Following the completion of the major restoration project to the Victorian Subway, Crystal Palace Park Trust is thrilled to be able to open this incredible space to the public once again, just in time for its 160th anniversary in 2025.
Photo © Historic England Archive
For more information on the Subway restoration project, see here.
Getting to the Subway
The entrance to the Subway can be found just within the park's boundaries, part way along the A212/ Crystal Palace Parade, in close proximity to Crystal Palace Bus Station.
WhatThreeWords: https://w3w.co/cliff.chops.lift
Full details on travelling to the park can be found on the Trust's website: https://www.crystalpalaceparktrust.org/topics/getting-here
Access notes
Please note there is currently no step-free access to the Subway and access is via two flights of stairs with handrails on either side.
The Subway has no public toilets or seating. The nearest facilities can be found at the Concert Platform or on the Grand Centre Walk near Life cafe, both approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the Subway.
If you have any questions, please contact the Crystal Palace Park Trust team via events@crystalpalaceparktrust.org or phone 020 8050 7120 (weekdays 09:00-17:00).
Over the coming months, we will regularly open the (new) doors of the Subway for people to come and see the hidden gem beneath their feet.
The next series of ‘Open Subway’ dates can be found below and reminders will go out via our e-newsletter and social media.
Saturday 2 November 12:30-16:00 - now fully booked
Sunday 1 December 10:00-14:00 - no booking required
Thursday 23 January 11:00-14:00 - no booking required
Thursday 20 February 11:00-14:00 - no booking required
Thursday 20 March 11:00-14:00 - no booking required
Visits will be largely self-guided, with staff and volunteers available to share nuggets of the Subway's remarkable history; from its original use as an entry point to the Crystal Palace for railway passengers, to an air raid shelter, to illegal raves!
You can read more about the Subway here and we've also rounded up some of the answers to the most common questions about the Subway below.
What was the Subway originally used for?
The elaborate subway, designed by Charles Barry Jr, first opened in 1865 and provided a direct link for rail passengers coming from the High Level Station under Crystal Palace Parade and into the Palace.
The subway is one of the last remaining structures from the ill-fated Crystal Palace which burnt down in 1936, with the High Level Railway demolished in 1961.
The structure was used as an air raid shelter during the Second World War and then became a local hangout and occasional community event space after the war. The Chemical Brothers filmed their 1996 music video for Setting Sun in and around the subway. It had its listing upgraded to Grade II* in 2018, reflecting its national heritage significance.
What will the Subway be used for now?
The restoration project has created the possibility of using the Subway as a spectacular venue for a huge range of uses, from exhibitions, music, theatre, and dance performances, to celebrations, weddings and photoshoots.
Keep an eye on our ‘What’s on’ listings page for upcoming events at the Subway.
If you are interested in booking the Subway as a venue, or for filming purposes, please contact events@crystalpalaceparktrust.org and our team will be happy to talk you through the practicalities.
Will the Subway be used as an access route into the park?
For a number of reasons the Subway will not be turned into an access route into the park.
As a Grade II* listed site on the Heritage at Risk Register, we need to make sure to keep the space secure from vandalism and graffiti.
The Subway will also be used to host events and cultural programming in order to generate the funding needed to maintain and care for it over the years to come.
What are the future phases of work that are planned for the Subway?
While the new roof over the East Courtyard and extensive repairs to the walls, floor, steps and entrances - as well as the installation of power, lighting and water - mean the Subway can once again safely host visitors and guests, in the coming years more works need to be undertaken including waterproofing of the Subway’s beautiful, vaulted arches and columns.
The Subway also needs the addition of some further facilities to make it more enjoyable and accessible to visitors, including step-free access routes such as a lift and toilet facilities.
The Trust will be working with the London Borough of Bromley to seek further grant funding and investment to make these works possible in the coming years.
