London's Underground network is famed for its history and quirks, but one station boasts a feature found nowhere else on the entire system. At Queen's Park, passengers on the Bakerloo line experience the unique phenomenon of travelling directly through a working train carriage shed.
A Journey Through Railway History
Unlike any other stop on the Tube map, Queen's Park station allows travellers to witness the behind-the-scenes world of train maintenance. As carriages move between Kilburn Park and Kensal Green in Zone 2, they pass through a large, metallic-roofed building known as a carriage shed. These structures are specifically used for storing and servicing Tube trains when they are not in operation, offering vital protection from the elements.
The station first opened in 1879, originally serving the mainline route between London and Birmingham. It wasn't until 1915 that it became part of the London Underground, following the extension of the Bakerloo line from Kilburn Park to Queen's Park.
What Passengers See on the Unique Route
The experience differs depending on your direction of travel. If heading northbound, you will enter through entrance number 21. Keen-eyed commuters and transport enthusiasts will spot an old-fashioned 10mph warning sign as they pass through the historic infrastructure.
For those travelling south, the journey typically involves gliding through entrance 24. Regardless of direction, passengers are advised to crane their necks to the right. From this vantage point, you might catch a glimpse of Tube carriages resting in maintenance slots 22 and 23. On occasion, trains may even pause briefly within the shed itself before continuing their trundle to the next station.
A Singular Feature on a Vast Network
This distinctive setup underscores the layered history of London's transport system. The integration of operational sheds into the passenger route is a rare holdover from an earlier railway age. It provides a fleeting, fascinating window into the usually hidden workings that keep the city moving, making Queen's Park a must-see for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of the London Underground.
While many stations have platform awnings or canopies, the passage through a full carriage maintenance depot remains utterly unique to Queen's Park. It stands as a testament to the station's dual heritage as both a mainline and deep-level Tube stop.
