London: A City Full of Surprises
London, this vibrant and eclectic metropolis, never ceases to amaze. Known for its rich historical heritage and bustling modernity, the British capital is brimming with secrets and curiosities that both astonish and intrigue. Let's dive into the twists and turns of this fascinating city through 10 fun and unusual facts!
10 fun facts about London
🏙️ The City of London - A Giant in Miniature : Contrary to what one might think, the City of London is the smallest city in England. Spanning only 2.9 km², this historic area is the beating heart of Greater London, a striking reminder of the immense metropolis that surrounds it.
🌳 London, a Forest in the City : London shows that nature and urbanism can coexist harmoniously. With over 8.4 million trees, the city meets the UN criteria to be classified as a forest, a surprising fact for one of the world's largest cities.
🗣️ The Crossroads of Languages : Reflecting its cosmopolitan character, London is a modern-day Tower of Babel where more than 300 languages are spoken. This linguistic diversity is a true cultural richness and a testament to the city's migratory history.
🔥 The Great Fire of London - Less Deadly Than It Seems : Despite the devastation it caused in 1666, the Great Fire of London surprisingly resulted in only six deaths. An unexpected toll for such a massive disaster.
🦊 London, an Unusual Haven for Foxes : London is home to a surprising population of over 10,000 foxes. These furry inhabitants freely roam the city streets, offering unexpected urban scenes.
🧚 Peter Pan and His Magical Connection to London : The Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital holds the copyright of J.M. Barrie's timeless work, Peter Pan. This posthumous gift continues to provide valuable financial resources to support child care.
🌦️ Less Rainy Than You Think : Contrary to the rainy image often associated with London, the city actually receives less annual rainfall than Mediterranean cities like Rome or Lisbon. A fact that might change the perspective of many visitors!
🍸 The Gin Rush in London : In the 18th century, London experienced a real "gin craze", leading Parliament to intervene to regulate its excessive consumption. This period in London's history reflects the city's fascination with this drink.
🐾 A Ticket for the London Zoo? Pay with a Cat or Dog : In the 18th century, it was possible to pay the entrance fee to the London Zoo with a cat or dog. These animals were used to feed the carnivores, a shocking practice by today's standards.
🕰️ Big Ben - A Misleading Name for a Famous Symbol : Big Ben, often associated with the famous clock tower, is actually the name of the bell inside. The tower itself is named Elizabeth Tower, a detail often overlooked by many visitors.
Play in Marseille
Would you like to discover even more anecdotes, fun facts, surprising facts or simply find out a little more about the history of London? Then get on board with Coddy!
With our exploration games in London, you can play and visit the city at the same time, (Re)discovering your surroundings while solving fun puzzles with your team!
