London is one of those cities that we all feel like we know pretty well. It’s depicted onscreen and elsewhere an awful lot, after all, and destinations like Tower Bridge are almost as recognisable worldwide as the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Yet, whether you live up north or have simply never visited the UK, your idea of London might be somewhat different after a trip here.
That’s not to say you’ll be disappointed – if anything, London is even better in real life, but it does mean that you might want to prepare for certain surprises around the city before booking your trip. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the most surprising London facts, complete with top tips about the best options for navigating them!
# 1 – London is Bigger Than You’d Expect
The first surprising fact of note (and perhaps the most important of all) is that London is bigger than you probably expect. In fact, London covers a total area of 607 square miles, and it can take between 1-2 hours to cross, depending on your transport options.
This is surprising because many people confuse the City of London and Greater London. In reality, though, the City of London refers to a small historic area of London, which is just 1.12 square miles and is now home to the city’s financial district and major landmarks. By comparison, Greater London consists of 32 London Boroughs in total.
It’s worth bearing this fact in mind, as many tourists mistakenly assume they can see the entire city in one day. This isn’t the case. In fact, you’ll ideally want at least three days to explore completely. It’s also important to note that you shouldn’t book accommodation or transport on London’s edges. Instead, aim for central hubs. For instance, booking luggage storage London Victoria will see you slap bang in central London with a 19-platform train station and a complete underground system at your disposal. Equally, while they are more expensive, focusing on central London hotels will typically be best for the practical purposes of your trip.
# 2 – The City is Largely Cashless
Cashless leanings in a city aren’t exactly scandalous at this point, but many first-time tourists are still surprised by just how contactless London now is. It’s especially important to note that cash is no longer accepted on any kind of London transport, including the underground and buses. Instead, you’ll need either a contactless card or a preloaded Oyster card (which can be a cost-effective option) in order to move around.
London is also moving in a cashless direction more generally, with many landmarks no longer accepting cash payments. Many private London businesses are also now declining cash payments, so make sure that you’re prepared for this so that you can actually do the things you’re planning!
# 3 – The Tube isn’t 24/7
When you’re planning your London trip, you will probably hear time and again that the Tube is the most efficient way to get around, and there’s no denying that fact. Roads in London can be congested and difficult to navigate. And remember, London’s actually quite a big city, meaning that you could waste a large amount of your trip if you try to take buses or taxis.
By comparison, London’s underground system consists of an impressive 272 stations across 11 lines that span the length of London. You can get pretty much anywhere you need with this transport method, and with trains generally arriving every 2-3 minutes, you won’t even be left waiting for long.
Unfortunately, the Underground’s starring role in London life means that many tourists mistakenly assume this is a 24/7 service. And that’s simply not the case. While the Underground is undeniably reliable, it closes at midnight on weekdays and doesn’t open again until 5AM. This is something you’ll want to factor into your plans, especially if you have large distances to cover late at night. The only exception to this rule comes on Fridays and Saturdays, when some select lines do offer 24-hour services, but you’ll need to make sure that your stop is included before simply assuming this is the right option!
# 4 – There’s More Greenery Than You’d Expect
Most media portrayals of London focus on its impressive skyline or iconic landmarks, but what many first-time tourists don’t realise is that London actually has 35,000 hectares of public parks. In other words, 20% of London consists of green spaces, and it’s worth dedicating at least a little of your stay here.
The most surprising London park of all has to be Richmond Park, where you’ll find yourself walking amongst over 630 free-roaming red and fallow deer. It’s a strange yet wonderful experience in the midst of the city, and it’s definitely one you won’t forget in a hurry.
Other top London park locations to add to your trip plans also include Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Hampstead Heath.
# 5 – London is a Museum Mecca
We spend a lot of time learning about European cultural must-see sites, such as the Louvre in cities like Paris, yet London’s focus tends to be more centered around history and landscape. But, did you know that London is actually home to an astounding 139 museums?
London really is a kind of museum mecca, with the most obvious options including the London History and Science Museums. Lesser-known but equally worth options to make time for during your stay include the Leighton House Museum on Hollandpark Road, or the Wells Street Cartoon Museum. Really, though, there are specialist museums for pretty much every interest you can imagine, and we highly recommend doing a little research to identify which ones would most speak to you!
Conclusion
London can be surprising in some of the best ways, and you can bet there will never be a dull moment during your first trip to the big smoke. Simply prepare for your trip in the best possible way by bearing these potential unexpected elements in mind!