Arnos Grove

Arnos Grove station is one of the most celebrated pieces of architecture on the entire London Underground network. Designed by Charles Holden and opened in 1932 as part of the Piccadilly line's northern extension, the station features a circular ticket hall contained within a cylindrical drum tower - a design that Holden developed after studying Scandinavian civic architecture, particularly the Stockholm City Library. The result is a building of quiet authority: clean horizontal lines, generous glazing, Portland stone detailing and an interior rotunda that manages to feel both practical and monumental simultaneously.

The station has been listed as a Grade II* building - a step above the standard Grade II listing applied to many other Holden stations - reflecting its exceptional architectural significance. It appears in architectural history textbooks and was the subject of detailed analysis by the architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner. For architecture enthusiasts making a pilgrimage to the notable Underground stations of the 1930s, Arnos Grove is the destination alongside which all others are measured.

Beyond its architecture, Arnos Grove is a quiet suburban Zone 4 station serving the Enfield borough communities of Arnos Grove and New Southgate. Arnos Park, a short walk away, is a pleasant local green space with a river walk along the Pymmes Brook. The station is step-free, making it accessible throughout.

Station Overview

Arnos Grove opened in 1932 and sits in Zone 4, serving the Piccadilly line only. The station is step-free with lifts. It is Grade II* listed for exceptional architectural significance.

Lines and Connectivity

The Piccadilly line (dark blue) connects south to Bounds Green, Wood Green, Finsbury Park and King's Cross (approximately 27 minutes). Northbound trains run to Southgate, Oakwood and Cockfosters.

Facilities

Arnos Grove has toilets, shops and an information point. Local shops and cafes are within a few minutes' walk.

Accessibility

Arnos Grove is step-free with lifts to the Piccadilly line platforms.

Travel Tips

• Spend a few minutes studying the station building before or after your journey - the circular ticket hall interior is particularly impressive and rarely crowded with non-commuters
• Arnos Park (10 minutes walk) follows the Pymmes Brook and is a pleasant quiet green space that most visitors to the station never find
• Photography is permitted at the station - the exterior drum tower photographs well in morning light from the south-east
• The station is step-free, making it useful for accessible travel on the Piccadilly line in this zone

Nearby Attractions

Arnos Grove station building - The building itself is the main attraction. The Grade II* listed circular ticket hall is one of the Underground's architectural masterpieces.

Arnos Park - 10 minutes walk. A local park following the Pymmes Brook with a pleasant riverside walk. Free.

New Southgate area - Surrounding the station. Quiet residential north London with local shops and cafes.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

Arnos Grove is primarily a commuter station with peak flows during rush hours. Architecture enthusiasts should visit mid-morning on weekdays when the station is quiet enough to appreciate the building properly without rush-hour crowds.