Things I Didn’t Know About Londons Phone Booths
The red famous Londons phone booths are a well known symbol of the UK around the world. During my stay in London, I was able to experience first hand. They are an unique symbol of British culture, just as fish and chips or Tea. Here are some things I didn’t know about them and got to experience upon my visit!
1. The boxes are empty
I bet you didn’t know they are just a box?!
Believe it or not, once used as telephone booths, now they are only here for decoration.
Not that we need one nowadays with technology being what it is… They have passed to be a decorative, non-functional artifact.
Some of the London phone booths I was able to get inside didn’t even have a phone at all! It was just an empty box…. and If you happen to find one with a working phone you are in luck!
But still great props for pictures! #doitforthegram
2. They stink
It didn’t even crossed my mind that people would use these as an alternative to bathrooms. Once inside for the mandatory picture, you will certainly encounter the most disgusting smell, maybe, of your trip! (urine, pipi, or miao however you’d like to call it.) I was shocked when the smell hit my nozzles, like dude! Is this fo real?
Here I was thinking I’d only experienced this in NYC but London you got me fooled.
So if you dare to go inside, BEWARE of the stench!
*My basic self posing for the ‘gram, while holding my breath. [Please insert mean joke here.]
3. There’s one on every corner
You don’t have to go too far to find one of these iconic red boxes. London phone booths are literally in every touristy spot possible.
4. You won’t find any native Londoner near one (specially if you are looking for your English boo).
I know, I know what you are thinking…. Probably disappointed to hear this. You were expecting to find your Harry, James Bond, Keira Knightley, near one of these and that he showed you how to use one… Sorry to burst your bubble!
Only tourists dare to get near one, especially knowing about their particular “scent”.
The locals know better!
Besides having that smelly experience, I certainly enjoyed my time in London with plenty of more pleasant experiences to share about the British culture!
(Disclaimer: This is only applicable to London, as I did not visit more cities in the UK, nor did I check ALL the red boxes around the city).
Which cities have you been to that are particularly stinky? Like literally smell? But are still cute though…
Share in the comments!
Be sure to follow my adventures on Instagram and check my Pinterest boards for useful tips.
I never knew that the phones weren’t actually in there! I like that they left the boxes however; sign of the times I suppose!
It is! Not that we need them nowadays with cellphones being what they are, but still a cute symbol.
Some of them have been turned into shops now which I think is a lovely way to preserve them – the florist one is my favourite
Hahaha this made me laugh as you are so right! When I first saw one I was expecting a phone it in but it was empty and yes some do stink. But glad you’ve taken some nice photos with it.
That’s so interesting! I didn’t realize that they no longer worked (or that they smelled, lol).
Haha yes! They are always empty, but yet they make a good color statue. I didn’t know they stink, never tried going inside lol. Many of them are locked sometimes
Thanks for all these facts about London’s phone booths. I had no idea that they were empty and are now just decoration
Thanks for all these facts about London’s phone booths. I had no idea that they were empty and are now just decoration
They stink that is pretty funny
Oh i didn’t really expect that! It’s funny how you happened to share these facts. I was fascinated by those booths before.
We didn’t know these things about the London phone booths either! Thanks for are great photo ops for sure.
That’s funny they left the telephone boxes tere empty. But I bet they are neat t see. Thanks for sharing the photos.
This sounds interesting. I think I never thought that most of those phone booths are empty. Thanks for sharing.
This made my laugh, for someone from the UK I didn’t even know half of them were empty! There are the odd working phone box dotted around still but they’re not like they used to be. It’s a shame some people spoil them though
I have never know about that but it was a great information. I am actually aiming to see and have a photo in that telephone booth but after hearing those things that you mentioned most especially the stinky one I am no longer wishing to have a photo on that booth, hahaha!
One of the reasons I miss London is this. I have been there. It is indeed a lovely place to explore so I agree with all your points and places.
I figured that there were no phones in there. After all, we all know that those boxes are actually just T.A.R.D.I.S.’s in disguise. LOL
I wish I had been able to get that quintessential photo of myself with one of the London phone booths when I visited. I am not surprised about them being used as a makeshift public bathroom though, lol. People can be really gross.
Lol they really do stink! Sorry you had to find out the hard way!
It is so crazy because in this day and age we rarely even see phone booths anymore.
I’m glad I’ve been forewarned about their stickiness before visiting! These are great tips. I still want a picture in one lol.
Are you serious that people use those beautiful boxes as bathrooms. How awful! You’d think people would care about the beauty and historic value of these things. So sad!
That’s pretty cool to know! Good thing those booths are still there. I’ve seen a yellow version in Switzerland and it’s still working. Thanks for sharing!
These are some really interesting things to learn! I didn’t know these either! Thanks for sharing.
Seriously people used it as bathroom. OMG. And honestly I thought all still had phones in it.