden Station, still dressed in his opera cape and gloves, as if waiting for one last encore. Then there’s Delianne, the infamous “girl on the train,” whose spectral presence has unsettled drivers and riders for years. So, as you ride the Underground, ask yourself: are you really alone?
The London Underground Mostly Isn’t
Despite its name, more than 55% of the London Underground actually runs above ground—which makes it, well, not so underground after all. But hey, branding is everything, right? Calling it the "London Occasionally Underground" just doesn’t have the same ring to it. That said, the Tube (as the locals call it) holds a far more impressive title: it’s the oldest subway system in the world, having opened in 1863.
Just think of all the historical figures who might have been crammed into these same carriages over the years—Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill, or maybe even Sherlock Holmes (if he were real, of course). And let’s be honest, if Victorians could handle rush hour on the Tube without air conditioning, you can survive it too.
Tourists Often Confuse Two of London’s Famous Bridges
When most people picture London Bridge, they’re actually thinking of Tower Bridge—you know, the majestic one with the twin towers. But London Bridge itself? Let’s just say it’s a bit more… understated. The original London Bridge was once the oldest river crossing in the city, with multiple versions being built over the centuries. It even survived the Great Fire of London in 1666—though not without a little scorching. One of the more bizarre chapters in its history? An American businessman literally bought an entire version of it in the 1960s, thinking he was getting the iconic Tower Bridge. That bridge now sits in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where it probably gets more sunshine than it ever did in England.
The modern London Bridge, built after World War II, was a major engineering feat for its time, but it’s not exactly Instagram material. So if you're looking for stunning architecture and that classic London photo-op, head to Tower Bridge. If you're looking to stand on a perfectly functional, historically relevant, but visually unremarkable bridge, well… London Bridge is right there for you.
A Man Was Once Fined for Flying a Plane Through Tower Bridge
Ever done something questionable on a dare? Well, no matter how bad it was, Frank Miller has you beat. Back in 1951, his 13-year-old son dared him to do the unthinkable—fly a plane straight through Tower Bridge. And, because apparently, parenting was a little different back then, he actually did it. The stunt was a success (if you define “success” as “not crashing into a historic landmark”), earning him 35 shillings from his son. But the British courts weren’t as impressed, slapping him with a £100 fine—a hefty price at the time. Honestly, he’s lucky he didn’t land in prison... or in the Thames!
George Washington’s Statue in Trafalgar Square Sits on American Soil
George Washington apparently once proclaimed that he would never set foot on British soil again. In order to honor his wishes, his statue that sits in Trafalgar Square (one of the British capital's most popular public areas) includes a very interesting provision. When the Commonwealth of Virginia gifted the statue to the UK, they included some American soil to go beneath his plinth.
Does this mean that when your kids stand next to the statue of George Washington they’re technically hopping between continents—one foot in Britain, the other in America? We’re honestly not sure, but it’s definitely something worth pondering. At the very least, it’s a mini history lesson and a geography trick rolled into one. Challenge them to guess where the "border" is, or turn it into a game: who can set foot on "American soil" the fastest? Just don’t let them try to claim it for themselves—George wouldn’t approve!
London is the World’s Largest Urban Forest
Thanks to its expansive parks, and green spaces, including eight Royal Parks, London meets the designation of a forest by the United Nations as having over 20% tree coverage. With 21% tree coverage, London is technically the world’s largest urban forest. That’s right—your kids aren’t just running around a park, they’re exploring a forest! Tell them to keep an eye out for the “wildlife” (a.k.a. very posh squirrels, pigeons, and the occasional royal swan).
The Tower of London Was the First London Zoo
The Tower of London is a popular spot for tourists thanks to some amazing history. The tower, which was originally built to defend the city from Viking invasions, has served many purposes over the centuries. In 1235, Henry III was presented with some exotic animals as a gift from Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. This was the start of a collection that grew to include polar bears, lions, cheetahs, and more. For the next several hundred years, this royal menagerie grew to become the first London Zoo.
Throughout the centuries, the Tower of London has served a number of purposes. It's been used as a prison, the Royal Mint, and even a military base. The tower today is home to the Crown Jewels and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Tower of London has such rich history and is a popular tourist attraction.
The Tower of London’s Ravens Are Government Employees
This isn’t just a fun superstition—it’s actually the law! Legend has it that if the ravens ever leave the Tower of London, the kingdom will fall. So, to keep Britain safe, the government has an official Ravenmaster who takes care of them. These birds even have their own names and ID tags. Seriously! Your kids will love spotting them and trying to guess their names.
A Polar Bear Once Swam in the River Thames
Despite now knowing that the Tower of London was once home to some exotic animals, it will likely surprise you to know that one of them swam in the nearby Thames River. Back in 1251, the eccentric King Henry III was gifted a polar bear by the King of Norway. Henry III kept the bear in the Tower of London. The bear was fitted with a very long chain, allowing it to swim in the Thames. Can you imagine the surprise on the faces of the unsuspecting citizens of London during medieval times when faced with a polar bear while trying to wash their clothes or fetch some water?
When You Visit London, You Are Under Surveillance
If you ever feel like you're being watched in London… well, you probably are. The city boasts one of the most extensive CCTV networks in the world, with over 900,000 cameras keeping an eye on everything from bustling streets to quiet alleyways. With 600 square miles under surveillance, the average person is caught on camera at least 17 times a day—and that’s if you’re just wandering around like a normal tourist. If you’re sightseeing, shopping, or taking the Tube? That number skyrockets.
We certainly noticed it. Whether we were grabbing a coffee, crossing a street, or parking only long enough to load our bags into the rental car outside our hotel, there was always a camera nearby. So, if you're ever in London, just remember—Big Brother isn’t just watching, he’s got you in HD. Our parking ticket arrived in the mail several months later - the Crown WILL track you down!
You’ll Find More Indian Restaurants in London than in Mumbai
Actually, there are more Indian restaurants than in Mumbai and Delhi combined! You’ll find more than 3,600 Indian restaurants in London. Indian spices and recipes were first brought to the city by British traders in the 17th century. It was after WW2, when many immigrants from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh began arriving in the UK. They began opening small restaurants to provide familiar food to their communities. The flavors turned out to have a wide appeal and became integrated into mainstream British culture.
Before you leave, don't forget to claim your 17-page FREE London Activity & Fact Book filled with coloring sheets, fun facts, journal prompts, and puzzles. Download and print it out before you leave for London, giving your kids the opportunity to learn and be entertained before, during, and after your London trip.
What Do You Find Interesting About the U.K.'s Largest City?
The city of London, more specifically Greater London, is full of surprises - from hidden royal residences to daredevil pilots and ghostly Underground stations. Whether you're planning a trip or just love learning quirky history, there's always more to discover about this incredible city. What’s your favorite interesting, or just plain weird, fact about London? Drop a comment below and let us know—we’d love to hear it!
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