The Secret London Tunnel Where Street Art is 100% Legal—Thanks to Banksy 

Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel, tucked beneath Waterloo Station, offers a rebellious side of London rarely seen by tourists. Known as “The Banksy Tunnel,” it’s one of the city’s few legal street art zones, where the walls are constantly transformed by new pieces of graffiti and murals. I’m sharing everything you need to know to visit.

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The Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel and the Legacy of Banksy

I’d just arrived in London and was eager to see the city beyond the usual sights, so I asked Nick, one of our Blue Badge guides, to take me somewhere that felt like “his London.” Without hesitation, he led me to a hidden spot I’d never heard of—Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel, tucked under the busy tracks of Waterloo Station. Known by locals as “The Banksy Tunnel,” this isn’t the kind of place you’ll find in a tourist brochure. It’s a constantly changing space, one of London’s few legal street art zones, where new artwork is added and painted over every day. 

Nick, who knows every corner of this city, explained how Banksy turned this passageway into an open space for street art back in 2008 during the Cans Festival. He wanted to create a legal spot where anyone could paint without fear of fines, a space that invited artists from all over the world to make their mark. As we walked, Nick pointed out how each section told a different story, layered with colors and styles that changed every day. “You’ll never see the same tunnel twice,” he told me, gesturing to new works and older murals partially painted over.  

In a city full of iconic landmarks and classic art, Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel felt like a breath of fresh air. It’s gritty, unpredictable, and full of life—a side of London that doesn’t care about tradition or polish. 

“This place changes daily,” Nick pointed out as we strolled through the tunnel, admiring layers of bright colors, stencils, and lettering. He explained how the tunnel’s openness creates an entirely new experience each time you visit, with fresh paint and new ideas covering the walls. It’s a place where street art can thrive without constraints—where artists feel free to experiment and layer their work without fear of being stopped by the law. 

Originally, Leake Street was part of the Eurostar terminal before the trains were rerouted to St. Pancras International, leaving the tunnel unused and somewhat forgotten. But when Banksy took it over for his festival, he revived the space. “It’s amazing,” Nick told me. “What was once a gritty, neglected part of London became a showcase for urban art.” 

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One of the interesting things Nick shared was that the walls here are open to anyone with a spray can. Unlike other parts of the city where street art can be removed, here it’s encouraged. The tunnel has become a collaborative canvas, with new layers constantly added and old ones covered up. “It’s part of the culture here,” Nick explained. “Artists know their work might only be visible for a day before someone else comes along. But that’s what makes it exciting.” Walking through, you can see tags, murals, and sometimes even detailed portraits—each artist leaving their mark for as long as it lasts. 

Some pieces are so impressive that they’re protected by a thin layer of glass, a nod to the artist’s influence. Nick pointed out a mural by Blek le Rat, one of the early pioneers of stencil art who inspired Banksy. “This piece here has been preserved because of the respect people have for it,” Nick noted, adding that leaving an artwork untouched in such a high-traffic area is a true compliment among street artists.  

Street art workshops are common here, and it’s not unusual to see people learning spray-paint techniques or trying out their first tags. “You can learn the basics here,” Nick said, “but you might want to wear old clothes—lean on a wall, and you’ll end up with some fresh paint on your jacket.” He laughed, recounting stories of tourists unknowingly walking out with brightly painted backs, souvenirs of their time in London’s only legal graffiti zone. 

Leake Street also draws photographers and art lovers eager to capture the ever-changing visuals. “In some ways, it’s like London’s Sistine Chapel,” Nick joked, pointing to a sprawling mural on the ceiling.  

Spending the evening with Nick made exploring London feel more like uncovering a friend’s best-kept secrets. Nick is definitely one of the coolest tour guides out there. Before becoming a guide, he worked as an arts journalist, and his love for London’s hidden corners shines through in every tour he leads. We’re lucky to have him at The Tour Guy, where he guides guests through top sites like Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and even full-day “London in a Day” tour, offering an insider’s look that goes beyond what you’d get from any guidebook. 

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