The Tube’s most beautiful station that most commuters will never use

Being on a particular part of the Underground map means most Londoners will never see it with their own eyes

Gants Hill station, an East London stop on the Central line, bears a remarkable resemblance to stations found on the Moscow metro. However, the station’s exterior, situated just north of Valentines Park in Redbridge, is pretty unassuming.

You could easily walk past without a second glance, unless you caught sight of the iconic roundel. Access to the station is via stairways that lead beneath the Gants Hill roundabout.

Unlike other distinguished London Underground stations such as the characteristic red-tiled Caledonian Road and Russell Square on the Piccadilly line, Gants Hill doesn’t boast an impressive street-level frontage.

However, once you descend to platform level, the ambience transforms entirely. The stunning open-plan platform showcases a sweeping arched ceiling, grand tiled columns, and elegant benches arranged in both directions from the centre.

Interestingly, those familiar with the Moscow Metro may recognise the similarities between Gants Hill station and many stations in the Russian capital. In fact, they share such striking resemblances that the Central line station’s concourse is often referred to as the ‘Moscow Hall’.

This unique architectural gem was designed by Charles Holden. Unfortunately, its location on the Hainault loop of the Central line – amongst the Tube’s quietest sections – means it remains relatively undiscovered by most Londoners.

The Hainault loop has even been labelled the Underground’s most isolated corridor where, beyond peak hours, you could quite realistically secure an entire carriage to yourself.

The London Transport Museum’s website heaps acclaim on Gants Hill station: “The arched ceiling and detailed symmetry create an elongated effect that this photograph captures perfectly. Inspired by Holden’s visit to the Moscow Metro, this happens to be one of Holden’s last commissions for London Transport in 1947.”

Building work on Gants Hill station began during the 1930s but was halted by the Second World War, throughout which it functioned as an air raid shelter, with its tunnels even serving as a munitions factory for Plessey electronics.

Following substantial delays, Gants Hill station eventually welcomed passengers on December 14, 1947, establishing itself as the easternmost underground terminus throughout the entire London Underground network.

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