Caring for the sick has long been a calling to many, and hospitals have existed almost since the inception of medicine. London is home to some of the oldest hospitals in the United Kingdom, many of which are still in use today. Naturally, the hospitals that comprise this list have long and interesting (and also some with infamous) histories. All have long been … [Read more...] about The Fiver – London’s Oldest Hospitals
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Ten More of the Best Independent Cinemas in London
Seems like everywhere you turn today, your favorite movie theaters are part of a larger chain. In the United States, they might be owned by Cinemark, Regal, Marcus, Alamo, and more. In the UK, most movie theaters (or cinemas as they’re known) are owned by Odeon (AMC), Everyman, Empire, Merlin, and others. Yet, independent cinemas are quite proficient in the British capital, … [Read more...] about Ten More of the Best Independent Cinemas in London
The Drain: A Brief History of the Waterloo & City Line
The Waterloo & City Line has the notorious distinction of being the shortest of the Underground lines in London. It’s so short, in fact, that it only goes between two stations (Waterloo and Bank) with no stops. Its name, coupled with its status as a glorified shuttle train, has earned it the nickname “The Drain” since it flushes commuters down the Tube to one station or … [Read more...] about The Drain: A Brief History of the Waterloo & City Line
The Fiver – Five American-style Diners in London
There’s something comforting about a diner. You walk into any greasy spoon in the United States, and you know there’s going to be coffee, burgers, breakfast at all hours, and—most importantly—good company. The diner is probably the most American of restaurant concepts, and like a lot of popular American culinary experiences, it has found its way to the heart of the United … [Read more...] about The Fiver – Five American-style Diners in London
10 Interesting Facts and Figures about Oxford Street
London is a city full of history, culture, and entertainment. One of the most famous places in London is Oxford Street, which is known for its world-class shopping and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you are a local or a tourist, Oxford Street is a must-visit destination. In this article, we will explore ten interesting facts and figures about Oxford Street that will make your … [Read more...] about 10 Interesting Facts and Figures about Oxford Street
Tube History: A Brief History of the Victoria Line
It might be hard to believe, but the Underground line, named after the United Kingdom’s second-longest serving monarch, is actually one of the babies when it comes to the Tube. It’s also one of the only Tube lines to have just one extension. Running from Brixton in South London to Walthamstow Central in the northeast of the city, the Victoria Line first opened in 1968, but … [Read more...] about Tube History: A Brief History of the Victoria Line
The Fiver: Five of the Most Expensive Restaurants in London
Having just booked some dining reservations for my upcoming birthday, food can be pretty expensive if you go to a fancy restaurant. As the capital of the United Kingdom and a pretty fashionable city in its own right, London has dozens of restaurants that can really take the money out of your bank account. However, such fine dining can be a once-in-a-lifetime … [Read more...] about The Fiver: Five of the Most Expensive Restaurants in London
Top London Transport YouTubers To Subscribe To
Transport YouTube is one of the most popular subjects on the video streaming website. There are several notable Tube YouTubers who cover the London Underground, some in excruciating but fascinating detail. Here are a few of the ones I subscribe to and watch regularly, with examples of their videos. Geoff Marshall Basically the God of all things London Transport, he … [Read more...] about Top London Transport YouTubers To Subscribe To
Ten of the Most Interesting Buildings in Central London
Every city has its magnificent skyscrapers and astonishing building designs that make it stand out amongst the skylines of the world. Central London is certainly no different, and it features many unique works of architecture, both tall and small, old and new. From glittering office buildings to parking garages, you can find some very interesting buildings throughout this … [Read more...] about Ten of the Most Interesting Buildings in Central London
The Fiver: Five Great Comedy Clubs to Visit
Everyone enjoys a good laugh, and the best place to get your jollies is the local comedy club. At these places, you can see both up-and-comers as well as established comics do sets that will have your sides splitting. The United Kingdom, and London especially, have given us a lot of great stand-up comedians over the decades, so it’s no surprise that they have some of the … [Read more...] about The Fiver: Five Great Comedy Clubs to Visit
10 Interesting Facts about the Bakerloo Line
If I had to pick a London Underground line with the most ‘Londony’ name, it would be the Bakerloo line (a portmanteau of Baker Street and Waterloo Railway). Here are a few interesting facts and figures about this famous Tube line. The Brown Line Printed in brown on the Tube map, it serves 25 stations, 15 of which are underground, over 14.4 miles (23.2 km). It runs partly … [Read more...] about 10 Interesting Facts about the Bakerloo Line
The Fiver – Five Foreign Cultural Festivals in London
London is a wonderfully diverse city. At last count, 44% of the city’s population comprised nonnative-British persons, and more than 300 languages are spoken within its municipal borders. The cultures present within Greater London comprise Indian, Pakistani, German, Japanese, Spanish, Chinese, Nigeria, Ethiopian, French, Caribbean, and more. Each culture that comes to London … [Read more...] about The Fiver – Five Foreign Cultural Festivals in London
The Fiver: Five Great Places to Exercise in London While Traveling
Staying fit can be a bit of a challenge when you’re away from home. You could, of course, use a hotel gym, but those can be a little disappointing and don’t really let you get out and see the local color. London has many great places to exercise from parks with trails and exercise equipment to gyms that have single-pay classes or deals for visitors. We’ve managed to nail … [Read more...] about The Fiver: Five Great Places to Exercise in London While Traveling
