Station Tunnel Murals
London's largest legal graffiti zone, a 300m tunnel beneath Waterloo Station, showcasing ever-evolving street art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Station Tunnel Murals
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
London's largest legal graffiti zone, a 300m tunnel beneath Waterloo Station, showcasing ever-evolving street art.
"Dive into the ultimate street art vibes at Leake Street Tunnel! Hidden under Waterloo station, it’s an art-lover’s paradise."
📸 Capture the Colors
Visit during daylight for the best lighting on the vibrant murals. Weekdays offer fewer crowds for unobstructed photos.
🎨 Leave Your Mark (Responsibly)
While legal, respect the art. Some artists are actively painting; observe and appreciate the process.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ever-Evolving Murals
Leake Street Tunnel
London's largest legal graffiti zone, a 300-meter tunnel bursting with vibrant, ever-changing street art.
The 'Banksy Tunnel' Legacy
Leake Street Tunnel
Once the site of Banksy's famous Cans Festival, this tunnel continues to be a hub for renowned and emerging street artists.
Independent Arches Vibe
Leake Street Arches
Beyond the tunnel, discover independent bars, food spots, and live entertainment in the arches above.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Ever-Changing Art
Timing is Everything for Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Colors
Visit during daylight for the best lighting on the vibrant murals. Weekdays offer fewer crowds for unobstructed photos.
🎨 Leave Your Mark (Responsibly)
While legal, respect the art. Some artists are actively painting; observe and appreciate the process.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Tunnel
Don't miss the independent bars and eateries in the Leake Street Arches for a full urban experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking to fully appreciate the scale and detail of the art.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Colors
Visit during daylight for the best lighting on the vibrant murals. Weekdays offer fewer crowds for unobstructed photos.
🎨 Leave Your Mark (Responsibly)
While legal, respect the art. Some artists are actively painting; observe and appreciate the process.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Tunnel
Don't miss the independent bars and eateries in the Leake Street Arches for a full urban experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking to fully appreciate the scale and detail of the art.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Leake Street Tunnel as a vibrant, ever-changing outdoor art gallery. The free entry and unique atmosphere are major draws, offering a dynamic street art experience unlike traditional museums. Some note that the art changes rapidly, meaning repeat visits are rewarded, and the surrounding arches offer a lively spot for food and drinks.
"20 min walk from the main train station. Tickets were 15 Euros return from Amsterdam.
It was well laid out, no entry charge on a non race day. We watched a few training races.
Plenty of toilets and food venues and seating and viewing areas to watch races.
Definitely would recommend for a fun and different day out experience."
W K (KW)
"Attended a small event which had different categories of cars in the same day. Access is relatively easy by car and public transportation. Once in, would be helpful if they provided a map showing where the different things are on the track area. Toilets were not easily available in some of the areas, although the ones available were clean. There was limited options for food and drinks."
Marcelo Lavinas Werneck
"First time going to a F1 in the Netherlands. Amazing place. Great people. Prepare for lots of walking tho, as the track is relatively far away from the station. Organization was excellent, the vibe unreal, the beers on point. Last one next year, so don’t miss out on a great opportunity."
Joseph Savdie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Station Tunnel Murals, also known as Leake Street Tunnel or the Banksy Tunnel, are conveniently located beneath Waterloo Station in London. You can easily reach it by taking the London Underground to Waterloo Station. From there, it's a short walk. Some visitors mention it's about a 20-minute walk from the main train station. +1
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the tunnel, Waterloo Station has nearby car parks. However, public transport is highly recommended due to its central London location and ease of access.
Leake Street Tunnel is a pedestrian tunnel, so it is generally accessible. However, the surfaces can be uneven in places. It's advisable to check for any temporary disruptions before your visit.
The most recommended way to reach the graffiti tunnel is via public transport, specifically the London Underground to Waterloo Station. This avoids the hassle of London traffic and parking. 
Yes, numerous bus routes serve the Waterloo Station area, making it accessible by bus. Check Transport for London (TfL) for the most up-to-date route information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Leake Street Tunnel is completely free! It's a public space open to everyone to explore and admire the street art.
Leake Street Tunnel is open 24/7, as it's a public thoroughfare. The art is always on display, though lighting conditions will vary.
There is no entry fee for Leake Street Tunnel. It's a free and open public space for art enthusiasts.
Leake Street Tunnel is London's largest legal graffiti zone, meaning artists are permitted to paint there. However, it's best to observe and appreciate the existing art unless you are an experienced street artist with your own materials.
Leake Street Tunnel gained significant popularity and became a recognized legal graffiti space around 2008, notably after Banksy's Cans Festival.
📸 📸 Photography & Art
For the best photographic conditions, aim for daylight hours. The natural light helps capture the vibrant colors of the murals. Weekdays can also mean fewer people, making it easier to get unobstructed shots.
The murals in Leake Street Tunnel are constantly evolving. New art can appear daily, with existing pieces often being painted over within days or weeks, creating a dynamic and ever-changing canvas.
Yes, Leake Street Tunnel is famous for hosting works by renowned street artists, including Banksy, who held his Cans Festival here in 2008. Many other international and local artists contribute their work.
Absolutely! Photography and videography are encouraged in Leake Street Tunnel. It's a popular spot for capturing unique urban art.
You'll find a wide variety of street art, including graffiti, murals, stencils, and paste-ups. The styles are diverse, reflecting the creativity of artists from all backgrounds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Drink
Yes, the Leake Street Arches area above the tunnel features several independent bars, restaurants, and food venues offering a variety of cuisines and drinks.
There are no food or drink vendors directly inside the tunnel itself. However, the arches above and the surrounding Waterloo area offer plenty of options.
The Leake Street Arches offer a diverse range of food options, from casual bites to more substantial meals, catering to various tastes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Visit during the day for better visibility and to avoid late-night crowds. Ensure children are supervised, as it's a public thoroughfare. The nearby Leake Street Arches offer food options, making it easy to plan a short outing. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as there's a fair amount of walking involved.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different perspectives and focal lengths. Look for details within the larger murals, the textures of the spray paint, and the overall atmosphere of the tunnel. The 'Banksy Tunnel' legacy also adds an interesting narrative to your photographic exploration.
+1🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, pack your own snacks and water. While the Leake Street Arches offer food and drink, they can be pricier. Utilize public transport to get there, as it's generally more economical than taxis or parking in central London.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dynamic Canvas: Understanding Leake Street's Art Scene
The tunnel's history is intertwined with street art, notably gaining prominence after Banksy's 'Cans Festival' in 2008. This event transformed the then-derelict tunnel into a celebrated space for graffiti artists. Today, it continues to be a hub for both established and emerging talent, fostering a creative dialogue through spray paint and stencils.
+1Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the atmosphere, observe artists at work (respectfully, of course), and appreciate the sheer volume and variety of creativity on display. It’s a place where art is not confined to galleries but thrives in the raw, urban environment.
Capturing the Urban Vibe: Photography Tips
Consider visiting on a weekday to minimize crowds. This allows for more freedom to move around, find the best angles, and capture detailed shots without people obstructing the view. The tunnel is long, so take your time to explore different sections and discover hidden gems.
Don't be afraid to experiment with your shots. Look for interesting textures, contrasting colors, and the interplay between different artworks. The sheer density of art means there's always something visually compelling to capture. Remember, the art is constantly changing, so your photos will be a unique snapshot in time.
Beyond the Art: Exploring Leake Street Arches
These arches provide a lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings. You can find a variety of food and drink options, from casual snacks to more elaborate meals. It's a great place to relax after exploring the tunnel, soak in the local vibe, and perhaps catch some live music or events.
Visiting the arches adds another dimension to your trip, showcasing how urban spaces can be repurposed to foster community and creativity. It’s a perfect spot to experience a different side of London’s nightlife and culture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit