Leake Street Tunnel - one tunnel, endless art

Leake Street Tunnel is loud, messy, colourful and completely addictive and if you’re anywhere near Waterloo and fancy a dose of wow, please duck into Leake Street Tunnel — London’s grungiest, most joyful open-air (well… underground) art space.

This 300-metre tunnel sits beneath the train tracks and is completely covered in graffiti. Walls, ceilings, corners — nothing is off limits. What makes it magic? It’s legal. Artists can paint here freely, so the artwork is constantly changing. Visit twice in the same week and it’ll feel like a different place.

The tunnel shot to fame in 2008 when Banksy hosted a street art festival here, and it’s been a living canvas ever since. You’ll see huge murals, tiny tags, political messages, playful characters — and often artists mid-spray.

It smells of paint, hums with creativity, and feels very London.

Best of all? It’s free, open 24/7, and gloriously imperfect.

Just beyond the tunnel you’ll find the Leake Street Arches — a cluster of independent eateries, bars and entertainment spaces that extend the vibe. Grab a bite or a drink, then head back underground for another round of colour and creativity.

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