London, known for many names such as The Big Smoke and The Swinging City, is the United Kingdom’s largest city with a population of 9,002,488.
It is among the nine regions of England and is divided into 32 boroughs.
You will find yourself surrounded by several world-renowned landmarks, including red telephone booths, historical museums, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge.
It is no wonder it is the most visited capital with approximately 19 million visitors every year.
With its large population and area, you are most definitely going to rub shoulders with huge crowds.
Thus, all the more you should stay alert when traveling in all areas of London.
If you plan to explore London in both inner and outer regions, it is best to come prepared and be informed of the safest and most dangerous areas in London.
While it may be a beautiful city to wander around, don’t let your guard down and prioritize safety.
In this article, I give you the safest areas to travel in London and some of the most dangerous areas to avoid or just be extra vigilant in case you still want to visit them.
Further reading for UK places.
- Before you consider moving to London, Check out our guide to Best Places to Live in London.
- If you are going to Buy A House In London, check out our detailed guide to Best Places To Buy A House In London.
- If you are looking for the most affordable places to live in London, Check out our guide to 15 Cheapest Places to Live in London (With Average Rental Price).
- You might want to take a look at the best places to live outside London. Check out our guide to the 10 best Commuter Towns to London.
- Living in London is not cheap, here is a list of the 15 Most Expensive Areas In London, which we call the richest part of London.
- Here is the guide to the Most Dangerous Cities and Safest Cities in the UK.
- Want to move to the UK, but have no idea what places to choose? Check out our guide to Best Place to Live in the UK.
Contents
The Boroughs of London
To help you get a clear overview of London, get to know about its districts first.
The districts in London are split into the 32 boroughs and the City of London.
Here is the complete list of London’s districts and a numbered map to help you identify its location.
- City of London
- City of Westminster
- Kensington and Chelsea
- Hammersmith and Fulham
- Wandsworth
- Lambeth
- Southwark
- Tower Hamlets
- Hackney
- Islington
- Camden
- Brent
- Ealing
- Hounslow
- Richmond upon Thames
- Kingston upon Thames
- Merton
- Sutton
- Croydon
- Bromley
- Lewisham
- Greenwich
- Bexley
- Havering
- Barking and Dagenham
- Redbridge
- Newham
- Waltham Forest
- Haringey
- Enfield
- Barnet
- Harrow
- Hillingdon
(Numbered map of the boroughs of London by Notscott via Wikimedia Commons)
The districts are further divided into two areas: Inner London and Outer London.
There are 12 districts in Inner London and 20 in Outer London. Here are the districts included for each region.
Inner London
Inner London has a smaller population than Outer London with 3,535,700 people.
Moreover, it also has a smaller total area of 123 sq mi. Although it has a smaller population, it has a higher population density which is twice the density of Outer London.
- Camden
- Greenwich
- Hackney
- Hammersmith and Fulham
- Islington
- Kensington and Chelsea
- Lambeth
- Lewisham
- Southwark
- Tower Hamlets
- Wandsworth
- Westminster
(Inner London Map by Voyager via Wikimedia Commons)
Outer London
Outer London has a bigger population of about 4,942,040 people with a population density of 10,000 people per sq mi. It has a total area of 484 sq mi or 1,253 km2.
- Barking and Dagenham
- Barnet
- Bexley
- Brent
- Bromley
- Croydon
- Ealing
- Enfield
- Haringey
- Harrow
- Havering
- Hillingdon
- Hounslow
- Kingston upon Thames
- Merton
- Newham
- Redbridge
- Richmond upon Thames
- Sutton
- Waltham Forest
(Outer London Map by Voyager via Wikimedia Commons)
Top 5 Safe Boroughs in London
1. Richmond upon Thames
Located in southwest London, Richmond upon Thames is considered the safest borough of all.
It sits on a total area of 22.17 sq mi home to 198,019 residents.
People love the borough for its wide green spaces filled with lovely parks and gardens, as well as stunning historic houses, palaces, museums, and theaters.
It ranks the safest with a surprisingly low crime rate of 54 crimes for every 1,000 people.
The borough also had the lowest number of homicides between 2001 and 2012 at only 14.
The top reported crimes in the borough are vehicle theft, miscellaneous theft, and violence.
