Our photo collection of London cabs.
Often when traveling abroad it’s common everyday things that make a lasting impression. On our very first family trip to Europe, it was all the bikes in Copenhagen. And on our first trip to London, it was the London cabs that were most impressive – particularly those painted with advertising.
They weren’t a surprise this time around but we had just as much fun admiring the interesting cabs and trying to get a photo as they zipped around the streets of London. It was a scavenger hunt of sorts and these are what we managed to get.
I don’t think anyone will be surprised to learn that this was our favourite cab – Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
But the Cadbury cab was probably a close second.
Advertising west-end musicals on cabs is also very popular whether it be Lion King…
Or Thriller.
Our favourite cab from our previous trip to London was also a musical – Legally Blonde.
Even London’s newest attraction, The View from The Shard advertises on cabs.
Cabs are perfect for advertising holiday getaways – I saw so many Cyprus cabs that I fancied a beach holiday by the end of our London trip.
A variety of businesses seem to choose this prominent and mobile form of advertising.
Wouldn’t you want to stay at a hotel that welcomes with cookies?
Do you have a favourite London cab?
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Salika Jay
Wow, it’s a great collection Lisa! Love them all 🙂
Katja
These are great! I had no idea they did this.
Lesley Peterson
Oh my goodness! you’ve hit on one of my favorite things of all time, Lisa. The London cab is my favorite escape of all–escape from post-theatre crowds, RAIN, lol. I practically live in ’em in London and consider the money very well spent. I have great chats with the drivers and love hearing their stories of the actors they’ve dropped off at stage doors, etc. Considering the price of a tube ride, a cab does not cost that much more. Wish I was in one right now!!
Mary {The World Is A Book}
We loved seeing those cabs all over London. What a great collection! I actually almost tripped twice trying to take pictures of them. I was wondering what all those Cyprus cabs were. One of my regrets was not having the chance to ride them.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
I don’t remember this from my trip to London. Of course, that was over 20 years ago, so perhaps they weren’t doing it back then. I’d love to see them in person, although I might get hungry after seeing that Cadbury one or the Doubletree cookies message.
Kiera @EasyTravelMom
My very first international trip was to London at age 15 and that was the first thing I remembered about that trip, the black cabs and how different they are to the US (specifically NYC!). I think cab drivers in the UK have much higher restrictions and the job is considered a very good job compared to here, where we sometimes look down on our drivers (again especially in NYC!). I love all your photos and you caught some great ads on there!
Charu
Love the different designs!
Sophie
I’ve seen so many of these, but I’ve never really paid attention. Yet, as you say, it’s these everyday little glimpses…
Leigh
Although the cabs are advertising it actually doesn’t look so bad to me since it’s so colourful. I guess I haven’t been to London recently as I’ve never noticed these cabs or I was too tired to pick up the fact that these were indeed cabs.
That’s a fun way to engage your kids.
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thank you! We had fun trying to get the photos – and lots of regrets about the ones we missed!
Lisa Goodmurphy
I wish they had them here – much better than the boring old cabs we have!
Lisa Goodmurphy
We take cabs more than the tube as well, Lesley. Mostly we walk but sometimes a cab is just the best option and when you multiply the cost of a tube ride x 5 people on this trip then it was often more economical too. And definitely more fun!
Lisa Goodmurphy
If I had let Emma then we would have turned down black cabs and waited for a pretty one to come along! 😉
Lisa Goodmurphy
My first trip to London was 18 years ago and I don’t remember any cabs with advertising from that trip either – it may be a relatively new practice.
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thanks, Kiera! I think you’re correct that it is a much better job there – quite strict requirements in order to qualify, I believe.
Lisa Goodmurphy
Fantastic, aren’t they?!?
Lisa Goodmurphy
Emma loves them – so we have no choice but to pay attention! 😉
Lisa Goodmurphy
I think one has a tendency to forget that it’s advertising because they are so much fun to look at!
Freya
Great collection, very colorful. I love the musical advertisements on the cabs, did you went to see any?
Lisa Wood
What a great collection of London Cabs..when I went to London {a very long time ago} I only remember Black Cabs and very crazy drivers – man they go fast and change lanes and those huge roundabouts….damn that was scary!
I love the idea of having such colourful cabs, and its such a great way to advertise to people who use them – very smart PR companies 😉