London is a city of around 8 million people (and as many trees) making it officially an urban forest. Divided into 32 boroughs, the city has one of the world’s best public transport systems, and lots of projects going on to help restore orchards and help native wildlife from stag beetles to red deer.
the world’s best underground transport system?
London Underground extends out to Buckinghamshire, Essex and Hertfordshire. Around since 1863, the recently opened Elizabeth Line means it’s quicker than ever to get around without a car. The 272 stations ferry up to 5 million people each day, although almost half the trains run above ground. Whether you live here or are visiting, get a copy of London National Park Map to discover green spaces in the city along with walks like London Loop and Capital Ring.
the hidden wildlife of London city
London in the Wild is a wonderful guide by London Wildlife Trust to creatures hiding beyond concrete, lights, noise and pollution. And of course, London pigeons! Discover a city teeming with over 15,000 species of flora, fungi and fauna (marsh frogs, hedgehogs, short-eared owls and dragonflies).
Not just gardens and parks, London has wetlands (one’s in Hackney), woodlands and heaths. And learn about the day-to-day life of a London tube mouse! In case of help needed, find your local wildlife rescue and visit London Wildlife Protection.
Notting Hill (not just a carnival & blue door!)
Notting Hill is of course mostly known for its carnival and the film of the same name, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts (the iconic blue door was sold by the woman who owned it, as she was fed up of tourists knocking on the door). However there is a lot more to this thriving London residence, which is mostly made up of expensive terraced homes with communal gardens.
Years ago, many of the land was owned by the Ladbrokes (a wealthy banking family) which is why many of the streets contain the word ‘Ladbroke’. This area is also home to Portobello Market, the world’s best-known street market that sells everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to vintage bric-a-brac. The local farmers’ market also attracts millions of visitors each year.
the great striking clock of Westminster
Big Ben is an iconic landmark with five bells, situated at the north end of the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) where MPs meet to debate and shout at each other. Built in 1859, it has 334 steps to the belfry and at the time of being installed, was the most accurate chiming clock in the world. Even today, News at 10 uses its ‘bongs’ to present the headlines on TV. Its nickname is likely named after someone called Benjamin, but there are debates as to who.
The tower also has an oak-panelled Prison Room, where in 1880 the newly-elected MP Charles Bradlaugh was placed, after he refused to swear a religious oath of allegiance to Queen Victoria, due to being an atheist. Learn more on the city of Westminster.
London’s bright-red double decker buses are now all zero-emission, these carry around 6 million people each day, all over the city. It’s rumoured that Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels were inspired by the number of the bus (007) that used to pass by his favourite pub!
an observation wheel on London’s South Bank
Opened in 2000, London Eye is one of the world’s top tourist attractions, an observation wheel on the South Bank that has also been featured in many films. On a clear day from the capsules, you can see for 25 miles and observe Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and even Windsor Castle in Berkshire.
Each of the 32 capsules (one for each of London’s boroughs) takes around 30 minutes to perform a full circle, giving plenty of time to relax and enjoy the views. Unlike most ferris wheels, it’s only supported on one side (like a similar wheel in Orlando, Florida). Although it was only supposed to be a temporary structure, its popularity means that it’s now permanent (the same happened for the Eiffel Tower in Paris).
Although it claims to be eco-friendly (including using biodegradable cleaning products), it regularly holds firework displays, which any eco campaigners will tell you are far from being green. They cause acid rain, terrify pets and wildlife (and sometimes cause whole flocks of birds to drop dead to the ground in shock).
If you use fireworks, always let people know beforehand, keep away from flammables, always keep pets inside and use ‘quiet fireworks’ that give off lighter bangs (it’s best to avoid them altogether or go to a regulated firework display – and never take your dog, finding someone to look after them while you are away).
a London castle that’s home to ravens
It’s a little-known fact that the Tower of London is also a castle. Home to many beheadings (including poor Anne Boleyn) today it’s a massive tourist attraction and home to the ravens. Although some people understandably have concerns over clipped wings, these intelligent birds seem pretty happy and can fly off if they want to, but don’t. Raven George went elsewhere after trying to eat TV aerials and Raven Grog was last seen outside an East End pub. But the others remain, not least due to being fed special treats of biscuits soaked in blood?
The Tower of London is also home to the Crown Jewels, thought to be worth from 2 to 4 billion pounds. Alone with robes that are used during Coronations, to crown a new King or Queen. Many of us these days believe that it would be better to use that money for other causes, though there are still more monarchists than not in England – it’s okay to disagree!
an illustrated history of London city
London: A History is a beautifully illustrated gift book, charting the history of England’s largest city. Written by a graduate of the Royal College of Art, young readers will explore the rich history and culture of London, with gorgeous art paired with poems, quotes and historical accounts.
From pre-history to the present day, learn about the lives of everyday people and famous events in a beautiful and fascinating compendium.
London is a city made of up 32 boroughs, which are more like villages. This does not include the Cities of Westminster and the City of London (the financial district). Home to around 8 million people, London is officially classed as a city forest, as there are as many trees as people, and it is therefore one of the world’s greenest cities, also with one of the best public transport systems on earth.