The plain truth is that these days, in the UK at least, a phone box rarely has a phone within. They have become so iconic that many remain in situ. They’re often re-purposed as community book exchanges (Grrr. No photo!), or as a community planters – spotted in Bath with Becky herself, and Anabel, aka The Glasgow Gallivanter, who wants her own photo of it.
Also in Bath, transformed into a doodle-fest, courtesy of Sam Cox aka Mr. Doodle.
Here’s one in London that’s become a cash point.
Or, saddest of all, an un-re-purposed box that seems to serve no purpose whatever, except as a recipient of graffiti and unwanted stickers.
For Becky’s #SimplyRed.
From Pyrenees to Pennines 
The last one is so sad
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know. It’s just become an eyesore in a London street.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the doodle-fest, but why haven’t you got one of Becky taking the shot, please? xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Because … er … I haven’t.😒
LikeLiked by 1 person
You got my hopes up… xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙄
LikeLiked by 1 person
😄😄😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was way way out of shot, and not sure Margaret even saw me taking photos of them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tssk! Oh, well- I’ve forgiven her (all heart, you know!) xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
I thought those first two looked familiar!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve not long ago realised that this is your stamping ground. Not a bad place!
LikeLiked by 1 person
But where’s the shot of the one a few steps away from my front door?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never took it … 😳
LikeLike
clearly you need to come back soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not before you’ve had a sortie northwards!
LikeLike
fair enough – must discuss!
LikeLiked by 1 person
👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
shall we book a Zoom before I head off on the ship again?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent idea. I can’t remeber when you leave (or come back), but Emily and entourage arrive on the 13th – 26th. Message a couple of suggestions?
LikeLiked by 1 person
In a way it is sad to see them in that state
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think so. They’re an iconic part of the English landscape, so it’s sad when they’re so down at heel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That poor un repurposed box ….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sad, isn’t it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Abandoned….
LikeLiked by 1 person
The last one has a phone in it! Surely that makes it the best
LikeLiked by 1 person
I doubt if it functions except for 999 calls. That seems to be the norm.
LikeLike
Oh look! It’s me.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Has anyone asked you for an autograph yet?
LikeLike
No – I’m offended!
LikeLike
I’m sorry. I didn’t realise bloggers could be so off-hand 🙄
LikeLike
🤷♀️
LikeLike
I saw a couple during my recent travels but did not look any closer than noticing…it was more difficult to find the red post box, but as it turned out there was one close to our hotel! Sometimes things which are bright red become part of the landscape and I don’t see them because they are in plain sight….
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know what you mean. Did you see any pillar boxes with yarn-bombed tops I wonder? They’re fun!
LikeLike
I’ve seen a number of of book swap phone boxes, also internet access points, but never a planter – what a great idea! And I love the doodled one, though that last one is a sad sight. Hopefully someone will come up with a use for it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I suspect the best that can be hoped for is a quiet removal to a phone box graveyard somewhere.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Bath ones are lovely, the London ones not so much, in fact downright ugly and someone should be ashamed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I quite agree. They were in a fairly grubbly area generally.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I suspect the sad one at the end may double as a urinal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t go in to find out, but you’re 99.9% likely to be right, unfortunately.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I saw some that have become defibrillator stations! I love the planters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course! I’ve seen defibrilator posts too in phone boxes. The planters are great, aren’t they?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great examples of repurposing these iconic call boxes.
LikeLike
Margaret, thank you for this delightful look at such a beloved symbol of British life. I especially love how communities are finding creative ways to repurpose them. From emergency defibrillators to tiny libraries, they continue to serve in the most charming and meaningful ways. A beautiful reminder that heritage can adapt without losing heart.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly! My favourite repurposings are Little Free Libraries. I can usually unearth something.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The box with plants growing happily out of it wins. We even have a few UK phone boxes in some backyards here in NZ, perhaps an ethereal direct line?.
LikeLike
It’s so strange when we encouunter these boxes in our travels: you can find them in Europe too.
LikeLike
People emigrating with their treasures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would take up much of a container!
LikeLike
It’s wonderful they repurposed these iconic phone booths. Great photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s lovely when they remain a community asset – just different.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I vote for a planter or a little library. Boo on the last one. 😬
janet
LikeLiked by 1 person
My thoughts exactly!
LikeLike
I like that they have repurposed them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes- the ones that have been well repurposed. Ones left to the vandals to -er – vandalise are not so good. But luckily in the minority.
LikeLike
The last one is sad but the others are amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, certainly more loved than that last poor thing.
LikeLiked by 1 person