For good or for ill, social media is everywhere these days. We watch videos on Tiktok and Youtube, post our photos to Instagram, chat via WhatsApp, and keep in touch with our friends using Facebook. Social media can also be a useful place to find information (hopefully good information) about places we love. Of course, this includes London, and there are plenty of social … [Read more...] about Ten Social Media Accounts to Follow for Londonphiles
Londonism
Wall uncovered during Westminster restoration may mark original course of Thames
The remains of a medieval stone wall likely to be at least seven centuries old may have been found under the Palace of Westminster, experts have said. The structure, thought to be the original medieval Thames River wall which was believed to run under the Houses of Parliament, was unearthed during work to help restore the building. Experts say it is likely to be at least … [Read more...] about Wall uncovered during Westminster restoration may mark original course of Thames
Ten Interesting Facts about the M25 Motorway
Sometimes referred to as “The World’s Biggest Carpark” by Londoners, the M25 is a major ring road that encircles the capital city of the United Kingdom. It was part of the plan for London after World War II to ease traffic congestion and now forms a de facto border for Greater London. You might not think that there are many interesting things to learn about a really long … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about the M25 Motorway
Ten Places to Visit in London if You Love Paddington Bear
Paddington Bear has been one of the world’s greatest children’s literature characters since his introduction in 1958. The protagonist of countless books, cartoon series, and films, this clumsy but well-meaning bear easily charms his way into the hearts of readers and his fictional neighbors. More recently, two films featuring Ben Whishaw as the title character have been … [Read more...] about Ten Places to Visit in London if You Love Paddington Bear
Gorillas, fruit and Buzz Lightyear: London Marathon’s fancy dress raises smiles
A Buzz Lightyear and a bright red postbox featuring the King’s new cypher were among the fancy dress costumes donned by some of the thousands of people who took part in the London Marathon this year. Whether as a personal challenge or in aid of a chosen charity, people donned colorful, large, and occasionally furry costumes as they ran the 26.2-mile course. One group of … [Read more...] about Gorillas, fruit and Buzz Lightyear: London Marathon’s fancy dress raises smiles
Details on the full procession route for the Queen’s funeral
The Queen’s coffin will travel by ceremonial procession along a detailed route through London and then Windsor before she is laid to rest. The late monarch’s lying in state will come to an end on Monday morning before her coffin is transported to Westminster Abbey for the State Funeral Service. It will then travel to Windsor for a Committal Service and private burial in … [Read more...] about Details on the full procession route for the Queen’s funeral
Mourners in London who queued overnight describe ‘serenity’ in Westminster Hall
Mourners who queued for eight hours overnight to pay their respects to the Queen have described the “breath-taking” serenity in Westminster Hall where “you could hear a pin drop” in the silence. People have traveled from all over the country and waited since 1 is for the chance to visit the Queen lying in state. Three well-wishers who befriended each other in the queue … [Read more...] about Mourners in London who queued overnight describe ‘serenity’ in Westminster Hall
The Queen’s lying in state: What you need to know if you’re in London
The Queen will lie in state in London ahead of her funeral. Here is some of the information mourners need to know if you're in London. – What exactly is meant by the term “lying in state”? Lying in state is usually reserved for sovereigns, current or past queen consorts, and sometimes former prime ministers. During the formal occasion, the closed coffin is placed on … [Read more...] about The Queen’s lying in state: What you need to know if you’re in London
First Changing of the Guard in reign of King Charles III takes place
The first Changing of the Guard has taken place since King Charles III was named as Britain’s new monarch on Saturday. Number 7 Company The Coldstream Guards formally handed over duties to Number 12 Company Irish Guards in simultaneous ceremonies that were held on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace in central London on Monday. It is also the first … [Read more...] about First Changing of the Guard in reign of King Charles III takes place
Westminster Hall: The colorful history of the 900-year-old building
The King described Westminster Hall as a “great hall” which holds “reminders of medieval predecessors of the office to which I have been called” during a speech given to MPs and peers in Parliament. Charles’s address is the latest speech to take place in the hall, a location which has been used to mark momentous moments in British history. It dates back more than 900 … [Read more...] about Westminster Hall: The colorful history of the 900-year-old building
London to face ‘unprecedented travel demand’ as people pay respects to the Queen
London will experience “unprecedented travel demand” in the coming days as people visit the capital to pay their respects to the Queen, transport bosses warned. Public transport users are being advised that the city will be “exceptionally busy” and they should expect Tube stations to temporarily close to avoid overcrowding. Planning journeys in advance using the latest … [Read more...] about London to face ‘unprecedented travel demand’ as people pay respects to the Queen
London’s Guildhall art gallery to host book of condolence in tribute to the Queen
The Guildhall art gallery is set to open a book of condolence to allow the public to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II. The London venue will house the book in honor of the long-reigning monarch, who died at Balmoral castle on Thursday. It comes after King Charles III was formally declared the nation’s new monarch on Saturday morning during a meeting of the … [Read more...] about London’s Guildhall art gallery to host book of condolence in tribute to the Queen
Crowds enjoy ‘momentous’ scene as Charles proclaimed King outside London’s Royal Exchange
