London is home to some of the largest and busiest roundabouts in the world.
These circular junctions, often decorated with impressive sculptures and fountains, are critical intersections where multiple roads and highways converge, and they serve as important landmarks in the city.
In this guide, we will explore some of the biggest and most iconic roundabouts in London.
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1. Elephant and Castle
The Elephant and Castle roundabout is one of the largest and busiest roundabouts in London, located in the south of the city.
It connects several major roads, including the A3, A201, and A3202, and is surrounded by important landmarks such as the Ministry of Sound nightclub and the Metropolitan Tabernacle church.
The roundabout is currently undergoing a major redesign as part of a broader regeneration project for the Elephant and Castle area, aimed at improving pedestrian and cyclist safety and reducing traffic congestion.
Contact info:
Website: https://www.elephantandcastleroundabout.org/
2. Marble Arch
Marble Arch is another iconic roundabout in London, located at the western end of Oxford Street, near the Marble Arch tube station.
It connects several major roads, including the A5, A40, and A4202, and is known for its impressive central island, which features a large bronze equestrian statue of King George IV.
It is a popular tourist attraction and shopping destination, with several high-end stores and luxury hotels in the area.
Contact info:
Website: https://marble-arch.london/
3. Old Street
This roundabout is also known as Silicon Roundabout and it is a major intersection in the east of London, at the border of the City of London and the borough of Islington.
It is a hub for the technology and creative industries, with several high-tech startups and coworking spaces in the area.
It connects several major roads, including the A201 and A503, and is surrounded by popular bars, restaurants, and art galleries.
Contact info:
Website: https://www.oldstreetdistrict.london/
4. Hanger Lane
Hanger Lane roundabout is a major intersection located in the west of London, England.
It serves as a junction between the A40 Western Avenue, the A406 North Circular Road, and the Hanger Lane gyratory system.
This roundabout is considered to be one of the busiest junctions in the city and is notorious for its heavy traffic and frequent congestion.
It was built in the 1970s and has since undergone numerous upgrades and renovations to improve traffic flow and safety.
The most recent renovation took place in 2011 and included the installation of traffic lights on the roundabout to regulate traffic and reduce accidents.
Despite the improvements, it remains a challenging intersection for both drivers and pedestrians.
Moreover, it is known for its complex layout, with multiple lanes and exits, and its high volume of traffic, which can make it difficult for drivers to navigate.
Pedestrians also face challenges when crossing the roundabout due to the high speeds of vehicles and limited crossing points.
Over the years, it has become a symbol of London’s traffic woes and has been the subject of numerous studies and debates about how to improve traffic flow and safety.
Some proposals have suggested building a flyover or underpass to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow, while others have suggested improving public transport options in the area to encourage fewer people to use cars.
Contact info:
Website: https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/
5. Hyde Park Corner
Hyde Park Corner roundabout is a major intersection located at the southeast corner of Hyde Park, near the Hyde Park Corner tube station.
It joins several major roads, including the A4 and A4202, and is surrounded by several important landmarks, including the Wellington Arch and the Australian War Memorial.
In addition, it is a popular tourist attraction and shopping destination, with several luxury stores and hotels in the area.
Contact info:
Website: https://tfl.gov.uk/
6. Swiss Cottage
Swiss Cottage is yet another big roundabout located in the northwest of London, near the Swiss Cottage tube station, and connects several major roads, including the A41 and A502.
It offers an impressive Central Island, which features a large sculpture of a Swiss chalet. The roundabout is a major transportation hub, with several bus stops and a large underground station nearby.
7. Vauxhall Cross
Vauxhall Cross roundabout is a major intersection located in the south of London, near the Vauxhall tube and train station.
It joins many roads and is surrounded by several important landmarks, including the Vauxhall Bridge and the MI6 headquarters.
Furthermore, it is a busy transportation hub, with several bus stops and a large park-and-ride facility nearby.
Contact info:
Website: https://tfl.gov.uk/
8. Blackfriars
This roundabout is also a big one, situated at the southern end of Blackfriars Bridge, where it meets the A201 and A3200 roads.
The roundabout is one of the busiest in the city, serving as a key transport hub for commuters and tourists alike.
It is a large, complex junction with multiple lanes and exits, surrounded by high-rise buildings, including the well-known Blackfriars Station.
It also provides access to the South Bank and several key landmarks, such as the Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre, and the National Theatre.
The history of Blackfriars Roundabout dates back to the 19th century when the area was first developed as a hub for commercial and industrial activity.
It was built in the 1960s as part of a larger project to modernize the road network in central London and has undergone several upgrades and modifications since then to accommodate the growing traffic volumes.
Despite its central location, Blackfriars Roundabout is known for its complex and often confusing layout, which has contributed to numerous accidents and traffic congestion over the years.
In recent years, efforts have been made to improve the safety and functionality of the roundabout, including the introduction of new pedestrian and cycling routes and the installation of modern traffic management systems.
Contact info:Website: https://blackfriars-settlement.org.uk/