a real-life tardis on the street

Earl's Court Police Box

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Earl's Court · Earl's Court

A genuine blue TARDIS-style police box standing outside Earl's Court station, a free magnet for Doctor Who fans.

Getting there. On the pavement outside Earl's Court Underground station.
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Earl's Court · Earl's Court
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The lowdown

Standing on the pavement outside Earl's Court station is a tall blue police box, instantly familiar to anyone who has seen Doctor Who, where the Time Lord's TARDIS is disguised as exactly this kind of 1920s call box. Unlike the show's prop, this is a real, if modern, police box, installed in 1996 in the classic Metropolitan Police design.

Once these boxes stood all over London so officers could telephone the station, but almost all were scrapped when radios arrived. This survivor has become an affectionate landmark and a free photo stop for fans, a small blue piece of both policing history and television legend.

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The insider tip

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It is right outside the station exit, so you cannot miss it, perfect for a quick free photo. Real Doctor Who fans note it is bigger and a slightly different shade than the show's prop, but the spirit is spot on.
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