Leake Street Tunnel
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Leake Street Arches London

4.8
·408 reviews·, United Kingdom

London's longest legal graffiti tunnel, a dynamic 300m canvas beneath Waterloo Station where street art thrives.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better for photos

CrowdLow
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Leake Street Tunnel

Leake Street Arches London

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

London's longest legal graffiti tunnel, a dynamic 300m canvas beneath Waterloo Station where street art thrives.

4.8
(408 reviews)

"It's a living, breathing art gallery that's constantly evolving, a must-see for any art lover!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 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:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 · 491 reviews

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Living Graffiti Gallery

The Living Graffiti Gallery

The entire tunnel

London's longest legal graffiti tunnel, a vibrant, ever-changing showcase of street art.

Underground Artistry

Underground Artistry

Leake Street Arches

Witness artists at work, transforming the tunnel walls with spray paint and creativity.

Hidden Bars and Eateries

Hidden Bars and Eateries

Leake Street Arches

Discover unique bars and restaurants tucked away within the arches, offering a cool urban vibe.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Ever-Changing Art

Leake Street Arches is a living canvas; artwork is constantly being created and covered. Don't expect to see the same pieces twice. Visit often to witness its dynamic evolution and appreciate the transient nature of street art.

Timing is Key for the Vibe

While always open, the atmosphere shifts throughout the day. Weekends and evenings often buzz with activity, including potential raves.Instagram For a quieter, more focused photography experience, consider weekday mornings.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Buzzing atmosphere, potential raves
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

London's longest legal graffiti tunnel where street art is actively encouraged | 📍Leake Street Arches #leakestreetarches #graffititunnellondon #london #hiddengems
@keyainlondon
178.6K likes • 884.6K views

📸 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:

Reply to @e.lazza The iconic Leake Street arches in Waterloo #London #fypシ #O2HereComesBrighter #streetart #uktiktok #SageTellMe
@hrhgeorgiana
38.6K likes • 255.2K views
Streetart ist Kult in London und Graffitis gibt es an jeder Straßenecke, obwohl das Sprayen eigentlich fast überall verboten ist - mit einer Ausnahme: Leake Street Arches, das ist ein über 300 m lange...
ilona_hallr
35 likes • 375 views

🔄 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:

If you’re a fan of street art, this is the PLACE FOR YOU! 🖼️😍 🎥 @travelandseize 📍Leake Street Arches, London #travel #travelgram #travelling #uk #uk_greatshots #uk_shots #visituk #uk_shooters #uk_ou...
ukhiddengems
0 likes • 223.8K views

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

4.8
(408 reviews)

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

Constantly changing art
Legal graffiti space
Vibrant atmosphere

What People Dislike

Overwhelming tags

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.TikTok

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.Instagram

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.Instagram

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.Reddit

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.Instagram

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.Instagram

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.TikTok

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.Reddit

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.

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