Leake Street Arches London
London's longest legal graffiti tunnel, a dynamic 300m canvas beneath Waterloo Station where street art thrives.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for photos
Leake Street Arches London
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
London's longest legal graffiti tunnel, a dynamic 300m canvas beneath Waterloo Station where street art thrives.
"It's a living, breathing art gallery that's constantly evolving, a must-see for any art lover!"
📸 Capture the Art
Bring your camera! The art is constantly changing, so every visit is unique. :camerawithflash:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to admire the art. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Living Graffiti Gallery
The entire tunnel
London's longest legal graffiti tunnel, a vibrant, ever-changing showcase of street art.
Underground Artistry
Leake Street Arches
Witness artists at work, transforming the tunnel walls with spray paint and creativity.
Hidden Bars and Eateries
Leake Street Arches
Discover unique bars and restaurants tucked away within the arches, offering a cool urban vibe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Ever-Changing Art
Timing is Key for the Vibe
For a quieter, more focused photography experience, consider weekday mornings.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Art
Bring your camera! The art is constantly changing, so every visit is unique. :camerawithflash:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to admire the art. :athletic_shoe:
🔄 Art is Temporary
Don't be disheartened by tags; new murals are always being created. :brush:
🚇 Easy Access
Just a short walk from Waterloo Station. :train2:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Art
Bring your camera! The art is constantly changing, so every visit is unique. :camerawithflash:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to admire the art. :athletic_shoe:
🔄 Art is Temporary
Don't be disheartened by tags; new murals are always being created. :brush:
🚇 Easy Access
Just a short walk from Waterloo Station. :train2:
🎶 Check for Events
Sometimes hosts raves and live music events. :musical_note:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Leake Street Arches is celebrated as a vibrant, ever-changing canvas of legal graffiti art, offering a unique and dynamic urban experience. Visitors love the constant artistic evolution, the edgy atmosphere, and the convenience of its location near Waterloo. Some find the prevalence of 'tags' over murals disappointing, but the ongoing creation of new artwork generally keeps the space exciting.
"The air is filled with paint smell. New graffiti was born in any moment. It inspires you to create."
Jones Lee
"Absolutely free and only a 6 minute walk from Waterloo station. If you're into street art this is the place to go."
Martin Hallam
"Amazing, well worth a visit if you’re in the area."
Elizabeth Bergelin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Leake Street Arches is conveniently located under Waterloo Station. The nearest tube and train station is Waterloo. It's a very short walk from the station exit, making it easily accessible for London visitors.
Yes, it's incredibly close to major landmarks. You can reach Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in about a 2-minute walk, making it a perfect addition to a South Bank itinerary.
Driving is not recommended due to its location under a busy station and limited parking. Public transport is the easiest way to access the arches.
Walking is ideal. The Southbank area offers many attractions, and Leake Street Arches is a unique stop on your exploration.
While there might be some paid parking garages in the vicinity, they can be expensive and inconvenient. Public transport is highly advised.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Leake Street Arches is completely free. It's a public space where street art is legal and encouraged.
The tunnel is open 24/7, as it's a public thoroughfare. However, the atmosphere and activity levels vary throughout the day and night.
For photography, weekday mornings are often best to avoid crowds and capture the art in a more serene setting. Evenings and weekends can be busier with artists and visitors.
Yes, Leake Street Arches is one of the few places in London where graffiti is legal. You can bring your own spray cans and contribute to the ever-changing artwork.
As a public space, general public conduct applies. Be mindful of artists working and other visitors enjoying the space.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire 300m tunnel is a canvas! Look for vibrant murals, dynamic action shots of artists at work, and interesting details on the floor and ceiling.
The lighting can be a bit challenging due to the tunnel environment, but it also adds to the unique atmosphere. Experiment with different angles and settings. Many visitors find it a great place for creative shots.
Most artists are happy for you to photograph their work in progress, but it's always polite to ask first if they seem focused or busy.
A wide-angle lens can be useful to capture the scale of the tunnel, but a standard lens will also work well for details. A tripod might be helpful for low-light conditions.
Weekday mornings offer fewer people, allowing for unobstructed shots. However, the energy of artists at work on weekends can also lead to dynamic photographic opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the arches house a collection of small bars and restaurants, offering a unique dining experience within the graffiti-covered space.
The offerings vary, but you can find a range of casual dining options and bars, perfect for a pre- or post-art exploration refreshment.
Prices are generally in line with London's city center, offering a range of options to suit different budgets.
While there are establishments to purchase from, it's generally best to consume food and drinks purchased on-site to respect the businesses operating there.
Options vary by establishment, but with London's diverse culinary scene, you're likely to find suitable choices at some of the eateries.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Go during the day: Weekday mornings or early afternoons are best to avoid crowds and ensure children can move around safely.
* Talk about the art: Engage children by discussing the different styles, colors, and messages they see. It's a chance to spark conversations about creativity and self-expression.
* Combine with other attractions: Its proximity to the South Bank means you can easily combine a visit with attractions like the London Eye or the Tate Modern for a full day out.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips:
* Experiment with light: The tunnel's lighting can be moody, so play with different settings to capture the atmosphere. Consider a tripod for sharper images in lower light.
* Capture the process: If you see artists at work, ask permission to photograph them – these action shots can be incredibly dynamic.
* Look for details: Beyond the large murals, explore the textures, layers, and smaller pieces that add depth to the tunnel's art.
🎨 Aspiring Artists & Creatives
For creatives:
* Bring your own supplies: If you're inspired, you can contribute your own art to the tunnel walls. It's a chance to leave your mark.
* Observe techniques: Watch experienced artists at work to learn new techniques and styles.
* Connect with the community: The tunnel often attracts a community of artists and art enthusiasts, offering opportunities for networking and inspiration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Leake Street Arches
It was initially created as part of a Banksy festival and has since evolved into a dynamic, ever-changing gallery of street art. The beauty of Leake Street Arches lies in its impermanence; artwork is constantly being created, layered, and painted over, meaning no two visits are ever the same.Visitors can witness artists actively working on their pieces, transforming the tunnel walls from floor to ceiling with an incredible array of styles, colors, and messages.
While some pieces are elaborate murals, others are quick tags, a reality that some visitors note can be frustrating as quality artwork gets covered.Beyond the visual spectacle, Leake Street Arches has cultivated a unique atmosphere. It's not just a tunnel; it's a hub of creativity and urban culture. The space also houses a collection of small bars and restaurants, adding to the vibrant, edgy vibe. Occasionally, the tunnel even hosts raves and live music events, further cementing its status as a multifaceted cultural hotspot.
Experiencing the Vibe and Atmosphere
Many visitors describe the experience as 'cool,' 'vibrant,' and 'unique.' It's a place where you can feel the pulse of London's street art scene. The combination of the raw, industrial setting of the tunnel and the explosion of artistic expression creates a truly memorable sensory experience. Some Redditors have even noted stumbling across photo shoots happening within the tunnel, adding another layer to the dynamic environment.
For those looking for a more relaxed experience, visiting during weekday mornings can offer a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere. This allows for a better appreciation of individual artworks without the hustle and bustle. Regardless of when you visit, Leake Street Arches offers a captivating and authentic slice of London's creative underground.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit