Art & culture,
September 15 2024
The Big Smoke may be famous for its landmarks and rich history – but it’s also got a thriving underground art scene. Whatever your tastes, the awe-inspiring graffiti and street art in London is sure to amaze, if not for the masterpiece but the covert nature of the artwork.
Our graffiti tunnels London guide will show you the best places to find street art, from world-famous names to up-and-comers.
It’s no surprise to see that Shoreditch has a vast collection of London street art. This quirky, trendy district is home to Banksy works on Rivington Street, as well as towering 30ft bird imagery on Hanbury Street.
Further afield, you can also head to Croydon, Lewisham and Spitalfields. There’s plenty to marvel at on Instagram, but nothing replaces the real thing!
If you’re a die-hard fan of Banksy’s irreverent street art, you’re in luck. Many have been stolen, removed or jet washed away, including the famous Pulp Fiction pastiche on London’s Old Street Station. But there’s still a chance to see Banksy street art all over London, including:
London Bridge – home to one of Banksy’s many famous London rats
Finsbury Park – enjoy the perpetually springtime trees thanks to his spray paint
Stoke Newington – this Royal family spoof was nearly washed off by Hackney Council
…and many more. For other famous street artists including Banksy’s late rival King Robbo, read our street art London guide.
It doesn’t get any better than Brick Lane London street art – perhaps best characterised by the urban art display of ROA. This Belgian street artist has depicted a 30ft crane – the bird, not the equipment – on the side of an Indian restaurant.
Just off Brick Lane, you’ll see the works of Stik. His stick figures include ‘A Couple Hold Hands in the Street’ on Princelet Street in Tower Hamlets. Also adjacent to Brick Lane is Grimsby Street, where you’ll see the slanging match between two ‘Screamers’ on either side of a large door.
Explore the area’s railway bridge for bright and vibrant murals, showcasing the best of Brick Lane London graffiti.
Jump off the tube in Camden and the first thing you’ll see is the art worked Camden Lock railway bridge. Mural artist John Bulley first painted these immortal words in 1989, and much more art has graced the marketplace since.
Street art Camden hotspots include Ferdinand Estate, where you’ll find a range of collaborations featuring wolves, warriors and futuristic human faces. On Hawley Street, there are murals by Damitta, Otto Schade and Aspire Artwork. Animals feature heavily again, including herons and rhinos. Stucley Place is better known for its famous faces, including homages to Amy Winehouse.
And as for Banksy, Camden was the battleground for his rivalry with King Robbo, including the famous Wall Paper Hanging on Regent’s Canal. Camden also housed Banksy’s addition to Tox – a collaboration with graffiti artist Daniel Halpin.
Graffiti in Shoreditch is without doubt most famous for its connections to Banksy. If asked where the most street art in London is, most people would tell you Shoreditch – and that’s largely thanks to Rivington Street.
Some call it a ‘Banksy designated graffiti area’ and it’s known for his earliest London works, including:
Guard Dog and His Master’s Voice
Snorting Copper
These controversial images date back to the turn of the century. Beyond Banksy in Shoreditch, you’ll also find Leonard Street and Redchurch Street. The former is home to DJing cats and yet another rhino – though you’ll find it labelled as a unicorn. On Redchurch Street lies more works from Otto Schade and ROA, as well as spray paint artist Jim Vision’s fabulous murals.
London graffiti tunnels don’t come any more famous than Leake Street Arches. Located beneath Waterloo station, these eight former railway arches have become known colloquially as the ‘Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel’ or even the ‘Banksy Tunnel’.
Why? Because in 2008, the world-famous street artist invited others to add their graffiti art contributions. It formed part of The Cans Festival and became the first legal graffiti wall in London, spanning 300 metres of public space.
Close by is Southbank Skatepark, a stone’s throw from the thriving London art gallery scene. Whatever your tastes, you can explore colourful graffiti or contemporary art at the Tate Modern and Hayward Galleries. If you’re hungry, be sure to pop into London’s board game café, Draughts, and marvel at the views from within.
Brixton street art is renowned for its portraits of British icons such as David Bowie. A mural, painted by Jimmy C in 2013, forms part of the ‘Stockwell Hall of Fame’. This is yet another place where murals in London are not only legal but actively encouraged.
See famous spray can masterpieces such as Saltoun Road, home of the famous ‘Hitler Cat’. More colourful pieces can be found on Ferndale Road, birthplace of the Brixton Street Gallery, with works from local artists.
Whether it’s a walking tour or a spot of shopping, there are so many free things to see in the capital. Thistle Hotels are conveniently located in Bloomsbury, Holborn, Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square – so you’re never short from a resting spot.
Tired feet? Enjoy your graffiti London tour knowing there’s a comfy bed waiting for you. Book today.
