Leake Street Arches
Leake Street Arches
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Leake Street Arches is a celebration of urban art, dining and entertainment live from Waterloo. Eight former railway arches next to the famous Graffiti Tunnel have been brought back to life to provide a curated collection of independent restaurants and bars that capture the essence of urban culture. Head to Leake Street Arches to fuel your creativity and leave your mark. Businesses operating at Leake Street Arches include: Aures London Banh Bao Brothers Draughts Rat Bar 26 Leake Street
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
How to get there
- Waterloo • 3 min walk
- Embankment • 10 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,361 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- bm230199Sheffield, United Kingdom48 contributionsBeautiful tunnel to walk throughBeautiful tunnels with so much culture and pretty art. We found it a little hard to find at first but there are signs and basically just follow the graffiti. It's one of those places where you notice new things each time you walk through it. Beautiful piece of culture in London.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 21, 2023
- FamilyofFiveSFSan Mateo, California155 contributionsVibrant urban art scene not to be missedLeake St Arches are a secret tunnel covered with vibrant graffiti under the Waterloo train station. This is where the famous artist, Banksy, had invited urban street artists to create their amazing canvases. We happened upon this place with a tour and my young teenager loved it.Visited July 2023Written August 5, 2023
- Jigs28Jamnagar, India390 contributionsAn artistic gem, hidden treasureWhat a hidden treasure. An artistic gem. Despite living in London for 35 years, had never heard of this place. Fantastic creativity and art work on display, for free. I heard it changes on a daily basis, which is spectacular. Very well lit, easily accessible from Waterloo and free - a must to pop in and view. Highly recommendedVisited August 2023Written August 19, 2023
- Craig MSan Francisco, California15 contributionsPerfect way to leave your mark in London!A must visit! And you must book the graffiti workshop with Marc. The whole family had a blast exploring this hidden gem. And Marc was amazing! He was smart, funny, and encouraging while we made our own mark in London. One of the best moments of our trip. Highly recommend!Visited August 2023Written August 21, 2023
- Flashback202441 contributionsWorth a visit!If you are visit the London Eye, then this is about 5-7 minutes walk from there. It is a long tunnel with graffiti on the wall. It changes all the time. The closes station is Waterloo, but you can also take a longer walk from Westminster Bridge. There are bars and places to eat. It does smell of chemical from the graffiti. You can cycle through here, but just check for broken glass. The area is safe and plenty of tourists who come to see the artwork.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 13, 2023
- goldenparadoxElkridge, Maryland491 contributionsUnique & Creative Must-seeThis is just quick (15 mins or less) walk, but so unique and creative. Lots to take in. I went in the middle of the day (solo female) and felt 100% safe and comfortable. Lots of other folks enjoying the art work. All others were hard at work. Highly recommend. I'm here for a few days and will probably visit again to see the new art before I leave. I did have a little trouble finding it, so here's a tip: it's easier to find from Lower Marsh. See pictureVisited December 2023Traveled soloWritten December 17, 2023
- Lady AStockholm, Sweden1,093 contributionsFantastic and sad that the scene constantly changes as new art cover the old.A bit hard to find, located behind and under Waterloo station, but well worth the job to find it. Fantastic and sad that the scene constantly changes as new art cover the old. As always fascinating to see the artists while creating. A visit here is recommendedVisited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 7, 2024
- Nicola J78 contributionsWell worth a visitCool and interesting place with some incredible artwork. Seems a shame that you are allowed to paint over some of these masterpieces. Well worth a look while in the area. Was a bit smelly down there and would be nice to see it kept a bit cleaner.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 27, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
201 reviews
Excellent
124
Very good
60
Average
11
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Aliciaxcii
11 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
Great photo opportunity! Recommend for photographers and models.
Basically a free graffiti gallery
Sweet Waterloo detour, every time I visit there’s something new. Sometimes you can see the artists working always, photographers & video shoots etc.
