We all know how the adage goes – ‘there’s no such thing as a stupid question’. But while this is a nice sentiment – it’s not entirely true, is it? Sure, it’s a good mindset to have in an educational setting or to foster creativity and curiosity, but the reality is that we Londoners sometimes get asked some pretty stupid questions about our city and life in London.
We took to Facebook to ask you what were the absolute dumbest questions you’ve ever been asked about London:
And now, we’re going to answer these stupid questions – once and for all. Next time someone asks you a mind-bogglingly idiotic question about London, just send them a link to this article. We’ve probably answered it for you.
The most frequently asked stupid questions
What should I do?
Now, this isn’t a stupid question per se, but it’s far too open-ended for anyone to be of help. Do you want to explore London in a day and see almost all of the sights? Check out the ultra-efficient sight-seeing tour. Do you want to see some stunning views? Head to a London viewing point, or one of these gorgeous green spaces with spectacular views? Do you want suggestions of Things To Do? Recommendations of places to eat and drink? The best place to check out some culture? Or a guide to the secret side of London? There’s simply too much to suggest!
What’s the difference between England and London?
One is a city (London), and one is a country (England). You should have paid more attention in geography class…
How do I get from Oxford Street to Soho on the tube?
Erm… You don’t. You’ve arrived.
If this is Oxford Circus, where are all the animals?
The word ‘circus’ in various area and station names in London actually derives from the Latin word for circle. It signified the presence of a roundabout at one time or another.
Is that the Eiffel Tower?
Much as we may joke that it is – no, it isn’t. It’s the Crystal Palace transmitting station. It’s a far sight smaller than the Eiffel Tower too, at just over 200 metres tall compared to the Eiffel Tower’s 330 metres height.
Which one is London Bridge?
If you’re not sure – it’s not the one you think it is. The iconic bridge that everyone thinks of when they think of London is Tower Bridge. London Bridge is the next bridge on the Thames when moving westwards from Tower Bridge. It connects the areas around Monument station and London Bridge station – and it has a great view of Tower Bridge!
Why do all London cocktails have huge cubes of ice and virtually no cocktail?
Look… do you want a drink full of tiny shards of ice that melt immediately and turn your drink in a cocktail-flavoured glass of water? No. You don’t. The bigger the ice-cube, the slower it melts. The slower the ice melts, the longer it keeps the drink at the perfect level of dilution for the optimal taste. And that’s what it’s all about when you’re paying upwards of £12 for a drink, right? You don’t want to pay £16 for a cup of water…
Are there any nice cafes or restaurants?
Mate – let me tell you, we’ve got LOADS of them. We’ve got everything from Michelin-star restaurants to cheap eat destinations. Heck we’ve even got underground cafes in crypts, and coffee shops in public toilets! There are also some absolutely gorgeous bars and stunning restaurants. There’s truly something for everyone.
Rapid-fire round
Honestly, some of these stupid questions were too stupid to actually spend time killing my brain cells and answering them. So here’s a rapid-fire round of answers to some truly dumb queries.
Is Walford (from Eastenders) real?
No. It’s fictional.
Can I use USD to pay or tip?
No.
Is there London money?
Not ‘London‘ money, but we use £s.
Have you met the Queen?
No.
Oh, do you know my friend who lives in… (other side of London)?
No.
Which side of the river is the best?
No comment. (North.)
Is there a beach?
Well… Yes actually. But realistically, you’re better off travelling to some of the beaches near London. (And checking the forecast).
How do you pronounce Marylebone?
Marylebone.
Is Amsterdam in London?
Erm, no.
Is London a country?
No.
Does it rain everyday?
No. Not every day.
Is London in Liverpool?
No.
Do you all have tea and crumpets every day at 3pm?
No…
Is London beautiful to visit?
Very.
Is London worth a visit?
100%.
Do you live in castles?
Certainly not…
Is it safe to drink water from the tap?
Yes… Technically…
Why was Windsor Castle built under a flight path?
*Ding ding ding* – this isn’t quite a question about London, but it takes the prize as being the stupidest of the stupid questions. We’ll let you have a moment to sit in the corner and think about that one for yourself. Hint: Windsor Castle was built in 1070.
Well, that’s it… I’m going to go and be grumpy somewhere else now. These questions were just too stupid for me!