If you’re anything like me, you’re still waiting for the Doctor to wind their way into your life to embark on a TARDIS adventure. Although that’s relatively impossible (holding onto relatively here), you can still manifest your Doctor Who and sci-fi dreams by visiting the last remaining police boxes in London.
Police Boxes were first installed across the UK in the early 1920, rapidly expanding across the country. They were mainly used for the police force to contact one another, as well as for the public to contact the police. They gradually faded out by the seventies due to the introduction of radio, eventually becoming a symbol for sci-fi and time travel thanks to the BBC’s hit show Doctor Who.
As the allusive blue sibling of Britain’s iconic red telephone boxes, the Police Box has become a myth to many, with only a few left standing across the country and two in the capital. Legend has it there are under fifteen boxes left in the UK, most of which are either replicas or Glaswegian, with Glasgow boasting the most out of any British city.
The Earl’s Court Police Box
Nestled near the entrance of Earl’s Court tube station, there’s a police box directly linked to Doctor Who, boasting an uncanny resemblance to the Doctor’s TARDIS. It’s a magnet for devoted Whovians worldwide, becoming a beloved photo op and a symbol of the historic sci-fi series.
The Police Box was originally built in the late nineties as a joint safety project between the London Underground and the Metropolitan Police. However, it was later given a refresh to celebrate the return of Doctor Who during its legendary revival in 2005.
It’s the only Police Box in London that’s accessible by foot, with the other only visible by train. So snap up that selfie stick, or gather your Whovian/nerdiest friends for a Doctor Who outing with the TARDIS.
The Hendon Police Box
This police box is a bit more allusive, only visible on the Northern Line near Hendon. It’s located near the Metropolitan Police Training Centre, and its demeaning exterior echoes the era when these structures were dotted all across London. Though it may not boast the fame of its Earl Court counterpart, the Hendon police box holds its own charm, appealing to history buffs and geeky time travellers alike.
The mini-TARDIS’ in the City of London
Speaking of history buffs or time travellers, you might’ve noticed mini versions of the blue police boxes located all over London, specifically in the City. They were mini iterations of their larger sibling, providing a means for the public to contact the police, without taking up too much space.
The small versions were removed but you can still spot a few around our iconic Square Mile, as some were restored to their original glory to keep the history alive.
Whether you’re here for the Doctor or for the history, we can all agree that London is jam-packed with out-of-this-world experiences. From unmissable museums to immersive experiences, click here or the link below for a full round-up.