Recommend a visit!
Basically a free graffiti gallery
Sweet Waterloo detour, every time I visit there’s something new. Sometimes you can see the artists working always, photographers & video shoots etc.
Recommend a visit!
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eliza272
Washington DC, DC105 contributions
Dec 2019
My son took me to see the Leake Arches, as I am an artist. Beautiful examples of grffiti artwork lit up and brightened the old the railway arches underneath the station, what a wonderful idea and use of the space, giving a place to graffiti artists to practice without censure. Maybe not every ones cup of tea, but if you appreciate street art, this will be up your alley (pun intended)!
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
manxseasider
Ramsey, UK369 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Was over for a wedding in London and staying at a nearby hotel so thought we would wander down and investigate this area one evening. Some of the street art/graffiti is quite spectacular and the area seemed to be buzzing with a couple of trendy bars and an eatery, although we didn’t’ sample them. Probably more attractive to the under-40’s than to grandparents like us, but I felt it was worth exploring if in the immediate vicinity.
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adrien
Worcestershire, UK186 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Only came by these disused arches because I was going to watch a gig at 26 Leake Street which hosts a lot of up and coming bands . Place to have a stroll down if you are into Street art , disused arches where street artists can do their own thing . Very close to Westminster Bridge , Westminster underground station and the Houses of parliament.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grays_on_Holiday
Derbyshire, UK876 contributions
Apr 2022
Popped by whilst walking the South Bank of the River Thames (slight detour from the river bank). Mid-week at around 10am, very quiet with only a couple of artist working on projects and not many more people passing through the tunnel.
Some standard graffiti and some other wonderful pieces of fine art. As I was leaving I was pleased I looked up to the ceiling as there was a wonderful bit of art of a woman.
A good place to capture some colouful photographs.
Some standard graffiti and some other wonderful pieces of fine art. As I was leaving I was pleased I looked up to the ceiling as there was a wonderful bit of art of a woman.
A good place to capture some colouful photographs.
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah_MemphisIndiexo
London, UK156 contributions
Feb 2021 • Solo
A great arty street, hidden near South Bank and close to Waterloo Station.
- Worth a visit if you are local to take in some street art.
- See artists creating their work, admire what’s on show and get some selfies.
- Free and easy to find and see when in London.
- Worth a visit if you are local to take in some street art.
- See artists creating their work, admire what’s on show and get some selfies.
- Free and easy to find and see when in London.
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Waddler
York, UK11,291 contributions
Apr 2022
I brought the family on a Saturday morning, and it was a quiet experience checking out the street art/graffiti. I'm no expert, but we enjoyed seeing it.
I also passed through on Friday evening around 10pm when the vibe is altogether edgier but fine for me. There's folks actually doing the art so the tunnels are filled with the smell of aerosol paint, and some of the arches contain bars so there's folks coming and going for that.
Interesting to see it in its two moods.
I also passed through on Friday evening around 10pm when the vibe is altogether edgier but fine for me. There's folks actually doing the art so the tunnels are filled with the smell of aerosol paint, and some of the arches contain bars so there's folks coming and going for that.
Interesting to see it in its two moods.
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hol_loverDarlington
Stockton-on-Tees, UK4,870 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Saw this mentioned on a London “oddities” group and decided to slot in a visit while in the area. I’ll admit I was wary as not being from the area but it was nice and quiet midday. One artist was busy creating and there were a few people browsing the art. The artwork was brilliant, some excellent talent out there. Glad we visited.
Written October 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samantha smithers
London, UK21 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
It's a great area. So many works of art. I've been a couple of times and every time I've been there's been new work. Its usually quite busy and everytime I've been there's always someone doing work then and there
Written January 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sally S
Watford, UK18 contributions
Apr 2023
Having visited before and just amazed at the eclectic display of talent both raw and polished in such a unique environment. I have followed Leake Street on social media. Last week I saw them announce workshops and we get to give it a go! So booked myself and teenage daughter in!
