The Cabinet War Rooms, also known as the Churchill War Rooms, is part of the Imperial War Museums and served as the British government’s headquarters during World War II. Churchill’s government-held 115 cabinet meetings in the Central War Room, which also included a dormitory for staff, private bedrooms for important government officials and military officers, and a … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about Winston Churchill’s Cabinet War Rooms
Travel
London Underground Northern Line extension to Nine Elms and Battersea opens to great fanfare
London Underground’s first major line expansion this century has opened (discounting a new station at Heathrow in 2008). Two new Northern line stations opened in south London following a £1.1 billion project. The first train on the new route departed from Battersea Power Station at 5.28 am. The ticket hall at Nine Elms station (TfL/PA) It called at the other new … [Read more...] about London Underground Northern Line extension to Nine Elms and Battersea opens to great fanfare
The Tube: New stations added to Tube map in major network expansion to Battersea Power Station
Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled a new Tube map showing the first major expansion of the network this century. The map features the two new stations making up the Northern line extension in south London. Trains will begin serving Nine Elms, and Battersea Power Station from around 5.30 am on Monday. The ticket hall at Nine Elms station (TfL/PA) It is the … [Read more...] about The Tube: New stations added to Tube map in major network expansion to Battersea Power Station
London street and railway sign collection goes up for rare auction
More than 400 distinctive railway and street signs from two collections are expected to sell for thousands of pounds when they go under the hammer. The JS Collection of Railwayana was one man’s lifelong passion and focuses on rare signs from the earlier part of the 20th century. Comprising 200 lots, the collection ranges from a large tube station platform sign which shows … [Read more...] about London street and railway sign collection goes up for rare auction
Tube News: Opening date revealed for major expansion of Tube network on the Northern Line
The first major expansion of the London Underground this century will open later this month. Tube trains will begin serving Battersea in south London on September 20, Transport for London (TfL) announced. The £1.2 billion extension of the Northern line features two new stations – Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station – which will be within 15 minutes of the West End and … [Read more...] about Tube News: Opening date revealed for major expansion of Tube network on the Northern Line
Tube travel now at 50% of pre-pandemic levels
London Underground usage is regularly reaching at least half of pre-pandemic levels, Transport for London (TfL) said. Demand for the Tube on weekdays is often at 50% of what it was before the coronavirus crisis, and is hitting more than 60% at weekends. This is up from about 40% across the entire week in early May. An average of more than 1.8 million … [Read more...] about Tube travel now at 50% of pre-pandemic levels
Gatwick Airport still planning to bring emergency runway into routine use, increasing capacity
Gatwick is pressing ahead with its plan to bring its emergency runway into regular use despite the collapse in demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The UK’s second busiest airport said the work could be completed by 2029 and will align with the Government’s policy of “making best use of existing runways.” It also claimed it would be delivered in a “sustainable way … [Read more...] about Gatwick Airport still planning to bring emergency runway into routine use, increasing capacity
Changing the Guard ceremony returns to Buckingham Palace – Pictures and Video
Changing the Guard has been performed at Buckingham Palace for the first time since the start of the pandemic, with the musical backdrop paying tribute to the success of the Team GB Olympians. The colorful military spectacle – one of the most time-honored traditions at the Queen’s London home – was halted around 18 months ago to avoid attracting huge crowds of tourists … [Read more...] about Changing the Guard ceremony returns to Buckingham Palace – Pictures and Video
A Look at London’s Hotel of Spies – St Ermin’s Hotel – Special Operations Executive (SOE) History and New Display
St Ermin's is a four-star hotel close to the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. That means it is also close to many government offices and has a history of involvement with the UK intelligence services from WWI to the present day. St Ermin's Hotel History Initially built as a mansion block in 1889, it was always going to be better suited as a hotel as all of the … [Read more...] about A Look at London’s Hotel of Spies – St Ermin’s Hotel – Special Operations Executive (SOE) History and New Display
London Alert: There’s a Possible London Underground Strike Looming Next Week – TFL Warns of Significant Disruption
UPDATE FRIDAY AUGUST 20TH: The strike has been called off. Nothing to see here, move along. Planned strikes by London Underground drivers will cause severe disruption if they go ahead, Transport for London (TfL) has warned. Members of the Rail, Maritime, and Transport (RMT) union are due to walk out for 24 hours from noon on Tuesday, August 24, and Thursday, August 26, … [Read more...] about London Alert: There’s a Possible London Underground Strike Looming Next Week – TFL Warns of Significant Disruption
Tower Bridge in London stuck open after technical failure
Oh dear. Tower Bridge has been left open due to a technical fault, causing traffic problems in central London. I do hope the traffic backups aren't too bad tonight, London. The bridge, one of several over the River Thames that connects central and southern parts of the capital, has been stuck for more than an hour. Images from the scene on Monday afternoon show traffic … [Read more...] about Tower Bridge in London stuck open after technical failure
The London Fiver – Five of the Best Places for Street Food in London
You may be reading this and wondering, “What is street food?” Street food is something ready-to-eat and usually sold by someone from a cart or a stall. It’s different from a food truck in that it’s not necessarily made-to-order and doesn’t rely on or a van (even if the “kitchen” can be broken down and moved to another location). London has its share of street food vendors … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five of the Best Places for Street Food in London
