Where Is the Roundabout in European Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re a fan of the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies, you’re probably familiar with the famous scene from European Vacation where the Griswold family gets stuck in a roundabout in London. But have you ever wondered where that roundabout is located?

Well, wonder no more! The roundabout in question is actually called Lambeth Bridge Roundabout, and it’s located in central London, just south of the River Thames. It connects several major roads, including Lambeth Palace Road and Westminster Bridge Road.

So why did the filmmakers choose this particular roundabout for the movie? Well, it’s likely because Lambeth Bridge Roundabout is one of the busiest and most iconic traffic circles in London. It’s also situated near several notable landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Of course, as anyone who has driven through a busy roundabout can attest, they can be tricky to navigate – especially for drivers who are unfamiliar with them. In European Vacation, Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) becomes increasingly frustrated as he tries to exit Lambeth Bridge Roundabout but keeps circling back around instead.

The scene is played for laughs, but it also highlights an important point: if you’re planning on driving in a foreign country (especially one where they drive on the opposite side of the road), it’s important to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and customs.

So there you have it – Lambeth Bridge Roundabout is the location of one of National Lampoon’s most memorable scenes. And while getting stuck in a traffic circle might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, at least we can all laugh about it now (and maybe even use it as a cautionary tale for our own travels).