Hyde Park Corner Station, London
Hyde Park Corner Station is a central London Underground station located at the major road junction of Hyde Park Corner, in the district of Belgravia, City of Westminster. It serves the Piccadilly line and is situated in Travelcard Zone 1.
The station lies beneath the large traffic island at the intersection of Constitution Hill, Grosvenor Place, Knightsbridge, and Piccadilly. Uniquely, the station has no above-ground building; all access is via a pedestrian subway network leading from entrances at various corners of the junction, including Duke of Wellington Place and Apsley Way.
Access and Layout
Hyde Park Corner Station is entirely underground, with entry and exit through staircases from pedestrian underpasses rather than a traditional surface building. The original above-ground structure, designed by Leslie Green, still exists nearby at Park Lane, and has been repurposed over the years. Today, it houses a branch of the restaurant chain Wagamama1.
The lack of a dedicated station building gives Hyde Park Corner a unique feel among central London stations. The surrounding area is notable for its high-end hotels, embassies, and landmarks such as Wellington Arch and the Royal Artillery Memorial.
Distance from Charing Cross
Hyde Park Corner is approximately 1.2 miles (2 km) southwest of Charing Cross by road, making it a short drive or a pleasant walk through the heart of Westminster and St James’s2.
Underground Services
The station is served exclusively by the Piccadilly line of the London Underground. There are no Overground or National Rail services at this station.
Piccadilly Line
Hyde Park Corner lies between Green Park (to the east) and Knightsbridge (to the west) on the Piccadilly line. Trains operate with high frequency in both directions, serving destinations such as Heathrow Airport, Cockfosters, and Uxbridge.
History
Hyde Park Corner Station opened on 15 December 1906 as part of the Great Northern, Piccadilly and Brompton Railway (GNP&BR), which later became part of the Piccadilly line. Its original surface-level building followed the distinctive ox-blood red glazed terracotta style of architect Leslie Green.
The station’s lift shafts were taken out of service when it was modernised in the 1930s, and escalators were installed. This modernisation also led to the closure of the original station building, which ceased to be used for public access1.
Name Origin
The station takes its name directly from Hyde Park Corner, a historic road junction on the southeastern corner of Hyde Park. The name was already well established when the station was built and has remained unchanged since its opening in 1906.
Fun Fact
Hyde Park Corner is one of the few deep-level stations on the Underground that has no surface-level building in use for station access. This makes it one of the most discreet and architecturally unusual entries in the network.
In addition, the disused station building, though no longer operational, remains listed and contributes to the architectural heritage of the early London Underground system.
Nearby Landmarks
- Wellington Arch
- Apsley House (home of the Duke of Wellington)
- Green Park
- Hyde Park
- Hard Rock Café London
References
Quick Facts
- Opened: 15 December 1906
- Line Served: Piccadilly line
- Station Type: London Underground (no Overground or National Rail)
- Neighbouring Stations: Green Park (east), Knightsbridge (west)
- Main Entrance: Located at the pedestrian underpass junction of Hyde Park Corner
- Street Access: Access from Apsley Way, Duke of Wellington Place, and Grosvenor Place
- Distance from Charing Cross: Approx. 1.2 miles by road
- Historic Building: Original station building now houses a restaurant
Hyde Park Corner Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of Hyde Park Corner Station, London (View image in full size)