What Is the Biggest Roundabout in London?

By Michael Ferguson

London is a city that is known for its intricate road networks. The city has over 600 roundabouts, but there’s one that stands out among the rest – the Magic Roundabout.

What Is the Magic Roundabout?

The Magic Roundabout is located in Swindon, which is about 80 miles west of London. Despite being outside of London, it has gained notoriety as being the biggest roundabout in England.

How Big Is It?

The Magic Roundabout consists of five smaller roundabouts arranged in a spiral pattern. This design allows drivers to enter and exit at any point, making it an efficient traffic solution.

Each of the five mini-roundabouts has a diameter of 40 meters, and the entire structure covers an area of over 5,000 square meters.

Why Is It Called “Magic”?

The Magic Roundabout got its name from a popular children’s TV show from the 1970s called “The Magic Roundabout.” The show featured characters that lived on a roundabout and had their own adventures.

The name stuck, and now the Swindon roundabout is known as the “Magic” one.

Is It Safe?

Despite its size and complexity, studies have shown that the Magic Roundabout actually reduces accidents compared to traditional intersections.

This is because it forces drivers to slow down and pay attention to their surroundings. Additionally, by allowing drivers to enter and exit at any point along the circle, it reduces congestion and frustration on the roads.

The Bottom Line

While London may have many impressive roundabouts, none can compare to the size and complexity of Swindon’s Magic Roundabout. Whether you’re a driver or just interested in unique traffic solutions, this landmark is worth checking out.