The capital of England and the United Kingdom is renowned for its diverse culture, iconic landmarks and being a hub for business and tourism. However, there is always something new to learn about this great city. Here are ten facts you may not know about London, England.
1. The number of languages spoken
In 2025, London’s population is projected to be around 9.2 million. Amongst this, there are over 300 languages spoken – from Cantonese and Hindi to Bengali and English.
2. Big Ben is not the tower’s actual name
Did you know that Big Ben is actually the name for the largest bell inside the clock tower? The tower itself is known as the Elizabeth Tower.
3. The ravens of the Tower of London
Keeping ravens at the Tower of London is a tradition (or perhaps, more a superstition) that dates back to King Charles II’s reign in the late 1600’s. King Charles II believed in a prophecy that said if the ravens ever left, the Tower and the kingdom of England would fall. He decreed that at least six ravens must always live within the Tower’s walls so today, there are seven (just in case!) who are cared for by a Ravenmaster.
4. An Egyptian monument lives here
Cleopatra’s Needle – an ancient obelisk – was gifted to Britain by the Sultan of Egypt & Sudan in 1878. It was a monumental effort to transport the 200,00-kilogram obelisk from Egypt to London, done so on a special iron cylinder ship. It now sits on top of a time capsule on the Thames Embankment.
5. The iconic colour of London buses
The bus is London’s oldest form of public transport with locals using them since 1829. Buses were originally painted different colours to differentiate between the routes. However, the current trademark red colour has been around since 1907 when the London General Omnibus Company chose it to stand out from the crowd.
6. It has hosted the Olympics three times
London has hosted the Olympics three times – in 1908, 1948 and 2012 – sitting alongside Paris as the only two cities to have achieved this great feat. Once Los Angeles has held the next Olympics in 2028, there will be three cities to have hosted this event three times.
7. The Knowledge of London test
Black cab drivers may well be the most knowledgeable people in London – at least, for knowing every street there is! To become a black cab driver, you must undertake between 2 – 4 years of training to pass The Knowledge of London test to demonstrate you know the city’s streets inside and out.
8. It has the tallest ferris wheel in Europe
Weighing over 1 million kilograms, standing at 135 metres tall and 120 metres in diameter, the London Eye is the tallest ferris wheel in Europe! Hop aboard one of its 32 capsules for a 30-minute ride to see most of London’s iconic landmarks.
9. Say hi to the King
How do you know when the King is in town? Look out for the Royal Standard flag (also known as the Royal flag) which is flown from the Royal Residences, Parliament and other buildings when the King is at home in Buckingham Palace.
10. It is Britain’s driest city
Despite copping a lot of flak about being very wet, London is Britain’s driest city. It even receives less annual rainfall (of 58 centimetres) than New York (119 centimetres), Sydney (99 centimetres) and Rome (81 centimetres).
London is an exceptional city to spend time in, whether for a few days or a few weeks! Discover this capital city on a Globus or Cosmos tour, or as an extension to your Avalon Waterways river cruise.