Here are some of the top places to visit in the borough:
- Richmond Park
Address: Richmond, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 300 061 2200
- Kew Gardens
Address: Richmond, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8332 5655
- Hampton Court Palace
Address: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 3166 6000
- Marble Hill House
Address: Richmond Rd, Twickenham TW1 2NL, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8892 5115
- Garrick’s Temple
Address: Hampton Ct Rd, Hampton TW12 2EJ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 7880 790763
- Turners House
Address: 40 Sandycoombe Road, St Margarets, Twickenham TW1 2LR, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8892 5485
2. Bexley
The London Borough of Bexley lies on the outskirts of southeast London in an area of 23.38 sq mi.
It is a residential suburb with easy access to the city for its 248,287 residents.
Some of the borough’s popular places are its extensive gardens and historic buildings such as Hall Place and Lesnes Abbey Woods.
With a low crime rate of 56 out of 1,000 people, the borough is the second safest in London.
Moreover, it ranks eighth with the lowest homicide crimes from 2001 to 2012.
The most common crimes in the borough are harassment, vandalism, and vehicle theft,
Check out some of the popular places to visit in the borough:
- Broadway Shopping Center
Address: roadway, Bexleyheath DA6 7JN, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8301 2956
- Danson Park
Address: Danson House, Danson Park, Danson Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL, United Kingdom
Email: friendsofdansonpark@gmail.com
- Foots Cray Meadows
Address: N Cray Rd, Sidcup DA14 5AG, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8303 7777
- Hall Place
Address: Dartford, Bexley DA5 1PQ, UK
Phone: +44 1322 526574
- Lesnes Abbey Woods
Address: 4 Walden Cl, Belvedere DA17 5HD, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8303 7777
- Red House – National Trust
Address: Red House, Red House Ln, London, Bexleyheath DA6 8JF, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8304 9878
3. Kingston upon Thames
Officially known as the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, it is the third safest borough with a crime rate of 57 per 1,000 people.
The highest reported crimes in the borough are miscellaneous theft, bicycle theft, and shoplifting.
Moreover, it ranks the second borough with the lowest homicide crimes between 2001 and 2012.
Created in 1965, it is included in the four royal boroughs in England and is the oldest of them all.
Tourism in Kingston is driven by its several attractions such as Chessington World of Adventures, Richmond Park, Rose Theatre, and Bentall Centre.
You can learn about its rich history through its many historical sites such as the Coronation Stone and Clattern Bridge.
Here are some of the most-visited places in the borough:
- Chessington World of Adventures
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Address: Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NE, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1372 731657
- Coronation Stone
Address: 8-10 High St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1EY, United Kingdom
- Rose Theatre
Address: 24-26 High St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1HL, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8174 0090
- The Bentall Centre
Address: Bentalls Shopping Centre, Wood St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1TP, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8541 5066
4. Sutton
Mentioned as one of the best places to buy a house in London. Situated in the southwest of London, the London Borough of Sutton is a quiet area covering 16.93 sq mi with 206,349 people.
It is one of the most ideal locations for families for its green spaces, cultural attractions, and safety rankings.
It ranks the fourth happiest borough to live in London and is also included in the top 10 best places to live in England.
With a crime rate of 57 out of 1,000 people, it is the fourth-safest borough in London.
Its top crimes are shoplifting, harassment, and violence.
The number of homicides in the borough between 2001 and 2012 totals 25, making it the fifth lowest of all boroughs.
Here are some of the most unique places to visit in the borough:
- The Sound Lounge
Address: 216-220 High St, Sutton SM1 1NU, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8770 3181
- The Charles Cryer Studio Theatre
Address: 39 High St, Carshalton SM5 3BB, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8669 2444
- Beddington Park
Address: Church Rd, Wallington SM6 7NN, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8770 6060
- River Wandle
Address: River Thames in south London, England passing through Sutton
- Honeywood House
Address: Honeywood Walk, Carshalton SM5 3NX, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8770 4297
- Nonsuch Mansion
Address: Nonsuch Park, Ewell Rd, Cheam, Ewell, Sutton SM3 8AL, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8786 7392
5. Harrow
In northwestern London lies the London Borough of Harrow, a suburban area with three towns: Harrow Proper, Pinner, and Stanmore.
It covers an area of 19.49 sq mi for 251,160 residents. It is home to some of the most prestigious educational institutions such as Harrow School and North London Collegiate School.
