Lost Property London: Where to Find Lost Items and How to Recover Them

When you lose something in London—your phone, wallet, coat, or even your sense of direction—it’s not the end of the world. But it can feel like it if you don’t know where to look. Lost property London, the official system for recovering misplaced belongings across the city’s transit, venues, and public spaces. Also known as lost and found London, it’s not just a desk at a station—it’s a network of offices, online portals, and staff who actually help people get their stuff back. You’d be surprised how many people leave their bags on the Tube, phones in bars, or jackets at rooftop lounges. The good news? Most of them are turned in.

Every year, Transport for London, the agency that runs the Underground, buses, and Overground. Also known as TfL lost property, it handles over 300,000 lost items. That’s more than 800 a day. Phones are #1. Then wallets, umbrellas, and headphones. If you lost something on the Tube, train, or bus, head to the TfL lost property office at Euston or use their online form. You’ll need the time, line, and station—details that matter more than you think. Some items sit unclaimed for 90 days before being donated or destroyed. Don’t wait.

But London’s lost property scene isn’t just about the Tube. Lost property at venues, from clubs and theatres to restaurants and concert halls. Also known as venue lost and found, it works differently. Big spots like O2 Arena or Royal Albert Hall have dedicated lost property desks. Smaller bars? They might toss your scarf if you don’t ask by closing time. Always check with the staff before you leave. Don’t assume they’ll call you. They won’t. And if you’re at a club after a night out? Your phone could be sitting behind the bar—just ask the manager, not the bartender. They’re busy. Managers have access to the lost box.

What about places you didn’t expect? Cafes in Soho, public libraries in Camden, even the British Museum—they all have lost property procedures. You can’t just walk in and demand your keys back. You’ll need to describe the item, where you lost it, and when. Some places ask for proof of ownership. A photo of your phone’s case? Helpful. The serial number? Even better. And if you’re missing something valuable? File a police report. It helps if you need to prove it was stolen, not just misplaced.

There’s no magic app that finds your lost keys. But there are smart ways to use what’s already out there. The London Lost Property Portal, a centralized search tool that links TfL, council offices, and major venues. Also known as London lost items database, it lets you search by date, location, and item type. It’s not perfect—but it’s the closest thing to a single source. And if you’re in a hurry? Call the venue directly. Most have a lost property line. No one’s going to answer at 3 a.m., but by 10 a.m., someone will.

And here’s the thing most people miss: if you lose something in a taxi, you’re not stuck. Uber and black cabs both have lost item systems. Uber’s app lets you report it right away. Black cabs? Get the driver’s ID number from the receipt. Call the company. They track drivers. You’d be amazed how often a wallet turns up in a cab’s glovebox.

Below, you’ll find real stories, practical guides, and insider tips from people who’ve lost it all—and got it back. Whether you’re trying to find your phone after a night out in Dalston, your purse after a West End show, or your sunglasses after a rooftop brunch, this collection has what you need. No fluff. Just what works.