kids encyclopedia robot

Elephant and Castle facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Elephant & Castle
Elephant & Castle is located in Greater London
Elephant & Castle
Elephant & Castle
OS grid reference TQ319789
London borough
Ceremonial county Greater London
Region
Country England
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town LONDON
Postcode district SE1, SE11, SE17
Dialling code 020
Police Metropolitan
Fire London
Ambulance London
EU Parliament London
London Assembly
  • Lambeth and Southwark
List of places
UK
England
London

The Elephant and Castle is a very busy road intersection in inner south London, England. People also use this name for the whole area around it. It's a well-known spot in the London Borough of Southwark, full of history and new developments.


Elephant & Castle: A Busy London Spot

Elephant & Castle is a lively part of south London. It's famous for its large roundabout and many roads meeting there. This area is a key transport hub, meaning lots of buses, trains, and cars pass through it every day. It's also a place where many people live, work, and study.

What's in a Name?

The name "Elephant and Castle" sounds a bit unusual! It comes from an old coaching inn (like a hotel for travelers) that used to be in the area. This inn was named "The Elephant and Castle." The symbol of an elephant with a castle on its back has been used for a long time. It often represents strength and royalty. You can even see this symbol in old carvings and crests.

Getting Around

Elephant & Castle is super easy to get to. It has a major London Underground station, which is part of the Bakerloo line and Northern line. There's also a National Rail station nearby. This makes it simple for people to travel to and from other parts of London. Many bus routes also stop here, connecting the area to different neighborhoods. For cyclists, there are special Cycleways that meet here, making it safer to ride bikes.

What You Can See and Do

This area has a mix of old and new buildings. You can find places like the Metropolitan Tabernacle, a large church with a long history. There are also modern university buildings, like the London College of Communication. For fun, there's the Cinema Museum, which shows old films and has movie history. You can also find the Michael Faraday Memorial, a cool monument dedicated to a famous scientist.

New Look for Elephant & Castle

In recent years, Elephant & Castle has been changing a lot. Many new buildings are being built, including homes, shops, and offices. There's a big project called Elephant Park, which used to be the Heygate Estate. This new park offers green spaces for people to relax and play. These changes are making the area more modern and a great place for families and students.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Elephant and Castle para niños

kids search engine
Elephant and Castle Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.