London has always been a spectacle for folk of near and far, with its vibrant culture, a blend of medieval and contemporary architecture, and a sprinkle of royalty in the air. The city has been a haven for people from various backgrounds and moreover, London’s city plan has allowed it comfortably expand and develop. Part of this plan includes boroughs which are spread out all throughout London and are sometimes considered the heart and soul of the place. However, questions like what are boroughs, how many boroughs are in London, etc might be in the back of the mind. This blog will answer them and talk even more about the boroughs of London.
What Are Boroughs?
Boroughs are administrative divisions or subdivisions of a larger city or municipality, they are present in some major cities around the world like Ney York, Montreal, Queens, etc. In the case of London, the boroughs are the 32 individual local government districts that make up the Greater London region. Each borough has its own council, elected by the residents of the borough, and is responsible for providing local services and amenities such as waste management, libraries, housing, and social services.
The boroughs of London vary in size, population, and character, and they are often defined by their history, geography, and cultural heritage. Some boroughs are known for their iconic landmarks and tourist attractions, while others are recognized for their vibrant cultural scenes, bustling high streets, or green spaces. The boroughs of London are an important part of the city’s identity and offer visitors and residents a diverse range of experiences and opportunities to explore the rich history and culture of the city.
Why Are Boroughs Important To A City?
Boroughs of London uphold a significant role in the city and the area it is part of, this includes embracement and indulgence in the local population, culture, and ambience. The pointers below will provide a better understanding of the importance of boroughs –
Local governance: Boroughs are designated to associate with a small section of the city and hence allow for more localized governance and decision-making. This in turn generates better functionality and organisation of the area benefiting everyone there. Moreover, boroughs are much better equipped for the specific needs and concerns of different communities within a city. Local councils and officials are often more accessible to residents, and can more effectively address local issues related to services, amenities, and infrastructure.
Diversity and identity: Boroughs can contribute to a city’s sense of diversity and identity, as each borough has its own unique character, history, and culture. This can attract tourists and visitors, and also help residents to feel a sense of belonging and pride in their local community. All boroughs in London have distinct characteristic and synergizes efficiently with the local group.
Services and amenities: A borough is not a borough if it does not provide effective community service to the people. Boroughs of London are responsible for providing local services and amenities, such as waste management, libraries, housing, and social services. Along with this, boroughs establish a collaborative bond with the city which allows for a more tailored and efficient provision of services and can help to ensure that local needs are met.
Planning and development: With the passing of time, cities grow and bring with it an abundance of change. Boroughs can play a key role in the planning and development of a city, as they are often responsible for local planning policies and regulations. This can help to ensure that development is appropriate and sustainable for local communities, and can also help to preserve and enhance local heritage and character.
Boroughs Of London
London has 32 boroughs, where 12 are part of inner London while the rest of the 20 are part of outer London. Each borough exhibits a uniqueness and showcases the flavour of that part of the city. The list of all the boroughs of London are mentioned below –
- Barking and Dagenham
- Barnet
- Bexley
- Brent
- Bromley
- Camden
- Croydon
- Ealing
- Enfield
- Greenwich
- Hackney
- Hammersmith and Fulham
- Haringey
- Harrow
- Havering
- Hillingdon
- Hounslow
- Islington
- Kensington and Chelsea
- Kingston upon Thames
- Lambeth
- Lewisham
- Merton
- Newham
- Redbridge
- Richmond upon Thames
- Southwark
- Sutton
- Tower Hamlets
- Waltham Forest
- Wandsworth
- Westminster
Rich Boroughs
Some boroughs are more affluent and involve a higher opulent population, they have a better standard of living as compared to other boroughs. Some of the rich boroughs in London are mentioned below –
- Kensington and Chelsea – This borough is known for its luxurious homes, high-end boutiques, and upscale restaurants.
- Westminster – Housing some of London’s most iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben, Westminster also includes expensive real estate and exclusive neighbourhoods.
- Hammersmith and Fulham – This borough is home to some of London’s most prestigious schools, as well as wealthy residential areas such as Chelsea Harbour and Parsons Green.
- Richmond upon Thames – Located in southwest London, Richmond upon Thames is known for its beautiful parks, riverside properties, and affluent communities such as Barnes and Kew.
- Wandsworth – This borough accommodates some of London’s most desirable residential areas, including Clapham, Battersea, and Wandsworth Common.
Biggest Boroughs
Boroughs encompass a significant part of an area, they could vary in terms of area of the land and the below mentioned are the biggest boroughs in London –
- Bromley – Bromley is the largest borough in London with an area of 59 square miles (153 square kilometres). Situated in southeast London and is considered a green hub for its lush spaces and historic villages.
- Hillingdon – Hillingdon is the second-largest borough in London with an area of 44.7 square miles (115.8 square kilometres). It is located in west London and is home to Heathrow Airport, as well as several parks and nature reserves.
- Croydon – Croydon is the third-largest borough in London with an area of 33.4 square miles (86.5 square kilometres). It is present in south London and is known for its diverse communities and shopping areas.
- Ealing – Ealing is the fourth-largest borough in London with an area of 21.4 square miles (55.5 square kilometres). Found in west London and is popular with many for its parks, cultural attractions, and historic architecture.
- Barnet – Barnet is the fifth-largest borough in London with an area of 33.5 square miles (86.8 square kilometres). It is located in north London and has several parks, nature reserves, and historic sites.
Best Boroughs In London
Classification based on the best boroughs is quite tricky as this is very subjective and each borough has its pros and cons. With that being said, considering some factors below are some favourable boroughs of London –
- Westminster – A visit here will cover most of the prestigious venues. This borough has iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace, as well as upscale shopping and dining options.
- Kensington and Chelsea – Contemporary architecture and elegant lifestyle is the main attraction here. This borough is home to some of London’s most luxurious homes, high-end boutiques, and Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Camden – This borough is as creative as it gets which streets filled with vibrance like a beautiful music scene, street art, and trendy restaurants and bars.
- Greenwich – This historic borough is home to the Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark, and Greenwich Park, which offer stunning views of London.
- Islington – It is a diverse area known for its independent shops and restaurants, as well as its proximity to popular attractions such as the Emirates Stadium and the Angel Comedy Club.
- Richmond upon Thames – A nature lovers delight with charming flora situated along the River Thames, showcasing beautiful parks, historic buildings, and charming village-like neighbourhoods.
For people visiting and residing in London, every borough is worth exploring and experiencing since none of them are like the next ones. Diversity, culture, history, and system are terms that are true to all the boroughs in London and celebrating their own individuality is essential.
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