Out of 1,000 people, 63 become victims of a crime. In fact, Pinner South alone had the lowest crime rate in Greater London from 2014 to 2105.
The most common crimes reported in the borough are theft from a person and assault without injury.
Here are some of the popular landmarks to see in the borough:
- Usurp Art Gallery & Studio
Address: Harrow HA1 4DZ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 7956 817038
- Headstone Manor and Museum
Address: Headstone Recreation Ground, Pinner View, Harrow HA2 6PX, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8863 6720
- Harrow on the Hill Gantry
Address: Harrow HA1 3LW, United Kingdom
Email: hello@harrowhilltrust.org.uk
- Anns Shopping Centre
Address: St Anns Rd, Harrow HA1 1AT, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8861 2282
- Mary’s Church
Address: Harrow on the Hill, London, HA1 3HL
Email: stmarys.harrow@btinternet.com
5 Most Dangerous Boroughs in London
1. Westminster
The City of Westminster has the highest crime rates among all boroughs of London.
Out of 1,000 people, 195 become victims of crimes. The most common crimes reported are miscellaneous theft, theft from a person, and harassment.
It also ranks the 16th borough with the highest number of homicides between 2001 and 2012.
It is a part of Central London that is most popular for Kensington Gardens, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Hyde Park, which is the place that hosts the famous event – Winter Wonderland.
The borough is also home to the world-famous Big Ben located at the Palace of Westminster. Its small total area of 8.29 sq mi is home to 261,317 people.
Here are some of the most famous attractions to visit in the borough:
- Buckingham Palace
Address: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 303 123 7300
- The Palace of Westminster
Address: London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7219 3000
- Westminster Abbey
Address: 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7222 5152
- Big Ben
Address: London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7219 4272
- Hyde Park
Address: London, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 300 061 2000
2. Camden
The second most dangerous borough is the London Borough of Camden with a crime rate of 112.51 for every 1,000 people.
It has a total area of 8.4 sq mi where 270,029 people live. Harassment, miscellaneous theft, and vehicle theft are some crimes to watch out for in the area.
Moreover, the borough ranks eighth with the highest number of homicides from 2001 to 2012 with a total of 85.
It is a popular and crowded area known for its green parks and major attractions including Camden Arts Centre, Camden Market, Dickens House, and Fenton House.
Some of the parks shared with the borough are Regents Park and Primrose Hill.
Here are some interesting attractions to check out in the borough:
- Camden Arts Centre
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Address: Arkwright Rd, London NW3 6DG, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7472 5500
- Camden Market
Address: Camden Lock Place London NW1 8AF
- Charles Dickens Museum
Address: 48-49 Doughty St, London WC1N 2LX, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7405 2127
- Fenton House
Address: Fenton House, Hampstead Grove, London NW3 6SP, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7435 3471
- The Cecil Sharp House
Address: 2 Regent’s Park Rd, London NW1 7AY, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7485 2206
3. Kensington and Chelsea
Located in Inner London just west of the City of Westminster, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is the third most dangerous borough. It is also one of the richest parts of London.
Crimes happen to 109 people for every 1,000, which includes harassment, miscellaneous theft, and vehicle theft.
However, it ranks the third borough with the lowest homicides between 2001 and 2012 with a total of 23.
Kensington and Chelsea is considered the smallest borough with a total area of 4.68 sq mi.
Despite the small area, it is one of the most populated boroughs with a population density of 33,000 people per sq mi.
Some of the best places to see in the borough are its less popular hidden gems such as Carlyle’s House, Crosby Hall, and Holy Trinity Sloane Square.
More reading;
- The 20 Best Afternoon Tea Spots In Kensington And Chelsea
- The 20 Best Bars and pubs in Kensington and Chelsea
- 20 Best Coffee Shops In Kensington And Chelsea
- The 11 Best Charity Shops Near Kensington and Chelsea
Here are some of the top landmarks to visit in the borough:
- Kensington Palace
Address: Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 333 320 6000
- Leighton House and Sambourne House
Address: 18 Stafford Terrace, London W8 7BH, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7471 9158
- Kyoto Garden
Address: Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, London W11 4UA, United Kingdom
- Mary Abbots
Address: Kensington Church St, London W8 4LA, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7937 2419
- Science Museum
Address: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 330 058 0058
- Drayton Arms Theatre
Address: 153 Old Brompton Rd, London SW5 0LJ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7835 2301
4. Hackney
The London Borough of Hackney is included in the top 5 most dangerous boroughs with an overall crime rate of 105 crimes for every 1,000 people.
