The debate over which is London's most beautiful Tube station could go on forever, with many contenders each boasting their own unique charm.
The Underground has its fair share of enthusiasts who seem to know every detail about the world's oldest metro system and have strong views on their favourite stations.
However, there's one particular London Underground station that consistently receives high praise from everyday commuters, die-hard fans, and even architectural critics.
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It's not the busiest or most central station, with only 1.96 million people passing through in 2021, but Arnos Grove in North London is frequently hailed as the city's most attractive.
First opened in 1932, the station's modernist style has won over both critics and fans. On the blog Tubewalk, Arnos Grove is highlighted as a favourite among Tube superfans and described as 'a beautiful sight'.
The Telegraph also recently included it in a list of London's most beautiful stations, noting that it 'has long been admired by architecture critics since its opening in 1932'. What sets this station apart is its spacious and intriguingly designed central concourse, unlike other more utilitarian stations.
The station was commissioned by Frank Pick and designed by Charles Holden as part of the extension of the Piccadilly line to Cockfosters. Holden took inspiration from the Stockholm City Library, which had opened a few years earlier in Sweden.
When you compare the designs, it's clear that the station's drum-like ceiling is a near replica of the library's. Holden's use of brick, glass and reinforced concrete to create basic geometric shapes aligns the station with the modern European style of the era.
The building has been acknowledged for its cultural significance, earning Grade II listed status in July 2011. Arnos Grove isn't a station everyone will use due to its location, making it somewhat of a hidden gem in London.
In some ways, this makes the station even more special. Unless you're in Enfield or have a reason to visit, Arnos Grove remains a relatively unknown station.
But if you're keen to explore, a 30-minute journey on the Piccadilly line from Kings Cross will get you there.
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As with many debates about the Tube, the title of 'prettiest station' is still up for grabs. Charles Holden is credited with designing many of the Tube's most unique and admired stations, including Southgate, which fans liken to a flying saucer.
Architect Leslie Green's work is also widely praised. He's known for creating the iconic red exteriors of many Tube stations and developing a British Art Nouveau style seen at stops like Russell Square and Covent Garden, among others.
Gants Hill station, with its unique design inspired by Soviet stations on the Moscow metros - often hailed as one of the most beautiful metro lines globally, is another standout. With a whopping 272 stations on the London Underground, it's unlikely we'll reach a consensus on the prettiest one anytime soon.
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