A seemingly ordinary London Underground escalator has captured the imagination of social media users, becoming an unlikely tourist destination for its spectacular view of St Paul's Cathedral.
The Viral View That's Captured London
Shared widely on platforms like TikTok over the past few years, videos of the escalator ascent have amassed hundreds of thousands of views. The location has been celebrated online as a "hidden gem" and one of the best free views in the capital. The escalator in question connects the lower ground floor of the One New Change shopping centre with the street level area directly beside the iconic cathedral.
What makes the experience so special is the cinematic way the escalator journey unfolds. As riders ascend from underground, the dome of St Paul's is slowly and dramatically revealed, framing the landmark perfectly at the end of the climb. This unique perspective has drawn comparisons to a famous escalator near Barcelona's Sagrada Família, which gained similar viral fame.
How To Find The Secret Spot
For those keen to experience the view for themselves, the journey starts at the One New Change shopping centre. Visitors need to head to the lower ground floor to find the specific escalator that leads up to the cathedral's vicinity. The spot offers a clever and cost-free alternative to the shopping centre's popular rooftop viewing terrace.
The phenomenon highlights how social media, particularly TikTok, continues to shape modern tourism, turning everyday infrastructure into sought-after photo opportunities. One particular video showcasing the escalator's reveal has garnered over 100,000 views, cementing its status as a must-see for savvy travellers and Londoners alike.
More Than Just A Commuter Route
This escalator's rise to fame underscores a broader trend of finding beauty and novelty in urban landscapes. It transforms a routine part of the city's transport and retail infrastructure into a memorable moment. The discovery was widely shared online on 15th January 2026, bringing fresh attention to this clever vantage point.
While St Paul's Cathedral is breathtaking from any angle, this secret spot offers a unique and dynamic way to appreciate its grandeur. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most impressive views in London aren't from towering heights, but are revealed gradually on the journey upwards.
