In the lively streets of London, a quintessentially British icon stands tall, the iconic red phone booths—you know, the ones you see in movies. Each of those booths has its own story. From the energetic chaos of Covent Garden to the fancy vibes around Westminster, these red booths have seen it all! You’ll definitely want to see these oh-so-photogenic landmarks when you travel to the city and get the perfect snapshot.
What is the history of the red telephone booths
Navigating the urban maze of London, those red telephone booths stand as vintage rockstars. Back in 1921, they burst onto the scene as the K1, a bit clunky but quickly winning hearts as the go-to for a quick chat.
Then, enter Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the design maestro who dropped the K6 in 1935, a sleek ode to King George V’s shindig. Today, the K6 stands tall, a badass relic in the British landscape—a testament to a bygone era when making a call meant stepping into a crimson time machine.
Do they still have red phone booths in London?
In the bustle of modern London, the once uber-popular red telephone booths are a dying breed. Blame it on our love for mobile phones. Out of the 100,000 that once dotted the city, only about 8,000 are left standing. These red booths might seem a bit old-fashioned, but they’re holding on in touristy spots and historic areas. Catch a glimpse of them before they vanish.
Top 5 locations of London’s red phone booths
Discovering London’s famous red phone booths is like taking a trip back in a time full of history and charm. Whether you’re in the busy streets or cozy corners, these booths aren’t really for making calls – they’re special landmarks. Check out the top 5 spots to find these iconic British symbols:
- Kingston Upon Thames: In Kingston Upon Thames, David Mach’s ‘Out of Order’ sculpture reimagines the iconic red booths as tilted dominoes.
- Covent Garden Market: Amidst the lively hustle of Covent Garden Market, a cluster of red booths adds a touch of vintage charm to the eclectic scene.
- Victoria Embankment, opposite the London Eye: On the Embankment, facing the iconic London Eye, a red booth stands as a silent witness to the city’s ever-evolving spectacle.
- Parliament Square: Opposite of Queen Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), the red booth is an emblematic sentinel of British history.
- New Bond Street, opposite Cartier: Amidst luxury and glamor on New Bond Street, a red booth stands as a timeless juxtaposition, blending tradition with opulence.
- Bonus: Westminster Abbey: Framed against this historic backdrop, the red booths create a captivating visual, inviting you to explore the intersection of tradition and grandeur.
Best Poses for Photos into the Booths
When capturing the essence of London’s red phone booths, it’s not just about the booth—it’s about the experience. Embrace the classic charm with a nod to timeless poses:
- The Classic: Stand inside the booth, holding the phone receiver to your ear, for a pose that captures the essence of the London red telephone booths experience.
- The Tourist: Step out of the booth and pose beside it, with the booth framing you against the backdrop of a London landmark.
- The Playful: Lean against the booth, with a mischievous grin, for a pose that adds a touch of whimsy to your photo.
- The Fashionista: Strike a stylish pose inside the booth, showcasing your outfit against the iconic red backdrop.
- The Silhouette: Capture the silhouette of someone standing inside the booth, creating a dramatic and evocative image.
Remember, it’s not just a photo—it’s a snapshot of your London adventure.
As you navigate the winding streets of London spotting those famous red phone booths, you’re sure to find some others not mentioned here. But, that’s kind of the fun of it.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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Hello Annette!
As a Londoner, I thought I’d better let you & other’s know that you can not take pictures on Abbey Road anymore. It’s caused several accidents and you can now incur a £5,000 fine if caught.
Thanks you for the information.
this is the first place in my list London for different reasons(Chelsea)… looking forward visit all these places in London :)
I walked across Abbey Road (London) 2 weeks ago. I have photos of me doing this!
YAY! The hardest part for me was trying to walk across when no one else was!