The Weird Traditions of London You’ve Never Heard Of
London might be a modern global city, but scratch the surface and you'll find a capital full of strange rituals, centuries-old ceremonies, and bizarre customs that locals still follow — sometimes without even knowing why.
These aren’t your usual tourist-friendly events.
These are the "Wait… is that really a thing?" kind of traditions.
And the best part? Most of them are still happening today — hiding in plain sight.
Let’s dive into the weirdest traditions London keeps alive (and how you can actually witness them).
1. The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London
Every single night, for over 700 years — without fail — the Tower of London has been ceremonially locked up by a Yeoman Warder in a tradition known as the Ceremony of the Keys.
Here’s how it goes:
At exactly 9:53 PM, the Chief Yeoman Warder walks out with a set of keys and a lantern.
He meets armed guards, exchanges phrases like “Halt! Who comes there?”
The gates are locked and secured with full military formality.
Where? Tower of London
Tickets? Free, but you must book months in advance on the Historic Royal Palaces website
Why? To protect the Crown Jewels… and because tradition is law here
➡️ It’s the oldest military ceremony in the world still performed daily.
2. The Lord Mayor’s Show (Yes, with a real gold coach)
Every November, Londoners gather for a massive parade to swear in… a new Lord Mayor of the City of London (not to be confused with the Mayor of London — they’re different!).
The parade involves:
Floats, military bands, and marching pikemen
A gilded 18th-century coach, pulled by horses
A medieval-style procession through the streets
Route: City of London (Bank → Aldwych)
When? 2nd Saturday in November
Why? It’s been happening since 1215, when King John allowed the City to elect its own mayor
➡️ It’s a bizarre mix of tradition, pageantry, and people in fancy hats waving at you from carriages.
3. The Beating of the Bounds
Imagine a bunch of priests, schoolchildren, and parishioners… walking the borders of their parish while beating landmarks with sticks.
Welcome to the Beating of the Bounds — a medieval tradition still observed along the Thames.
Participants walk the ancient parish boundaries
They "beat" key points with willow sticks, sometimes even over river markers
It’s meant to teach children the parish borders by literally walking them
Where? Along the Thames, in areas like St. Peter’s Cornhill or Deptford
When? Around Ascension Day (40 days after Easter)
No maps or tech — just good old-fashioned stick-whacking history.
4. The Trial of the Pyx
Sounds like a Game of Thrones plotline, right?
It’s actually a centuries-old coin testing ritual to check that the Royal Mint hasn’t been short-changing us.
Held at Goldsmiths' Hall, this ceremony sees coins randomly selected from the previous year’s mintage
They are weighed and tested for purity
The trial is overseen by judges and even jurors from the public
Where? Goldsmiths' Hall, City of London
When? Usually in February or March
Why? To ensure public trust in British currency — since 1282
You can't usually attend, but it's still performed in full legal and ceremonial pomp.
5. The Goat Race (Yes, it’s a pun on the Boat Race)
Each year, while Oxford and Cambridge row down the Thames in the famous Boat Race, London holds its own rival event:
The Goat Race.
Two goats — named “Oxford” and “Cambridge” — race around a pen at Spitalfields City Farm.
There’s commentary, betting, cheering, and goat-related puns
It’s all for charity and brilliantly tongue-in-cheek
There’s also goat yoga and goat-themed food stalls
Where? Spitalfields City Farm
When? Same day as the Boat Race (usually late March or early April)
It’s absurd, hilarious, and very East London.
6. Swan Upping
Yes, that’s a real phrase.
Each July, royal officials in red outfits take to the Thames in boats to count the Queen’s swans.
Why?
Because, technically, all unmarked mute swans in open water belong to the Crown.
They count, mark, and inspect swan families along the Thames
It takes 5 days and involves medieval ceremony and flags
Swans are ringed to monitor conservation
Where? River Thames from Sunbury to Abingdon
When? Usually third week of July
It's conservation meets monarchy meets bird obsession. Only in England.
7. The Pancake Day Races
On Shrove Tuesday, Londoners in aprons and office suits run through the streets while flipping pancakes in frying pans.
Some races are for charity
Some involve full fancy dress
Rules vary, but one thing’s constant: you must keep flipping as you run
Where? Notting Hill, Greenwich, Spitalfields, and more
When? Shrove Tuesday (Feb or March, depends on Easter)
It’s chaos, carbs, and competition. And no one takes it too seriously.
8. Pearly Kings and Queens
Ever seen someone dressed head to toe in black with shiny buttons all over their suit?
You’ve met a Pearly.
This tradition goes back to 19th-century costermongers (street traders) who would sew pearl buttons onto their clothes to show solidarity.
Today, Pearly families represent boroughs of London
They raise money for charities
Appear at parades, ceremonies, and major London events
Where? Across central London
When? Especially visible at events like the Harvest Festival at St Mary-le-Bow
They're London’s unsung heroes — working-class royalty with heart.
Final Thoughts
London isn’t just about palaces, punting, and posh afternoon teas.
It’s a city of traditions that make no sense — and yet, somehow, make it feel like home.
Whether it's racing goats, beating church walls with sticks, or flipping pancakes down an alley, these rituals are weird, wonderful, and uniquely London.
So next time you think you’ve “done London,” ask yourself:
Have you seen a swan census?
Have you watched a gold coach roll through the streets?
Have you heard someone say "Trial of the Pyx" with a straight face?
If not — you’ve still got plenty to discover.
Save this blog, and share it with someone who loves the strange side of history!
And for more London quirks, hidden events, and insider guides, follow @Londonyaar — where the weird is always welcome.