In recent data, the most reported crime is harassment with a total of 22 reports in one month.
Following harassment, the next most reported crimes are violence with 20 reports and assault without injury with 19 reports.
However, considering some other factors, Hackney is still one of the best places to live in London.
The borough is a combination of modern and historical sights, making it a diverse location to find several popular things to do.
Relax in the park in London Fields, discover new tastes at Broadway Market, and learn about history at St. Augustine’s Tower.
If you are interested in parades, join the Hackney Carnival and witness a carnival street parade.
Here are some other top places to see in the borough:
- Abney Park Cemetery
Address: 215 Stoke Newington High St, London N16 0LH, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7275 7557
- Broadway Market
Address: A street passing through Jackman St., Ada St., and Duncan Rd.
Contact: General inquiry form
- Hackney City Farm
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Address: 1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7729 6381
- Rio Cinema
Address: 107 Kingsland High St, London E8 2PB, United Kingdom
- Sutton House
Address: Sutton House, 2 and 4 Homerton High St, London E9 6JQ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8986 2264
5. Islington
Last but not the least, the fifth most dangerous borough is the London Borough of Islington in Inner London.
For every 1,000 people, there are 102 victims of crimes.
The most common crimes committed in a month in the borough are harassment, bicycle theft, and violence.
Moreover, Islington ranks 14th with the most number of homicides, totaling 70 from 2001 to 2012.
It is the second-smallest borough with a total area of 5.74 sq mi occupied by a large population of 242,467.
The borough is most famous for its historical attractions and major sights such as Almeida Theatre, Pleasance Islington Theatre, Upper Street, and Screen on the Green.
It is where you will also find several sports venues including Emirates Stadium, Artillery Ground, and Arsenal Football Club.
Here are some interesting places to see in the borough:
- Almeida Theatre
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Address: Almeida St, London N1 1TA, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7359 4404
- Pleasance Islington Theatre
Address: Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7609 1800
- Screen on the Green
Address: 83 Upper Street Islington
London N1 0NP
Phone: 01233 555642
- Emirates Stadium
Address: Hornsey Rd, London N7 7AJ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7619 5003
- Artillery Ground in HAC
Address: Chiswell St, London EC1Y 4TW, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7940 6060
Is London Safe for Tourists?
Even in the safest countries, cities, or neighborhoods, there will always be crime incidents.
No matter how high its safety ranking is, it does not mean you stop being careful. Moreover, even if an area is considered dangerous, it does not have to be always avoided as well.
Generally, there are 87 crimes per 1,000 people in London.
According to the Safe Cities Index provided by The Economist and NEC, London ranks the 15th safest city in the world with an overall safety score of 77.2.
The Safe Cities Index is further divided into five categories: Digital Security, Health Security, Infrastructure Security, Personal Security, and Environmental Security.
Here is a summary of London’s rankings per category:
- Digital Security– Ranked 12th with a score of 76.6
- Health Security– Ranked 8th with a score of 78.8
- Infrastructure Security– Ranked 23rd with a score of 82.9
- Personal Security – Ranked 14th with a score of 72.4
- Environmental Security – Ranked 31st with a score of 73.7
Before coming to London, have a read on how to stay safe while visiting London as advised by Police.uk.
If you want to learn more about your location’s safety, you can search for the latest crime statistics in London via the Metropolitan Police’s search tool.
Final Thoughts
Whichever borough you may end up in, always stay alert and be careful of your belongings.
London is a major tourist attraction, so it is not uncommon for pickpockets to take advantage of the situation.
Based on the reported crime rates, it is safe to say that the safest Neighborhoods in London are in Richmond upon Thames.
However, you are still most likely to visit the most dangerous boroughs in London since some of the famous landmarks are located there.
To fully enjoy your vacation, it is best to travel in a group, refrain from using flashy and attractive accessories, and stay cautious at all times.
Do these safety precautions as you admire London’s notable cultural attractions and be mesmerized by royalty palaces.
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