How Many Postcode Areas Are There in London?

By Robert Palmer

London is a vast city with a diverse population and culture. It is no surprise that the city has a complex postal system.

Postcodes are used to categorize different areas in London, making it easier for mail delivery, emergency services, and navigation. But how many postcode areas are there in London? Let’s delve into this topic.

What is a Postcode?

A postcode is an alphanumeric code that represents a specific geographical area. It was first introduced in London in 1857 to make mail delivery more efficient. Since then, postcodes have become an integral part of the UK’s postal system.

How are Postcodes Structured?

Postcodes in London consist of two main parts: the outward code and the inward code. The outward code comes first and consists of 1-4 letters or numbers that represent the area or district of the address. The inward code comes after and consists of 1-3 letters or numbers that represent the specific street or building within that area.

How Many Postcode Areas are There in London?

There are currently 119 postcode areas in London. These postcode areas cover all parts of Greater London, including Central London, North London, South London, East London, West London, and the City of London.

Central London Postcode Areas

  • EC (Eastern Central)
  • WC (Western Central)

North London Postcode Areas

  • N (Northern)

South London Postcode Areas

  • SE (Southeastern)
  • SW (Southwestern)

East London Postcode Areas

  • E (Eastern)

West London Postcode Areas

  • W (Western)

City of London Postcode Areas

  • EC (Eastern Central)

Fun Fact: The highest number of postcodes in a single London postcode area is SE1, which has 29 postcode districts.

In conclusion, postcodes are an essential part of the UK postal system and help to make mail delivery more efficient. There are currently 119 postcode areas in London, each covering different parts of the city. Whether you are sending a letter or navigating through the city, understanding postcodes can be helpful in many ways.