Leake Street Graffiti Tunnels: London’s Street Art Gallery

This isn’t your regular Art Gallery. Located beneath Waterloo Station, the Leake Street graffiti tunnels are a hidden gem for art lovers, photographers, and street art enthusiasts. In this guide, you will discover the best times to visit and what you can do there.

The Tunnels

Street Art mural of a girl on the wall at Leake Street — Leake Street Art

Street art picture of Marilyn Monroe — Leake Street Art

The tunnels were built as part of the road network under the station. When the Eurostar hub moved to Kings Cross, the tunnel was no longer in use until Banksy, the famous street artist hosted the Cans Festival in 2008. Since then, it has become a hotspot for street artists to just turn up and create their own work of art.

What to expect at Leake Street

The entrance to Leake Street. tunnels showing graffiti on the walls. — Leake Street

Walking down an unimpressive side street, you will see a tunnel opening for a 300 meter stretch of vivid murals with every available space used up. Don’t forget to look up as some of the more beautiful pieces are on the ceiling. The artwork changes frequently as anyone can add their mark at any time. The tunnels are open 24/7 but I would hesitate to bring children along in the evenings.

Can anyone graffiti in Leake Street?

A graffiti artist spraying paint onto a wall at Leake Street — Graffiti Art at Leake Street

Yes! Plan ahead and buy some spray cans of paint. As long as you are inside the tunnels, you can create your own street art. Note that any grafitti outside of the tunnels will be removed as will any art breaking the rules.

Top Tips

Bring a camera. The graffiti tunnels are perfect for Instagram or portfolio shoots. I often see filming at the entrances or further inside.
There are graffiti workshops you can book on too. These are great fun!
The best time to visit to take photographs is early in the morning. However, the afternoons and evenings are where you are more likely to catch graffiti artists spraying on the walls.
The area really comes alive in the evening with the bars and restaurants opening up into the tunnels themselves.

Eating and Drinking in Leake Street

The entrance to Passyunk Avenue restaurant with graffiti on the walls either side — Passyunk Avenue restaurant

There are plenty of restaurants and bars inside and near Leake Street. I would particularly recommend Passyunk Avenue. Child friendly, it calls itself London’s best dive bar for all things Philadelphia. There are American Sports playing on all the TVs. You can even try your hand at baseball in the back.

How to Get There

The Leake Street graffiti tunnels are conveniently located near Waterloo Station, accessible via trains, Underground (Jubilee, Bakerloo, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines), or buses. The entrance is just off York Road, with clear signage pointing to the tunnels.