A Day Out on Thames Clippers in London – Let’s Go On a Journey Down London’s River
We have had some unseasonably warm weather in London recently, and we all know how stifling the heat can be while traveling on the tube. But there is another form of public transport in London that is much more enjoyable on a hot day. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is part of Transport for London (TfL) and allows you the opportunity to travel along the route of The Thames (from … [Read more...] about A Day Out on Thames Clippers in London – Let’s Go On a Journey Down London’s River
Transport for London plans to make ‘temporary’ £15 Congestion Charge hike permanent
A 30% hike in the fee for driving into central London will be made permanent under Transport for London (TfL) plans. TfL had claimed the increase in the daily Congestion Charge from £11.50 to £15 was a temporary measure when it was introduced in June 2020. On Wednesday it announced proposals to keep the price at that level, but scale back an increase in the period when … [Read more...] about Transport for London plans to make ‘temporary’ £15 Congestion Charge hike permanent
Britain’s New National Holocaust memorial will be built in Westminster in Victoria Tower Gardens
A national Holocaust memorial centre will be built next to Parliament after a minister signed off on a recommendation that the location would present a “powerful associative message.” The Board of Deputies of British Jews welcomed the decision by housing and planning minister Chris Pincher, which came after local public inquiries were held in October and November due to the … [Read more...] about Britain’s New National Holocaust memorial will be built in Westminster in Victoria Tower Gardens
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
Crossrail almost at ‘dress rehearsals’ ahead of possible February 2022 opening
Crossrail is set to have its “dress rehearsals” this year and could open by February 2022, MPs have been told. The Transport for London (TfL) project has faced problems in a number of areas, including construction work and signaling systems, with the impact of coronavirus also costing it £230 million, it has been said. However, Crossrail Ltd chief executive Mark Wild told … [Read more...] about Crossrail almost at ‘dress rehearsals’ ahead of possible February 2022 opening
Hammersmith Bridge to reopen for pedestrians and cyclists only
West London’s Hammersmith Bridge is to partially reopen on Saturday after passing safety checks. Hammersmith and Fulham Council said pedestrians and cyclists will be permitted to use the 134-year-old cast-iron structure. Vessels on the River Thames will also be allowed to pass beneath it. Cracks in the pedestals have led to motor vehicles being prohibited … [Read more...] about Hammersmith Bridge to reopen for pedestrians and cyclists only
Temporary Man-made mountain art installation at Marble Arch to offer sweeping views of London
Tickets for a 25-meter man-made mountain in the middle of one of London’s busiest tourist areas have gone on sale. The Marble Arch Mound, created by Westminster City Council, will open up to members of the public from July 26 until January 2022. Visitors will be able to see sweeping views of the capital’s Oxford Street, Hyde Park, Mayfair, and Marylebone as part of a … [Read more...] about Temporary Man-made mountain art installation at Marble Arch to offer sweeping views of London
Museum of the Home (formerly the Geffrye Museum) Re-opens After 3-year renovation – Check Out What’s Changed
When the Geffyre Museum closed in 2018, there was a lot of trepidation about its future. Often called a 'hidden gem,' it was a lovely little free museum that gave us an insight into Londoners' home life over the last 400 years. Three years later, it has been transformed and is now double the size with 80% more exhibition space. Still free, but with a new name, The Museum of … [Read more...] about Museum of the Home (formerly the Geffrye Museum) Re-opens After 3-year renovation – Check Out What’s Changed
Oxford Circus finally to be partially pedestrianized starting this summer
The area around London’s famous Oxford Circus is to be transformed into two pedestrianized “piazzas” after years of deliberation. Work due to start later this year will include “significant improvements to the public spaces” as well as additional planting and seating in the shopping and leisure district, Westminster City Council and the Crown Estate announced on … [Read more...] about Oxford Circus finally to be partially pedestrianized starting this summer
London Hard Rock Cafe marks 50th anniversary by turning back clock to 1971
Diners were served a classic menu of burgers, ribs, and cola floats at 1971 prices as London’s Hard Rock Cafe marked its 50th birthday. Some of the original waitresses returned for the special occasion while blue-checked tablecloths and a jukebox restored the restaurant’s original look. The special menu boasted a burger for 50p, roadhouse ribs for 80p, and a hot fudge … [Read more...] about London Hard Rock Cafe marks 50th anniversary by turning back clock to 1971
Ugh the scourge of e-scooters are being tested in London
Rental electric scooters in London are “as safe as possible”, according to one of the firms involved in a trial which launches today in London. Previously, e-scooters were simply not allowed on Britain's roads, which was nice. No tripping over randomly left scooters everywhere that has become common in America's cities. The contraptions are “very stable” and have “the best … [Read more...] about Ugh the scourge of e-scooters are being tested in London
A Brief History of London’s Ring Roads
Traffic calming and efforts to ease congestion have taken many forms throughout the world and especially in London. Today, emphasis on public transportation, bike shares, and the advent of the London Congestion Charge at the beginning of the century are the primary ways that the city seeks to make it easier to get around. In the 1960s, the Greater London Council (the … [Read more...] about A Brief History of London’s Ring Roads
Tower of London reopens after lockdown – and public chooses name for new raven
The Tower of London has reopened after lockdown, and a baby raven at the Tower of London has been named Branwen following a public vote. The winning name was announced as part of the tower’s reopening after its longest closure since the Second World War. “The results are in! Our new baby raven’s name is … BRANWEN,” @TowerOfLondon tweeted on Wednesday. The results … [Read more...] about Tower of London reopens after lockdown – and public chooses name for new raven
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!