Abandoned Victorian train station in one of the UK's best places to live is now a popular attraction
NO TRACKS Abandoned Victorian train station in one of the UK's best places to live is now a popular attraction
UNLESS you're a London local, most Brits won't know there's a four mile public walkway that used to be a bustling train route in the middle of the city.
The Parkland Walk is the longest linear nature reserve in London, with half of it stretching across a disused train line.
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Parkland Walk used by millions is a disused train line
Credit: Alamy
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Crouch End station still has its two platforms
Credit: Alamy
Originally, the track was created in the 1860s as part of the railway line between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace.
In its heyday, the line carried 60,000 passengers, but when numbers dwindled in 1954 Crouch End station closed its doors after 86 years.
Just three years later and the line closed completely to commuters.
The track remained open until 1964 for freight traffic.
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Years later in 1972, the track was taken up and the original plans were for it to be turned into a road.
These were later withdrawn and in the early 80s, the Parkland Walk was created.
Along the walk are bridges, tunnels and of course platforms that are now used by millions including walkers, joggers, dog-walkers and cyclists.
Also along the walk is the abandoned Crouch End station which despite remaining closed, still stands.
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Walkers have described it as being a "ghost station" as it stands frozen in time with both platforms still in place - but with there are no trains, tracks or ticket office.
Very near the old Crouch End station is piece of public art that looks like it's crawling out of the wall.
Hidden Victorian train station you can only visit once a month
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The Spriggan figure is near the disused Crouch End station
Credit: Alamy
It's a Spriggan, which is a figure from Cornish folklore, and was installed in 1993.
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Near the other end at Highgate station, there is a disused platform that is now used as a bat reserve - and it's illegal to disturb them.
Someone who used the Parkland Walk described it as a "peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of Crouch End/Parkland Walk has become my favourite place to go running."
Another said it is a "great retreat" to walk and enjoy nature.
You don't have to do the whole walk as there are lots of entry and exit points along the way - including some at Crouch End which in 2023, was declared the best place to live in London by The Times.
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The judges said that it's grand Victorian houses have been snapped up by celebrities and the "lively North London suburb" has a market town feel.
People can explore the walk by joining entrances at Oxford Road near Finsbury Park station, Blythwood Road and Ella Road in Crouch Hill and Holmesdale Road in Highgate.
Here are five abandoned train stations that are now beautiful hotels with bedroom carriages and grand lobbies.
And this creepy UK train line called 'Necropolis' used to only carried dead passengers – ferrying hundreds of corpses a day.
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