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
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10,000 within 3 miles
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2,853 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Remi-StrasbourgStrasbourg, France1,310 contributionsStreet Art galoreYou have to overcome your apprehension when arriving in this dark tunnel, noisy and filled with the scent of acrylic paint sprays. Total spectacle, from floor to ceiling, constantly evolving. It's surprising, beautiful, moving or frightening, but we are challenged by the talent of the artists and their graphic work.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 10 February 2024
- Stéphanie FChalon-sur-Saone, France57 contributionsa surprising placeI went there last year with a school group of teenagers and last month with my young adult daughter. We all really liked it, very surprising place. It's even nicer when artists are practicing. The first time we were there very early in the morning (around 8am I think), the atmosphere was even more special.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 14 March 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 2024Travelled with familyWritten 27 April 2024
- German_AddickMuenster, Germany756 contributionsGraffiti artGraffiti artists can let off steam in this old tunnel at Waterloo Station. New works of art are created here regularly. We were lucky enough to see a new work being created there. There are also restaurants nearby where you can get some refreshment.Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 25 May 2024
- anderscp2019St Ives, United Kingdom55 contributionsWell worth the effort of findingWe loved the amazing works of art, it was tricky to find but worth it. Stopped of at the passyunk avenue bar there which was good, they have a section where you can try your hand at baseball batting 🤣. We were served by Jax who was very friendly and helpful:)Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 30 June 2024
- Julia MLondon, United Kingdom96 contributionsUrban art in South LondonLiving in London it’s always great to discover new places and to see street art in action under these arches is fabulous. There is some awesome art and it’s got a lovely vibe during the day when we went - people just enjoying the talent showcased here is this urban environment. We took a detour on our walk home and were so glad we did.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 August 2024
- Ariel FMontevideo, Uruguay711 contributionsPure ephemeral artIt's crazy this place! From the moment you enter the ephemeral art surrounds you; the artists have intervened the walls, floor and ceiling leaving no place unpainted. The crazy thing about it is that just as one ends, another can paint white again and make another work. It is a must in London!!Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 19 August 2024
- Emanuela VRome, Italy208 contributionsStreet art in town!Place not to be missed for lovers of street art! The landscape changes all the time because the artists paint daily over works already done so you can always find different things!! If children want to have fun with spray cans to make their creations it is possible!! Su find near Waterloo stationVisited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 26 August 2024
- MaryneSalon-de-Provence, France150 contributionsTo see!It’s great to be able to see street art. There are all kinds of street art along the tunnel. Some artists are scratching. And there is something to eat (American restaurant in particular, super original decoration).Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 September 2024
- SarnyBexleyheath, United Kingdom1,077 contributionsLiving artI've been past the area many times without realising these tunnels were there - they are a wonderful hidden gem with real living art - the art is changing all the time - we witnessed graffiti art taking place. A lot of the artwork is absolutely stunning and the whole of the tunnels are amazing to explore. Much enjoyed.Visited October 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 3 October 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
220 reviews
Excellent
135
Very good
68
Average
11
Poor
4
Terrible
2
therichastill
Stevenage, UK3,497 contributions
Dec 2020
I never knew Leake Street existed but on browsing Trip Advisor is discovered it and I'm so glad I did.
It's fairly easy to find. If you are on the South Bank you can head away for the river towards York Way.
Or leaving Waterloo Railway Station turn left and walk along York Way. There is a road going to your left and you go a short distance and the road goes to your left or under the station.
Head down and you will be rewarded with some AMAZING street art. There is so much to see!
Fortunately the arches are well lit and when I visited there were many people passing through and in no way did I feel vulnerable.
If you like something a little different and are on a budget I would recommend visiting the Leake Street Arches.
It's fairly easy to find. If you are on the South Bank you can head away for the river towards York Way.
Or leaving Waterloo Railway Station turn left and walk along York Way. There is a road going to your left and you go a short distance and the road goes to your left or under the station.
Head down and you will be rewarded with some AMAZING street art. There is so much to see!
Fortunately the arches are well lit and when I visited there were many people passing through and in no way did I feel vulnerable.
If you like something a little different and are on a budget I would recommend visiting the Leake Street Arches.
Written 4 December 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.
Claire P
97 contributions
Oct 2021
We visited at lunch time, it was really easy to get to and you can just wonder along looking at all the graffiti art, there was so much to see and it was amazing. There are bars there too but we didn't try any of them. There was also some graffiti master class going on which a man said to me was £65 per person for a couple of hours and they teach you how to spray paint and make it look really effective on the wall, I just thought that the price was a bit steep but the couple doing it were really enjoying it. Definitely worth a wonder pass if you are in the area.
Written 5 November 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.
kcarters
Peterborough, UK258 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The good news is it’s free and feels a bit edgy. It has some impressive art and a few styles you will recognise. You won’t see a banksy as that’s long covered. It is a lot smaller that I imagined. When you discount the random tags, maybe around 12 murals. It’s a bit “oh” and could be seen in great depth in about 10 minutes. Maybe it’s time to claim all the other tunnels around that area too. I’m also amazed some entrepreneur hasn’t taken on one of the empty units for a history of street art exhibition...entry for a small fee of course. It’s good but has to be an added extra to a day in London rather than a focus
Written 22 February 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.
Aliciaxcii
10 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 12 March 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, DC102 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 10 January 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, UK407 contributions
Sept 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 10 October 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 13 February 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 23 April 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, UK155 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 21 June 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, UK12,558 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 3 May 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.
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?
Written 15 February 2022
Does this venue have disabled access and toilet?
Written 9 August 2021
Hi, can you give me the address? Can I draw with permanent markers UNIPOSCA ?
Thanks
Written 12 December 2019
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.
Written 13 December 2019
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.
Written 20 September 2019
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.
Written 7 September 2019
Can anyone paint? Or do you have to get permission?
Written 22 June 2019
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
Written 22 June 2019
mathewrooneys
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Is it accessible at night, want to go get some photos
Written 8 September 2018
yes open at night but not sure if you'll be able to see everything at night as you can during the daylight
Written 11 September 2018
Can I drive into it and take photos of my car with the graffiti?
Written 9 June 2018
No it’s pedestrianised - 2 minutes walk from Waterloo Station - parking nearby would be very expensive
Written 10 June 2018
I am a little worried about safety. Plan to go in the day. Would like advice. Thank you.
Written 12 January 2017
We went late afternoon felt very safe.
Written 13 January 2017
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