London is like every other city in the world. It has had its fair share of stereotypes. London is truly multi-cultural, with 7 million people from many different nationalities. It is as common to hear a Manchester accent or a Scottish accent in London as a Hugh Grant "posh", especially in the West End, where tourists from all over the globe are interspersed among locals.
If you take a taxi or walk into the East End, you're just as likely as anyone to speak cockney. It's not only Londoners breaking the mould; it's the entire city. These are top London myths busted.
Myth #1 - It Rains All The Time
England is known for being a little soggy. People still associate the Englishman with his umbrella. The reality is quite different. London is an arid city, and it has less rain than NYC, Brisbane and Rome. The average daily minimum temperature is higher than in Seattle and Toronto.
Myth #2 - It's Developed
Despite being an urban megapolis, London is 1/3 made up of parks and open space, making it a green city. Eight Royal parks are located in London. The city's centre is home to Hyde Park. Regent's Park. St James's Park. Green Park. Brompton Cemetery, Bushy Park, Richmond Park. Greenwich Park. You can also find many public squares and gardens, so you don't need to eat sandwiches on the sidewalk and can stop by for a picnic.
Myth #3: English Only Drink Tea
The English still enjoy a lot of tea, and there are excellent cream teas at top hotels. But Londoners love coffee. There are many Starbucks in London and UK coffee chains like Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero, and the Coffee Republic, and they also offer excellent American and Italian-style coffee.
Myth #4 - Big Ben Is a Tower
The clock tower of Big Ben, located in the Palace of Westminster, is one of London's most famous sights. It is seen in almost every film shot in London. It is the fourth-largest clock tower and the giant 4-faced chiming clock worldwide. Big Ben is the name of the "great" bell, the tallest of the five bells in the building. It weighed in at more than 13 tons and was raised 200 feet into the tower by 18 hour-long labour. It rang its first time in 1859 and has run ever since. However, it still sounds slightly twangy from the crack formed after two months of service. Clock Tower is the actual name of this tower.
Myth #5 - The Front of Buckingham Palace is Visible From the Mall
No, sorry. The grand, neoclassical façade of Buckingham Palace, visible from the Mall that includes the balcony where Prince William and Kate Middleton shared their first kiss, is not the front. The palace fronts the 40-acre gardens on the opposite side. Our postcard of the palace is of the back door.
Writer Antonia Winding is a member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and a regular contributor to The Guardian and The Ob
