Leake Street Arches
About Leake Street Arches
A 300-metre tunnel beneath Waterloo station where graffiti is legal. Every wall is covered in spray paint, and the pieces change almost daily.
History
Leake Street was an ordinary road tunnel under Waterloo's railway tracks until 2008, when Banksy and other artists took it over for the Cans Festival.
After the festival it stayed open as a legal space for graffiti, and it has become one of the best-known painting spots in Europe.
What to Expect
The tunnel is lit, covered and open to pedestrians at any hour. It smells of fresh paint, so expect fumes on busy days. Nothing here lasts long, which means no two visits look the same. Painting is allowed, but stick to the walls and take your empty cans away.
Known For
Highlights
- Watch artists at work, often at weekends
- Bring your own spray cans and paint legally
- Bars and restaurants in the arches
- A short walk from the South Bank
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is graffiti legal in Leake Street?
- Yes. Leake Street is one of the few places in London where you can legally paint graffiti, as long as you only paint the tunnel walls.
- Where is the Leake Street graffiti tunnel?
- It runs under Waterloo station, between York Road and Lower Marsh. The entrance is a few minutes' walk from the station exits.
- Is Leake Street safe at night?
- It is lit and used by pedestrians and bar customers in the evening, but it is quieter late at night, so take normal care.
More London Street Art & Graffiti
Shoreditch & Brick Lane Street Art
London's best-known street art district. Large murals, paste-ups and small pieces cover the side streets around Brick Lane and Shoreditch High Street.
Hackney Wick Street Art
A former industrial area beside the canal and the Olympic Park. It is known for large graffiti on warehouse walls, artist studios and canalside bars.
Southbank Centre Undercroft
A covered concrete space under the Southbank Centre on the Thames. It has been used by skateboarders since the 1970s and is covered in graffiti.