Hampstead station has London Underground's deepest platforms
The Northern line station, opened in 1907, relies solely on lifts for access to its platforms.
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Hampstead station, located on the Northern line, possesses the deepest platforms within the London Underground system. These platforms are situated approximately 58.5 metres, or 192 feet, below the surface. This considerable depth is attributed to the hilly topography of the Hampstead area, with railway tunnels running beneath the neighbourhood and the station building positioned significantly higher.
No escalators, only lifts
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Despite the substantial vertical distance, passengers travelling to and from Hampstead station's platforms will not find any escalators. Transport for London exclusively uses lifts to provide access between the ticket hall and the platforms. The London Transport Museum has confirmed that Hampstead station also houses the deepest lift shaft on the Underground, measuring around 181 feet. This depth is comparable to the height of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square.
The absence of escalators is partly due to the station's historical context. Hampstead station opened on 22 June 1907, as part of the Charing Cross, Euston and Hampstead Railway. At that time, escalators were not a common feature on the Underground; the first was introduced at Earl's Court in 1911, four years after Hampstead station began operating. Consequently, the station was designed with lifts as the primary means of vertical transport, a system that continues to be used today. An emergency spiral staircase with over 320 steps also exists, but it is not available for general passenger use.
The station, designed by architect Leslie Green, retains historic tiled signs on its platforms bearing its originally proposed name, Heath Street. Hampstead station is situated on the Edgware branch of the Northern line, between Belsize Park and Golders Green, within fare zones 2 and 3.
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Questions this report answers
+How deep are the platforms at Hampstead station?
The platforms at Hampstead station are approximately 58.5 metres (192 feet) below street level, making them the deepest on the entire London Underground network. This significant depth is a result of the area's hilly geography.
+Does Hampstead station have escalators?
No, Hampstead station does not have any escalators. Transport for London provides lifts as the sole means of access between the ticket hall and the platforms. There is also an emergency spiral staircase with over 320 steps.
+When did Hampstead station open?
Hampstead station opened on 22 June 1907, as part of the Charing Cross, Euston and Hampstead Railway. It was built before escalators became a common feature on the Underground network.
+What is special about the lifts at Hampstead station?
The London Transport Museum states that Hampstead station has the deepest lift shaft on the London Underground, measuring approximately 181 feet. This depth is comparable to the height of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square.
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