London and the Napoleonic Wars
London was in one of its most pivotal eras when Napoleon Bonaparte launched his campaign to conquer most of Europe. As industrialism was in its infancy, the city had a population of just over one million, though it would explode in the coming decades to over five times as many. London was also just starting to become a financial powerhouse after the London Stock Exchange … [Read more...] about London and the Napoleonic Wars
A Brief History of the London Overground
A very recent addition to Transport for London, the London Overground isn’t a Bizarro-mirror-universe copy of the London Underground. However, it is very much what it says on the tin and where the Underground is a below-ground rail system, the Overground is more of a metropolitan train service. The Overground is what is known as a suburban rail network that carries residents … [Read more...] about A Brief History of the London Overground
Ten Interesting Facts about the District Line
Running from the east in Upminster to Earl’s Court in the west, the District Line forms one of the oldest London Underground lines in the service’s history. The idea when the line began was that it would connect all of London’s railway termini. Starting off as a separate underground railway, it was integrated with the other underground railways into the London Underground in … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about the District Line
The Fiver: Five Iconic London Shops for Bespoke Clothing and Accessories
Many people enjoy a good excuse to dress up or want to look their finest when they go to work. London is home to some of the world’s best bespoke (i.e., custom-made specifically for a single customer) clothing and accessory shops. From umbrellas to suits for all kinds of people, you can find tailors and custom accessory makers all over the city to suit your needs (no pun … [Read more...] about The Fiver: Five Iconic London Shops for Bespoke Clothing and Accessories
The Fiver: Five of the Most Prestigious Private Clubs in London
“I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member,” Groucho Marx once said, though there are plenty of people willing to join London’s private members’ clubs. For centuries, private member's clubs have been a social institution and a chance for its members to increase their standing. If you’re fortunate to get your membership approved or have a friend who can get you … [Read more...] about The Fiver: Five of the Most Prestigious Private Clubs in London
Love Actually Coming to the Stage in Christmas Actually Limited Run
Attention Love Actually Fans! Richard Curtis, the writer and director of the classic Christmas film, is bringing a Christmas-themed live show to London's Royal Festival Hall for a limited 8-show run this December to raise funds for Comic Relief. Senbla and Roast Productions in partnership with Comic Relief are delighted to announce Christmas Actually a brand-new festive show … [Read more...] about Love Actually Coming to the Stage in Christmas Actually Limited Run
10 Interesting Facts About the Waterloo and City Line
The shortest Tube Line, the Waterloo and City Line connects just two stations, but provides a key traffic pattern for commuters to the City of London from London’s suburbs in southwest London, Surrey, and Hampshire. Here are a few interesting facts about it. THE SHORTEST It’s the shortest Tube line at just 1.47 miles or 2.37 kilometers. THE DRAIN Its nickname with … [Read more...] about 10 Interesting Facts About the Waterloo and City Line
Ten of the Best Movie Theaters in London
London has dozens upon dozens of great cinema palaces, many of which show films you’re not going to be able to see in the States. From the majestic to the intimate, we’ve identified ten of the best movie theaters in the city and if there’s one you think we left off, you can share that with everyone in the comments. Screen on the Green One of the oldest continually … [Read more...] about Ten of the Best Movie Theaters in London
The Tube: 10 Interesting Facts about the Circle Line
The Circle Line is one of London’s oldest Tube Lines, but it also gets easily confused with the District Line, with which it shares a lot of track. But this unique line has long served central London and is a great way to get around for tourists. Here are a few interesting facts about the Circle Line. Not Deep The tunnels for the Circle line are not ‘deep-level’ tunnels … [Read more...] about The Tube: 10 Interesting Facts about the Circle Line
The Fiver: Five Fictional Characters’ Homes in London
Home is where you hang your hat, even if you’re a work of fiction. Many real and imagined places across London have served as the homes of some of literature’s most famous characters. Adventures begin in these fictional London abodes, from solving mysteries to traveling around the world. We’ve identified five such residences of the city’s well-known protagonists—some of … [Read more...] about The Fiver: Five Fictional Characters’ Homes in London
Ten of the Most Important Events in London’s History
For nearly 2000 years, London has been an important location in the British Isles. From a simple settlement to a major metropolis, the city has seen its share of major events that have defined its development. It’s hard to narrow down which ten events have been the most important in London’s history, so while we lay out the following keystone moments, you can share some that … [Read more...] about Ten of the Most Important Events in London’s History
London Alert: NEW PRODUCT – London Red Bus and Phone Box Collectable Ceramic Salt and Pepper Set
It's Friday, which means it's time to launch a new product in the Anglotopia Store! These Anglotopia exclusive collectable ceramic salt and pepper shakers are a must-have for any lover of London's iconic landmarks. The set features a red London bus shaker and a London red phone box shaker, both of which are beautifully crafted and painted with intricate details. The bus shaker … [Read more...] about London Alert: NEW PRODUCT – London Red Bus and Phone Box Collectable Ceramic Salt and Pepper Set
Londontopia is simply the website for people who love London. It was founded by Jonathan & Jackie Thomas from Anglotopia.net as a place to post articles solely focused on London and its environs. Keep up with all the latest London news at Londontopia! This site is geared towards people who love to visit London and our primary audience is North American but everyone is welcome!