Onlookers have described the “amazing” and “momentous” scene as Charles was proclaimed King outside the Royal Exchange in London on Saturday. The second reading of the Accession Proclamation was met with applause and cheers of “God save the King”. Thousands of onlookers had gathered at noon on Saturday in the City of London to witness the proclamation. The crowd then … [Read more...] about Crowds enjoy ‘momentous’ scene as Charles proclaimed King outside London’s Royal Exchange
Wacky racers descend on Alexandra Palace for soapbox challenge
Amateur racers from around the world have donned wacky costumes to take part in Red Bull’s Soapbox Race. Thousands of spectators descended on Alexandra Palace in London on Sunday to witness the event on its return to UK since 2019. The 67 teams of amateur drivers and crews were tasked with creating homemade non-motorised soapboxes to race on the steep downhill … [Read more...] about Wacky racers descend on Alexandra Palace for soapbox challenge
The London Fiver – Five Unusual Hobbies You Can Learn in London
When people go on holiday, they might opt for taking a course to learn something like French pastry making or Italian cooking. London certainly has its own share of courses tourists can take from chocolate making to beer brewing, but there are also more than a few unusual hobbies that you can learn while you’re visiting the city. From centuries-old skills to fictional sports, … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five Unusual Hobbies You Can Learn in London
Flurry of interest in American Thames wartime wreck packed with explosives
A Second World War wreck which is packed with thousands of tons of bombs has seen a surprising flurry of tourist interest amid reports that parts of it could be removed. For decades the three masts of the SS Richard Montgomery have protruded above the water in the Thames Estuary – a constant reminder of the vessel and its potentially explosive payload. Some of the … [Read more...] about Flurry of interest in American Thames wartime wreck packed with explosives
Seahorses and sharks thriving in Thames, first ever State of the Thames report released
The Thames is a "rich and varied" home for wildlife, including seahorses and sharks; a report into the health of the river has concluded six decades after parts of it were declared "biologically dead." But the first-ever State of the Thames report also warns of the threats from climate change and pollution, with an average rise of water temperature of almost 0.2C per year … [Read more...] about Seahorses and sharks thriving in Thames, first ever State of the Thames report released
Thriving seal population shows River Thames is ‘full of life’ again
The Thames’ healthy seal population is proof the river is teeming with life, conservationists have said, despite a dip in numbers over the past two years. A team of researchers from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) found the river was home to 2,866 grey seals and 797 harbor seals following the most recent pupping season. Apart from 2020, when the … [Read more...] about Thriving seal population shows River Thames is ‘full of life’ again
Terrible Thames Boat Tour Review – Horrible Histories Fun On The River
Who doesn't love a boat trip on The Thames? Combine that thrill with the fun of Horrible Histories 'on location,' and you're ready for the new Terrible Thames River Tour. Horrible Histories Horrible Histories is a multi-award-winning comedy sketch series from Children's BBC with some great songs as well (this one may well remind you of an Elvis tune!). Fact-filled and … [Read more...] about Terrible Thames Boat Tour Review – Horrible Histories Fun On The River
London Pubs: Ten Thameside Pubs for a Pint and a View
Pubs are a dime a dozen in London, and all of them have something to offer patrons. Whether you’re looking for the oldest, the best-looking, the best food, or the best beer, you’re likely to find exactly what you want. Additionally, plenty of pubs throughout the city offer some fantastic views, including establishments along the River Thames. From the picturesque edges of … [Read more...] about London Pubs: Ten Thameside Pubs for a Pint and a View
Top 10 London: Ten More Things to Do Along the River Thames
The River Thames is the life’s blood of London. It’s along the river that the first settlements appeared in prehistory and here where the Romans established their capital for Roman Britain, leading to the city as we know it today. It should be no surprise that many of the city’s landmarks can be found not too far from its shores. These include beautiful gardens, fun … [Read more...] about Top 10 London: Ten More Things to Do Along the River Thames
Ten Interesting Facts about Kensington Gardens
While Kensington Gardens are open to the public, there was a time when this wasn’t so. The gardens were originally part of Kensington Palace, a royal residence that was once home to King William III and Queen Mary II (now home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge). Today, Kensington Gardens are one of four Royal Parks in London along with Regent’s Park, St. James’s Park, Hyde … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about Kensington Gardens
London Identity: Just What is a Londoner Anyway?
We all live somewhere, and while we don’t often think about it, that place has a capacity to identify us. Rightly or wrongly, the perception of a place gives an identity not only to the city itself but all who live in it. Additionally, we develop a community identity that may self-identify us, but how does this apply to Londoners? Given the size of Greater London, do the … [Read more...] about London Identity: Just What is a Londoner Anyway?
London Long Read: A History of London’s 35 Bridges Over The Thames
Did you know, there are 35 bridges over The Thames in London? No, me neither so this was a really interesting article to research. From Hampton Court Bridge in the west (just within the Greater London boundary) through to Tower Bridge there are road bridges, railway bridges and footbridges too. Have a read through, admire the photos, then let us know which is your favourite. … [Read more...] about London Long Read: A History of London’s 35 Bridges Over The Thames
Ten Feel-Good Random Facts About London
At a time like this, it can be pretty depressing to be stuck inside while sickness seems to grow around us. Since this kind of situation can have a negative effect on mood, it helps to stimulate ourselves with some positive facts. Kindness to others, great moments in London’s history, hilarious anecdotes, and even the little things we don’t notice can help us feel better when … [Read more...] about Ten Feel-Good Random Facts About London
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!