Navigating the UK's postal system can be a bit confusing, especially for those new to the country. There are over 1,800 postcodes in the UK, each serving a specific geographic area.
A post town is a key component of a postcode, and it's the name of the town or city where the postcode is located. For example, the postcode SW1A 0AA is located in the post town of Westminster.
In the UK, post towns are often the same as the name of the town or city, but not always. Some post towns are made up of multiple towns or cities, while others are a single town or city with multiple postcodes.
Understanding post towns is essential for sending mail and packages within the UK, so it's worth taking the time to learn about them.
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UK Postcode System
The UK Postcode System is a complex but fascinating topic. The system is sorted by postcode area, which is the first part of the outward code of a postcode. This means that all postcodes in the UK start with a specific letter or combination of letters that represent a particular area.
Postcode areas are usually named after a major town or city, such as Birmingham (B), but not always. Some postcode areas are named after smaller towns or a combination of towns, like UB for Uxbridge or SM for Sutton and Morden.
The postcode area for London is a bit different, with eight distinct areas (N, E, EC, SE, SW, W, WC, and NW) that reflect the city's compass points.
London
London is a key post town in the United Kingdom, with its own unique postcode area.
London is sorted under the postcode area, which is the first part of the outward code of a postcode. This is a crucial piece of information for anyone sending mail or packages to the city.
London is often included in lists of post towns in the United Kingdom, which can be found on various online resources.
Here are some examples of postcode areas in London:
- EC (Eastern Central) - includes areas such as the City of London and the East End
- WC (Western Central) - includes areas such as Westminster and Marylebone
- SW (South Western) - includes areas such as Kensington and Chelsea
- SE (South Eastern) - includes areas such as Greenwich and Lewisham
- NW (North Western) - includes areas such as Camden and Kilburn
- NE (North Eastern) - includes areas such as Hackney and Islington
- W (Western) - includes areas such as Notting Hill and Earls Court
London is also related to postal addresses in the United Kingdom, which include the post town and postcode area.
Post Towns and Districts
Post towns are groups of postcode districts that share a common name. For example, Crawley uses RH10 and RH11 as its postcode districts.
Larger post towns can use more than one postcode district. In some cases, a single number can cover two or more post towns. For instance, the WN8 district includes Wigan and Skelmersdale post towns.
Here's a breakdown of how post towns and districts relate:
A single postcode area can cover a large region, like the Outer Hebrides (HS) or the Medway conurbation (ME). Some postcode areas are named after a major town, such as Birmingham (B), while others are named after a smaller town or a combination of towns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many postal areas are there in the UK?
There are 124 postcode areas in the UK, each serving a specific geographical region. Learn more about the UK's postcode format and how these areas are organized.
What is the difference between a locality and a post town?
A Post Town is the core geographic area, while a Locality is a more specific area that includes a Post Town, with additional details such as Dependent Locality and Double Dependent Locality. Think of a Post Town as the main hub, and a Locality as a more precise neighborhood within that hub.
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