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The 5 biggest, most-read London news stories of 2024 on Time Out

From train strikes to the northern lights, here’s what Londoners read about in 2024

India Lawrence
Written by
India Lawrence
Staff Writer, UK
Northern lights in the night sky
Photograph: Shutterstock
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A lot happened in London in 2024. The northern lights were spotted from Hampstead Heath, mega pop stars like Chappell Roan, Taylor Swift and Charli XCX all brought their tours to town, and there were train strikes galore. Plus, we can’t forget about all the fabulous art exhibitions, theatre shows, and amazing new restaurants that opened in the city. And *cough cough* we published a few fantastic cover stories too

But what did Londoners read about the most? Here we’ve rounded up our most-read articles of the year: these are the biggest Time Out London stories of 2024. 

1. Train strikes

Page views: more than 1,000,000

It’s been well over two years since London’s rail workers first started striking over issues like pay, working conditions and job security, and the industrial action went on throughout 2024. It’s looking like the train strikes are going to continue into the New Year too, with the next action planned for New Year’s Eve. 

Find out more and read the full article here.

London tube station closed due to a strike
Photograph: Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock.com

2. World Naked Bike Ride

Page views: more than 700,000

Every year, hundreds of cyclists strip down to their birthday suits and ride through London in the nude, and Time Out readers absolutely love goggling at the photos. In 2024 a record 1,200 naked cyclists took part in the ride which doubles up as a peaceful protest against global oil dependency. 

Find out more and read the full article here.

3. The Northern Lights in London

Page views: more than 500,000

Heightened electromagnetic activity in the solar system provided a once-in-a-decade event in the city this year, when the northern lights were spotted across the London sky in October. The stunning aurora borealis was seen everywhere from Hampstead Heath to Hyde Park. The phenomenon will likely continue next year.

Find out more and read the full article here. 

The northern lights in Stansted, Essex
Photograph: Shutterstock

4. Portobello Road was named one of the most beautiful streets in the world 

From being featured in iconic rom-coms, to its colourful houses and world-famous market, there’s a reason why Portobello Road was named one of the world’s most stunning streets by Condé Nast Traveller this year. On the 71-strong list, the Notting Hill road joined the likes of Paris’s Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Tetsugaku No Michi in Kyoto.

Find out more and read the full article here

Portobello Road, London
Photograph: QQ7 / Shutterstock.com

5. Four London areas were named Britain’s ‘most depressing’ towns

We’re sorry, Croydon, but in 2024 you were named as one of Britain’s ‘most depressing’ places in a survey by iLiveHere.com. Also in the negative ranking was Orpington, Hounslow and, surprisingly, Shoreditch. Oh dear. 

Find out more and read the full article here. 

Croydon with tram, London
Photograph: William Barton / Shutterstock.com

The 5 biggest, most-read UK news stories of 2024 on Time Out.

London’s best art, theatre, food, film and music in 2024, according to Time Out’s experts.

The 15 best Time Out covers of 2024.

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