On arrival the we were met by the friendly artist in resident Marc who provided us with attractive boiler suits, gloves, masks and safety goggles. We all had a patch of empty wall and 2 cans each (my daughter and I shared the 4) and then we got let loose! It is good to have some idea of what you want to do! Marc was always on hand and came round to show us how to do our out Space graffiti picture which we got to take home.
We had lots of fun and even had our 'work' photographed by people walking though!
Marc then took us on an interesting walk through and highlighted a few remarkable sections that was amazing to see.
Highly recommended, for all sorts .. I think children can go from 8 and upwards, but just as cool for a date, or just friends having a day out!
Just don't expect your work to be there long!!!!
On arrival the we were met by the friendly artist in resident Marc who provided us with attractive boiler suits, gloves, masks and safety goggles. We all had a patch of empty wall and 2 cans each (my daughter and I shared the 4) and then we got let loose! It is good to have some idea of what you want to do! Marc was always on hand and came round to show us how to do our out Space graffiti picture which we got to take home.
We had lots of fun and even had our 'work' photographed by people walking though!
Marc then took us on an interesting walk through and highlighted a few remarkable sections that was amazing to see.
Highly recommended, for all sorts .. I think children can go from 8 and upwards, but just as cool for a date, or just friends having a day out!
Just don't expect your work to be there long!!!!
Written April 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil H
7 contributions
Does anyone know if there is a shop close by where I can buy some pain so my teenage kids can have a go at painting?
Raffa
Besana in Brianza, Italy120 contributions
Hi, can you give me the address? Can I draw with permanent markers UNIPOSCA ?
Thanks
Raimondo O
Caserta, Italy257 contributions
Hi, The address is Leake Street, Lambeth, London Se 7NN, United Kingdom. But if you use Google maps it is easier. You can use uniposca but I think the tip is fine and the result could not be the best.
Ciao se usi Google maps ti sarà molto facile trovare l'entrata al tunnel. Per quanto riguarda l'uniposca lo puoi usare tranquillamente ma tieni conto che se vuoi qualcosa di appariscente potrebbe non essere la scelta ideale. A 15 min dal tunnel c'è un negozio di vernici e colori dove puoi acquistare bombolette spray. Buon divertimento.
Es un lugar seguro para visitar?
Babulu73
92 contributions
We have been there in the evning and had our children with us and we never felt inconvenient. It looks dark, but the people in there are artists spraying their art. Very peaceful people. No problem at all.
Raimondo O
Caserta, Italy257 contributions
Qualcuno sa dirmi se nei pressi di questo tunnel c'è un negozio di colori dove acquistare bombolette spray per realizzare un graffito? Non potendole portare in aereo sono abbligato ad acquistarle a Londra.
Okchappy
Norman, OK84 contributions
Can anyone paint? Or do you have to get permission?
HillyMcBilly
London, UK10 contributions
Leake Street Tunnel is a free space and anyone can go there and paint. Take photos or video photos of your work because they don’t last long before someone paints over.
Enjoy
Can you tell me please if Keith Flink mural is still there please???
rebeljenn
Ruislip, UK895 contributions
No, they change within a day or two
mathewrooneys
Glasgow, UK
Is it accessible at night, want to go get some photos
Akmal Y
India149 contributions
yes open at night but not sure if you'll be able to see everything at night as you can during the daylight
SurreySunseeker73
Surrey, UK1,244 contributions
Can I drive into it and take photos of my car with the graffiti?
cazzaco
Woking, UK93 contributions
No it’s pedestrianised - 2 minutes walk from Waterloo Station - parking nearby would be very expensive
ThomasEngland
Bedford, UK164 contributions
I am a little worried about safety. Plan to go in the day. Would like advice. Thank you.
TravelTips
Overton, UK354 contributions
We went late afternoon felt very safe.
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