Rock and roll lovers have been making such howlers on London’s transport network that Transport for London (TfL) had to install signs to stop it happening. Londoners and tourists alike know Abbey Road is globally renowned as the home of the historic recording studios where The Beatles made many iconic tunes. It is also famous for the iconic zebra crossing featured on the cover of their 1969 album Abbey Road. So it makes perfect sense that it is one of this great city’s many attractions, with people flocking, hoping to get photos of themselves, friends, and loved ones mimicking the famous shot.
If you were to visit Abbey Road, you would take the London Underground to St John’s Wood, which is in north-west London. The station opened in 1939 as a stop on the Bakerloo line, but today it is on the Jubilee line between Swiss Cottage and Baker Street stations within zone 2. That is not the funny part, though; some tourists miss the memo, instead getting confused by getting off at Abbey Road DLR station. Abbey Wood DLR station is about 10 miles away and is in the East London borough of Newham, near West Ham.
That is quite a mistake to make, and it happened so frequently that TfL had to install signs warning tourists that the eastern station is not where they want to be. To be clear, if visiting, you want to go to St John’s Wood station, and not Abbey Road station! The sign reads: Unfortunately you are the wrong Abbey Road. However, we can work it out and help you get back to the correct location. So, let's come together and take the DLR one stop to West Ham and change to a Jubilee line train to St John's Wood station. Passengers need a ticket to ride. The sign also displays the iconic photograph of the band, along with the road sign to look out for once you reach St John's Wood.
This confusion highlights a common pitfall for tourists navigating London’s complex transport network. The DLR station, despite its similar name, serves a completely different area of the city. TfL’s proactive measure ensures that fans of The Beatles can still make their pilgrimage without ending up miles away from the intended destination. For those planning a visit, remember: head to St John’s Wood station on the Jubilee line, and avoid the DLR station with the same name.
