The Circle line is a London Underground service with a “circle-esk” shape, running from Hammersmith to Edgware Road and then looping around central London back to Edgware Road. In December 2009 the Circle loop around the centre of London on the north side of the River Thames was broken at Edgware Road and extended a spur west to Hammersmith – The circle line has become a deflated balloon shape (with string).
Coloured yellow on the tube map, the line has 36 stations, including most of London’s main line railway stations. Most of the route and all of the stations are shared with the District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines.
Entrance to original tube carriage – in the London Transport Museum
The first section opened in 1863 when the Metropolitan Railway opened the world’s first underground line between Paddington and Farringdon with wooden carriages and steam locomotives.
Because of its circular path, making it an ideal choice for tourists wanting to explore the city’s landmarks.
Architectural Diversity: As you journey along the Circle Line, you’ll notice the architectural diversity of London. From the historic Victorian-era buildings near Paddington and South Kensington stations to the modern skyscrapers of Canary Wharf near Tower Hill station, the line offers a glimpse into London’s architectural evolution.
Landmarks Galore: The Circle Line passes by numerous iconic landmarks. For instance, you can hop off at Westminster station to see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, or alight at South Kensington to explore the renowned museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum.
Royal Connections: The Circle Line also provides access to various royal attractions. Get off at High Street Kensington station to visit Kensington Palace, the former residence of Princess Diana, or disembark at Tower Hill station to explore the Tower of London, a historic castle that has served as a royal palace and a prison throughout history.
River Thames Views: The Circle Line offers some fantastic views of the River Thames. As you travel between Westminster and Embankment stations, you can catch glimpses of the iconic London Eye, the South Bank, and other riverside landmarks.
Underground Interchanges: The Circle Line intersects with several other underground lines, allowing easy transfers to different parts of the city. For example, you can switch to the District Line at South Kensington station to visit Chelsea or Wimbledon, or transfer to the Hammersmith & City Line at Paddington station to explore West London.
Vibrant areas and districts: Along the Circle Line, you’ll encounter a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its own character. From the bustling markets of Notting Hill near Ladbroke Grove station to the vibrant nightlife of Shoreditch near Liverpool Street station, there’s something for everyone to explore.
Interesting Facts
- Aldgate Station is built on a massive plague pit, where more than 1,000 bodies are buried
- You can now no longer go around the Circle Line in a full circle. The Circle Line terminates at Edgware Road – this has ruined the circle line pub crawl!