Temple Station, London

Temple Station (GPS: 51.51106, -0.11395) is a small but historic London Underground station nestled along the Victoria Embankment in the City of Westminster. Despite its modest size, it serves as a convenient gateway to many important legal, historic, and riverside landmarks, and its name harks back to one of the oldest and most fascinating districts in London: the Temple.

Location

Temple Station is located in the City of Westminster, right on the Victoria Embankment. It sits between Arundel Street and Temple Place, and its entrances and exits are accessible from both.

Tube Lines

The station is served by:

  1. Circle line
  2. District line
It lies between Embankment and Blackfriars stations.

Distance from Charing Cross

Temple Station is located approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) by road from Charing Cross, which is considered the traditional centre of London. The journey takes about 10 to 15 minutes on foot or a few minutes by bus or taxi, depending on traffic. Walking along the Strand or via Victoria Embankment offers a scenic and pleasant route, especially with views of the River Thames and nearby landmarks.

Travelcard Zone

Temple Station is situated in Travelcard Zone 1, making it easily accessible for central London travel and included in all central area fare structures.

History

Temple Station opened on 30 May 1870 as part of the District Railway, one of the original lines that would later become part of the London Underground network. The line was constructed using the cut-and-cover method, meaning the tunnel was excavated from the surface and then covered over. Originally, it formed part of a joint venture with the Metropolitan Railway to complete the Inner Circle-today's Circle Line.

The station takes its name from the Temple area, which itself is named after the Knights Templar, the medieval order of crusading monks who established their headquarters here in the 12th century. The Temple Church, built by the Templars and famous for its round nave, still stands nearby and is open to visitors.

Over time, Temple Station has retained much of its original architectural character, with period features and signage, though it has been modernised to meet contemporary transport needs.

Exits

  1. Victoria Embankment (north side) - for Temple Place and Arundel Street
  2. Temple Place (south side) - leading towards the Inner Temple and Middle Temple legal districts

Nearby Sights and Attractions

  1. Inner Temple and Middle Temple Inns of Court - historic legal districts with beautiful gardens and medieval architecture
  2. King's College London (Strand Campus) - one of the UK's oldest universities
  3. Royal Courts of Justice
  4. Somerset House - a grand arts and cultural centre just a short walk away
  5. St Clement Danes
  6. St Mary-le-Strand
  7. Temple Church - a 12th-century round church built by the Knights Templar
  8. The Royal Courts of Justice - the stunning Gothic-style court building on the Strand
  9. Victoria Embankment Gardens - a peaceful green space with statues, memorials, and seasonal flowers
  10. Waterloo Bridge
It also offers scenic views of the River Thames, especially at sunrise or sunset, making it a lovely point to start a riverside walk.
Name: Temple Station
Borough: City of Westminster
Lines Served: Circle Line, District Line
Opened: 30 May 1870
Travelcard Zone: Zone 1
Location: Victoria Embankment, between Temple Place and Arundel Street
Distance from Charing Cross: Approx. 0.6 miles / 1 km
Station Exits: Victoria Embankment (north side), Temple Place (south side)
Nearby Sights: Temple Church, Inner Temple, Middle Temple, Victoria Embankment Gardens, Somerset House, Royal Courts of Justice
Historical Note: Named after the Knights Templar; part of the original District Railway

Temple Station is on the Map of London Underground



Painting of Temple Station, London

Painting of Temple Station, London (View image in full size)

Page Details

This page was created on 5 May 2025.