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London is a city that can be considered truly alive. Renowned for its museums, art galleries, and extraordinary bookstores, the heart of the metropolis beats with its own unique and vibrant tone.

But deep beneath its bustling streets, the London Underground acts as the capital's nervous system. The subway network connects people across all walks of life as they journey around London and its suburbs. It is currently used by around 2 million people every day and has undergone so many expansions that it now encompasses around 250 miles of track.

However, what most people don't realize is just how deep the London Underground is. At points, it reaches depths of over 100 feet. The Hampstead Underground Station is the labyrinth's deepest stop, nestled within a steep mountain. It is an engineering achievement that holds a fascinating history. As a result, it's definitely a stop worth exploring along your journey through London.

Related: Check Out These Abandoned Tube Stations In London

How Deep Is Hampstead Underground Station?

The London Underground has earned itself the nickname 'The Tube' for its subterranean tunnels. Its windowless interiors disguise its place far beneath the Earth's crust. Hampstead Underground Station is the deepest of its stops and takes passengers down a sloping lift to its tracks.

  • Location: Hampstead Station, London Underground Ltd., Hampstead High St, London NW3 1QG

The station's entrance resides in the gorgeous village of Hampstead. As a result, it offers easy access to plenty of scenic views and interesting landmarks.

Straddling the junction of Heath Street and Hampstead High Street, the station is dug into the borough of Camden in North London. It can be visited by taking the Northern Line and getting off between the Golders Green and Belsize Park stations.

Passengers are rewarded with a dizzying descent. Hampstead Underground Station is over 190 feet (58.5 meters) below ground level. It features a massive spiral staircase with more than 320 steps. This makes it the size of a 15-story building. A sign at the entrance of the steps warns away anyone not up to the physical strain. However, it can be a fun dare among friends or a challenge for active adventurers.

The station is more typically scaled through the use of high-speed elevators. In addition to its status as the deepest station on the London Underground network, Hampstead is also home to its deepest elevator shaft. It lowers over 180 feet (55 meters) and enables easy access to the station.

Hampstead Deep
Photo by Clari Massimiliano via Shutterstock
Hampstead Underground Station interior, London, UK

Related: 10 Things To Do In London If You Only Have 24 Hours

The Defunct Hampstead Tube Line

The story of Hampstead Underground Station is a fascinating one. The idea for it was initially conceived in the late 1800s. Seeing the success of previous expansions of the Tube, a new line was proposed by the Charing Cross, Euston, and Hampstead Railway. The Hampstead Tube Line was meant to connect the railway's namesake towns. Construction on the railway began but was never finished due to ownership changes of the property.

Nevertheless, the Hampstead Underground Station opened in June 1907. Designed by the architect Leslie Green, it was an engineering wonder for the time. Its addition to Hampstead quickly spurred the village's growth.

Although the Hampstead Tube Line was never launched, Hampstead Underground Station saw enough popularity that it's survived to this day. It was even incorporated into the present Northern Line, which has continued to run trains frequently through the stop.

Hampstead Exterior
Photo by Alla Tsyganova via Shutterstock
Exterior of Hampstead Underground Station, London, UK

What To See In Hampstead

The picturesque village of Hampstead can make for a lovely trip from London. It is easily accessed from the city via the Tube and is only about 5.6 miles away. Beyond its subterranean station, a variety of cultural and historical landmarks dot its streets.

The Freud Museum

Hampstead was the final residence of the famous (and controversial) Sigmund Freud. The Austrian psychologist and his daughter, Anna Freud, used the home to provide therapy and expand on many of their theories. The Freud Museum now occupies the house, which is pristinely preserved and offers a look at Freud's famous psychoanalytic couch, as well as the family's dining room and personal chambers.

  • Location: 20 Maresfield Gardens, London, NW3 5SX, UK
  • Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10:30 AM - 5 PM
  • Entry Cost: ~$17 (£14.00) for adults, ~$15 (£12.00) for concessions, ~$11 (£9.00) for those aged 12-16, free for children under the age of 12 and members

Keats House

Hampstead was also a source of inspiration for the romantic English poet John Keats. His Regency villa, now called the Keats House, allows for an intimate look into the writer's process and displays original manuscripts and artifacts from his lifetime.

  • Location: Keats House, 10 Keats Grove, London NW3 2RR, UK
  • Opening Hours: Thursday, Friday, and Sunday 11 AM - 1 PM and 2 - 4 PM
  • Entry Cost: ~$10 (£8.00) for adults, ~$6 (£4.75) for concessions, free for those under the age of 18 or those with an Art Pass, ~$6 (£4.75) for NT members, ~$3 (£2.25) for those with a Local ticket