Leake St — Local services in London

Leake Street, also known as the “Graffiti Tunnel,” is an absolute must-see for those who appreciate street art and urban culture. Tucked away under the tracks near Waterloo Station, this ~190-meter tunnel is a constantly evolving gallery of graffiti and creativity. Every visit feels like a new experience, as the artwork changes almost daily. It’s a place where you can often catch artists live in action, adding a dynamic element to the space.

What to Expect The vibe is electric and raw, with a mix of street art, live graffiti, and a bustling crowd. The variety of styles and colors is impressive, with some pieces standing out as genuine masterpieces. The tunnel connects directly to Lower Marsh, a lively area filled with great pubs, restaurants, and shops, making it easy to incorporate into your visit to the South Bank or Westminster.

Tips for Visitors • Be prepared for some aerosol fumes, as spray painting is constant here. • Some panels might feature explicit language, but it’s generally family-friendly. • The tunnel is well-lit, but it’s still a tunnel—so it can feel a bit dingy at quieter times. • Watch out for cyclists passing through quickly!

Highlights Don’t miss the protected artwork by Blek le Rat, a hidden gem in the connecting passage to Westminster Bridge Road. The Leake Street Arches also host a few bars and event spaces, making it a lively spot to grab a drink or see some live performances.

Final Thoughts Leake Street is a vibrant testament to London’s urban art scene. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, it’s worth the detour to explore this unique, ever-changing canvas. Perfect for photography, inspiration, or just soaking up the creative energy, it’s a lesser-known gem that’s sure to leave...

Very cool tunnel/art installation under the tracks, just a short walk from Waterloo Station and The Sidings. If you are in the area visiting the South Bank or even Westminster, it’s definitely worth a detour to come here. It connects directly to Lower Marsh, where you’ll find a ton of nice restaurants, pubs, and shops.

The tunnel is a ~190m gallery of graffiti art that changes almost every day. As an advisory for parents, some panels are a little sweary, but I walk through here almost every day, and there’s never anything too controversial here. There’s a protected artwork by Blek le Rat in the passage that connects Leake Street to Westminster Bridge Road.

Despite being a reasonably busy thoroughfare with a few bars and even spaces within, the tunnel is still a tunnel, that is, a little dingy and potentially uncomfortably quiet late at night or early in the morning. It can get a little dirty and sometimes doesn’t smell too great due to the almost constant use of aerosol paint. All being said, the biggest risk here is thoughtless cyclists riding way too fast through the tunnel. Nevertheless, it’s well lit and well-loved and is a good example of a lesser-known attraction looked after by talented artists, that’s both practical and sure to get...

The Leake Street graffiti tunnel is a pedestrian tunnel under Waterloo station in London that is covered in legal street art and graffiti. It is also known as the "Banksy Tunnel" because the famous street artist Banksy has created several works of art there.

The tunnel is open 24 hours a day, but it is best visited during the day when it is well-lit. It is also a popular spot for street performers, so you may see some performers while you are there.

The graffiti in the tunnel is constantly changing, so you will always see something new. There are a variety of styles of graffiti, from traditional tagging to more elaborate murals. You may also see some political or social commentary in the art.

The Leake Street graffiti tunnel is a free and accessible attraction, so it is a great way to experience street art in London. It is also a unique and memorable...